This event also celebrated the success of the UN Day of Vesak 2014 which took place in Ninh Binh province with the theme “Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals”.

Attending the ceremony were Mr. Nguyễn Trung Hiếu, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee; Most Ven. Dương Nhơn, Deputy Patriarch of the Discernment Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), leaders from local authorities and over 1,000 believers.

     At the ceremony, Most Venerable Thích Thiện Sanh, Deputy Head of the Executive Board of the provincial VBS read the message of Patriarch of the VBS to monks, nuns and Buddhists on occasion of the Buddha’s birthday 2014. The message stated that “over 2,000 years of history and close attachment to the nation, Buddhism has become the nation’s religion. With the theme “Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals”, we believe that the 11th UN Day of Vesak Celebration in Vietnam will create favorable conditions for monks, nuns and Buddhists in Vietnam and overseas to exchange experiences and academic depth of scholars coming from all continents. Besides, you will also take part in Buddhist activities within the framework of the Celebration such as prayer ceremony for world peace, performances of Buddhist art and culture as well as Vietnam’s national culture.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyễn Trung Hiếu, Chairman of Soc Trang People’s Committee highly praised the achievements of Soc Trang’s Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, making important contribution to social economic development in the locality. He also urged Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and believers to conduct religious activities for “better secular and religious life” and actively join in movements for socio - economic development and public order in the locality.

Chairman of Soc Trang People’s Committee presents flowers

KHEMRINH