Telangana's Minister of Tourism and Culture, Jupally Krishna Rao, was awarded the prestigious Grand Prize for Contribution to World Peace at an International Buddhist Conference held in Hyderabad yesterday.
Nearly 150 delegates and monks from 22 countries attended the event. In accepting the award, the Minister highlighted Telangana's rich Buddhist heritage, including historic sites like Phanigiri, Nelakondapalli, and Nagarjuna Sagar – closely associated with the great philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna.
He announced that Buddhavanam, a flagship project spanning 274 acres in the state, will be developed as a global World Peace Centre. Plans are also underway for a Digital Experience Centre and a Global Buddhist Centre to attract visitors and engage younger generations.