'21st century cannot be India's without Buddha': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the 21st century cannot be India's without Lord Buddha and urged all to follow his teachings.

"If we want freedom from Yudh, it can be through the Marg of Buddha. Imagine the courage and conviction to leave everything, money, power and work towards Manav Kalyan," Prime Minister Modi said at the 'International Buddha Poornima Diwas Celebration 2015'.

"It is said that the 21st century will be Asia's century. There is no disagreement on that. Without Buddha this century cannot be Asia's century," he added.

Hailing the teachings of Lord Buddha, Prime Minister Modi said, "In times like these, where will the message of Karuna come from? The answer lies in Buddha. The issues that we talk about today in India, 2500 years back Buddha also talked about same things."

"Whether its caste system or anything good or bad, Lord Buddha was sensitive on every issue. Buddha wanted evolution, he wanted the world to be united. Lord Buddha has inspired us from his mantra "atta deepo bhava" (be your own light)," he added.

Prime Minister Modi further said the need of the hour is to collect the energies of Lord Buddha.

"This is the need of the time to collect the energies of Lord Buddha to save the world from the crisis and problems," he added.

One minute's silence was observed during the event in the memory of Nepal earthquake victims.