“Buddha’s teachings have crossed the limit of time… But with these excavations, the university’s Department of Archaeology has scientifically and logically spread Buddha’s footsteps across the world. The seminar conducted at such a magnitude has given Buddhism its due importance,” he said.

On the Buddhist Gompas and monasteries found in Himachal Pradesh, Dhumal said, “We would certainly have more collaborative steps in this area between the two states.”

Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Ashok Bhatt, who accompanied Dhumal, said: “It was in 1914 that a scholar in Buddhism from Vadodara was invited by the Mahabodhi Society in Kolkata. Today, almost a century later, the city is calling in scholars from across the world. This is a matter of pride for the state.”