Picture Courtesy: Shreeya Pandey

It's a shame that our own neighboring country; India, has been creating hurdles rather than co-operating and helping their neighbors. Previously, they had imposed an unofficial blockade against Nepal simply because a new constitution was declared. Whenever Indian authorities oppose Nepal, our political leaders are bound and helpless; thus, we end up facing a national crisis.

Lord Buddha was born in Nepal and the world knows it, but India has continued spreading false rumors  publishing different articles in the name of research, for example, this article . The latest example is how they have claimed that Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh at present day was Kapilvastu. Claiming that the remains of Buddha’s father; King Suddhodhan’s, palace was found in Uttar Pradesh they have created a museum there. But historical findings associate him with Tilaurakot of Kapilvastu district in Nepal. They have further stated that the Nepalese people are simply claiming that Tilaurakot in Nepal is the real Kapilvastu on the basis of an inscription on the Ashoka pillar.

India has been known to play the role of ‘big brother’ creating unnecessary issues with its neighbors. This time, they are trying to play with the sentiments of Nepali people by depreciating a religious belief. In the past, many archeologists from different countries have already done many excavations in Lumbini and Tilaurakot which has scientifically proven that Nepal’s Lumbini was the birth place of Buddha locating the palace of King Suddhodhan at Tilaurakot. But still India keeps on pressing the issue pretending that the whole world is wrong.

Looking at the tourism potential of Kapilvastu, India is creating this facade to divert the tourists towards their country. It is high time that our politicians and citizens should raise a strong voice against India’s averting tactics.  After all, it's the matter of national prestige. Our political leaders should open their eyes, see the truth and stand up against such atrocities. If not now, then when?

"Buddha was born in Kapilvasthu which is in Nepal"