NEW DELHI, India, May 31 — Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, marked Vesak on Sunday with a message of peace and enlightenment, coinciding with a rare “blue moon” day.
In a post on X, the High Commission of Singapore in India, through its official handle, “Singapore in India,” extended greetings on the auspicious Buddhist festival and said, “On this blue moon day, we celebrate Buddha’s Day or #Vesak. May today bring lasting peace and enlightenment to the world.”
According to the United Nations, Vesak, observed on the full moon day in May, is the most sacred day for millions of Buddhists around the world.
The UN notes that it was on Vesak more than two and a half millennia ago, in 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on Vesak that he attained enlightenment and, at the age of 80, passed away.
In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 54/115, recognizing Vesak internationally in acknowledgment of the contributions Buddhism has made to humanity’s spiritual development for more than 2,500 years. The day is commemorated annually at UN Headquarters and other UN offices worldwide.
Earlier this month, on May 15, Wong expressed sorrow over the loss of lives caused by severe storms and extreme weather in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Bareilly.
In a post on X, Wong said he was “shocked and saddened” by the deaths resulting from the sudden storm and extended condolences to the affected families.
“Shocked and saddened by the news of the loss of lives in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, after the sudden storm. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families,” Wong wrote.
On May 12, Wong also congratulated Himanta Biswa Sarma on beginning his second term as Chief Minister of Assam.
In a social media post, Wong highlighted the partnership between Singapore and Assam and expressed confidence in the state’s continued progress under Sarma’s leadership.
“Big congratulations to our dear friend #HimantaBiswa. Your new term as Chief Minister will no doubt propel Assam to greater heights. As your trusted friend, we will stand by Assam as always,” Wong said. (ANI)
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