JAMMU, May 2 -- Calling Ladakh region a land of living dharma, union home minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the return of sacred relics of Lord Buddha to the Himalayan region after a gap of 75 years was a "historic reunion" and an auspicious day for the people.

Shah stressed on the relevance of following Buddha's teachings in modern times in right earnest.

"2,500 years ago, Lord Buddha had given the message of peace, compassion and humanity which has become more important today than it was centuries back," he said in his speech after inaugurating an exposition of Tathagata Buddha and the Buddha Purnima celebrations at Jivetsal in Leh.

Describing Ladakh a land of living dharma, Shah recalled how the Dalai Lama, who frequently visit...