(VOVworld) – Hanoi’s Party Committee Secretary Pham Quang Nghi  spoke highly of the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam (BSV) on Wednesday for its contributions to the capital’s growth.

Hanoi’s Party Committee Secretary Pham Quang Nghi (at the center) at the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha on the occasion of the Buddha’s birthday. (Photo: anninhthudo.vn)

Nghi made the statement at a meeting with Buddhist dignitaries and monks on the occasion of the Buddha’s birthday.

He extended his greetings to the Sangha and Buddhist followers at home and abroad and called on them to make more contributions to a prosperous, democratic, and civilized Vietnam.

Nghi expressed his belief that Buddhist monks and followers will continue to join hands in developing the capital to be on a par with other cities in the world.

As this year’s Buddha’s birthday coincides with International Children’s Day on June 1^st, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has encouraged its branches to hold more summer Buddhist study courses for teenagers and children to practice and improve themselves to become useful citizens in society.