The Lumbini Development Trust, a government organization in Nepal, has partnered with two Singaporean organizations, Moksha Foundation and The Promised Land, to protect the historic Ramagrama Stupa, an archeological site in Ramgram Municipality. An inaugural event is scheduled to be held on 15 December at the stupa, which will be attended by Nepalese PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Stefano Boeri, architect of Milan’s Vertical Forest. They will jointly unveil the master plan for the Ramagrama Stupa, revealing how it will be preserved and put on the map of global recognition.

The three organizations will also “announce the formalization of a Framework Agreement with The Lumbini Development Trust, marking a monumental alliance committed to the protection, preservation, development, and operation of the revered Ramagrama Stupa.” (The Promised Land)

Ramagrama Stupa is dated to between the Mauryan and the Gupta periods and is placed on the UNESCO Heritage Tentative List as “the sole undisturbed original stupa containing relics of Lord Buddha.” It is therefore one of Nepal’s most distinguished Buddhist sites. According to its website, “The Moksha Foundation’s primary purpose is to protect, conserve, develop, and manage the Ramagrama Stupa in collaboration with The Promised Land and the Lumbini Development Trust. The multi-stakeholder organization seeks to protect, preserve, and develop not only the Stupa but also other ancient archaeological sites of historical significance.” (Moksha Foundation)

But Moksha Foundation also aims to safeguard other ancient archaeological sites in Nepal, including Tilaurakot (ancient Kapilvastu), with the intent to ensure these sacred sites’ long-term enrichment for the benefit of future generations. It operates as a multi-stakeholder organization committed to robust governance, clear guidelines, and transparent processes, while actively engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, religious authorities, archaeologists, and heritage experts.

According to The Promised Land’s website, it and the Lumbini Development Trust aspire to “create a harmonious space that fosters spiritual contemplation, deepens cultural appreciation, and promotes historical understanding. The joint efforts aim to strike a delicate balance between preserving the sacredness and integrity of the Ramagrama Stupa and offering visitors a transformative experience.” (The Promised Land)

Dr. Lharkyal Lama, vice chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This partnership signifies a pivotal moment in our ongoing mission to safeguard the spiritual and historical heritage of Lumbini. Ramagrama Stupa is a testament to the rich tapestry of our past, and with this collaboration, we ensure that its significance endures for generations to come.” (The Promised Land)

Lumbini Development Trust was formed by the Government of Nepal as provisioned by the Lumbini Development Trust Act 2042 (1985) in 1985. It aims to implement the Lumbini Master Plan, the objective being to explore, excavate, and conserve archaeological sites scattered in the districts of Kapilavastu, Rupandehi, and Nawalparasi. The Trust was constituted in order to present before the people of the world and commitment of the Government of Nepal to the project goal and ideal of development of Lumbini.

The jurisdiction of the Trust includes the areas of Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Sisaniyakot, Araurakot, Kudaan (Kapilvastu), Devadaha (Rupandehi), and Ramgram (Nawalparasi), all of which are directly or indirectly related to the life of the Buddha and his birthplace, Lumbini.

It is hoped that this alliance of the three groups “represents a shared vision to preserve and honor Buddhist’s cultural heritage by safeguarding the historical significance of the Ramagrama Stupa for generations to come.” (The Promised Land)

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Lumbini Development Trust
Moksha Foundation
The Promised Land

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