BRICS delegates visit historic Thotlakonda Buddhist site ahead of Youth Ministers’ Meeting

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, along with ministers and senior delegates from the BRICS countries, visited the historic Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The delegates visited the ancient Buddhist remains, including the Mahastupa, meditation centres, wells and kitchen areas. They were briefed on the historical importance of the site and the life of Buddhist monks who lived there centuries ago. Dr Mandaviya also planted a sapling at Thotlakonda as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

The Union Minister appreciated the rich Buddhist heritage of Thotlakonda and said that India’s Buddhist heritage is important to the entire world. The visit is part of the programmes being held in Visakhapatnam under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026. Ministers and senior representatives from 11 BRICS countries are participating.

The BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Visakhapatnam this evening. The meeting, chaired by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, will discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in youth development and empowerment, with a focus on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, wellbeing and sustainable development.

The BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Visakhapatnam tomorrow, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in sports. The engagements provide an important platform to exchange national experiences, identify areas for practical cooperation and strengthen collective efforts towards youth participation, sports development and inclusive growth.