Shimla, May 12 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday participated in a programme organised on the occasion of Buddha Purnima at Sambhota Tibetan School in Shimla and appealed to all to imbibe the teachings of Lord Buddha in their lives to make a vibrant society.

Extending his greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vaishakh Purnima and Lord Buddha's birth anniversary, the Chief Minister said, "Lord Buddha gave us the mantra 'Appa Deepo Bhava', which means 'Be your own light'. This was the essence of self-reliance and continues to guide us in our journey towards building a self-reliant India."

He also said that Lord Buddha's teachings are as relevant today as they were in ancient times.

"In an age marked by...