We, the undersigned, express our deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed auctioning of the historic Piprahwa Gems—part of the sacred relic casket believed to be associated with the cremated remains of Lord Buddha. These revered artifacts, unearthed in 1898 at Piprahwa (in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India), are not mere antiquities to be sold for profit, but sacred and culturally significant treasures, venerated by over 500 million Buddhists worldwide.

Originally enshrined in a stupa built more than 2,000 years ago above the relics of the Buddha, these gems hold profound spiritual significance. Auctioning them is not only a commercialization of the sacred, but a grave affront to the global Buddhist community and a violation of ethical, cultural, and legal standards that guide the protection of humanity’s spiritual heritage.

In light of international conventions, moral responsibility, and the Indian government’s rightful call for repatriation, we urgently call for the permanent withdrawal of these relics from any commercial sale.

We further demand that the Piprahwa Gems be respectfully entrusted to a recognized Buddhist institution—such as the Temple of the Tooth in Sri Lanka, the Government of India, or another appropriate religious or cultural authority—for safe custody, dignified preservation, and public veneration. This will ensure that these sacred relics continue to inspire generations as symbols of peace, enlightenment, and shared human heritage.