India to host Global Buddhist Summit; PM Modi to inaugurate

G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture, in a press conference held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in context to Global Buddhist Summit, said that his department will be hosting this event in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC); it is part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

The theme of the two day Global Buddhist Summit is “Responses to Contemporary Challenges from Philosophy to Praxis”.

Reddy said that contemporary challenges of the world can be dealt with the teachings emanating out of Buddhism which was born in India and disseminated to different parts of the world.

He said that Buddhism is part of India’s cultural diplomacy and is relevant in drawing out cultural linkages of the world with India.

He cited the example of PM Modi laying down the foundation stone for Buddha’s monument in Nepal during visit to this Himalayan kingdom.

The Union Culture Minister also said that the Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture along with the state governments is facilitating many activities pertaining to Buddhism.

Abhijit Halder, Director General, International Buddhist Confederation said that in the Global Buddhist Summit, academicians, eminent scholars, venerable monks, and Dhamma practitioners from all over the world will discuss today’s pressing global issues and look for answers in the Buddha Dhamma (in Pali) that is based on universal values.

According to Halder, 171 delegates from 30 countries, including Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the United States, Germany and South East Asian countries, Laos, Mexico, Brazil and others will take part in the Global Buddhist Summit; 150 delegates from Indian Buddhist organizations  are expected to take part in the Summit.

He also said that the broad themes of the Global Buddhist Summit will be under four sub-themes namely, ‘ Buddha Dhamma and Peace’, ‘Buddha Dhamma: Environmental Crisis, Health and Sustainability’, ‘Preservation of Nalanda Buddhist Traditions’, ‘Principles of Dhamma and World Peace’.

IBC, in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has done several events in the past like presentation of ‘Mongolian Kanjur’ to the representatives of different countries and a ‘Map Model Exhibition on Buddha’ during IGNCA’s 36th foundation day celebrations.