International Buddha Dharma Conclave
in Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai brought together monks and scholars from across Asia to celebrate Northeast India’s rich Buddhist heritage.
The two-day International Conclave on “Buddha Dharma and Culture of Northeast India” concluded on a deeply reflective note in Namsai on Tuesday, with monks, scholars, and dignitaries from across South and Southeast Asia converging to celebrate and discuss the spiritual and cultur
al ties shared across borders through Buddhism.
Organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the conclave was hosted by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala, and supported by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
This landmark event, held for the first time in Namsai, saw wide-ranging participation from Buddhist monastic communities, cultural historians, and policy thinkers from India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. The conclave was formally inaugurated on Monday by Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein.
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Prominent figures in attendance included Bhutan’s Consul General in Guwahati, Jigme Thinley Namgyal, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation, Abhijit Halder, and Secretary General of the IBC, Shartse Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche.
Spotlight on Spiritual and Cultural Exchange
Over two days, the conclave hosted multiple sessions focusing on the historical, spiritual, and artistic dimensions of Buddha Dharma and its profound influence on the Northeast region of India. The sessions explored themes such as the role of monastic traditions in community life, ancient Buddhist routes and pilgrimages, and the intercultural exchange between India and Southeast Asia through Buddhist philosophy and practices.
A special emphasis was placed on the rich Buddhist heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in districts like Namsai, Tawang, and West Kameng, which are home to several ancient monasteries, stupas, and unique forms of Buddhist art and scripture.
In a moving conclusion to the two-day event, prayers were offered at the Vipassana Hall of the Golden Pagoda in Namsai on Tuesday. The ceremony was dedicated to the victims of the recent devastating earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, reflecting the Buddhist commitment to compassion and global solidarity.
Voices from the Conclave
Speaking to Prasar Bharati, IBC Director General Abhijit Halder expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and cultural richness of Namsai. “This is the first time a conclave of such magnitude has been held in this region. It underscores the central role that Northeast India plays in the preservation and propagation of Buddha Dharma,” he said.
He added that the conclave was not only an academic exercise but also a spiritual journey for the participants. “It has helped foster a deeper appreciation of the Northeast’s living Buddhist traditions and showcased its potential as a hub for transnational Buddhist tourism and scholarship,” Halder noted.
Deputy CM Chowna Mein, in his inaugural address, had highlighted the need for infrastructure development to support Buddhist cultural tourism in the state. “Events like this help bring national and international attention to the immense spiritual wealth of Arunachal Pradesh. It is time we promote our sites as part of the global Buddhist pilgrimage circuit,” he said.
Context: Northeast India’s Buddhist Legacy
Though often overshadowed by other regions in Buddhist discourse, Northeast India—particularly Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and parts of Assam—has a longstanding association with Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. The cultural links with Bhutan, Tibet, and Myanmar have enriched the region’s monastic and artistic traditions over centuries.
Sites like the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest in India, and the Golden Pagoda of Namsai have become key spiritual landmarks. In recent years, efforts have intensified to preserve manuscripts, artifacts, and oral traditions from these regions.
The conclave is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Culture to highlight the Northeast’s contributions to India’s civilizational ethos and to deepen Buddhist diplomatic and cultural ties across Asia.
Conclusion
As the conclave concluded with blessings, chants, and cultural exchanges, it left behind a renewed sense of mission—to preserve, promote, and celebrate the timeless values of peace, compassion, and wisdom that Buddha Dharma represents. The International Buddhist Confederation has hinted at making Namsai a regular stop in its annual calendar of events, signaling a promising future for the global Buddhist dialogue rooted in the Northeast.
