What's New

First Asian Buddhist Summit in Delhi on November 5-6

Why in the news?

The summit, themed on Asia’s Buddhist heritage, supports India’s Act East Policy by fostering dialogue and cooperation among Buddhist leaders to address regional challenges and promote spiritual unity.

Highlights of the First Asian Buddhist Summit:

• India’s Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), will host the first Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) on November 5-6 in New Delhi.
• The summit theme, Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia, aligns with India’s Act East Policy, which aims for inclusive, spiritual development across Asia.
• President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the summit, which will gather leaders, scholars, and practitioners from diverse Buddhist traditions to address current challenges and promote regional cooperation.

Significance of Buddha Dhamma for Asia:

• Buddhism holds a special place in the spiritual and cultural heritage of Asia, unifying the region with shared principles of life and social values.
• India has integrated Buddhist teachings into its national identity and diplomatic approach, showcasing Buddhism as a vital part of its culture and foreign policy.
• The summit will discuss how Buddha’s teachings contribute to peace, sustainability, and compassionate governance across Asia.

Summit Themes and Events:

• Topics include Buddhist art, architecture, and the role of holy relics in society; the relevance of Buddhist teachings in science and well-being; and the influence of Buddhist philosophy in modern life.
• A special exhibition, India as the Dhamma Setu (Bridge), will highlight India’s role in connecting Asia through Buddhism.
• The summit builds on efforts like the Indian Council of Cultural Relations’ ‘Buddha Bhoomi Vandan Yatra,’ which recently introduced young scholars from 11 countries to key Buddhist sites and India’s Buddhist heritage.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times