Itanagar: In a significant cultural initiative, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is set to organize a two-day international conclave titled “Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North-East India” on April 21–22, 2025, at the Multipurpose Cultural Hall in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh.
The event will spotlight the enduring legacy of Buddhist philosophy in shaping the cultural and spiritual fabric of North-East India, a region rich in Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions.
The conclave is expected to be graced by prominent dignitaries, including Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Chowna Mein, a native of the region and a key advocate of preserving indigenous Buddhist practices. North-East India — encompassing Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura — holds a special place in the history of Buddhism, tracing its influence back to the Mauryan era when Emperor Ashoka’s emissaries spread the teachings of the Buddha across the subcontinent.
Day one of the conclave will feature a series of high-level panel discussions delving into the historical evolution of Buddha Dhamma in the region, its imprint on local art, architecture, and literature, and the spiritual and cultural linkages it shares with neighboring Buddhist countries in Southeast Asia. The sessions aim to bring together scholars, monastics, and cultural historians to illuminate the unique synthesis of indigenous tribal traditions and Buddhist thought that define the region’s identity.
On the second day, the focus will shift to spiritual immersion, with a Vipassana meditation session and a peace prayer ceremony at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai — a symbolic epicenter of Theravāda Buddhism in the region. These activities are designed not only to foster inner reflection but also to reinforce the message of peace and harmony that lies at the heart of Buddhist philosophy.
The conclave aligns with India’s broader cultural diplomacy and heritage tourism goals, with the Government actively working to conserve Buddhist sites and promote the region as a global destination for spiritual and heritage tourism. Through such initiatives, the Government seeks to amplify India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism while fostering regional integration with Buddhist-majority nations.
Founded in 2011, the IBC serves as a global platform for Buddhist discourse and cooperation, advocating the principle of “Collective Wisdom, United Voice.” With members from over a dozen countries, the organization continues to champion the preservation and global dissemination of Buddhist teachings.
As Namsai prepares to welcome this landmark event, the conclave promises to be a profound celebration of cultural continuity, spiritual depth, and international solidarity — reaffirming the vital role of North-East India in the global Buddhist narrative.