NAMSAI, Apr 21: The inaugural session of a two-day international conclave on Buddha Dhamma and the culture of Northeast India was held here on Monday at the Multipurpose Hall, Namsai. The event has been organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) under the Centre's Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala.

Deputy chief minister Chowna Mein highlighted the cultural diversity of Namsai district, home to the Tai Khamti and Singpho communities who follow the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. He underlined the spiritual significance of the Sangken festival and its growing international participation, with delegations from Italy, London, Switzerland, the USA, and a cultural troupe from Thailand joining this year’s celebration.

Mein shared updates on key religious projects in the district, including the near-completion of a 280-foot statue of Lord Buddha at Noi Dhamma and the foundation-laying for another 160-foot statue at the Nongtaw Mahabodhi Skill Development Centre. He expressed optimism that the skill centre would evolve into a hub for Dhamma teachings and youth empowerment in the state.

Touching upon the broader spiritual landscape of the state, Mein noted that Theravada Buddhism is practiced in the eastern region while Mahayana Buddhism predominates in the west. He cited the example of the 400-year-old Tawang Monastery, which shares a historical connection with the sixth Dalai Lama. Emphasising the potential of spiritual tourism, he called for the development of a Buddhist circuit across Arunachal Pradesh.

In his remarks, Mein also urged the IBC to organise similar conclaves in Namsai with the inclusion of other northeastern states to promote inter-regional cultural and religious exchanges.

The event was attended by Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, IBC secretary general Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Pariyatti Sasana Buddha Vihara chief abbot Aggadhamma Bhaddanta, Bhutan consul general Jigme Thinley Namgyal, IBC director general Abhijit Halder, Namsai Deputy commissioner CR Khampa, SP Sangey Thinley, and monks from Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and the local monastic communities.

The conclave will feature sessions on the historical relevance of Buddha Dhamma in the region, its influence on local art and heritage, and its cultural resonance within the Buddhist diaspora. The programme also includes Vipassana sessions, prayers for victims of recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, and a site visit to Noi Dhamma and Chongkham Raj Vihara.

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