Artists performing during the cultural event during the Nalanda Buddhist conference in Zemithang. (Photo: Defence PRO, Guwahati)
Tawang: A national-level conference on Nalanda Buddhism was organized at Gorsam Chorten in beautiful Zemithang valley of Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh on April 16 and 17, 2023. The objective of the conference was to trace the genesis of Nalanda Buddhism along India’s Himalayan regions and revisit and celebrate the historical accomplishments in spiritualism as well as historical linkage that binds these regions together through a spiritual bond that transcends regional boundaries.
The two-day event started with prayers offered at the “Holy Tree” at Khinzemane, led by Lochen Tulku Rinpoche, the pontiff of the Spiti, Himachal-based Kee Gompa (Kee Monastery) and director of the Key Monastic Institution, alongwith 45 Buddhist leaders. Later, they paid homage at the Surwa Samba War Memorial to the brave Indian soldiers who were killed in action during the 1962 India-China war.
The conference itself was conducted on April 17, which was attended by the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandhu, along with several other religious leaders and dignitaries.
The conference started after lighting of traditional butter lamps followed by keynote address by Lochen Tulku Rinpoche and the Mon Monastery’s Thegtse Rinpoche.
The morning session concluded with an address by Pema Khandu and the afternoon sessions was conducted with a focus on journeys and teachings of Nalanda masters and Guru Padmasambhava.
The evening session emphasized the challenges to Nalanda Buddhism in the 21st century and was followed by a cultural function that celebrated the tradition and heritage of Himalayan states, including performances by a Himachali dance troupe and a singer from Ladakh.
It may be noted that Zemithang is one of the villages nominated to be developed under the government’s “Vibrant Village” program. The delegates appreciated close coordination between the Indian Army and the state civil administration for effort in promoting development in the area while simultaneously supporting the ancient religious traditions that embody the diversity of India.
