CM Khandu point up preservance, propagation of Buddhist culture

Zemithang: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday stressed the need to preserve and promote Buddhist culture, which thrives on the peaceful coexistence of every sentient being.

Addressing a national conference on ‘Nalanda Buddhism – Retrieving the Source in the Footsteps of the Acharyas: From Nalanda to the Himalayas and Beyond’ at the holy Gorsam Stupa, Khandu highlighted that Arunachal Pradesh has a significant Buddhist population. , and they have maintained their culture and traditions preserved with religious fervour.
The Chief Minister spoke about the principle of ‘reasoning and analysis’ on which Nalanda Buddhism stands, saying that it allows Lord Buddha’s teachings to be brought into the realm of reasoning and analysis, which is based on science. . He added that Buddhism is the only religion that gives this freedom to its followers.
Welcoming the delegates from all the Himalayan states along the northern border of the country, Khandu reminded them that Arunachal Pradesh is home to followers of not only Buddhism but many religions including their own local faith. He stressed that every religion and belief should flourish and exist peacefully and expressed pride in the fact that the people of Arunachal are doing the same.
The Chief Minister thanked the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) for organizing the national conference at Zemithang, Tawang district, one of the holiest Buddhist sites.

He noted the importance of holding the conference at Zemithang, which was the last Indian border through which His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama entered India in 1959.
Acknowledging that Buddhism is spreading globally and witnessing a resurgence in some traditional areas, Khandu emphasized the need to invigorate its presence with its roots in Nalanda Buddhism. He urged the participants of the conference, especially the youth, to attend the three technical sessions scheduled for the day.
He particularly emphasized the importance of attending the Nalanda Buddhism in the 21st Century – Challenges and Responses session, which he said would be of great value to the younger generation of Buddhists.
45 delegates and scholars from all the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh (Union Territory), Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir (Paddar-Pangi), Sikkim, North Venerable Rinpoches, Geshes, Khenpos are participating in the one-day conference. . 35 delegates from Bengal (Darjeeling, Doori, Jaigaon, and Kalimpong), Densa Monasteries of South India, and various parts of Arunachal Pradesh such as Tuting, Mechuka, Taksing, Anini, and others. A total of around 600 delegates are attending the conference.