Two-day national conference on “Buddhism and Local Knowledge System in Central Asia” kicks off at Leh

Leh, September 22: A two-day National Conference on Buddhism and Local Knowledge System in Central Asia, organized by the Department of Geography, Institute of Mountain Environment, Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu, and funded by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, commenced at Hotel Zen, Leh (Ladakh).

In his video address, Sh. Kavinder Gupta, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh, commended the work of Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu, for the organization of the conference. He emphasized that this kind of conference is very relevant to understanding the architecture and local knowledge system in India and Central Asia as the teachings of Buddhism act as a bridge connecting India and Central Asia. He further said that the conference will promote our culture like Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He wished the organizers a successful conference and expressed hope that the conference will come out with concrete outcomes.

Professor Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu and Patron of the conference, in his message congratulated the organizing team for organizing the conference on such a topic of esteemed importance.

Prof. Rahul Gupta, Rector, Bhaderwah Campus and Chairman of the Conference, welcomed all the speakers and guests who had come from different parts of the country and urged all to share their knowledge and also develop a sense of togetherness so as to make the conference more productive.

Dr. S.D. Jamwal, DGP, Ladakh and Chief Guest of today’s event, spoke about the need to have a deep understanding of the local knowledge system so as to have a historical perspective of Ladakh and the spread of Buddhism in the region. He talked about petroglyphs in Ladakh and added that it is impossible to understand local knowledge without knowing the history of Ladakh. Images on rocks are a strong depiction of the history and culture of Ladakh and from them one can trace the origin and spread of Buddhism in Ladakh.

Shri Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh and Guest of Honor of the event, at the very outset welcomed all the delegates and thanked them for choosing Leh as the venue for the conference. He further said that Buddhism has a very strong cultural base and there is a need to study it, and conferences like this can be very fruitful in understanding the teachings and basics of Buddhism. He urged the younger generation to have insights into the teachings of Buddha to have a peaceful life.

Ven. Bhiku Sangasena, Founder of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, in his keynote address, said that Buddhism is not only a religion but it is the study of the soul and mind. He stressed the importance of dharma, as having dharma in life brings peace and prosperity and will bring real happiness in one’s life. He further said that Buddhism as a religion is growing fast because it is based on scientific facts and thus one can easily understand Buddhism with logic, and intellectual people find it easy to study it. He further added that the teachings of Buddha are universal and are for humanity as a whole and not for a particular region or religion.

Prof. Dipanker SenGupta, MAKAIAS, stressed the need to revisit the traditional knowledge system from time to time to keep its relevance. He talked about Greater India where Indian culture goes beyond the Indian periphery. He hopes that the conference will help develop the understanding of traditional knowledge systems in Central Asia.

Prof. P. Stobdan, Former Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, talked mostly about the historical advent of Buddhism. He explained that Buddhism began with the early Theravada tradition, preserving Buddha’s teachings in Sutra and Vinaya traditions. From thereon, he moved to the Sarvastivada School, which systemized the Buddha’s teachings in the Abhidharma — a text based on the science of mind.

Prof. Ajay Choudhary from Symbiosis International University talked about Buddhism and local values. He added that words like equality, fraternity, and prosperity written in the Constitution are inspired by it. Buddhism is not based on science but science is based on Buddhism. All the Fundamental Rights in the Constitution are basically part of Buddhism. He further said in his speech that the concept of a Welfare State mentioned in the Constitution is the same as the concept of Madhya Marg in Buddhism.

The function was also attended by various faculties from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Symbiosis University, and University of Jammu. Dr. Chhering Tandup, Convener of the Conference, presented the formal vote of thanks expressing gratitude to funding agencies and all the speakers and participants.