Leh, September 22: Two days National Conference on Buddhism and Local knowledge System in Central Asia organized by Department of Geography, Institute of Mountain Environment, Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu and funded by Maulana Abul kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies and Ministry of Culture, Government of India commenced at Hotel Zen, Leh (Ladakh).
In his video address, Sh. Kavinder Gupta, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governer, Ladakh, commended the work of Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu for organization of the conference. He emphasized that this kind of conference is very relevant to know the architect and local knowledge system in Indian and Central Asia as teachings of Buddhism act as a bridge for connecting India and Central Asia. He further said that the conference will promote our culture like Sarve Bhawantu Sukhinah and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He wished the organizers for successful conference and hopes that the conference will come out with concrete outcomes.
Professor Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chacellor University of Jammu and Patron of the conference, in his message congratulated the organizing team for organizing the conference on such a topic of esteem importance.
Prof. Rahul Gupta, Rector, Bhaderwah Campus and Chairman of the Conference, welcomes all the speakers and guests who had come from different parts of the country and emphasis to all for sharing 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 speaks about the need to have a deep understanding of the local knowledge system so as to have a historical perspective of Ladakh and spread of Buddhism in the region. He talks about petroglyphs in ladakh and added that to it is impossible to understand local knowledge without knowing the history of Ladakh. Images on rocks area are strong depiction of history and culture of Ladakh and from the one can trace the origin and spread of Buddhism in ladakh.
Shri Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Executive Counciller, LAHDC, Leh and Guest of Honor of the Event, at the very outset welcome all the delegated and tanks them for choosing Leh as the venue for the conference. He further said that Buddhism has a very strong cultural base and there is need to study it and conferences like this can be very fruitful in understanding the teachings and basics of Buddhism. He urged younger generation to have insights on the teaching of Buddha to have a peaceful life.
Ven. Bhiku Sangasena, Founder Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, in his keynote address, said that Buddhism is not only a religion but it is the study of soul and mind. He stresses on the importance of dharma as having dharma in life bring 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 it is for humanity as a whole and not a proper region or religion.
Prof. Dipanker SenGupta, MAKAIAS, stressed upon the need to revisit the traditional knowledge system from time to time to keep its relevance. He talks about greater India where Indian culture goes beyond the Indian periphery. He hopes that conference will go in developing the understanding traditional knowledge systems in Central Asia.
Prof. P. Stobdan, Former Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, talks mostly about historical advent of Buddhism. He explain that Buddhism begin with the early Theraveda tradition, preserving a Buddha’s teachings in Sutra and Vinaya tradition. From thereon, he moved to the Sarvastivada School, which systemized the Buddha’s teachings in the Abidharma- a text based on science of mind.
Prof. Ajay Choudhary from Symbiosis Internatinal University, talks about Buddhism and local values. He added that words like equality, fraternity, prosperity written in constitution are inspired from 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 in his speech said that the concept of Welfare state mentioned in constitution is same as the concept of Madhya Marg in Buddhism.
The Function was also attended by various faculties from Jawahar Lal 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.
