New Delhi, November 4, 2023 – The ‘Buddha Bhoomi Vandan Yatra’ organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has brought together 23 young Buddhist scholars from 11 different countries on an enlightening journey across India. The purpose of this cultural and educational program is to provide these scholars with a deeper understanding of India’s rich Buddhist heritage, fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting the exploration of India’s historical and cultural ties to Buddhism.
From October 25 to November 3, 2023, participants hailing from countries such as Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Japan, Bhutan, South Korea, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam embarked on a unique expedition to various Buddhist sites across India.
Their journey began with the exploration of Bodh Gaya’s Monasteries and Archaeological Museum on October 26, 2023, followed by a visit to Nalanda Monuments and Nalanda University on the next day. The group then made their way to Varanasi on October 28, with visits to Sarnath’s Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Chaukhambi Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Mulgandh Kuti, and Dhamek Stupa on October 29. An interactive session on the ‘Buddhist & Indian Knowledge System’ conducted by Dr. Animesh Prakash, Assistant Professor at CIHTS, provided valuable insights on October 30. The scholars also witnessed the magnificent Ganga Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
In Delhi on October 31, the delegates attended an enlightening presentation on the Indian Knowledge system at the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) held at Vigyan Bhawan. Dr. Anirban Dash, Director of the National Mission for Manuscripts, conducted the session. President of ICCR, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, hosted a dinner in honor of the delegates, with the presence of Shri Kumar Tuhin, Director-General of ICCR, and Buddhist scholars from New Delhi.
Their journey concluded on November 2 with a visit to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ‘Buddha Bhoomi Vandan Yatra’ culminated with a ‘Media Interaction’ chaired by Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of ICCR, on November 3, 2023, at 11:30 AM at ICCR’s conference room, Azad Bhawan Rd, IP Estate, Delhi 110002.
IIP Foundation is proud to present exclusive coverage of this significant cultural and educational initiative by ICCR. Stay tuned for a comprehensive report on the ‘Buddha Bhoomi Vandan Yatra’ and its impact on cross-cultural understanding and India’s Buddhist heritage.
