PM Modi to Inaugurate 1st Global Buddhist Summit on April 20

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi on Thursday. The Ministry of Culture in collaboration with its grantee body International Buddhist Confederation will host the two-day Summit.

Eminent scholars, Sangha leaders, and Dharma practitioners from all over the world will attend the Conference. The theme of the  Global Buddhist Summit is Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy said, for the first time prominent  Buddhist monks from various countries will visit India and take part in the Summit. He said, discussions will be held on how to deal with contemporary challenges, with the help of Buddhist Philosophy and thought.

Mr. Reddy said, this global Summit will mark the significance and importance of India in Buddhism, as Buddhism was born in India. The Minister also informed that this global summit will also be a medium to enhance the cultural and diplomatic relationships with other countries.

He disclosed that Delegates from almost 30 countries will participate in the event and around 171 delegates from foreign countries and 150 delegates from Indian Buddhist organizations will take part. The prime vision of the Summit is to look into the teachings of the Shakyamuni Buddha that have been continuously enriched over the centuries with the practice of Buddha Dhamma.