Itanagar/IBNS: Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, emphasized the significance of upholding and spreading the Buddhist culture that is based on the harmonious coexistence of all living beings on Monday.

At the “Nalanda Buddhism–Retracing the source in footsteps of Acharyas: From Nalanda to Himalayas and beyond," he stated that Arunachal Pradesh has a good amount of Buddhist population,“fortunately they have kept their culture and traditions safe with religious fervour”.

“The main pillar on which Nalanda Buddhism stands is the principle of ‘reasoning and analysis’. This means we can even bring the teachings of Lord Buddha under the ambit of reasoning and analysis.

"This logic is based on science and perhaps Buddhism is the only religion that gives its followers this liberty,” he said.

The Chief Minister greeted representatives from various Himalayan states of India and informed them that Arunachal Pradesh is home to people of diverse religious beliefs.

A national conference was arranged by the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) in Zemithang, located in the Tawang district, which is considered as one of the most sacred sites of Buddhism.

The conference was attended by over 600 representatives from various regions of India.

“Arunachal Pradesh is not home only to Buddhism but to several religions, including those who follow their own indigenous faith. I believe that every religion and faith should flourish and exist peacefully. I am proud that we Arunachalis are doing just that," stated the Chief Minister.

According to the Chief Minister, Zemithang holds significant importance as it is the Indian border checkpoint where the 14th Dalai Lama entered India in 1959.

Therefore, organizing the conference in this location is of great significance.

Highlighting the global expansion and revival of Buddhism in certain traditional regions, Khandu emphasized the significance of establishing a lively presence of Nalanda Buddhism with strong roots.

He encouraged everyone to participate in the session titled 'Nalanda Buddhism in the 21st century – Challenges and Response,' which he believed would be highly beneficial for the younger generation of Buddhists.

The conference, which lasted for a day, had a total of 80 attendees, including 45 delegates from eminent individuals such as Rinpoches, Geshes, Khenpos, and scholars hailing from different Himalayan states such as Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir (Paddar-Pangi), Sikkim, North West Bengal (Darjeeling, Doors, Jaigaon, and Kalimpong), and monasteries located in South India.

The remaining 35 delegates came from various regions of Arunachal Pradesh, such as Tuting, Mechuka, Taksing, Anini, and other areas.