International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)

The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri @PemaKhanduBJP, Chief Guest at the occasion, congratulated the IBC on its 14th founding day, calling it a befitting coincidence that the International Conference on Buddhism being held in Tawang coincided with IBC’s glorious 14 years of service. He commended the efforts of IBC’s present and former leaders for their dedication and commitment towards Buddhism. The Hon'ble Chief Minister commented that the conference, jointly organised by the IBC, the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, holds special relevance in Tawang owing to the presence of the Sacred Relics. He noted the subject matter themes and subthemes of the discussions at the international conference and recalled how Buddhism that originated in India first transmitted due to efforts of King Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. He elaborated on how Buddhism, since the 6th and 7th CE, spread from Himalayan region of India, especially from Arunachal Pradesh, and reached Tibet and other regions attributing the same to Guru Padamasambhava and Shantarakshita. He also emphasized the importance of Tawang as the birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama. Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh's special place in the larger Buddhist heritage, he said its monasteries are not merely places of worship but a spiritual and cultural legacy. He stressedon on the need to ensure development and modernity while preserving cultural values, and to reflect on how the Buddha's message can be carried forward. He concluded his remarks by thanking the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India; National Museum; IBC; and Arunachal Pradesh administration for the Holy Relics Exposition and the International Conference. He also thanked the conference delegates, especially the international speakers from several countries, who have come to Tawang to participate in the conference.