Namsai: Rooted in centuries-old Buddhist traditions, Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai district on Monday hosted the inaugural session of the two-day International Conclave on Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North-East India, bringing together over 300 participants including monks from Sri Lanka and Cambodia, delegates from Bhutan and Myanmar, and eminent scholars and religious leaders.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who attended the conclave as chief guest, underscored the rich cultural and demographic diversity of Namsai, home to the Theravada Buddhist-following Tai Khamti and Singpho communities.
Addressing the gathering, Mein called for the creation of a Buddhist tourism circuit in the state, highlighting its ancient monasteries and significant pilgrimage sites. “Our culture is deeply rooted in socio-religious festivals. The recently concluded Songpa Water Festival, celebrated by the Khamti community, saw international participation and was a grand success,” he said.
Mein also referred to the 1839 Anglo-Khamti war, claiming that the Tai Khamtis waged one of the earliest resistance movements against British colonial forces. “We defeated the British in battle, after which our villages were burnt and our tribe scattered across the region,” he said.
He noted that the Tai Khamti community has preserved the ancient Pali language through the Lic Tai script, one of only two ancient scripts still in use in the state, alongside the Bhoti script. “The Ramayana and Mahabharata are even written in our Khamti script,” he added.
Highlighting ongoing efforts in religious infrastructure development, the deputy chief minister informed that a 280-ft Buddha statue at Noi Dhamma is nearing completion, while work has commenced on a 160-ft statue at the upcoming Nongtaw Mahabodhi Skill Development Centre.
“Nongtaw Mahabodhi Centre will serve as a hub for Dhamma teachings and youth empowerment,” Mein said, adding that a dedicated Buddhist circuit could link Theravada sites in eastern Arunachal with Mahayana centres such as the 400-year-old Tawang Monastery in the west.
The event was jointly organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Mahabodhi Society of Namsai.
IBC secretary general Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche welcomed the delegates, while director general Abhijit Halder presented the conclave outline and delivered the concluding remarks.
Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, in his address, said that Buddhist teachings are interwoven into the social fabric of the community, influencing even marriage customs and everyday life. “Our dharma is our culture; it is our way of life,” he remarked.
The conclave includes sessions on the historical significance of Buddha Dhamma in the North-East, Buddhist art and cultural heritage, and the influence of Buddhism on diaspora communities. A special interfaith prayer session for earthquake victims in Myanmar and Thailand will be held at the Golden Pagoda on Tuesday, followed by a session on Vipassana meditation.
Senior officials including Deputy Commissioner C R Khampa and Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley also attended the session.
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