Exploring Buddhism

In an attempt to explore the intricacies related to Buddhism, India International Centre hosted a three-day international conference on Buddhist Monasteries of South Asia and China. 

Organised by Society for Buddhist Art and Archaeology (SBAA) in collaboration with Indian International Centre (IIC), Rock Art Society of India (RASI), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), the conference began on Monday. 

The Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India also organised a photo exhibition at the venue based on the theme of the Conference. The conference along with the photo exhibition was inaugurated on Monday by Chief Guest-Prof Lokesh Chandra, President of ICCR and Guest of Honour Kapila Vatsyayan, chairperson, IIC-Asia Project. 

The inaugural session started off with the keynote address of Prof Chandra, and the Guest of Honour Dr Kapila Vatsyayan. The vote of thanks was given by Prof Chongfeng Li. 

The conference included seven  academic sessions with 25 research papers in total. The first and second day was divided into two sessions and day three will have three sessions. 

The conference has  definitely brought to light several facets of the otherwise unknown culture of our neighbouring countries and also has ignited some healthy dialogues on varied issues and topics with the mutual cultural and religious binding called Buddhism.