PM Modi mourns Robert Thurman, Padma Shri Buddhist scholar, at 84
Synopsis
Robert A. F. Thurman — Columbia University's foremost Buddhist scholar, Padma Shri awardee, Tibet House co-founder, and a figure PM Modi personally met in 2023 — died at 84 in Woodstock, New York. His passing draws tributes from the highest levels of the Indian government, underscoring the rare depth of his ties to India's spiritual and diplomatic world.
Key Takeaways
Thurman died on Tuesday, 16 June , aged 84 , in Woodstock, New York .
PM Narendra Modi expressed condolences on X on 18 June , calling Thurman 'a lifelong friend of India.' Thurman held the Jey Tsong Khapa Professorship at Columbia University and was co-founder of Tibet House US .
He was a Padma Shri awardee and was named one of Time 's 25 most influential Americans of 1997 .
Modi and Thurman met in New York on 21 June 2023 to discuss Buddhist values and India's heritage preservation efforts.
He is survived by his wife Mrs.
Nena Thurman and is the father of actress Uma Thurman .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 18 June expressed grief over the passing of Robert A. F. Thurman, the Padma Shri-decorated American scholar of Buddhism, describing him as 'an eminent scholar of Buddhism, a distinguished teacher and a lifelong friend of India.' Thurman died on Tuesday, 16 June, at the age of 84 at his home in Woodstock, New York.
PM Modi's Tribute
In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi wrote: 'Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Robert A. F. Thurman, an eminent scholar of Buddhism, a distinguished teacher and a lifelong friend of India. Through his works, he popularised Buddhist thoughts globally and also built enduring bridges of understanding between cultures. I fondly recall our meeting in New York City a few years ago, where we had an excellent conversation. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this hour of grief.'
Modi and Prof Thurman had met in New York on 21 June 2023, where they exchanged perspectives on how Buddhist values could guide solutions to global challenges. According to a government statement, they also discussed India's Buddhist heritage and ongoing preservation efforts.
Who Was Robert Thurman
Prof Thurman held the Jey Tsong Khapa Professorship of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University — one of the most prestigious chairs in the field. He was also president of Tibet House US and the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, and co-founded Tibet House US alongside his close association with Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Among his most significant scholarly contributions was his English translation of the Vimalakirti Sutra from the Tibetan Kagyur. According to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), headquartered in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, he authored, edited, and translated several books on Tibetan Buddhism over a career spanning decades.
Thurman's cultural reach extended well beyond academia. Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential Americans of 1997, and New York Magazine listed him among its 'Influentials' in religion in 2006. He is also widely known as the father of actress Uma Thurman.
Official Announcement
Tibet House US confirmed his death in a post, stating: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that Robert A.F. Thurman, prominent American Buddhist scholar, co-founder of Tibet House US, author and translator whose teachings shaped countless lives, died Tuesday morning, June 16, in Woodstock, New York.' The family requested privacy in the immediate aftermath.
India's Institutional Response
The Consulate General of India in New York also paid tribute on X, noting that 'Professor Thurman's lifelong dedication to Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies helped to bring the timeless wisdom of Lord Buddha to generations across the world and deepened appreciation of India's rich spiritual heritage.' Condolences were extended to his wife, Mrs. Nena Thurman, and the bereaved family.
Thurman's death marks the loss of one of the most prominent Western interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism, whose work built lasting intellectual and cultural bridges between India, Tibet, and the wider world.
Point of View
From his Padma Shri to a personal meeting with the Prime Minister. The warmth of Modi's tribute, including a personal anecdote, signals how seriously New Delhi views the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist corridor as soft power. That a Columbia professor's death draws responses from both the Prime Minister's Office and the Consulate General of India in New York speaks to how strategically India has cultivated this relationship. His absence leaves a gap in the Western academic bridge to Tibetan Buddhism that will not be easily filled.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert A. F. Thurman?
Robert A. F. Thurman was a prominent American scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor at Columbia University, and co-founder of Tibet House US. He was a Padma Shri awardee, a close associate of the Dalai Lama, and was named one of Time magazine's 25 most influential Americans in 1997.
When and where did Robert Thurman die?
Robert Thurman died on Tuesday morning, 16 June, at his home in Woodstock, New York. He was 84 years old. Tibet House US confirmed the news and requested privacy for the family.
What did PM Modi say about Robert Thurman?
PM Modi posted on X that he was 'deeply saddened' by Thurman's passing, calling him 'an eminent scholar of Buddhism, a distinguished teacher and a lifelong friend of India.' He also recalled a personal meeting with Thurman in New York City in 2023.
What was Robert Thurman's connection to India?
Thurman was conferred the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honours, for his contributions to Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies. He met PM Modi in New York on 21 June 2023 to discuss Buddhist values and India's efforts to preserve its Buddhist heritage.
What were Robert Thurman's major academic contributions?
Thurman translated the Vimalakirti Sutra from the Tibetan Kagyur into English and authored, edited, and translated several books on Tibetan Buddhism. He held a named professorship at Columbia University and served as president of both Tibet House US and the American Institute of Buddhist Studies.
