New York, May 16 (NationPress) The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York celebrated the International Day of Vesak on Friday by hosting a notable panel discussion titled 'Teachings of Gautama Buddha – a Path to Internal and Global Peace.'

This event attracted participation from esteemed diplomats, scholars, and spiritual leaders, reinforcing the ongoing significance of Lord Buddha’s teachings in confronting modern global issues.

The Mission announced the event on its official social media account, tweeting on Friday: “IndiaUNNewYork organised a Panel Discussion on ‘Teachings of Gautama Buddha – a Path to Internal and Global Peace’ to commemorate the International Day of Vesak.”

The panel included Permanent Representatives and senior diplomats from several Buddhist-majority nations such as Vietnam, Lao PDR, Thailand, Bhutan, Mongolia, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Russia. Their attendance highlighted the shared spiritual and cultural heritage that connects these nations and the worldwide significance of Buddhist principles.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, commenced the session with comments emphasizing the universal appeal of the Buddha’s teachings.

“Lord Buddha’s message of compassion, non-violence, and wisdom provides a route to inner and global peace in a world fraught with crisis and suffering,” he remarked, pointing to the pressing necessity for spiritual grounding in contemporary geopolitics.

Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University, which holds profound historical connections to Buddhism, underscored Lord Buddha’s everlasting messages of peace and compassion. Meanwhile, Professor Santosh Kumar Raut shared perspectives on how Buddhist philosophy could assist humanity in addressing the urgent challenges of the 21st century.

Vesak, the most sacred occasion for millions of Buddhists globally, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha, all occurring on the full moon day in May.

In 1999, the UN General Assembly formally recognized the International Day of Vesak through Resolution 54/115 to honor Buddhism’s significant contribution to global spirituality and peace.

This event served as a poignant reminder that the path illuminated by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago continues to guide the journey towards personal transformation and collective harmony—ideals that resonate profoundly in today’s world.