Arunachal Pradesh has served as a living bridge of Buddhist philosophy, culture and spiritual exchange for centuries, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, addressing the inaugural session of the International Conference on 'Buddhism: Dissemination in the Himalayan Region and Beyond' in Tawang. Khandu underscored the state's unique role in preserving and transmitting Buddhist heritage across the Himalayan region and beyond.

Tawang as a Centre of Living Heritage

Chief Minister Khandu described Tawang as a spiritually vibrant land and home to the Tawang Monastery, which he called a beacon of Buddhist wisdom and learning. He noted that the monasteries, nunneries, temples and hermitages of Tawang and its surrounding areas were not merely places of worship, but repositories of knowledge and living institutions that had preserved an invaluable spiritual and cultural legacy over centuries.

He further highlighted the special relevance of a conference on the spread of Buddhism in Tawang, given the presence of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha in the town. Describing Buddhism as more than a religion, Khandu said it is 'a way of life founded on compassion, wisdom and the Middle Path.'

Development Must Align with Cultural Values

Reaffirming the Arunachal Pradesh government's commitment to safeguarding the state's heritage, Khandu stressed that development and modernisation must proceed in harmony with the region's cultural and ecological values. He said the state's Buddhist heritage is not only a source of spiritual strength but also an important bridge connecting communities, nations and civilisations.

Khandu called on the global community to turn to the Buddha's teachings of compassion, wisdom and the Middle Path as a guide to peace in an age marked by conflict, intolerance and growing divisions. He said the teachings of the Buddha offer 'a guiding path towards peace, harmony and collective well-being.'

Conference Organisers and Inaugural Session

The conference is jointly organised by the Arunachal Pradesh government and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), with the support of the Union Ministry of Culture. The inaugural session began with Mangalacharan by members of the Sangha. The Secretary General of the IBC, Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, delivered the welcome address, followed by addresses from the Abbot of the Tawang Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery, Rev. DramedSungrab Tulku la, and the President of the ABC.

Scholars from Across the World at Tawang

The first panel discussion was moderated by Prof. Moji Riba of Rajiv Gandhi University, featuring speakers from Arunachal Pradesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Delhi. Subsequent panels brought together scholars from Germany, Indonesia, Nepal, Malaysia and across India. Khandu thanked the International Buddhist Confederation for partnering with the state government and expressed confidence that the gathering of eminent scholars and spiritual thinkers would generate valuable insights into carrying the Buddha's message to future generations.

The Tawang conference signals a broader effort to position Arunachal Pradesh as a global hub for Buddhist scholarship and interfaith dialogue at a time when the region's cultural identity is increasingly central to India's soft-power outreach.