Lumbini, December 8, 2025 — Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU), in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), successfully organized an academic symposium titled “India–Nepal Buddhist Heritage: A Common Legacy” on Monday at the Central Office Auditorium Hall. The event was part of the 3rd India–Nepal Cultural Festival, celebrating centuries-old Buddhist ties between the two neighboring nations.
The program commenced at 10:00 AM with the national anthems of Nepal and India, followed by lamp lighting and Buddha Vandana. Faculty and students of LBU presented the university song, marking the formal opening of a day dedicated to academic reflection and cultural dialogue.
Delivering the Special Address, Dr. Tilak Ram Acharya, Registrar of LBU and Chief Guest, emphasized the enduring importance of Buddhist philosophy in shaping the civilizational harmony between Nepal and India. He highlighted Lumbini’s global significance as the birthplace of the Buddha and stressed the need for deeper academic collaboration to preserve shared heritage.
A keynote address from Sh. Basist Nandan First Secretary (PIC) & Secretary(BPKF) reaffirmed India’s long-standing commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy through Buddhist studies, academic exchanges, and heritage conservation.
The inaugural session was followed by two scholarly panels featuring distinguished experts from Nepal and India.
In Session I, moderated by Dr. Basanta Paudel,
- Prof. Subhra Barua Pavagadhi of the University of Delhi presented insights on Buddhist heritage as a civilizational bridge between the two nations.
- Mr. Dayanidhi Gautam of LBU discussed the role of Buddhist ethics in fostering peaceful international relations.
- Dr. Nir Bahadur Gurung explored Mustang’s spiritual landscape, interpreting Chhuksang and Muktinath through the perspective of Guru Padmasambhava.
Session II, moderated by Dr. Shree Prasad Bhattarai,
featured
- Dr. Elora Trivedi of Nalanda University, who spoke on shared pilgrimage traditions across India and Nepal;
- Dr. Nyima Sherpa, who highlighted reflections of ancient Indian Buddhist heritage in Nepali and Tibetan monasteries;
- Mr. Sanjay Shakya, who offered an artistic perspective on sixth-century Nepalmandala Buddhist archetypes.
Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies, Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, delivered the Chairperson’s remarks during the closing session, underscoring the relevance of such gatherings for advancing Buddhist scholarship. Prof. Gitu Giri, Director of the Research Center at LBU, expressed gratitude to all delegates, speakers, and partner institutions in the vote of thanks.
The symposium was coordinated by Prof. (Dr.) Arvind Kumar Singh, ICCR Chair of Buddhist Studies at LBU, who noted that the event represents a meaningful continuation of academic cooperation between Nepal and India, particularly in the fields of Buddhist studies, archaeology, cultural preservation, and heritage diplomacy.
Scholars, faculty members, administrative staff, and students from PhD, graduate, and undergraduate programs participated in the event. The program concluded with group photographs and informal interaction over tea and snacks.
As Lumbini continues to expand its global academic engagements, the symposium reinforced the shared vision of Nepal and India to preserve Buddhist heritage as a guiding force for peace, compassion, and mutual understanding in the contemporary world.