Lumbini, May 11, 2025 — Lumbini Buddhist University, in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Nepal, hosted a scholarly symposium titled “India and Nepal: Buddhist Heritage” at the Library Hall of the university’s Central Campus. The event celebrated the rich, intertwined Buddhist heritage of the two neighboring countries, highlighting shared history, archaeological sites, and academic cooperation.
The program was chaired by Prof. Dr. Gitu Giri, Director of the Lumbini Research Center. Ms. Gitanjali Brandon, representing the Embassy of India, attended as the Chief Guest, alongside Mr. Basisit Nandan, also from the Indian Embassy, as a special guest. The event brought together academics, students, university staff, and dignitaries.
The symposium began with a mindful prayer session led by Venerable Vajira, where participants observed the Five Precepts, followed by the playing of the national anthems of both Nepal and India, symbolizing the spirit of harmony and shared cultural values.
Mr. Indra Kafle, Controller of Examinations at Lumbini Buddhist University, delivered the keynote address, welcoming all attendees and underscoring the enduring relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in fostering regional and global peace.
A key moment in the event was the launch of the 10th edition of Lumbini Prabha, the university’s annual academic journal. The release was jointly officiated by the Chair and the honored guests. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nir Bahadur Gurung shared insights into the journal’s evolution and emphasized its transformation into a peer-reviewed academic publication due to the dedication of contributing scholars and editorial teams.
The symposium featured four insightful academic presentations:
- Prof. Dr. Ramesh Gaur presented on “Safeguarding and Promoting Buddhist Documentary Heritage through the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme.” He discussed the importance of both tangible and intangible heritage, India’s efforts to nominate texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra, and the potential of Indo-Nepal collaboration in preserving Buddhist literary legacies.
- Prof. Basanta Bidari delivered a presentation on “Visit of Ashoka and U Thant in Lumbini,” highlighting how Emperor Ashoka formally marked the Buddha’s birthplace and how U Thant, former UN Secretary-General, played a crucial role in Lumbini’s modern development with international support.
- Prof. Dr. Neeta Yadav spoke on the “Buddhist heritage of Kapilavastu”, focusing on the Piprahwa Stupa and the surrounding archaeological monuments. She elaborated on the historical and religious significance of ancient Kapilavastu and discussed the sacred relics of the Buddha found within a casket at the site, which bears an inscription affirming their antiquity. Her presentation shed light on the cross-border connections and spiritual importance of these ancient Buddhist remains.
- Associate Prof. Dr. Sharada Paudel presented on “Nepal and India: Preserving the Legacy of Buddhist Heritage.” She emphasized how both countries, as custodians of key Buddhist sites, continue to protect and sustain sacred traditions. Her talk reflected on the birthplace of the Buddha, sites of enlightenment, and modern preservation efforts that uphold the global significance of Buddhist philosophy.
To honor the presenters and dignitaries, the university offered a Token of Metta, symbolizing respect and gratitude in Buddhist tradition.
Organized in celebration of Buddha Jayanti, the symposium provided a meaningful academic forum for reflecting on the contemporary relevance of the Buddha’s teachings. It reinforced the idea that India and Nepal, as spiritual partners in the Buddhist tradition, can contribute to global peace and understanding through research, education, and cultural diplomacy.
