Leh, March 14, 2021: Secretary-General of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Delhi along with Secretary of Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT), President Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, Presidents of Ladakh Buddhist Association, and Ladakh Gonpa Association called on the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh R K Mathur, tweeted the Office of the LG Ladakh.

The delegation apprised of the functioning and objective of the IHCNBT. The members of the ICB and IHCNBT are in Ladakh for the two days long Buddhist conclave, themed, ‘Ladakh UT Buddhist Council’.

The conclave was organised by the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation, Ladakh Buddhist Association, Ladakh Gonpa Association, and Ministry of Culture, Govt. Of India, New Delhi began on March 13.

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Speaking on the occasion, Ven. Dr. Dhammapiya, Secretary-General, International Buddhist Confederation congratulated Ladakh for the Union Territory status and said that the main objective of organising Buddhist conclave is to bridge Buddhist people residing in different parts of India. He highlighted the various practice and sects in Buddhism which needs to be set aside to get identified as Buddhist first.

The newly elected Ladakh Buddhist Association President Thupstan Chhewang said that on one hand the practice of Buddhism is growing in European countries but on the other hand Buddhist community residing in the Himalayan region is facing a threat of losing its identity.  He said that such a Buddhist conclave is the need of the hour to address the issues.

The seeds of the International Buddhist Confederation were sown in the Autumn of 2010, during Ven. Lama Lobzang’s visit to Sri Lanka. However, in November 2011, in a Global Buddhist Congregation (GBC) that was attended by over 800 delegates and observers from Buddhist organizations and institutions from around the world, unanimously adopted a resolution to form an international umbrella body – the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).  “The purpose of this body is to create a role for Buddhism on the global stage so as to help to preserve our heritage, share our knowledge, and promote our values and to represent a united front for Buddhism to enjoy meaningful participation in the global discourse”, writes the IBC world website.