Monks from 40 Countries to Be Honoured Guests at Republic Day Parade Celebrating Peace and Coexistence

A group of monks from 40 countries will be honoured guests at India's Republic Day parade, following the Global Buddhist Summit. The event promotes themes of peace and mutual coexistence.

A significant gathering of monks from 40 nations, who participated in the Global Buddhist Summit in Delhi, will be special guests at the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path. This announcement came from the culture ministry on Sunday. The summit, held on January 24-25, was organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) alongside the ministry.

The theme of the summit was "Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence." It aimed to convey India's message from the Land of the Buddha for peaceful conflict resolution, addressing global inequalities and ecological crises. The ministry highlighted this in a statement.

Global Buddhist Summit's Impact

The summit served as a platform to emphasise the enduring Buddhist principles of social harmony, peace, compassion, and mutual coexistence. Monks and nuns from 40 countries who attended will be honoured at the Republic Day Parade. This gesture underscores the relevance of these timeless teachings in today's world.

During a press conference on Sunday, Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of IBC, stated, "At the parade, India will be displaying its might, but it is also the land of Buddha Dhamma, spreading the message of peace, love, and kindness to many countries in the world. We believe in the power of compassion and care. We need peace in the world today and friendly coexistence."

Summit Participation and Objectives

The two-day event attracted over 800 delegates from 40 countries. Among them were more than 200 international participants, including around 100 representing the Sangha. The summit also saw attendance from diplomats, academicians, scholars, and lay practitioners from India.

The presence of such a diverse group highlights the global interest in Buddhist teachings and their application to contemporary issues. The summit's discussions focused on how these teachings can contribute to resolving modern challenges.

The Republic Day Parade will not only showcase India's strength but also its commitment to spreading messages of peace and kindness globally. This aligns with India's role as a proponent of Buddha Dhamma's values.

The inclusion of monks as honoured guests at this national event symbolises a bridge between spiritual wisdom and national pride. It reflects India's dedication to promoting peace and understanding across borders through cultural and spiritual exchanges.

With inputs from PTI