**Executive Summary**
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) organized a national seminar on “Buddhism in Modern India: Navigating Cultural and Social Pathways” in New Delhi on February 27, 2026. The seminar aimed to foster dialogue among policymakers, scholars, spiritual leaders, and community representatives regarding the evolving role and preservation of Buddhism in India. Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju underscored the importance of preserving and promoting India's rich Buddhist heritage.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Seminar Overview:**
* The seminar was organized by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM).
* The topic was "Buddhism in Modern India: Navigating Cultural and Social Pathways."
* The event took place at the SCOP Complex, New Delhi.
* **Key Participants and Speakers:**
* Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Minority Affairs, emphasized preserving and promoting Buddhist heritage.
* Shri George Kurian highlighted the government's commitment to cultural and educational advancement for Buddhists.
* Shri Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General, International Buddhist Confederation, also attended.
* The seminar featured a panel discussion moderated by Shri Niraj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
* Distinguished speakers included Shri Testen Tashi Bhutia, Former Minister, Sikkim and Acharya Shri Yeshi Phuntsok, Mahayana Senior Buddhist Monk, Delhi;
* **Discussion Topics:**
* Contemporary challenges and opportunities for Buddhism in India.
* Heritage conservation.
* Education.
* Youth engagement.
* Regional development.
* The global relevance of Buddhist philosophy in fostering peace and social harmony.
* **Outcomes:**
* The seminar concluded with a reaffirmation of the NCM's commitment to facilitating dialogue, research, and policy initiatives to strengthen the cultural and social pathways of Buddhism in India.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: National Commission for Minorities (NCM)**
* **Impact:** Strengthened role in promoting and preserving Buddhism in India.
* **Action Required:** Continue facilitating dialogue, research, and policy initiatives related to Buddhism.
**Stakeholder: Policymakers**
* **Impact:** Gained insights into contemporary challenges and opportunities for Buddhism in India.
* **Action Required:** Consider seminar discussions in policy-making related to heritage, education, youth engagement, and regional development.
**Stakeholder: Scholars, Spiritual Leaders, and Community Representatives**
* **Impact:** Provided a platform for deliberation on the evolving role of Buddhism and its socio-cultural landscape in India.
* **Action Required:** Continue engagement in dialogue and research to contribute to the understanding and preservation of Buddhism.
**Stakeholder: Buddhist Community in India**
* **Impact:** Reassurance of the government's commitment to strengthening cultural identity and educational advancement.
* **Action Required:** Engage in educational and developmental opportunities.
Key Entities Referenced
National Commission for Minorities (NCM): The primary organizer of the National Seminar on Buddhism in Modern India.
Ministry of Minority Affairs: The ministry that Shri Kiren Rijiju and Shri George Kurian are associated with and relevant to the seminar.
New Delhi: The location where the National Seminar on Buddhism in Modern India took place.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
National Commission for Minorities organizes
National Seminar on Buddhism in Modern India
Union Minister of Minority Affairs ,Shri Kiren Rijiju
underscored the importance of preserving and promoting
India’s rich Buddhist heritage while ensuring inclusive
development for minority communities
Posted On: 27 FEB 2026 6:41PM by PIB Delhi
National Commission for Minorities (NCM) today organized a national seminar on “Buddhism in Modern
India: Navigating Cultural and Social Pathways” at the SCOP Complex, New Delhi. The seminar brought
together policymakers, scholars, spiritual leaders, and community representatives to deliberate on the
evolving role of Buddhism in India’s socio-cultural landscape.
The programme was graced by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Minority Affairs, and Shri George
Kurian, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs. Shri Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden,
Secretary General, International Buddhist Confederation, also graced the occasion. Senior officials present
included Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs; Ms. Alka Upadhyaya,
Secretary, NCM; and Dr. Atya Nand, Joint Secretary, NCM and various other Officials from different
Ministries.In his address, Shri Kiren Rijiju underscored the importance of preserving and promoting India’s rich
Buddhist heritage while ensuring inclusive development for minority communities. Shri George Kurian
highlighted the Government’s commitment to strengthening cultural identity and educational advancement
among Buddhists across the country.
The seminar featured a substantive panel discussion moderated by Shri Niraj Kumar, Joint Secretary,
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Distinguished speakers included Shri Testen Tashi
Bhutia, Former Minister, Sikkim; Acharya Shri Yeshi Phuntsok, Mahayana Senior Buddhist Monk, Delhi;
Ms. Jigme Youdron Lhamo, Incharge, Druk Drilburi Nunnery, Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh; Shri Mahendra
Bhante, Bhadant Gyaneshwar Buddha Vihar, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Manish Sinha, Professor (Ex-
Head), Department of History, Magadh University, Bodhgaya; and Dr. Sanjeev Kumar H.M., Professor,
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Delhi.The discussion explored contemporary challenges and opportunities for Buddhism in India, including
heritage conservation, education, youth engagement, regional development, and the global relevance of
Buddhist philosophy in fostering peace and social harmony.
The seminar concluded with a reaffirmation of the NCM’s commitment to facilitating dialogue, research,
and policy initiatives aimed at strengthening the cultural and social pathways of Buddhism in modern
India.
****
AK/MR
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