NEW DELHI, January 26 — A large delegation of monks and nuns from 40 countries will be honoured guests at the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path, the Ministry of Culture announced on Sunday. The group participated in the two-day Global Buddhist Summit held in the capital on January 24-25.
The summit, organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the ministry, brought together over 800 delegates. Its theme was “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence.”
Showcasing Might and Message
The Culture Ministry stated that hosting the international monastic community at the parade underscores India’s role as the “Land of the Buddha,” promoting messages of peaceful conflict resolution and addressing global inequalities.
“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,” said Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of the IBC, at a press conference. “We believe in the power of compassion and care. We need peace in the world today and friendly coexistence.”
A Significant Gathering
The summit featured over 200 overseas participants, including approximately 100 members of the Sangha (monastic community). They were joined by several diplomats, academicians, scholars, and lay practitioners from India.
The ministry’s statement emphasized that the monks’ presence as honoured guests is intended to highlight the relevance of Buddhist principles—social harmony, peace, compassion, and mutual coexistence—on a global stage. The Republic Day parade, a display of India’s military strength and cultural diversity, will this year also serve as a platform for this unique form of cultural and spiritual diplomacy.
