His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Address Buddhism Conclave
Dharamsala, 13 February: His Holiness the Dalai Lama will take part in the first international conference on Buddhism to be held in New Delhi from 17 February. Over 300 scholars from 25 different countries, spiritual heads and monks will be participating in the three-day gathering.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been invited to address the conclave which will be inaugurated by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This was announced by Union Tourism Minister Jagmohan on Thursday.
Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, the Kalon Tripa, will also be participating in the conclave
Interestingly, a nine-member delegation of Chinese scholars will also be participating in the conclave.
‘‘The conclave will enable the country to promote its Buddhist heritage and culture,” the Minister said. The conclave will be followed by a dedication ceremony of the ancient Mahabodhi temple at Bodhgaya in Bihar.
The invitees will also be visiting Bodhgaya and later Varanasi.
Sources say the conclave was planned for early last year but the SARS influenza led to its postponement since most of the invitees are from South and South- east Asia, where the epidemic broke out.