NEW DELHI:- A day-long national seminar entitled ‘The Importance of Himalayan Culture in Modern India’ was held at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi yesterday.

The seminar hosted eminent personalities like Lochen Tulku, Tsona Rinpoche, Dr Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, Dr Tashi Paljor and Prof. Vimal Kirti. They spoke in detail about the importance of Bhoti (Tibetan) language and urged the inclusion of the language in the VIIIth Schedule of the constitution.

A booklet ‘Recognition & Development of Bhoti languauge’ published by the Himalyan Buddhist Cultural Association was also distributed at the seminar. The booklet emphasises that over 2.65 million people spread over the seven Himalayan states of the Indian Union use Bhoti language as their mother tongue and that 5 Indian states officially recognise the language. Moreover AIR Delhi, as well as 5 other regional stations broadcast news in Bhoti language. The origin of the language goes back to 7th century A.D and has a very close link to Buddhism and Buddhist literature.

Due to the geo-political situation of the Bhoti speaking people based around the sensitive areas of the Sino-Indian borders,  it makes the language more compelling and in need of redressal, the organisers of the seminar said.

The program was jointly organised by the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, Sherab Sangpo Society & Rinchen Zangpo Endowment Society with support from Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Report submitted by India-Tibet Co-ordination Office (ITCO), Delhi