Guwahati, April 21: A two-day International Conclave on Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North-East India has brought Namsai into global focus this as the serene district steeped in centuries-old Buddhist traditions played host to over 300 participants from across India and Southeast Asia.
Organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the conclave celebrated the rich Buddhist heritage of the region while pushing forward conversations on spiritual, cultural, and academic collaboration.
Inaugurating the conclave, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein described Namsai as an ideal centre for developing a Buddhist tourism circuit in the Northeast. “Rooted in an ancient way of life, Namsai is not only a spiritual destination but also a living example of how Buddhist culture continues to thrive in India’s eastern frontier,” he remarked.
Mein emphasised the cultural vibrancy of the region by highlighting the recently concluded Songpa Water Festival—a Buddhist celebration of the Khamti community—where international visitors were welcomed. He also cited the region’s ancient pilgrimage sites, calling them crucial anchors for a sustainable Buddhist tourism initiative.
The Deputy Chief Minister offered a powerful historical note, recalling the Tai Khamti community’s resistance against British colonialism in 1839 during the Anglo-Khamti War. “We defeated the British, and in retaliation, our villages were destroyed, and our people scattered. Yet we preserved our identity, language, and faith,” he said. He proudly noted the preservation of the Pali language through the Khamti script (Lic Tai), one of only two ancient scripts in the state alongside Bhoti. Epic texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have also been transcribed in this script, he added.
The event witnessed spirited participation from monastic leaders, scholars, and representatives from Bhutan, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Mr. Jigme Thinly Namgyal, Consul General of Bhutan in Guwahati, addressed the gathering during the inaugural session, underscoring the region’s shared Buddhist legacy.
Highlighting the symbiosis between spiritual practice and daily life, Namsai MLA Mr. Zingnu Namchoom observed, “Our dharma is our culture—it is our way of life. Even during weddings, the Buddha’s teachings guide us on how to live harmoniously in society.”
The Dhamma address was delivered by Most Ven. Aggadhamma Bhaddanta, Chief Abbot of Pariyatti Sasana Buddha Vihara in Namsai. Secretary General of IBC, Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, welcomed the delegates, and IBC Director General Mr. Abhijit Halder detailed the event structure and concluded the sessions.
The conclave featured discussions on the historical relevance of Buddha Dhamma in the Northeast, artistic and cultural expressions of Buddhist communities, and the broader cultural impact of Buddhism in the region. A special prayer and chanting session will be held tomorrow at the iconic Golden Pagoda in Namsai for the victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. The conclave will close with a session on Vipassana meditation.
The Deputy CM also praised the Mahabodhi Society’s grassroots work in the region and expressed hope for a skill development centre to empower youth.
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