Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh: Rooted in centuries-old Buddhist culture and traditions, Namsai district in Arunachal Pradesh emerged as a vibrant symbol of spiritual heritage and cultural continuity as it played host to the International Conclave on Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North-East India. The two-day conclave, organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, saw participation from over 300 delegates, including monastic leaders, academicians, and cultural representatives from India and neighbouring countries.
Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, in his keynote address, spotlighted Namsai as a living example of how ancient Buddhist ways of life continue to flourish in the region. “Our traditions are alive. We don’t just preserve the past—we live it,” he said, underlining the importance of establishing a Buddhist tourism circuit in Arunachal Pradesh.
Citing the recent Songpa Water Festival, a significant Buddhist event of the Tai Khamti community, Mein shared how international participation helped elevate the festival into a grand cultural showcase. Celebrated in regions like Namsai, Changlang, and Itanagar, the festival offered visitors an immersive experience of Buddhist customs and rituals.
Referring to a lesser-known chapter of India’s freedom struggle, Mein noted that his tribe—the Tai Khamtis—fought the first Anglo-Khamti War in 1839, defeating the British before facing a brutal crackdown that scattered the community across the Northeast. “This is part of our untold history, and we’re proud of our ancestors’ resistance,” he said.
A striking highlight was Mein’s emphasis on language and literary heritage, noting that the Tai Khamti community has preserved Pali—the sacred language of Buddhism—through the Lic Tai script, one of only two ancient scripts still in use in Arunachal Pradesh, the other being Bhoti. “Even epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata are available in our script,” he added.
Representatives from Bhutan, Myanmar, and Cambodia participated in seminar sessions, with the Consul General of Bhutan in Guwahati, Jigme Thinly Namgyal, delivering a special address during the inauguration. Discussions spanned themes such as the historical relevance of Buddha Dhamma in Northeast India, art and heritage of Buddhist communities, and the cultural impact of Buddhism on local societies.
MLA Zingnu Namchoom of Namsai echoed Mein’s sentiments, noting, “Our dharma is our culture; it defines our way of life. Even in our weddings, we follow the Buddha’s teachings on how to live in harmony.”
The dhamma address was delivered by Most Ven. Aggadhamma Bhaddanta, Chief Abbot of the Pariyatti Sasana Buddha Vihara, Namsai, who emphasized the moral and spiritual foundation Buddhism provides to the people of the region.
The event concluded with a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, as special prayers and chanting were scheduled for victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, to be held at the serene Golden Pagoda. The closing day will also feature a session on Vipassana meditation, inviting attendees to reflect on the core values of mindfulness and compassion.
The IBC’s Secretary General Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche welcomed the guests, while IBC Director General Abhijit Halder offered the closing remarks and outlined the conclave’s broader objectives of strengthening cross-border spiritual ties and reviving Northeast India’s Buddhist legacy on the global stage.
