Over 1,200 Buddhist monks from 17 countries, including India, have convened in Jajpur, Odisha, for the inaugural Guru Padmasambhava Monlam Program. The event commenced on January 12, 2025, at the Udayagiri Buddhist Monastery Complex and will continue until January 16.

The conference aims to honor the spiritual legacy of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is revered for propagating Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayan regions. Many historians believe that Guru Padmasambhava was born in Odisha before spreading Buddha Dharma to Tibet and beyond.

Dignitaries such as Sikkim Minister Ven Sonam Lama, Jajpur MP Rabindra Narayan Behera, and Barchana MLA Amar Nayak attended the event. Minister Lama expressed gratitude to the Odisha government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for organizing the program, suggesting it become an annual event to boost both Dharma and tourism in the region.

The conference features processions, public gatherings, and collective chants focused on promoting world peace. Delegates from countries including Bhutan, Laos, Thailand, and the United States are participating, reflecting the global significance of Guru Padmasambhava's teachings.

The main initiative for the event was taken by Light of Buddha Dhamma Foundation International (LBDFI) along with TNMC, International Tipitaka Chanting Council (ITCC) and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). IBC is also a partner in the project. Dr. A. K. Yadav represented IBC at the event. He expressed the view that many more such events should be organized to serve the Buddha Dhamma in its own motherland, and assured that IBC will stand in support of each such event.