The 6th International Buddhist Conference on Buddhist Heritage of Gujarat took place on Sunday at the Town Hall in Gandhinagar, bringing together around 1,200 participants from across India and countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Japan, and Cambodia. The event was organized by the Sanghakaya Foundation in collaboration with Gujarat Tourism.

The conference became a vibrant platform for scholars, monks, and individuals aligned with Buddhist philosophy to delve into meaningful discussions. Topics ranged from Buddhism’s role in fostering peace and harmony to its influence on Gujarati culture, as well as the historical significance of Buddhist heritage in Gujarat and the potential for regional collaboration in economic development.

A highlight of the event was the International Peace Walk, where participants walked from the Dr. Ambedkar Statue near Vidhan Sabha to the Town Hall, spreading messages of kindness, peace, and harmony.

To deepen engagement with Gujarat’s rich Buddhist legacy, visits to key heritage sites such as Vadnagar, Dev Ni Mori, Junagadh, and Vadodara have been planned.

Ven. Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation addressing the gathering

Addressing the gathering, Ven. Ajahn Prasheel Ratna Gautam, international peace activist and president of the Sanghakaya Foundation, along with Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation, expressed their hope for greater awareness of Buddhist teachings.

Ratna Gautam emphasized the need for further government support in spreading the message of Buddhism to a wider audience. “We would love to see initiatives that promote Buddhism more widely, perhaps through an ambassador or campaigns similar to ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki,’” he said, expressing optimism for the future.