On 2^nd November 2025, the IBC commemorated its 13th year of establishment, an important milestone marking over a decade of global Buddhist collaboration, dialogue, and heritage preservation. To celebrate this significant occasion, a gathering was held on Monday, 3rd November 2025, at the World Buddhist Centre, New Delhi. The event witnessed the esteemed presence of IBC members, venerable monks, and distinguished guests from India and abroad, reflecting the growing spirit of unity and cooperation that IBC continues to foster among the international Buddhist community.

The programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by Col. Yash Saxena, Director (Projects), IBC. He acknowledged that over the years, the organization has evolved through challenging times, guided by the wisdom of former Director Generals, the encouragement of traditional well-wishers, the blessings of revered monks, and the leadership of the Director General, Shri Abhijit Halder. Their collective guidance has enriched IBC’s activities. A major milestone in recent years has been the development of the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage (IICBCH) in Lumbini. This landmark project encountered complex civil engineering challenges and environmental issues such as flooding, yet 95% of the work now stands completed. With a soft launch scheduled in the coming weeks, the Centre will serve as a testament to IBC’s dedication to cultural preservation and international Buddhist partnerships.

Speaking on behalf of the World Buddhist Centre, Joint Secretary Shri Saif Habibullah expressed gratitude to IBC for hosting the celebration at the venue and conveyed hope for a long and meaningful association in the future. This was followed by a documentary film screening on the Holy Relics expositions organized by IBC. Shri Abhijit Halder, Director General IBC, noted that the relic expositions have been among the most impactful initiatives of the organization, undertaken with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. These sacred journeys to Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, and most recently the Republic of Kalmykia in Russia, have transcended cultural differences and brought Buddhist heritage closer to millions of devotees worldwide.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Malay K. Sinha, Retired Senior Bureaucrat and former Director General IBC, congratulated the organization on completing 13 remarkable years of promoting Buddha Dhamma and nurturing India’s civilizational ties with the global Buddhist community. He highlighted the IICBCH project in Lumbini as a landmark achievement. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have served IBC, drawing from his long-standing association with Buddhist teachings.

Following the speeches, a Sangha Dāna ceremony was held with great reverence, symbolizing gratitude toward the monastic community and reinforcing the spirit of compassion and generosity central to Buddhist practice.

In his address, Shri Abhijit Halder reflected on IBC’s journey. He recalled the foundational contributions of Lama Lobzang, whose efforts led to the establishment IBC as a permanent international Buddhist organization. He acknowledged that while Buddha Purnima and Ashad Purnima were earlier flagship celebrations, IBC has now adopted Abhidhamma Divas as a flagship event as well. Its inaugural edition in Kushinagar in 2021 and the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the 2024 celebration have elevated its global stature.

The Director General also emphasized that while IBC holds immense potential, greater resources and sustained support are required to deliver on its mission. Initiatives such as the Holy Relics movements, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Indian Air Force and executed by the IBC team, underscore the role of soft diplomacy in strengthening global Buddhist ties. Looking ahead, he announced upcoming relic expositions in Bhutan, coinciding with the birthday of the King of Bhutan on November 11. He also highlighted innovative activities undertaken by IBC like the Bodhgaya Marathon and ongoing collaborations with neuroscientists from India and the USA.

The programme concluded with remarks by Shri Abhijit Halder, who expressed gratitude to the World Buddhist Centre and all well-wishers whose continued support keeps IBC’s mission vibrant. The ceremony not only celebrated the 13-year milestone but also reaffirmed IBC’s ongoing commitment to promoting the Buddha Dhamma globally and strengthening collaboration across Buddhist traditions.