The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) had the honour of hosting a delegation comprising monks who had walked a massive 2300 miles across the US as part of the famous `walk for peace’ endeavour to promote compassion, loving kindness and non-violence. Their journey in the US officially started on October 26, 2025, with about 19 monks walking barefoot from Texas towards Washington DC. True to his loyal nature, Aloka, the dog, joined them for the entirety of the march.

The delegation that visited IBC was led by the Most Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, a distinguished Vietnamese American Theravāda monk, currently serving as Vice President and Deputy Abbot of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, Fort Worth, Texas. Though the delegation comprised a few monks out of the 19 who originally participated in the March, IBC was privileged to receive the Most Venerable Ratanaguna, the Guru of Bhikku Pannakara, under whose spiritual lineage Bhikkhu Pannakara took ordination in 2010.

The programme commenced with Mangalacharan by the venerable monks, setting a solemn and reverential tone. Prof. Ravindra Panth, Director, IBC, delivered the inaugural remarks . He expressed gratitude for the presence of the Chief Guest and highlighted Most Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara ’s recent initiatives in the field of peacebuilding. Prof. Panth emphasised the Buddhist principle of “Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujan Sukhaya” for the welfare and happiness of the many and situated the Venerable’s work within this framework. He noted the monk’s dedication to cultivating Buddha Dhamma for global impact, particularly through initiatives that embody compassion and mindfulness for the younger generation.

In his keynote address, Most Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to participate in his first gathering in India. He recounted his journey of initiating Peace Walks, beginning in India and extending to the West, where the Buddha Dhamma remains relatively less known. Through mindful practice and compassionate action, he has sought to introduce Buddhist principles of peace and conflict resolution to Western audiences. He underscored the universality of peace, extending it not only to human beings but also to animals, affirming their dignity and interconnectedness within the cycle of existence. He cited the example of the Sri Lankan government’s support for the Walk for Peace initiative, illustrating how collective efforts can embody the Buddha’s vision of harmony and reconciliation. His reflections emphasized mindfulness, loving-kindness, and compassion as practical tools for addressing contemporary global challenges.

Shri Abhijit Halder, Former Director General of IBC, congratulated Most Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara and his associates for their impactful mission. He drew parallels between the Venerable’s peace initiatives and IBC’s own global programmes such as the Bodhgaya Marathon and the Jethian Walk in Rajgir, both of which have garnered international recognition. He acknowledged the crucial role of Aloka, the monk’s companion dog from India, in symbolising the mission’s spirit of calm and peace, and praised the rapid global resonance of these initiatives.

Shri Raghav Prasad Bhatnagar, the Director General of IBC, concluded the session by referring to the Peace Walks as part of the timeless values of the Buddha, like wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness. He emphasised that peace begins within the individual and radiates outward to families, communities, and nations. The participation of Aloka, a gentle companion dog, was highlighted as a living symbol of interconnectedness and universal compassion. He affirmed that the historic walks represent pragmatic efforts to nurture inner meditative peace and collective harmony, thereby embodying the Buddha Dhamma’s philosophy of universal brotherhood.

A particularly memorable part of the event was the presence of Aloka, the dog. As a token of appreciation for his role, the IBC arranged a few gifts in his honour. All the members of the delegation were also felicitated by IBC for their enormous role in spreading the Buddha’s message across the world.

The presence of Bhikku Pannakara and his team at today’s event only further reinforced the relevance of Buddhist principles in addressing contemporary global challenges. Bhikku Pannakara’s initiatives, particularly the Peace Walks, stand as living testimonies to the Buddha’s vision of universal compassion and mindful coexistence. The programme not only celebrated his contributions but also reaffirmed IBC’s commitment to fostering peace, harmony, and the global dissemination of the Buddha Dhamma.