The Nalanda Indian Himalayan council in Traditional Tradition (IHCNBT) will convene its first general assembly on March 21 and 22 at the India International Centre (IIC) in the national capital.
The event will bring together 120 delegates from various Himalayan states across India to engage in important discussions on the preservation and promotion of the core philosophies and practices of Buddhism, particularly the Nalanda ritual tradition.
The two-day gathering will focus on addressing the challenges facing the Nalanda tradition in a rapidly changing world. Delegates will observe the challenges of modernization, globalization, and socio-political issues in preserving these sacred teachings. The meeting aims to identify remedies and strategies to ensure the continuity of the traditions for future generations.
The event will provide a crucial platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among Himalayan communities. It will create a connection between these communities that will strengthen efforts to preserve the essence of the philosophy and practices.
In addition, the delegates will be given an opportunity to discuss how to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Himalayan traditions, which include ancient practices, teachings and rituals.
Founded under the auspices of the Nalanda spiritual masters throughout the Trans-Indian Himalayas, the IHCNBT is an important institution for the preservation of this tradition. The Council, which extends from the Western Himalayas of Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti-Kinnore, Kasa (HP), Uttarkashi and Donda in Uttarkashi to the Eastern Himalayas of Sikkim, Darjeeling-Kalimon (WB) and Monyul-Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, is becoming a national force for the preservation of Himalayan Buddhism.
Rooted in the ancient Nalanda University tradition, IHCNBT focuses on preserving not only the spiritual aspects of Buddhism, such as meditation, monastic discipline, and philosophical studies, but also the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
This includes visual arts, sculpture, painting, music, dance, and architecture, all of which are integral to the Himalayan identity. The Council is committed to protecting sacred sites, ancient manuscripts, and rituals that are threatened by modern development, climate change, and external influences.
In addition to its conservation efforts, IHCNBT organizes festivals, workshops, and educational programs to bridge the gap between the local community and their heritage. The Council promotes interfaith dialogue and collaborates with local government and international organizations to ensure that this unique cultural heritage is respected and protected.
Through these efforts, the Modern Himalayan Assembly of the Nalanda tradition plays an important role in the preservation of the Himalayan way of life and global understanding.
