Trilok Singh
On the occasion of the inauguration of the Grand International Exhibition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a scholarly panel discussion on “Buddhist Philosophy” was organised at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi.
The session was chaired by Prof. Siddharth Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara. The panel featured eminent scholars, including Prof. Nalin Kumar Shastri, former Registrar, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University; Prof. Bala Ganpathi, Department of Philosophy, University of Delhi; Prof. Anand Singh, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University; Prof. Rajnish Mishra, Department of Sanskrit, Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Prof. Ujjwal Kumar, former Head, Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Calcutta.
In his presidential address, Prof. Siddharth Singh observed that the Buddha’s teachings spread across the world through dialogue, ethical conduct, and personal example rather than force or coercion. He noted that Buddhism, like other Dharma-based traditions, focuses on the purification of the mind and the alleviation of suffering rather than proselytisation. Emphasising the continuing relevance of the Buddha’s relics, he said they sustain living traditions by linking contemporary practitioners to the historical Buddha, adding that the repatriation of the Piprahwa relics signifies shared stewardship rather than ownership.
Prof. Nalin Kumar Shastri described the repatriation as reflective of the renewed relevance of Buddhist philosophy for peace and integrated national development. He highlighted the contemporary significance of concepts such as Anattā, the Brahmavihāras, and Pratītyasamutpāda in promoting ethical governance, environmental sustainability, mental well-being, and global harmony, reaffirming India’s civilisational role as the Motherland of Dhamma.
Prof. Anand Singh stated that the relics of the Buddha and his disciples serve as symbolic embodiments of the Dhamma, integrating the living presence of the Buddha with his teachings. He noted that relic veneration expanded Buddhist sacred geography through stūpas and caityas while accommodating local cultural elements without diluting core philosophical values.
Prof. Bala Ganpathi underlined that Buddhism’s global acceptance lies in its philosophical depth and ethical universality. Referring to the Piprahwa relics as living reminders of the Buddha’s message, he observed that Buddhist philosophy offers a practical and humane framework for peace, coexistence, and moral clarity in an increasingly fragmented world.
Prof. Rajnish Mishra highlighted the philosophical and textual continuities between Buddhist and classical Indian thought, pointing to the shared intellectual milieu of Śramaṇic and Brāhmaṇical traditions and the historic role of centres such as Varanasi in fostering dialogue and debate.
Prof. Ujjwal Kumar spoke on the Buddha’s choice of Sarnath for delivering his first sermon and explained key doctrinal distinctions between stūpa and cetiya, noting that both occupy a central place in Buddhist ethical and devotional life.
The panel collectively acknowledged the efforts of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Minister of Culture in facilitating the repatriation of the Piprahwa relics, describing it as a gesture of cultural stewardship, global goodwill, and India’s enduring commitment to peace and shared human values.
(With inputs from the Ministry of Culture).
