New York– The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York marked the International Day of Vesak on Friday with a distinguished panel discussion titled “Teachings of Gautama Buddha – A Path to Internal and Global Peace.”
The event brought together senior diplomats, scholars, and spiritual leaders, highlighting the enduring relevance of Lord Buddha’s teachings in confronting modern global challenges.
Announcing the event on its official social media handle, the Mission posted: “IndiaUNNewYork organized a Panel Discussion on ‘Teachings of Gautama Buddha – a Path to Internal and Global Peace’ to commemorate the International Day of Vesak.”
The panel included Permanent Representatives and senior diplomats from several Buddhist-majority nations, including Vietnam, Lao PDR, Thailand, Bhutan, Mongolia, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Russia. Their participation underscored the shared spiritual and cultural heritage rooted in Buddhism and its universal message.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, opened the session by emphasizing the global significance of Buddha’s teachings.
“Lord Buddha’s message of compassion, non-violence, and wisdom offers a path to both inner peace and global harmony in a world plagued by crises and suffering,” he said, pointing to the need for deeper spiritual reflection in today’s geopolitics.
Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University—an institution deeply connected to the historical legacy of Buddhism—spoke about the timeless nature of Buddha’s teachings. Professor Santosh Kumar Raut also contributed by exploring how Buddhist philosophy can help humanity navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century.
Vesak, the most sacred day for millions of Buddhists worldwide, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha—all of which are believed to have occurred on the full moon day in May.
In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized the International Day of Vesak through Resolution 54/115, honoring Buddhism’s significant contributions to global spirituality and peace.
Friday’s event served as a powerful reminder that the path illuminated by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago continues to guide individuals and nations toward personal growth, mutual understanding, and collective peace—principles that remain profoundly relevant today. (Source: IANS)
