GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION PUBLIC RELATIONS & PRINTING NAHARLAGUN

NO.IPR(PR)86/2000 Dated Naharlagun the April 29, 2005

Press Release (No. 229)

NAHARLAGUN, April 28- The Director Central Institute for higher Tibetan studies, Varanasi, Prof. G.N. Santanmi has said that Budhism is well taught and relevant as it transcends with time and the value would remain the same in all time viz present, past, and future. He was speaking at the two day National Level Seminar organized by the Centre for Studies in Civilization, New Delhi on the theme "BUDDHISM : WITH REFERENCE TO MODERN CONTEXT at Yid Ga-Choezin Gonpa, Tawang on April 26 last. He said that Buddha taught reality of phenomena and it deals with the vary nature of human being and his teachings are more relevant in today's context as human suffering is increasing day by day, reports DIPRO Tawang.
While highlighting the significance of Buddhism, Prof. Santanmi informed that many scientists, medical practitioners, Mathematicians are taking been interest in exploring the Buddha's philosophy and are having dialogues with His Holiness Dalai Lama and urged upon the Buddhist scholars and monks to be receptive of any kind of good inspiration and source of other religion so as to make Buddhism more relevant and wider.Earlier Octogenarian Prof. N.H Santami, President Award winner from Varanasi , Uttar Pradesh who inaugurated the seminar advocated that the Buddha's teachings is beneficial to all and has more relevant in today's life. He was overwhelmed on coming to Tawang and visiting Monastery and stated that it was his life long dream comes true. He considered Tawang a wonder place with magic of beauty. 

The Deputy Commissioner Kapa Kholie in his welcome address narrated the historical aspects of Tawang and said that Tawang is getting exposure to the outside world for its cultural heritage and quoted the line of famous philosopher Socrates that "I want to know the thing I do not know". He hoped that such seminar in the district would go a long way in flourishing Buddhism in the state as well as in other parts of the country. All total 21 eminent scholars from Delhi, Chandigarh, Pune, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Gauhati, Arunachal University, Chowkam, Dahung, Bomdila college attended the Seminar. During the technical session of the two day seminar many scholars presented their papers : Prof Samgasen Singh on Human Rights as Reflected in 'Samacya-Phalasuttar',Prof. Karunesh Shukla on Buddhism in modern context, Prof. S.S. Bahulkar on Right
speech (Sammvaca),Prof. Bimalendra Kumar on Theravada Buddhism in modern context, Prof. Geshe Yeshe Thabke on challenges before Humanity: A Buddhist perspective, Prof. N.H. Santami on Growing Influence of Buddhism: Latest Trends in west, Prof. Rekha Jhanji on Inter Being and being mindfulness, Prof. Dharmanad Sharma on Sadhana in Kedarkand: with reference to Modern Context, Prof. Lalji on Role of Tibetans in the History of Chinese Buddhism, Prof.Shibnath Sharma on Recent Trends of  Buddhism in Japan, Prof Rajendra Nath Sharma on Buddhism and Indo-Japan concern.

Scholars from Arunachal also presented their papers based on their extensive research and study on Arunachal Buddhism including, Prof. Nilima Sharma on Buddhism in North-East, Prof. S. Dutta on Buddhism among the Singphos, Dr. Byomkesh Tripatty on Theravada Buddhism among the khamtis of Arunachal, Mr. C.N.Namchoom on Buddhism in Modern Context
with reference to Arunachal. While replying to a question asked by Rev. TG Rinpoche, Prof Santanmi stated that the younger generations must be well informed of different dress codes of the monks and said that wearing different colours depends
on the climatic condition where the monks lives adding that most important substantial thing is to follow the rule in vinaya.
In his valedictory address Prof. Santanmi urged upon the Rev. T.G Rinpoche, and others to conduct such seminar from time to time so that the knowledge on Buddhism could be increased. On the occasion, the children of Monjushree Vidyapeeth, Tawang filled the house with melodious Patriotic song " SUBH SWAGATAM, ANAND MANGALAM"for the delegates and Mangalacharan by the Monks of Tawang Monastery. Among others the Seminar was attended by all the Officers,
Public, leaders and Monks of Tawang district, the report added. 

(Purabi Taikam)
PRO,DIPR