New Delhi: In a profound celebration of heritage and introspection, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) inaugurated the exhibition ‘Footsteps of the Buddha: A Sacred Map’ in New Delhi today. Organized under the Brihattar Bharat and Area Studies division, the exhibition offers a contemplative journey into the life of Gautama Buddha and the spread of his teachings across Asia, through a handcrafted fibre map created after a year of intensive research and creative collaboration.
The occasion was graced by Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul as Chief Guest, whose address offered a deeply philosophical reminder:
“Before we share the Buddha’s wisdom with the world, we must first live it within ourselves.”
🗺️ A Sacred Map with a Civilisational Narrative
At the heart of the exhibition lies a meticulously crafted fibre map that brings to life the Buddha’s journey, mapping the four sacred sites—Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kusinagara—not just as historical locations, but as living realms of spiritual awakening.
The map further traces the transcontinental movement of Dharma through ancient sites such as Mathura, Gandhara, Khotan, Luoyang, Dunhuang, Yangon, Angkor Wat, and Borobudur. This expansive route highlights how Buddhist teachings shaped civilisations across South Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, guided by monks, scholars, and pilgrims.
🧘 The Essence of Dharma: From Inner Self to Global Harmony
In his keynote speech, Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul emphasized the internalization of the Buddha’s teachings:
“We cannot export gold without first possessing it; similarly, we cannot spread Dharma unless we embody compassion at home.”
He urged the audience to begin with self-awareness, familial compassion, and internal harmony, especially as the nation observes the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and ‘Year of Compassion’. Only through personal transformation, he reflected, can India truly be a spiritual beacon for the world.
🛕 Return of Buddha’s Sacred Relics: Footsteps of the Buddha
Smt. Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, shared a significant milestone: the repatriation of sacred Buddha relics from an impending international auction. The relics, now under the care of the National Museum, were brought back to India on July 30, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for cultural restoration.
She announced plans for a major exhibition that will bring together these relics with IGNCA’s sacred map—further strengthening India’s identity as the custodian of global compassion and civilisational values.
🕊️ Cultural Legacy for the Youth and the World
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, described the convergence of the relics’ return and the map’s inauguration as a “moment of profound joy”. He encouraged schools and universities to visit the exhibition, calling it a visual and philosophical invitation to self-introspection and ethical living.
Prof. Dharma Chand Choubey, Head of the South-East Asian Studies Unit, reflected that the map narrates more than geography—it captures the dedication, sacrifice, and resilience of those who carried the Buddha’s teachings across continents. It also showcases India’s civilisational influence through ethics, science, art, and knowledge.
🙏 IGNCA Reaffirms India’s Role as Vishwamitra – A Friend of the World
Closing the ceremony, Dr. Ajay Mishra extended a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the presence of monks and nuns from Vietnam and Mongolia, along with cultural dignitaries including Shri Shyam Parande, Shri Ravindra Pant, Shri Bal Mukund Pandey, and Dr. Priyanka Mishra.
The exhibition, open to the public until 15th August 2025, is not merely a visual display. It is a tribute to human journeys, the power of compassion, and the shared spiritual heritage that unites Asia. Through this exhibition, IGNCA renews India’s global message of harmony, empathy, and enduring wisdom—a timeless offering from the land of the Buddha.
Source: PIB
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