A panel discussion on Buddhist Philosophy was held at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in New Delhi to mark the inauguration of the Grand International Exhibition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics. The discussion provided a scholarly reflection on the philosophical, ethical and civilisational significance of the relics and reaffirmed India’s enduring role as the birthplace and moral custodian of the Buddha Dhamma.
The session was chaired by Siddharth Singh, Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Deemed University, Nalanda. The panel brought together eminent scholars including Nalin Kumar Shastri, former Registrar of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow; Bala Ganpathi from the University of Delhi; Anand Singh of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University; Rajnish Mishra of Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Ujjwal Kumar, former Head of the Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Calcutta.
In his presidential address, Siddharth Singh observed that the teachings of the Buddha spread across the world not through force or coercion, but through dialogue, ethical conduct and personal example. He emphasised that Buddhism, like other Dharma based traditions, seeks the purification of the human mind and the alleviation of suffering rather than proselytisation. He noted that the Buddha’s relics continue to sustain living traditions by connecting contemporary practitioners with the historical Buddha, and described the repatriation of the Piprahwa relics as an act of shared stewardship rather than ownership.
Nalin Kumar Shastri stated that the return of the Piprahwa relics underlines the renewed relevance of Buddhist philosophy in addressing contemporary challenges. He highlighted Buddhist teachings such as Anatta, the Brahmaviharas and Pratityasamutpada as guiding principles for ethical governance, environmental responsibility and mental well being, reinforcing India’s identity as the Motherland of Dhamma.
Anand Singh explained that relics of the Buddha and his disciples function as symbolic embodiments of the Dhamma, uniting the physical presence of the Buddha with his teachings. He noted that relic veneration played a vital role in the expansion of Buddhist sacred geography through stupas and caityas, while accommodating local cultural elements without diluting core philosophical values.
Bala Ganpathi emphasised that Buddhism’s global acceptance rests on its philosophical depth and ethical universality. He described the Piprahwa relics as living reminders of the Buddha’s message and underlined India’s civilisational responsibility in upholding and transmitting this heritage to the world.
Rajnish Mishra highlighted the deep philosophical continuities between Buddhist and classical Indian thought, noting the shared intellectual traditions of Sramanic and Brahmanical schools. He recalled that centres such as Varanasi historically nurtured dialogue, debate and philosophical refinement.
Ujjwal Kumar drew attention to the Buddha’s choice of Sarnath for delivering his first sermon and clarified key doctrinal distinctions between stupa and cetiya, explaining their central place in Buddhist ethical and devotional life.
The panel collectively acknowledged the efforts of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Culture in facilitating the repatriation of the Piprahwa relics, describing the initiative as a gesture of cultural stewardship, global goodwill and India’s enduring commitment to peace, dialogue and shared human values.
