Islamabad, 10 July 2023 (WAI): The long-awaited Gandhara Symposium 2023 will begin tomorrow in Islamabad, marking a historic event in Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith understanding, tolerance, and inclusivity.
The three-day event, organized by the Department of Buddhasasana & Religious Affairs, aims to celebrate Pakistan and Nepal’s sacred Gandhara civilization and shared Buddhist heritage while fostering an environment conducive to religious harmony.
Distinguished delegates from Sri Lanka and Nepal have traveled to Pakistan to participate in the symposium. Notable attendees include Ven. Dr. Kallanchiye Rathanasiri Thero, Chief Monk of Abhayagiri Temple, Ven. Welivitiye Sujeewa Thero, Coordinator of Buddhasasana & Religious Affairs, and Nishantha, Director of Buddhasasana & Religious Affairs, from Sri Lanka.
Additionally, the Nepalese delegates, Ven. Bhikshu Kondanya and Prof. Hridaya Ratna Bajacharya also arrived in Islamabad. The presence of these revered religious and cultural figures underscores the significance of the symposium in promoting religious tourism and projecting a positive image of Pakistan to the international community.
The event aspires to raise awareness and efforts to preserve the Gandhara civilization’s rich historical and cultural heritage within Pakistan by emphasizing the holiness of the Gandhara monuments for Buddhist followers.
The Gandhara Symposium 2023 is a venue for cultural diplomacy, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and perspectives across countries. Pakistan hopes that via this historic gathering, the world will become more peaceful and tolerant by harnessing the potential of communication, understanding, and mutual respect.
The symposium strives to establish relationships and facilitate significant cooperation in cultural preservation and religious peace by bringing together participants from many nations.
Participants will explore measures to further safeguard and promote the Gandhara legacy during the symposium, participate in enlightening discussions, and share research findings. The event will include talks, roundtable discussions, and exhibitions displaying the Gandhara culture’s distinctive artifacts and archeological finds.
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Pakistan welcomes distinguished guests and thanks the representatives for participating in the Gandhara Symposium 2023. The nation appreciates its initiatives to honor the shared Buddhist past and support preserving cultural diversity.
The Gandhara Symposium 2023 exemplifies Pakistan’s dedication to promoting religious tolerance, mutual respect, and acceptance. The nation believes that embracing its rich historical and cultural heritage can help to create a more harmonious and tolerant world for future generations.
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