Dahung
Chief Minister Pema Khandu assured government’s support and cooperation in promoting and preserving already existing indigenous scripts and those being developed for teaching in schools of the state. This he said is of utmost necessity for existence and propagation of the indigenous languages that are facing the onslaught of modernisation by creating a disconnect between the younger generation and their mother tongues.
Attending the closing function of the three-day National Conference on Buddhist Education at the Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS) here today in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, CM Khandu said preservation of culture roots from knowledge and fluency in languages of respective communities.
He informed preservation and promotion of indigenous languages through teaching of the same in their original scripts in schools has been amply emphasized in the recent budget announcement.
Speaking on significance of Buddhist education, Khandu said basically it aims at personality transformation into highest form of humanity through ethical, intellectual and spiritual perfection. The main aim of Buddhist Education is to make a free man, an intelligent man, a wise, moral, talented, non-violent and secular man.
“It also teaches absolute equality which stems from Buddha‘s recognition that all sentient beings possess this innate wisdom and nature. Buddha‘s teaching helps us to realize that innate, perfect, ultimate wisdom. With wisdom, we can then solve all our problems and turn suffering into happiness,” Khandu pointed.
He expressed gratitude to the Union Ministry of Culture for organising the conference at a small place as CIHCS, Dahung and expressed hope that the three-day conference was a fruitful one.
Khandu, a Buddhist himself, said Buddhism started in India and is one of the earliest religions, and its teachings are applied even today. He said Buddhism gave way to a new form of education that involved living a noble life, and it created the foundations of the modern education system. He called for concerted efforts to spread the teachings of Buddhism that may be the solution to many evils and ills prevailing in today’s world.
Congratulating all attending the conference from various places, Khandu hoped their papers on various themes and sub-themes will be incorporated in a single resolution that will be a guiding force for the path forward. He assured to consider suggestions put forward to the state government and also take up with the central government if needed.
Present on the occasion were Advisor to CM Japu Deru, Parliamentary Secretary Kumsi Sidisow, MLA Tsering Tashi, Abbot of Namgyal Monastery Thamthog Rinpoche, Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation Dr Dhammapiya, CIHCS Director Geshe Ngawang Tashi Bapu and officers of the district administration.
