Universal Day of Compassion – 91st birthday day celebration at the Regional Coordination Center (RCC) of ABCP, Mongolian temple, Bodhgaya, India

The Indian National Center of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) celebrated ‘Universal day of Compassion’ at its Regional Coordination Center, Mongolian Temple, Bodhgaya, on 6 July 2026 to commemorate the 91^st Birthday of Dalai Lama.

The event, themed “The Role of Compassion in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution,” was attended by around participants including eminent scholars, Buddhist intellectuals, monks and lay persons from several Asian countries. The gathering reflected on the relevance of compassion in addressing contemporary global challenges and promoting peace and mutual understanding.

Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodhgaya graced the gathering as Chief Guest. Distinguished speakers include Prof. Godabarisha Mishra, Dean, School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions, Nalanda University; Prof. Dhamma Jyoti Bhante; Kabir Saxena, FPMT, ; and Venerable Ngawang, President, International Buddhist Council (IBC), Bodhgaya.

In his welcome remarks, Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo, Secretary ABCP India National Center (INC) conveyed that ABCP shares a long and cherished association with the Dalai Lama. ABCP-INC recalls his participation in the Third General Assembly (GA) of ABCP in New Delhi in 1974 and the Fifth GA in Ulaanbaatar in 1979, which marked his historic first visit to Mongolia and the former Soviet Union. More recently, at the 12th GA of ABCP held in New Delhi in January 2024, ABCP unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing His Holiness as the “Supreme Leader of the Buddhist World” and proclaiming 6^th July as the “Universal Day of Compassion.” This reflected the profound respect and gratitude felt across the Buddhist world for his lifelong dedication to peace, non-violence, interfaith harmony, and universal responsibility.  He says that the Universal Day of Compassion is being observed not only in Bodhgaya but across many countries.

Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo mentioned several important initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to preserve and promote Buddhist heritage. The recognition of Pali as a Classical Indian Language acknowledges its foundational contribution to India’s intellectual traditions. Equally significant has been the return of the sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha after 127 years. Their recent public exposition in New Delhi reflects India’s commitment to honouring the Buddha’s legacy and strengthening ties with Buddhist communities worldwide.

On behalf of all twenty National Centers of ABCP, he offered heartfelt prayers for the good health and long life of Dalai Lama.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sahay conveyed that she wishes IIM Bodhgaya be known for mindfulness. She recalled her interaction with the Dalai Lama and his contribution in IIM Bodhgaya and stressed upon the integration of Buddhist values in to IIM curriculum. She also invited the Buddhist intellectuals and monks to interact with IIM Bodhgaya for finding ways for a better society.

Commenting on the Nalanda tradition of Buddhism, Prof. Godabarisha Mishra and Prof. Dhammajyoti advocated for India’s Buddhist legacy. They spoke on the relevance of Nalanda tradition of Buddhism and the steps taken by their universities (Nalanda university) for promotion of Buddhist values and ethics.

The other speakers commented on the life of Dalai Lama and his contributions for the humanity. They urged the audience to follow the teachings of HH The Dalai Lama for cessation of suffering and to be compassionate.

Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo

Deputy Secretary General-ABCP

Secretary, ABCP Indian National Center.

July 7, 2026