The Embassy of India in Thailand in association with Triratnabhoomi Society and International Buddhist Confederation organises the event “BUDDHABHOOMI – JOURNEY ALONG THE FOOTSTEPS OF BUDDHA: An exposition of Buddhist Heritage Circuit of India” at The EmQuartier, Bangkok from 26 – 28 August 2022. It was held as part of year long g commemoration of 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and India.  

   The 3-days event received overwhelming response with more than 7,000 people from all walks of society including Senior monks government leaders and officials, leading business organizations, academics, artists, students and others participating. The live streaming of the event on various social media channels had also received 100,000 views. On the opening day, H. E Mr. ItthipolKunplome, Hon. Minister of Culture of Thailand graciously presided over as Chief Guest and gave the inaugural speech. Hon. Minister of Culture and Tourism of Madhya Pradesh, India Sushri Usha Thakur also addressed the gathering as Guest of Honour. In addition, tourism representatives from different states of India, Thai dignitaties, Honorary Consul from more than 10 countries and heads of various  associations attended the event. In his address Culture Minister ItthipolKhunplome said “The Exhibition on restoration of Ajanta paintings and restoration technique used at more than 2,000 years old Ajanta Caves by Mr. Prasad Panwar, Indian Painter and Archaeologist, with support of the Indian Government is an interesting initiative which can be considered as a model for conservation and restoration of mural paintings in Thailand which are in damaged condition”.

   On the second day, the event witnessed much vibrancy with opening address by Mr. Inthaporn Chan-eam, Deputy Director of National Office of Buddhism and Dharma talk by PhraKhruWinaithornKittichaiYanwattago, Chairperson of Buddha Mahametta Foundation and Bunyanupab Foundation. The Venerable shared his experiences on bringing Buddhists to India for pilgrimage and then visited the Buddhist calligraphy exhibition “Sutra in Syllables” by JamyangDorjee from Sikkim, “Ajanta Relief by laye artist M.R. Pimpare and photographic exhibition “Monasteries of Himalayas” as well as pavilions on Buddhist sites in 8 states across India. A large number of Buddhist monks including Abbots of various temples also viewed the exhibitions. “This exhibition is a major event which enables the Buddhists, especially in Thailand become aware of other important Buddhist sites in India. This can be considered as imparting wisdom to the Buddhists and I would like to convey my appreciation to the Embassy of India, Bangkok for recognizing significance of this event and to Triratnabhoomi Society and especially Mr. Gagan Malik whom I gave teachings when he was ordained as a monk PhraAsoko in Thailand several months ago”, said PhraKhruWinaithorn. 

   In addition, several senior Buddhist monks including PhraDharmapiya, Secretary of International Buddhist Confederation, PhraThepworakhun, Abbot of Wat Baromniwas, PhraAcharnKananat, Abbot of Wat MangkornKamalawas, PhraRachapandit, Assistant Abbot of Wat Thatthong, PhraWinaiSuthi, Assistant Abbot of Wat Thatthong, PhraSophonvachirabhorn, Director of Missionary Monk College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and PhraKhruNoranartChetiyapirak, Acting Abbot of Wat Thai Kushinagar. In this connection, Most Ven. PhraMedhivajirodom, President of Vimuttiyalaya and PhraKhruPariyatBodhiviites, Spokesperson of Thai Missionary Monks in India-Nepal, Prof. Dr. ChedhaTingsanchali, expert in Thai-Indian art and culture from Silpakorn University, Mr. BenoyBehl, archaeologist, photographer and expert in Buddhist art of ancient India also gave the talks and participated in panel discussions.

  On the third day, there were 4 talks by Most Venerable PhraDhammashakyavongvisudhi, Deputy Abbot of Wat Bawornnivesvihar and Vice Rector of Mahamakutrajvidyalaya University, Most Venerable PhraBodhinandhamuni, Head of Missionary Monks in India-Nepal, AcharnSujinBorihanvanaketh. During the evening session the song ‘A Divine Surrender’, sung by JernjernBoonsoongnern and written by Shri RajkumarBadole, former Minister of Social Justice of Maharashtra was launched. The event concluded with lucky draw of air tickets sponsored by Thai Smile and Thai Viet Jet. 

28 August 2022

Bangkok