The rich Buddhist heritage and cultural tapestry of Arunachal Pradesh came into sharp focus during a two-day International Conclave on “Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North-East India,” organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
Held in Namsai, a district known for its deep-rooted Buddhist traditions, the event brought together scholars, spiritual leaders, and policymakers from India and abroad to discuss the enduring influence of Buddhism in the region.
Speaking at the conclave, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted the state’s unique cultural identity, particularly the continued practice of ancient Buddhist traditions by communities like the Tai Khamtis.
“Namsai stands as a living example of how centuries-old Buddhist culture is still vibrantly alive today,” Mein said. He underscored the importance of developing a dedicated Buddhist tourism circuit in the state to promote heritage, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange.
Citing the recent success of the Songpa Water Festival, a Buddhist celebration hosted by the Khamti community in Namsai, Changlang, and Itanagar, Mein said the event attracted international visitors and reflected the region’s potential as a global Buddhist tourism destination.
The Deputy Chief Minister also shed light on the historical contributions of the Tai Khamti community. He recounted how his tribe led the Anglo-Khamti War in 1839, marking what he described as “the first war of independence” against the British. “We defeated the British, but our villages were burnt down, and our people were scattered across the Northeast,” he said.
Mein also emphasized the linguistic and literary preservation efforts of his community, noting that the Khamti script (Lic Tai) has helped safeguard the Pali language and religious texts, including versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Only two ancient scripts exist in Arunachal Pradesh today: Lic Tai and Bhoti.
Praising the Mahabodhi Society for its developmental work in the region, Mein expressed hope for the establishment of a skill development centre aimed at empowering the youth of Arunachal Pradesh through education and vocational training.
