In a poignant fusion of military splendour and spiritual grace, delegations of Buddhist monks and nuns representing 40 countries were guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations yesterday.
Invited specially to witness the grand parade along Kartavya Path, monks—fresh from the second Global Buddhist Summit held in New Delhi on January 24-25—embodied the timeless Buddhist values of peace, compassion, harmony, and social justice amid displays of India’s defence capabilities.
The summit, organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in partnership with India’s Ministry of Culture under the theme “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence,” brought together Buddhist leaders, scholars, and practitioners to address contemporary global challenges. The presence of these monastics at the Republic Day event highlights India’s recognition of Buddhism’s enduring influence on democratic ideals, ethical governance, and peaceful coexistence.
Particularly noteworthy for our readers is the active participation of a respected monk, and other delegates from the Kingdom of Bhutan. Their involvement in the Global Buddhist Summit and subsequent invitation to the Republic Day parade underscores the profound spiritual and cultural bonds between Bhutan and India.
Both nations share a deep-rooted Vajrayana Buddhist heritage, and this gesture further strengthens the exemplary India-Bhutan friendship, characterised by mutual respect, close cooperation, and shared commitment to Gross National Happiness and peace.
