Udayagiri: The second Guru Padmasambhava Prayer Ceremony and International Buddhist Conference was held at the Udayagiri Buddhist Complex in Jajpur district on Wednesday, offering a platform that brought together scholars, monks, and cultural leaders from across Asia.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighted the State government’s vision for a comprehensive, long-term development plan for major Buddhist sites. The strategy goes beyond conservation, placing equal focus on infrastructure, research, tourism, and community participation alongside heritage protection.
“Not only heritage conservation, but our government is also emphasizing spiritual perspectives, infrastructure development, research, and community participation. This conference commemorates the remarkable role of Guru Padmasambhava in the propagation and dissemination of Buddhism across the entire Asia,” Parida noted.
The gathering paid tribute to Guru Padmasambhava, whose influence shaped the spread of Buddhism across Asia. Organisers described the event as a moment to reflect on his enduring legacy – spiritual, cultural, and scholarly.
The event underscored Odisha’s growing role as a centre for Buddhist learning. With more than 1,200 monks, scholars, and researchers arriving from around the world, the State government arranged accommodation and support for all delegates, Parida said in a post on X.
Senior dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister for Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature and Culture, along with Amar Kumar Nayak, MLA from Barchana. Also present were Tourism Director Deepankar Mahapatra, Jajpur District Collector Ambar Kumar Kar, Jigme Rinpoche, KG Dorjee Rinpoche, Dr. Wangmo Dixey, Dr. Richard Dixey, Professor Purnachandra Mallik (LBDFA Odisha), Dr. Subrata Kumar Prusty, Prabir Kumar Pattnayak, and other distinguished representatives from India and abroad.
Officials said Odisha’s plans aim to strengthen the Buddhist circuit at sites such as Udayagiri, Ratnagiri, and Lalitgiri – locations that together form one of India’s oldest monastic clusters. The State believes integrated development can help transform the region into a global destination for spiritual tourism, academic study, and cultural exchange.
Attending delegates also toured facilities set up by the government for participants, reflecting Odisha’s commitment to preserving heritage and enabling greater public engagement in the state’s Buddhist legacy.
