New Delhi: Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok of Department of Religion and Culture of Central Tibetan Administration has been elected as one of the Vice Presidents of the Governing Council of International Buddhist Confederation. Kalon Yuthok returned to Dharamsala after attending the two-day General Assembly Meeting of International Buddhist Confederation held in Delhi from 10 -11 December.
Chief guest Shri Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of State for Home Affair, Government of India, and spiritual heads of the Cambodia and Bangladesh and Kyabji Gaden Tri Rinpoche, Tibetan representative graced the inaugural ceremony of the General Meeting. The morning session of the meeting began with screening the video message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama followed by welcome speech by Professor Kyabje Samdhong Rinpoche, the presiding president of IBC.
Shri Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of State for Home Affair gave the keynote address. In the afternoon session, the Chairman of electoral committee introduced the voting procedure and then voted new President, Vice President and Members of Governing Council of IBC. Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok has been elected as one of the Vice President of the Governing Council.
General Assembly Meeting of International Buddhist Confederation in progress. Photo/Department of Religion and Culture
The second day of the meeting dwelled on discussion on the topic “Buddhist Heritage, Asokan Legacy and Way Forward for IBC” where many scholars and researchers debated and presented research papers on various issues. During the session a video message of Gyalwang Karmapa Rinpoche was screened and a reading of message from Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and Drikung Kyabgon Chetrsang Rinpoche.
The International Buddhist Confederation was formed in autumn of 2010, during Ven. Lama Lobzang’s visit to Sri Lanka. Some respected Sangha members suggested that India host a large-scale international Buddhist conference. The planning then began for one of the largest international gatherings of Buddhists ever to take place on Indian soil – the Global Buddhist Congregation. The purpose of this body is to create a role for Buddhism on the global stage so as to help to preserve our heritage, share our knowledge, and promote our values and to represent a united front for Buddhism to enjoy meaningful participation in the global discourse.
-Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture-
General Assembly Meeting of International Buddhist Confederation in progress. Photo/Department of Religion and Culture
Governing Council and General Assembly Meeting of International Buddhist Confederation at Delhi, 10 – 11 December 2017. Photo/Facebook