Ladakh Hosts Interfaith Conference in Leh on Buddha Purnima; Religious Leaders Emphasize Peace and Harmony

Ladakh: A powerful message of unity and peace echoed from the highlands of Leh as religious leaders from diverse faiths came together for an Interfaith Conference held at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Center. The event was part of a 15-day Buddha Purnima festival from 1st to 15th May, inaugurated by Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji.Themed ‘Many Faiths, One Message: PEACE’ and ‘Dialogue over Division, Harmony over Differences’, the conference aimed to promote world peace and religious harmony. Buddhist Bhikkhu Sanghasena Ji, delivered the welcome address.Key Voices from the Conference Jain Acharya Lokesh Ji,  said Jainism and Buddhism show the path to world peace through non-violence, compassion, and self-discipline. He stressed that dialogue, renunciation of greed, and mental peace are highly relevant in today’s conflict-ridden world.Buddhist Guru Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche noted that religion fosters stability by promoting morality, social justice, and community spirit, which are essential for sustainable development. He added that saints and sages have played a key role in making India divine and grand.Bhikkhu Sanghasena Ji said the gathering of diverse faith leaders in Leh has encouraged meaningful dialogue on peace, coexistence, and shared human values. “We are all dedicated to world peace and the upliftment of humanity,” he stated.Other prominent speakers included Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi Ji, Sardar Paramjit Singh Chandhok Ji, and Brahma Kumari Dr. Binny Sarin Ji.Dignitaries in Attendance 
The event saw participation from Ladakh Chief Secretary Shri Ashish Kundra; Sheikh Hasnain, Vice President of Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust; Dechen Chamga, President of Ladakh Moravian Christian Association; Ms. Bhanu Prabha (IAS), Administrative Secretary of Ladakh; Shri Sanjeet Rodrigues (IAS), Administrative Secretary of Tourism & Culture; and Ms. Sulekha Kumbhare, former Maharashtra minister and Founder of Dragon Palace Temple, Nagpur.All religious leaders were felicitated with mementos by Lt. Governor Shri V.K. Saxena Ji and organizer Bhikkhu Sanghasena Ji.Organizers & Support:
The event is organized by the UT of Ladakh Administration and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with MIMC, Ladakh Gonpa Association, Ladakh Buddhist Association, and other partners. It is supported by the National Museum, Archaeological Survey of India, International Buddhist Confederation, and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies.Monks, scholars, and devotees from across the world are attending the festival, adding global significance to the call for peace from Leh.