BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh is all set to host an international conference on Hinduism and Buddhism next month with a view to promote inter-religious dialogue and exchange of ideas.
National and international scholars will deliberate on the core concepts of the two faiths at the ‘Dharma-Dhamma’ conference to be held here from September 21-23, state culture minister Laxmikant Sharma told newsmen on Tuesday evening.
Being organized jointly by the state government and the Centre for Study of Religion and Society (CSRS), academic scholars and philosophers from over 22 countries including U K, France, Netherlands, Vietnam, China, Israel, Egypt, Indonesia and Japan, are expected to attend the congregation.
The central theme of the conference is Dharma-Dhamma which has been a pivotal and pervasive concept and an important tenet of Indian culture, commonly shared by all Indic religious traditions,” Dr Vinay Sahastrabuddhe of CSRS said.
“The principal objective behind this conference is to facilitate cross pollination of ideas and thoughts between the two ancient thought traditions,” Sahastrabuddhe said.
Thailand’s H.R.H Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will be the chief guest for the inaugural function. The foundation stone for the Sanchi University for Buddhist Studies will be laid at world-famous Sanchi town, about 45 km away from Bhopal, on September 21.
Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-22/bhopal/33321310_1_buddhism-international-conference-scholars