JAMMU, Oct 8: The Department of Buddhist Studies, in collaboration with the Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch (BTSM), organised a guest lecture on the theme “Retention of Tibetan Buddhist Culture in Exile: An Inspiring Example for Global Endangered Cultures.” The lecture provided an important platform for deliberating on the resilience of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the sustained efforts of the Tibetan community to preserve its religious, cultural, linguistic and philosophical heritage in exile.
The programme commenced with Buddha Vandana, presented by Venerable Vicitassara, a Ph.D. Research Scholar from Myanmar, along with students of the Department of Buddhist Studies. Dr. Rajesh Sharma, In-charge Head of the Department of Buddhist Studies, delivered the welcome address. Aruna Tharanga, a Ph.D. Research Scholar from Sri Lanka, introduced the guest speaker and presented his biographical profile.
Addressing the gathering, Retd. Maj. Gen. Shiv Kumar Sharma, National President of BTSM and the guest speaker, stated that the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist culture in exile represents a remarkable example of cultural resilience in the contemporary world. He explained that Tibetan culture is deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy and encompasses a rich heritage of language, literature, monastic education, philosophy, meditation, rituals, traditional knowledge, art, architecture and community practices.
He observed that displacement and geographical separation from one’s homeland pose significant challenges to the continuity of cultural traditions. Nevertheless, the Tibetan community has demonstrated that cultural identity can be preserved through sustained efforts in education, religious institutions, community participation and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge.
Maj. Gen. Shiv Kumar Sharma particularly highlighted the vital role played by Tibetan monasteries, schools, cultural institutions and scholars in maintaining the continuity of Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He noted that the transmission of Buddhist philosophy, spiritual practices and cultural knowledge to younger generations has enabled the community to preserve its distinct identity while adapting to changing social and global circumstances.
He further emphasised that the Tibetan experience holds significance far beyond the Tibetan community. Across the world, numerous indigenous and traditional cultures face challenges arising from globalisation, migration, modernisation, language loss and rapid technological change. In this context, the Tibetan model of cultural preservation offers valuable lessons for communities striving to protect endangered languages, cultural traditions and traditional knowledge systems.
The lecture concluded with a renewed emphasis on the importance of preserving Tibetan Buddhist heritage and recognising cultural diversity as an invaluable resource for humanity. It was also emphasised that the Tibetan experience offers important lessons for preserving the rich cultural traditions, language, heritage and identity of the Dogra community. Concerted efforts are therefore needed to document, promote and transmit Dogra cultural heritage to future generations.
Dr. Rajesh Sharma, In-charge Head of the Department of Buddhist Studies, observed that the theme of the lecture was highly relevant to contemporary Buddhist Studies and cultural research. He stated that Tibetan Buddhism should not be understood merely as a religious tradition but as a comprehensive civilisational and cultural system that has preserved a vast body of philosophical literature, monastic traditions, artistic expressions, ethical values and traditional knowledge.
He emphasised that academic institutions have a significant responsibility to document, research and disseminate knowledge about endangered cultural traditions. Universities, he noted, can contribute through research, documentation, digital preservation, field studies, academic collaborations and cultural exchange programmes.
Dr. Sharma further explained that the Tibetan experience demonstrates the close relationship between culture, identity, education and heritage preservation. The continued transmission of Tibetan Buddhist knowledge to younger generations illustrates how education can serve as an effective instrument of cultural continuity. He also stressed the need to promote interdisciplinary research connecting Buddhist Studies with history, anthropology, cultural studies, heritage conservation and tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vivek Sharma, State President of the Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch (BTSM), Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, described the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist culture in exile as an inspiring example of determination, cultural consciousness and civilisational resilience.
Dr. Sharma remarked, “Culture is not merely a collection of traditions; it is the living identity and collective memory of a community.” He observed that the Tibetan community’s sustained efforts to preserve its language, Buddhist philosophy, monastic traditions, literature, art and cultural practices demonstrate the enduring strength of cultural identity, even under challenging circumstances.
He emphasised that the protection of Tibetan Buddhist culture should be viewed as part of the broader global effort to safeguard endangered cultures and traditional knowledge systems. Globalisation, he stated, should not lead to cultural homogenisation or the disappearance of indigenous and traditional identities. Instead, modern development must be accompanied by respect for cultural diversity, cultural rights and heritage preservation.
Dr. Sharma also highlighted the importance of creating greater awareness among younger generations about the value of cultural heritage. He stressed that academic institutions, civil society organisations and cultural bodies should work together to promote research, documentation, cultural awareness and heritage conservation. He further underscored the need to draw inspiration from the Tibetan community’s efforts to preserve its cultural identity and to apply similar approaches to safeguarding the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Dogra community.
The proceedings were conducted by Ginni Sharma and Ruchika Sharma, Ph.D. Research Scholars. Among those present were Dr. Padam Singh and Dr. Sandeep Dubey from the Department of Dogri; Dr. Ekta Kumari; Dr. Neeru Chaudhary; members of the office staff; research scholars; and students of the Department of Buddhist Studies.
The programme highlighted the importance of academic engagement, community participation and intergenerational knowledge transmission in safeguarding cultural heritage. It reinforced the message that preserving cultural diversity is a shared responsibility and an essential contribution to humanity’s collective heritage.