Srinagar, Oct 7: Bringing together esteemed international scholars on Buddhist studies and philosophy, the 9th Annual Conference of the Indian Society for Buddhist Studies organized by Kashmir University’ Department of Sanskrit in collaboration with Indian Society of Buddhist Studies New Delhi, concluded here today.
 The minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawag Ringzan  Jora, was the chief guest at the valedictory event while the vice-chancellor KU, Prof Riyaz Punjabi, presided over the function.  The chairman India Council for Philosophical Research, Prof R Krishna Rao, the member secretary ICPR, Prof Godawari Mishra, chairman INTACH Kashmir chapter, M Saleem Beigh, registrar KU, Prof S Fayyaz and the head Department of Sanskrit, Prof Satyabama Razdan were present on the dice.
 Expressing satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the conference, Prof Punjabi said that in the current world of economic crisis finding inner wealth is a valuable spiritual gift. “Most important yet, is to find the balance between inner and outer wealth,” he said.
 Talking about his experiences in France, he said, that most sought after subject there after graduation was still philosophy. The VC said that he was overwhelmed the way Buddhist scholars from length and breadth of India presented their papers on the Buddhist philosophy.
 Jora while asserting that his ministry was committed to push forward tourism and culture in J&K, said, “Kashmir will be priority as it has suffered worst in the past 20-years of turmoil.”
 Salem Beigh talked about the influences on Buddhism on the contemporary life of Kashmir and said that most of the Buddhist architecture reminds ‘us of our past ‘.
 Prof. Fayyaz, stressed the need to go back to the past to seek guidance and wisdom in matters related to spiritual nourishment. He also assured the house that the university was working tirelessly towards the progress of horizons of knowledge in such important areas. “Department of Sanskrit, Institute of Kashmir Studies, and the Centre for Central Asian studies are already doing much work on Buddhism and they need to work in Co-ordination in this area,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Oct 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Oct 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 IST