LEH: Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena and His Eminence Kyabje Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche participated in the prestigious SAMVAD Round Table 2026, organised by the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) in New Delhi. Both distinguished spiritual leaders from Ladakh addressed the international gathering and shared their perspectives on the significance of spirituality, India’s ancient wisdom traditions and the role of spiritual values in addressing contemporary global challenges. The international roundtable brought together an eminent assembly of spiritual leaders, Buddhist masters, religious scholars and representatives of diverse spiritual traditions from India and several countries, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Japan, Mongolia, Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Nepal. The gathering provided an important platform for interfaith dialogue, the exchange of spiritual perspectives and collective reflection on some of the most pressing challenges confronting humanity. Addressing the gathering, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena observed that we are presently living in the Century of Asia and, within Asia, he described it as the Spiritual Century. He emphasised the importance of recognising and reviving Asia’s profound spiritual heritage and its potential to guide humanity towards a more peaceful, compassionate and harmonious future. He further added, Both Hinduism and Buddhism were born in India and have travelled across the world, sharing a deep and profound cultural, spiritual and philosophical relationship. The time has come to rise beyond the boundaries of our respective sects, traditions and followers, and come together with a shared commitment to world peace and human harmony. The timeless Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family, holds the wisdom that can help save our world. We must move beyond seeing one another as different and begin recognising that, at our very core, we are all one global family, bound by our shared humanity. In support of his perspective, he quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who once observed: “It is impossible for Hindu India today to retrace her steps and go behind the great reformation that Lord Buddha effected in Hinduism.” Through this powerful historical reference, Bhikkhu Sanghasena highlighted the enduring influence of the Buddha’s teachings on India’s spiritual and philosophical traditions. He underscored the relevance of Buddhist wisdom and its universal message of compassion, non-violence, peace and understanding in addressing the challenges of the contemporary world. His Eminence Kyabje Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche also addressed the gathering, sharing his perspectives on the importance of spiritual wisdom and the relevance of ancient traditions in guiding humanity in the modern age. He further emphasised the need to inculcate spiritual values among the youth, stating that they are the future of the world and must be guided by wisdom, compassion and a strong moral foundation. His participation further enriched the dialogue, bringing the voice and spiritual heritage of Ladakh to this distinguished international platform. The SAMVAD initiative is an international endeavour inspired by the dialogue between the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. It seeks to draw upon the rich spiritual and philosophical heritage of Asia to address contemporary global challenges, particularly conflict, environmental degradation and their consequences for human civilisation. The initiative aims to promote a new paradigm of leadership rooted in mutual understanding, acceptance, compassion and universal responsibility. The 2026 roundtable witnessed the participation of several distinguished international spiritual personalities, including Most Most Ven. Madampagama Assaji Tissa Mahanayaka Thera of Sri Lanka, Most Ven. Thich Nhat Tu of Vietnam, Ven. Dr. Gankhuyag Magsarjav of Mongolia, Ven. Prof. Dr. Karma Tashi Choedron of Malaysia, Ven. Dhammadipa Ila of South Korea, and numerous eminent Hindu spiritual leaders and representatives of other Indic traditions. The proceedings commenced with a welcome address by General Anil Chauhan, Former Chief of Defence Staff and Director of the Vivekananda International Foundation, followed by the opening remarks by S. Gurumurthy, Chairman of VIF. The programme also featured an interactive session, providing participating spiritual leaders an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore collective approaches towards building a more peaceful, compassionate and sustainable world. The delegates also visited the Piprahwa Relics Museum. The SAMVAD initiative has a distinguished history of bringing together spiritual and intellectual leaders across Asia. Its first edition was organised in New Delhi in September 2015 and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, culminating in the adoption of the Bodhgaya Declaration. Subsequent editions were held in Yangon, Myanmar (2017), Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (2019), and Bangkok and Krabi, Thailand (2025), resulting in the adoption of the Yangon, Ulaanbaatar and Thailand Declarations respectively. The gathering also coincides with the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Chinmaya Mission.