International Anti-War and Peace Conference Held at Visva-Bharati. Scholars, Monastics, and Cultural Icons from Across Asia Participate
By Suman Munshi
Santiniketan, November 23, 2025:
Visva-Bharati University’s Department of Buddhist Studies, in collaboration with the Kolkata-based Buddhist, philosophical, and humanist organization Siddhartha United Social Welfare Mission (SUSWM), hosted a two-day International Anti-War and Peace Conference on November 21–22 at the Lipika Auditorium in Santiniketan.
The conference drew participation from a wide range of countries, including India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, Russia, Thailand, Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Buddhist monks and nuns, scholars, researchers, and academic delegates joined hands with distinguished personalities from the worlds of art, literature, music, and culture, giving the event a richly international and interdisciplinary character.
Across the two days, sessions focused on Buddhist philosophy, non-violence, global peacebuilding, ethical living, and the relevance of Buddhist thought in contemporary society. Several panel discussions, keynote lectures, and cultural presentations highlighted the role of spiritual and cultural traditions in promoting global harmony.
The organizers also conferred certificates of honour, distinguished medals, and honorary D.Litt degrees from international universities upon eminent monks, nuns, and notable contributors from various fields.
The event was led by Dr. Prof. Harekrishna Mishra, Head of the Department of Buddhist Studies at Visva-Bharati, and Dr. Buddha Priya Mahathero, Chairperson of SUSWM, both of whom emphasized the urgent global need for dialogue rooted in peace, compassion, and human values.
“Buddhist philosophy offers an enduring framework for peace. This conference aims to globalize that message,” they said.
Among the honorees was Dr. Palash Bandyopadhyay, physician, writer, and humanist, who received a Literary Award, a Peace Award, and an Honorary D.Litt. His bilingual poetry collection “Thoughts of the Moments”, written during the pandemic, along with his broader body of humanitarian literature, was cited as the inspiration behind the recognition.
