<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">GANGTOK, (IPR):</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif""> GovernorOm Prakash Mathur inaugurateda photo exhibition, titled “Alexandra David-Neel: A Journey into Buddhism (1912–1916)”,at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), Deorali today.The exhibition features photographs from the collection of Maison Alexandra David-Neel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">In his address, Governor Om Prakash Mathur stated that the exhibition brings out the life and contributions of Alexandra David-Neel and her role in introducing Buddhist philosophy from India to the Western world through her writings. He noted that she spent over three years in Sikkim, where she interacted with people across sections of society, including the royal family and the public.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">He further stated that her stay in Sikkim contributed to her understanding of Buddhist philosophy, spiritual practice and the Tibetan language, and laid the foundation for her later journeys and writings. He added that her interaction with local scholars strengthened her knowledge, which later supported her journey to Lhasa and her work in presenting Buddhist thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">The Governor stated that Sikkim represents a centre of spirituality, culture and knowledge, and that Buddhist teachings have shaped the social and cultural life of the State.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">On the occasion, he expressed gratitude to the Government of India for announcing the Buddhist Circuit Development Scheme for the North-East in the Union Budget. He stated that the initiative will support the promotion of Buddhism and provide scope to showcase the cultural and spiritual heritage of Sikkim and the North-Eastern region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">He further stated that the legacy of Alexandra David-Neel and Sikkim’s association with Buddhist traditions adds relevance to the scheme. He expressed confidence that the initiative will support cultural identity and the preservation of heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">The Governor congratulated the Embassy of France, the French Institute in India, the Embassies of Belgium and Switzerland, and all officials involved in organising the exhibition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">Ambassador of France to India, Dr. Thierry Mathou expressed his pleasure at being part of the exhibition and stated that such initiatives strengthen cultural understanding and academic exchange. He stated that the life and work of Alexandra David-Neel continues to hold importance in strengthening cultural connections between India and Europe. He also appreciated the efforts of Research Consultant, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Convenor of the Exhibition-cum-Symposium, Dr Anna BalikciDenjongpa, for curating and organising the exhibition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">NIT director Dr.Passang D.Phempustated that the exhibition reflects the institute’s continued engagement in research and cultural documentation. He also expressed gratitude to the collaborating institutions and partners for their support in organising the exhibition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">Dr. Anna BalikciDenjongpa, a research consultant at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and the convenor of the exhibition-cum-symposium, presented an introduction to the exhibition. She outlined its concept, highlighted the historical context of Alexandra David-Neel’s association with Sikkim, and explained the significance of the photographic collection and its documentation. She also informed the gathering about the objectives of the exhibition and its role in promoting research and cultural understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">The programme included the screening of a documentary, titled "Alexandra David-Néel: From Sikkim to Forbidden Tibet".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"">The exhibition was attended by Princess AshiKesangWangmoWangchuck of Bhutan, Ambassador of Switzerland to India, Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Belgium to India, Didier Vandenhasselt, French Institute in India country director GrégorTrumel, Consul General of France in Kolkata, Thierry Morel, along with delegates, officials and research scholars.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif""> </span></p>
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