Shan State Buddhist University in Taunggyi, Myanmar, hosted a significant collaborative event with the Embassy of India on 23 March 2026. The program commenced at 08:00 with the opening of the India Corner and a specialized exhibit at the SSBU Library. Ven. Uttara, a lecturer at the university, served as the master of ceremonies for the initial proceedings. The Most Venerable Oxford Sayadaw, Prof. Dr. K. Dhammasami, delivered the official welcome address to the gathered scholars and guests. Although originally scheduled to attend in person, the Ambassador of India participated in the ceremony virtually via Zoom. The Rector Sayadaw and the Ambassador performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to formally inaugurate the India Corner, which was followed by a guided tour of the library exhibit.
At 08:30, the delegation moved to the KBZ International Meeting Hall for a comprehensive paper presentation session and seminar. The academic program opened with the traditional recitation of the Namo Tassa three times. Ven. Sumana and Ven. Kemananda moderated the morning sessions. Prof. Dr. K. Dhammasami offered a secondary welcome speech.
Fllowed by an opening address delivered by the Ambassador of India through the digital platform. The seminar featured diverse scholarly contributions focused on historical and cultural intersections between Buddhist traditions and regional heritage.
The first lecture, presented by Dr. Thein Lwin, the retired Deputy Director General of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum, addressed the iconographic importance of Buddhist mural paintings in Bagan.
U Win Kyaing, also a former Deputy Director General from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, followed with a detailed examination of the endangered pottery traditions specifically related to Buddhist alms-bowls. These presentations highlighted the critical need to document and preserve Myanmar’s religious material culture.
Following a midday break moderated by Nun Gunawati and Nang Aom Ngin, the afternoon sessions transitioned toward metaphysical and literary analysis. Dr. Arkar Moe Thu, a Professor from the Department of Oriental Studies at Yangon University, presented a paper on the ontological and epistemological perspectives of the Five Aggregates.
This philosophical inquiry was succeeded by Dr. Tin Naing Win’s presentation on the Milindapanha. His research explored the literary and colloquial theses of the text, framing it as a blueprint for problem solvers within the Myanmar tradition.
The final academic contribution came from Dr. Kyaw Min Htin, who discussed his scholarly involvement in documenting trans-frontier heritage. His presentation traced historical connections from Arakan’s Vasali to India’s Tripura, emphasizing the shared cultural bonds between Myanmar and India.
The event concluded at 15:20 with closing remarks provided by Ven. Dr. Pannabhoga, the SSBU Library Director.
This collaboration successfully strengthened the academic and cultural ties between the university and the Indian diplomatic mission.