India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York marked the International Day of Vesak on Friday by hosting a panel discussion titled “Teachings of Gautama Buddha – A Path to Internal and Global Peace.”

The event brought together diplomats, scholars, and spiritual leaders to reflect on the continued relevance of Lord Buddha’s message in today’s troubled world.

Representatives from Buddhist-majority nations—including Vietnam, Thailand, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Mongolia—attended the discussion, reaffirming the spiritual and cultural bonds uniting these countries.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized the global relevance of the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, non-violence, and inner peace.

Speakers included Nalanda University’s Interim Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh and Prof. Santosh Kumar Raut, who both highlighted how Buddhist philosophy offers guidance in addressing modern global challenges.

Vesak, recognized by the UN since 1999, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha—all of which occurred on the same full moon day in May.

The event underscored how Buddha’s teachings continue to inspire personal and collective transformation across cultures and continents.