ISLAMABAD: A thought-provoking and enlightening event, the Gandhara Symposium-2023, centred around the theme of “Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan,” is set to commence today, July 11.
This symposium is a collaborative effort between the esteemed PM Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, according to local media.
Spanning three days, the Gandhara symposium will feature a series of stimulating sessions, including the inaugural and concluding sessions, four focused discussions on Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan, a Round-table gathering, visits of Taxila and Peshawar Museums, and a captivating cultural evening.
The esteemed Inaugural Session will be graced by the presence of President Dr Arif Alvi, who will address the symposium as chief guest. Joining him will be Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Minister of State and Chairman of the PM Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, serving as the distinguished guest of honour.
The highly anticipated Concluding Session will feature an address by Senator Talha Mahmood, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, as per a press release issued by the ISSI on Monday.
The symposium will bring together renowned speakers from Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, and Pakistan. Notable personalities such as faith leaders, archaeologists, curators, experts, religious scholars, academicians, and prominent stakeholders from Pakistan’s tourism industry will contribute their valuable insights and reflections on the magnificence of Gandhara civilization and the Buddhist Heritage.
Situated predominantly in present-day Pakistan, the Gandhara Civilization once thrived in a region that served as a vibrant crossroads for ancient trade routes.
Among the remarkable legacies of the Gandhara civilization, its artistic creativity stands out. Through captivating paintings, sculptures, coins, pottery, and its profound connection with Buddhism, the rediscovered cities of Gandhara showcased the well-structured and modern lives of its people.
The preservation and promotion of the Buddhist Gandhara heritage remain of utmost significance to Pakistan. Leveraging the power of digital and social media, alongside other mediums, holds tremendous potential to showcase the Buddhist Gandhara heritage to the world, ensuring its enduring legacy.
The sacred sites, sculptures, and artifacts of Gandhara transcend time and serve as sources of inspiration for faithful followers and curious tourists from every corner of the globe.
At the heart of the Gandhara Symposium lies a crucial objective: to raise awareness about Gandhara and cultivate a deep appreciation for Pakistan’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, both within the nation and beyond its borders.
Moreover, the symposium aims to explore new initiatives that strengthen Pakistan’s cultural diplomacy endeavours and foster tourism, with a particular emphasis on faith tourism in Pakistan.
In light of these aspirations, the ISSI takes immense pride in collaborating with the PM Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, the Government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and other relevant departments and institutions to bring forth the Gandhara Symposium 2023.
