Bodhgaya

Global Dialogues

Eighth edition of

Bodh Gaya Global Dialogues

is being meditated upon

About Us

The Bodh Gaya Global Dialogues provide a unique platform for sharing experiences, reflections, and insights from diverse perspectives bridging philosophy, heritage, and sustainability to envision a future inspired by Buddha’s legacy of enlightenment and compassion.

Organized annually by Deshkal Society the Dialogues have established themselves as a space for meaningful exchange and collaboration. Past editions have been hosted at Bodh Gaya, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi, and Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, with participation from multiple countries and partnerships spanning government institutions, academia, civil society, and the private sector.

The Global Dialogues consists of a mosaic of parallel sub-events including plenary sessions, panel discussions, talk, children programme, cultural events, film shows, award function, book launches, and heritage walks. They explore interconnected themes—Buddhist philosophy and teachings, heritage (tangible and intangible), art, architecture, and culture—brought to life through plenary sessions, panel discussions, book launches, film screenings, cultural evenings, children’s programs, and an award ceremony. Together, they weave these ideas into the contemporary imagination while fostering dialogue across traditions, disciplines, and communities.

Journey Thus Far

Our Objectives

  • To foster dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable networks with global organizations, policymakers, NGOs, practitioners, citizens, tourists, and pilgrims for safeguarding heritage and promoting sustainable development.
  • To engage schools, universities, and educators in preserving the region’s tangible and intangible heritage, ensuring education contributes to sustainable development.
  • To promote heritage tourism by connecting local communities with tourists and pilgrims, creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in Bodhgaya.
  • To strengthen networks between Bodhgaya and Southeast Asian nations, recalling shared historical and contemporary ties to safeguard heritage and encourage sustainable growth.

Words of Encouragement

Proud Associations