India has once again lit the lamp of global peace and spiritual unity. Through a powerful exhibition, the nation invites us to walk in the footsteps of the Buddha.
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has launched a profound exhibition titled “Footsteps of the Buddha: A Sacred Map.” This artistic and research-based journey is not just about places. It’s about values—compassion, peace, and self-transformation.
A Visual Pilgrimage into the Buddha’s Life
The exhibition features a hand-crafted fibre map that tells a powerful story. It highlights the four sacred sites of Buddhism—Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kusinagara. These are not just destinations; they are milestones in a soul’s awakening.
More than geography, these places reflect the journey from Prince Siddhartha to the Buddha. The map then stretches far and wide—from Mathura to Dunhuang, from Borobudur to Angkor Wat. It charts how the Buddha’s message spread across Asia through monks, pilgrims, and scholars.
“Live the Dharma Before You Share It”
Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul, the Chief Guest at the launch, delivered a message that echoed deeply. “Before we share the Buddha’s wisdom with the world, we must first live it within ourselves,” he said. He stressed that compassion begins at home—with our own happiness and the joy of our families.
Just like one must possess gold before offering it, he reflected, we must embody the Buddha’s compassion before preaching it. This year, as we mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the exhibition aligns with India’s observance of the Year of Compassion.
India Reclaims a Sacred Legacy
One of the most emotional moments tied to the exhibition was the return of sacred relics of the Buddha from an upcoming international auction. With the intervention of the Ministry of Culture and Godrej Industries, these relics were respectfully repatriated to India on July 30, 2025.
These relics will soon be part of a major upcoming exhibition, uniting spiritual history with artistic excellence. Smt. Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, noted this as a proud reflection of India’s civilisational responsibility.
Young India Must See This
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, shared a vision for the future. He encouraged schools and colleges to bring students to the exhibition. He believes it is a chance to understand not only history, but a philosophy that can guide today’s youth in their pursuit of happiness and self-awareness.
“The more we engage with the Buddha’s life, the more we turn inward,” he said. His words remind us that peace and wisdom aren’t found outside—they grow within.
The Dharma’s Path Across Civilisations
Professor Dharma Chand Choubey elaborated on how this map is more than just a graphic. It’s a civilisational narrative that spans deserts, seas, and centuries. It shows how monks and scholars spread the Dharma at great personal risk and cost.
This was not just a religious movement. It was a wave of ethics, knowledge, art, and culture that tied together distant lands—from India to China, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
Compassion, Courage, and Cultural Continuity
The exhibition is deeply human. It tells stories of courage and devotion. It honours people who gave up everything to carry a message of peace. Through this journey, India emerges not just as the birthplace of the Buddha, but as Vishwamitra—a friend to the world.
Dr. Ajay Mishra concluded the event with a vote of thanks. He called the map a living testament to a timeless truth—the world needs compassion more than ever. And India stands ready to offer it.
Why This Matters Today
In our fast-moving, conflict-prone world, this exhibition offers a pause. It invites us to reflect. To heal. To look within. And to remember that peace begins with self-awareness and compassion.
As the sacred fibre map remains open to the public until August 15, 2025, it is more than an exhibition. It is an invitation to start a journey—not just across lands, but within hearts.
