New Delhi: In a significant cultural event, the National Museum, New Delhi, in collaboration with Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM), Nalanda, and the Light of the Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI), India, hosted the release and special screening of two powerful documentaries that illuminate India’s rich Buddhist legacy.
The films—Nalanda: A Journey through Time and Gurpã: The Last Footsteps of Mahakasyapa—were screened at the National Museum Auditorium, drawing audiences that included scholars, monks, diplomats, and culture enthusiasts.
In his opening remarks, Professor Siddharth Singh, Vice Chancellor of NNM, underscored the importance of expanding the Buddhist pilgrimage narrative beyond the well-known sites. “The true Buddhacarika—the sacred journey of the Buddha—is vast and largely unknown to the world,” he said. “These documentaries aim to bring attention to those lesser-known, yet deeply significant, sites.”
Delivering the Presidential address, Professor Buddha Rashmi Mani, Director General of the National Museum, spoke about the profound historical and cultural value of India’s Buddhist heritage. He emphasized the role of visual storytelling in preserving and promoting this legacy and commended the collaboration between institutions working to advance public and scholarly engagement with Buddhist history.
Ms. Wangmo Dixey, Executive Director of LBDFI, reflected on the broader mission of the project. “This initiative is a vital step in ensuring that the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha’s teachings continue to inspire future generations,” she said.
About the Documentaries
Nalanda: A Journey through Time explores the grandeur and intellectual legacy of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. The film traces Nalanda's pivotal role from the 5th to 13th centuries in shaping Buddhist thought, influencing philosophical and artistic traditions across Asia. Featuring interviews with leading scholars and spiritual leaders, including Dr. B.R. Mani and Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, the film offers deep insights into the global impact of Nalanda’s teachings.
Gurpã: The Last Footsteps of Mahakasyapa follows 25 international monks as they retrace the final journey of Mahakasyapa, one of the Buddha’s chief disciples, from Rajgir to Gurpã Mountain. Directed by the acclaimed Surinder M. Talwar, the film combines spiritual narrative with cinematic storytelling to shed light on the sacred geography of Buddhacarika and Mahakasyapa lasting influence on the Buddhist tradition. This documentary is also slated for screening at the upcoming United Nations Vesak Celebration 2025.
Both films mark a significant step in reviving awareness about India's Buddhist pilgrimage routes and aim to inspire renewed interest in the profound spiritual and historical heritage of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent.
[Report by Amit Deshmuk]
