Guwahati, India — On April 25, the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) held a significant talk titled “Buddhism in North East India” at their auditorium in Dispur, Guwahati. Shri Niraj Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), was the keynote speaker, discussing the vital role of Buddhism in the region.
Shri Kumar, who is well-respected as a scholar and policymaker, shared insights from his extensive research and professional experience. He emphasized the historical roots and philosophical aspects of Buddhism, and its importance in molding the cultural identity of the North Eastern Region (NER) of India. “Buddhism is not just a religion; it is a guiding philosophy that shapes our socio-cultural landscape,” he stated.
During the event, NEDFi also launched a report under their Techno Economic Development Fund (TEDF) focusing on organic farming in the NER. This analysis provides a detailed look at the contributions and challenges each state faces in their organic farming initiatives, highlighting traditional methods suitable for organic cultivation.
The report discusses sustainable farming practices and the roles of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in post-harvest management and marketing. Among the highlighted crops are pineapple, lemon, large cardamom, and chilli, with business strategies outlined for each to maximize potential benefits in the region.
The symposium brought together diverse stakeholders including NEDFi Board members, military personnel, ex-army staff, students, and representatives from the Greater Guwahati Buddhist Association. This broad participation signified the community’s commitment to fostering dialogues around Buddhism and sustainable development.
