Second Global Buddhist Summit opens at Bharat Mandapam
Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat addressed the inaugural session of the Second Global Buddhist Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
Summary
Addressing the inaugural session of the Second Global Buddhist Summit at Bharat Mandapam on 24 January 2026, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said India has taken proactive responsibility in providing an international platform for Buddhist monks, scholars and thinkers. He said that under Gyan Bharatam the government is undertaking one of the world's largest initiatives to digitise ancient manuscripts, and urged delegates to visit the exhibition "The Light & The Lotus: Relics of The Awakened One" at the Rai Pithora Cultural Centre, recalling the Piprahwa relics repatriated to India after 127 years.
Key facts
- Event
- Second Global Buddhist Summit, 24 January 2026
- Venue
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Address
- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Culture and Tourism Minister
- Manuscripts
- Gyan Bharatam digitisation initiative
- Exhibition
- The Light & The Lotus: Relics of The Awakened One, Rai Pithora Cultural Centre
- Relics
- Piprahwa relics repatriated after 127 years
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The Second Global Buddhist Summit (January 2026) was held at:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB (Culture): Shekhawat addressed the inaugural session of the Second Global Buddhist Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
According to the Culture Minister, the Piprahwa relics were repatriated to India after how many years?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 127
PIB (Culture): Shekhawat recalled the Piprahwa relics, repatriated to India after 127 years.
The exhibition 'The Light & The Lotus: Relics of The Awakened One' is on display at which venue in New Delhi?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Rai Pithora Cultural Centre
PIB (Culture): the international exhibition is on display at the Rai Pithora Cultural Centre, New Delhi.