Thursday, Apr 09, 2026 21:45 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Apr 08, 2026 16:15 [IST]
GANGTOK, (IPR):
GovernorOm Prakash Mathur inaugurateda photo exhibition, titled “Alexandra
David-Neel: A Journey into Buddhism (1912–1916)”,at Namgyal Institute of
Tibetology (NIT), Deorali today.The exhibition features photographs from the
collection of Maison Alexandra David-Neel.
In
his address, Governor Om Prakash Mathur stated that the exhibition brings out
the life and contributions of Alexandra David-Neel and her role in introducing
Buddhist philosophy from India to the Western world through her writings. He
noted that she spent over three years in Sikkim, where she interacted with
people across sections of society, including the royal family and the public.
He
further stated that her stay in Sikkim contributed to her understanding of
Buddhist philosophy, spiritual practice and the Tibetan language, and laid the
foundation for her later journeys and writings. He added that her interaction
with local scholars strengthened her knowledge, which later supported her
journey to Lhasa and her work in presenting Buddhist thought.
The
Governor stated that Sikkim represents a centre of spirituality, culture and
knowledge, and that Buddhist teachings have shaped the social and cultural life
of the State.
On
the occasion, he expressed gratitude to the Government of India for announcing
the Buddhist Circuit Development Scheme for the North-East in the Union Budget.
He stated that the initiative will support the promotion of Buddhism and
provide scope to showcase the cultural and spiritual heritage of Sikkim and the
North-Eastern region.
He
further stated that the legacy of Alexandra David-Neel and Sikkim’s association
with Buddhist traditions adds relevance to the scheme. He expressed confidence
that the initiative will support cultural identity and the preservation of
heritage.
The
Governor congratulated the Embassy of France, the French Institute in India,
the Embassies of Belgium and Switzerland, and all officials involved in
organising the exhibition.
Ambassador
of France to India, Dr. Thierry Mathou expressed his pleasure at being part of
the exhibition and stated that such initiatives strengthen cultural
understanding and academic exchange. He stated that the life and work of
Alexandra David-Neel continues to hold importance in strengthening cultural
connections between India and Europe. He also appreciated the efforts of
Research Consultant, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Convenor of the
Exhibition-cum-Symposium, Dr Anna BalikciDenjongpa, for curating and organising
the exhibition.
NIT
director Dr.Passang D.Phempustated that the exhibition reflects the institute’s
continued engagement in research and cultural documentation. He also expressed
gratitude to the collaborating institutions and partners for their support in
organising the exhibition.
Dr.
Anna BalikciDenjongpa, a research consultant at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
and the convenor of the exhibition-cum-symposium, presented an introduction to
the exhibition. She outlined its concept, highlighted the historical context of
Alexandra David-Neel’s association with Sikkim, and explained the significance
of the photographic collection and its documentation. She also informed the
gathering about the objectives of the exhibition and its role in promoting
research and cultural understanding.
The
programme included the screening of a documentary, titled "Alexandra
David-Néel: From Sikkim to Forbidden Tibet".
The
exhibition was attended by Princess AshiKesangWangmoWangchuck of Bhutan, Ambassador
of Switzerland to India, Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Belgium to India, Didier
Vandenhasselt, French Institute in India country director GrégorTrumel, Consul
General of France in Kolkata, Thierry Morel, along with delegates, officials
and research scholars.
