The Centre for National Security Studies (CNSS), a centre of excellence under the patronage of M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru in collaboration with International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) organised a unique programme, “Buddha Dhamma and Music”, on 12 December 2025 at Dwaraka Hall, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru. The event was successful in converging a unique confluence of spirituality, music, art and dialogue. Conceived as a commemorative tribute to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on the occasion of his receiving the Nobel Prize for Human Rights during his 90th birth year, the event witnessed wide appreciation for its innovative format and meaningful content.

The programme commenced with solemn invocation by venerable monks from both traditions, which set a contemplative and dignified tone for the evening.

The welcome address delivered by Shri Pratap M. Heblikar, Member, CNSS Council, contextualised the relevance of the theme and underscored the importance of integrating Buddhist wisdom with contemporary cultural expressions.

Musical performances formed the core aesthetic dimension of the event and were received with considerable enthusiasm by the audience. The solo performance by Shakgang Pasang Tsering resonated deeply with listeners, reflecting the spiritual essence of Buddhist traditions through sound.

This was followed by the screening of the IBC-produced short film “Celebrating the Life & Legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, which was widely appreciated for its narrative depth and visual sensitivity, evoking a strong emotional response from the audience.

A particularly significant moment of the evening was the read-out of the message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the 14th Dhardo Tulku Rinpoche. The message was received with reverence and underscored His Holiness’s enduring commitment to compassion, non-violence, human dignity, and universal responsibility.

Subsequently, the in-conversation panel brought together an exceptional and interdisciplinary group of speakers: the 14th Dhardo Tulku Rinpoche, Chief Lama of Ghoom Ganden Yiga Choeling; Drupon Gyalten Samten, a renowned Buddhist nun from the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition; and Dr. Rajaram B. V., a distinguished director from the Karnataka cultural film industry and a Director of Pali Translator for Mahabodhi Society of Bengaluru. Moderated by Shri Abhijit Halder, Director General of the IBC, the discussion explored the intersections of Buddha Dhamma, artistic expression, inner transformation, and social harmony.

A string of musical performances further reinforced the thematic coherence of the programme. The group rendition of the “Nobel Peace Prize Song” by The Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education was widely acknowledged as a moving tribute to His Holiness’s life and values.

The concluding solo performance by Dr. Aditi Sharma Garg added a refined classical dimension, bringing the evening to a harmonious close. She particularly emphasised on the renditions Saraswati Vandana and Pragyaparamita Sutta, which brought out the essence of the theme for the programme.

The concluding remarks by Dr. K. C. Belliappa, Advisor, CNSS Council, encapsulated the spirit of the event and highlighted its broader relevance in contemporary society.

The programme was widely regarded as a successful and pioneering initiative. It attracted appreciation from scholars, monastics, artists, students, and members of the public alike for its originality, inclusivity, and depth.