Documentaries Illuminate Buddha’s Legacy in New Delhi

The National Museum in New Delhi, in partnership with the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM) and the Light of the Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI), recently unveiled two significant documentary films aimed at enhancing awareness of Buddhism’s rich heritage. The screening took place at the National Museum Auditorium on April 8th or 9th, 2025. Key speakers at the event emphasized the importance of these films in expanding the understanding of the Buddha’s journey and the broader Buddhist pilgrimage.

Expanding Awareness of Buddhist Heritage

During the opening address, Professor Siddharth Singh, Vice Chancellor of NNM, underscored the university’s commitment to raising awareness about the Buddha’s path. He noted that while the current pilgrimage focuses on a few well-known sites, there exists a vast network of locations associated with the Buddha that remain largely unknown. The documentaries aim to broaden the scope of Buddhist pilgrimage, inviting more people to explore these historical sites.

Professor Buddha Rashmi Mani, Director General of the National Museum, delivered the presidential address, emphasizing the critical need to preserve and promote India’s Buddhist heritage. He highlighted how these documentaries serve as vital tools for showcasing the rich history and cultural legacy of Buddhism. Prof. Mani’s remarks reinforced the importance of such initiatives for both academic circles and the general public, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Buddhism’s impact on society.

Ms. Wangmo Dixey, Executive Director of LBDFI, also contributed to the discussion, expressing her views on the significance of the event. She described the screening as a pivotal moment in the collective effort to safeguard and promote Buddhist teachings, ensuring that the wisdom of this ancient tradition continues to resonate with future generations.

Documentary Highlights: Nalanda and Mahakasyapa

The first documentary, Nalanda: A Journey through Time, explores the historical significance of Sri Nalanda Mahavihara, the ancient university that flourished from the 5th to the 13th centuries. This film highlights Nalanda’s crucial role in the development of Buddhist literature, philosophy, art, and architecture, serving as a hub for the exchange of ideas across Asia. Through interviews with experts, including renowned archaeologist Dr. BR Mani, the documentary aims to document Nalanda’s influence on Buddhist traditions and philosophies.

The second film, Gurpã: The Last Footsteps of Mahakasyapa, follows a group of 25 international monks as they retrace the final journey of Mahakasyapa, a key figure in Buddhism. The documentary combines storytelling with cinematic techniques to illustrate the spiritual significance of Mahakasyapa’s pilgrimage from Veluvana to Gurpã Mountain. It emphasizes the connection between the Buddha’s teachings and the geographical areas associated with his life and those of his principal disciples.

Reviving Ancient Traditions Through Film

Shri Surinder M. Talwar, the director of both documentaries, is an acclaimed filmmaker with over four decades of experience in the audio-visual industry. His work has garnered recognition at various international forums, including the United Nations. Recently, Talwar has dedicated his efforts to projects that focus on Buddhism and Indian Buddhist heritage, with his film Buddhism: A Spiritual Journey winning numerous awards.

This initiative, developed by LBDFI and NNM, aims to revive the 70-kilometer trail that Mahakasyapa traveled over 2,600 years ago to reach his final resting place. The documentaries are part of a broader effort to raise awareness of Mahakasyapa’s contributions to Buddhism and to promote the revival of the ancient Cetiya Carikã tradition. Notably, the films will also be featured at the upcoming United Nations Vesak Celebration in 2025, further highlighting their significance in the global Buddhist community.

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