army-holds-seminar-on-shared-indo-tibetan-heritage

In a effort to strengthen national security awareness through cultural understanding, the Indian Army’s Central Command organised a one-day seminar titled ‘Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage’.

 

The event brought together scholars, strategic experts, and senior military leaders to reflect on the deep civilisational connections between India and Tibet, and explore their relevance t to modern approaches to border management and regional stability.

 

Delivering the keynote address, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, emphasised the historic and spiritual bonds shared between the two countries. He underscored the seminar’s importance in understanding their critical nature in current geopolitical landscape.

 

“This seminar is a platform to explore the profound historical, cultural, spiritual and strategic ties that bind India and Tibet. These are two ancient civilisations with interwoven roots that continue to shape a shared identity,” he said.

 

He also highlighted that this not a shared past we are discussing but this is about engaging in momentous dialogue that would guide our future in the light of evolving geopolitical challenges.

 

“The Himalayan belt has never been a barrier, as once believed by colonial administrators, but a corridor of civilisation where goods, philosophies and ideas flowed freely along ancient trade routes like the Silk Route,” he stated.

 

He also emphasised the fact that northern borders of India remain sensitive and need constant vigilance.

 

“From the 1962 War to the Nathu La clashes, we’ve seen that the terrain demands not just readiness, but surveillance, technological connectivity and a nuanced strategy. Our heritage is not just spiritual, but strategic,” Lt Gen Sengupta said.

 

Noted French scholar and expert on Tibetan issue Claude Arpi expressed concern over the turn down in the exiled Tibetan refugee population in India as several have shifted to the USA, Europe and other countries. “The importance of the Kailash Yatra, the role of trade along the Silk Route and monasteries as centres of diplomacy all speak to our intertwined legacies,” said Claude.