Experts present the blueprint for the world’s first Academy dedicated to protecting, restoring, and revitalising India’s neglected rural Buddhist heritage while empowering local communities.
New Delhi, 21 November 2025:
The Indian Trust for Rural Heritage and Development (ITRHD), established in 2010, held a pre-event press briefing on Friday at the WWF-India headquarters in New Delhi, setting the stage for the upcoming International Conference on Preservation of Rural Buddhist Heritage (PRBH). Scheduled for 28–30 November 2025 at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, the conference will bring global attention to India’s vulnerable rural Buddhist sites and explore ways to integrate heritage protection with sustainable rural development.
During the briefing, ITRHD highlighted the core objectives of the PRBH conference, introduced a distinguished panel comprising international scholars and practitioners, and unveiled the vision for the proposed Academy for Rural Heritage Conservation and Development Training at Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh. Designed as the world’s first institution focused exclusively on rural Buddhist heritage, the Academy aims to combine scientific conservation, community empowerment, and livelihood generation under one framework.
Speaking at the event, ITRHD Chairman Shri S.K. Misra emphasised the broader purpose behind the initiative.
“Our mission extends beyond protecting ancient Buddhist remains. We strive to revive and strengthen the rural communities that have preserved this heritage for centuries. The Academy will become a global centre for advanced research, academic training, and field-based conservation practices, ensuring that cultural preservation and human development progress together.”
In a video message, His Eminence Kyabje Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche II, Spiritual Throne Holder of Tabo Monastery and a key speaker at PRBH, expressed strong appreciation for the initiative.
“I am delighted to know that ITRHD is taking committed steps toward establishing an academy dedicated to rural Buddhist heritage and cultural preservation. Their effort to bring together experts, scholars, and practitioners from around the world is truly commendable. I deeply value this initiative.”
Leaders from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), School of Planning and Architecture, and Gautam Buddha University also addressed the media alongside ITRHD officials. They underscored the urgent need to safeguard India’s expansive yet neglected rural Buddhist landscape and highlighted the significance of linking heritage conservation with inclusive rural growth.
