Making history in the academic and cultural landscape of Bharat, Gautam Buddha University has become the first university in the country to host a dedicated exhibition on Siddham script, titled “SIDDHAM CALLIGRAPHY – Manifestation of Rupa-Brahma.” The landmark three-day exhibition was inaugurated today at the Jyotiba Phule Dhyana Kendra and is organized by the School of Buddhist Studies and Civilisation in collaboration with the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) and Tatvam Foundation. The exhibition showcases the spiritual, aesthetic, and historical significance of the ancient Siddham script, drawing wide participation from scholars, monks, students, and art lovers.
The event was formally inaugurated by Prof. Rana Pratap Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Gautam Buddha University, and Venerable Lama Chosphel Zotpa, Deputy Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation. The opening ceremony was graced by Ven. Bhikshu Dowoong, curator of the exhibition, along with eminent scholars, artists, monks, nuns, cultural enthusiasts, and students from across the region.
In his keynote address, Prof. Rana Pratap Singh highlighted the profound historical and spiritual value of Siddham calligraphy, describing it as a vital link to the cultural and religious traditions of Buddhist Asia. He also spoke about the human ability to communicate through writing as a unique evolutionary achievement that continues to shape civilisational memory.
Curator Ven. Bhikshu Dowoong provided a detailed exposition of the Siddham script’s journey from ancient Bharat to East Asia. He described the script—an evolved form of Brāhmī—as instrumental in the spread of Buddhist teachings to countries such as China, Korea, and Japan, particularly under the Mantrayana tradition. “This exhibition is a bridge of cultural exchange,” he noted, “connecting spiritual traditions and linguistic wisdom across borders.”
Dean of the School of Buddhist Studies, Prof. Shweta Anand, welcomed attendees and emphasised the role of language in preserving ancient knowledge systems. She also linked the initiative to Bharat’s New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates the revitalisation of classical languages and traditional scripts under the Indian Knowledge System (IKS).
The exhibition features several key attractions:
- Calligraphy Display: A collection of intricate Siddham calligraphy artworks reflecting the script’s visual and spiritual depth.
- Rare Manuscripts: Replicas of sacred texts, including Unisa Vijaya Dharani and Prajñāpāramitāhṛdayasūtra from Japan’s historic Horyuji Monastery.
- Cultural Discourse: Panel discussions exploring Siddham’s relevance in contemporary art, culture, and spirituality.
Historical personalities like Amoghavajra, Subhakarasimha, and Vajrabodhi were also remembered for their pivotal roles in transmitting the Siddham script and Buddhist mantras to East Asia between the 6th and 8th centuries A.D. The enduring spiritual use of the script in modern-day rituals in Japan and Korea underscores its ongoing significance.
Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh, event coordinator, emphasised the importance of reconnecting with heritage through artistic expression, while co-coordinator Dr. Chintala Venkat Sivasai described the exhibition as a shining example of Bharat’s cultural diplomacy and intellectual tradition. “By merging art, spirituality, and history, we are reigniting a deeper appreciation of Bharat’s timeless wisdom,” he said.
The exhibition, open to the public until April 17, 2025, invites scholars, students, spiritual seekers, and art lovers to explore the sacred legacy of Siddham calligraphy.
Among the notable faculty members present at the event were Dr. Priyadarsini Mitra, Dr. Chandrashekhar Paswan, Dr. Gyanaditya Shakya, Dr. Manish Meshram, Vikram Singh, Dr. Chandan Kumar, Dr. Neeraj Yadav, Dr. Omvir Singh, and Dr. Sandeep Kumar Dwivedi.
