About the Conference

Ven. Maharagama Uppalavaṇṇā Therī

Sri Lanka

Chairperson - Siri Sanghamitta Foundation & IBERO Research Organization

Ven. Maharagama Uppalavanna Theri, from Maharagama, Colombo District, Sri Lanka, began her professional life as an English teacher and later worked as an action researcher attached to the Ministry of Education.

After her retirement, she entered the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha. Her journey as a Bhikkhunī has been marked by remarkable perseverance. She struggled for 14 years to gain official recognition of her Bhikkhunī status, at a time when Sri Lankan Bhikkhunīs faced difficulties in obtaining official recognition and identification.

Her commitment to Buddhist women and the Dhamma has taken her to international platforms. She attended the “Women & Buddhism” Conference in Delhi in 2017 and has subsequently participated in numerous international conferences.

Ven. Uppalavanna Theri is the Chairperson of the Siri Sanghamitta Foundation and the IBERO Research Organization. In recognition of her contribution to peace, she was honoured as a “Peace Ambassador” in Kolkata at the International Peace Conference held during the 2023 Vesak celebrations.

She has also served as the editor of Therini Newspaper, described as the first Bhikkhunī newspaper in the world, contributing to greater visibility for Buddhist women and their work.

Her Dhamma service has also extended to Maharashtra, India, where she has been engaged in training Sāmaṇerīs and providing Dhamma education to communities and people in need, becoming a committed Dhamma Dūta activist through her engagement with communities across different cities. She has also travelled to countries including Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore for Buddhist and Dhamma-related engagements.

With a life shaped by resilience, Buddhist women’s leadership, international engagement, and grassroots Dhamma service, Ven. Uppalavanna Theri continues to contribute to the strengthening and wider transmission of the Buddha’s teachings.

Bhikkhunī Sākya Dhammadinnā

India

Founder - Bodhipakkhiya Dhamma Foundation | Abhidhamma Teacher

Bhikkhunī Sākya Dhammadinnā, born in Haryana (NCR), entered the Buddhist monastic path in 2017, when she was ordained as an Anāgārikā with eight precepts at Kushinagar with the Indian Bhikkhu Saṅgha. She received Sikkhāmanā ordination at Vaishali, Bihar, in 2018 with Buddha Catu Parisa, Thailand, and completed her Bhikkhunī ordination in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2020.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, a Master’s degree in Buddhist Philosophy, an LL.B. and a Gold Medal in Abhidhamma Philosophy. She is the Founder of Bodhipakkhiya Dhamma Foundation, India.

Her primary Dhamma work is dedicated to establishing and strengthening a well-trained Bhikkhunī Saṅgha in India, with the aim of supporting the spiritual development of women and younger generations. Through the Foundation, she has organised four temporary Sāmaṇerī Ordination Camps, through which more than 100 women have received training and guidance to carry the Dhamma into their respective communities.

A major focus of her work is also the revival and wider dissemination of Abhidhamma, which she regards as the highest Dhamma of the Buddha. For the past four years, she has been teaching Abhidhamma online through the Highest Dhamma Abhidhamma YouTube channel, seeking to make its teachings accessible in simple language for the development of wisdom.

The Bodhipakkhiya Dhamma Foundation currently has two Bhikkhunī centres. Bodhi Sumana Buddhasavika Vihara in Bhandara, Maharashtra, was partially constructed and donated to the Foundation by Venerable Bhikkhunī Dhammasumana and is being further developed as a centre for Bhikkhunī practice and training. Bodhidhara Bhikkhunī Training Centre at Barghat, Madhya Pradesh, is currently under construction.

Through her monastic leadership, training programmes and Abhidhamma teaching, Bhikkhunī Sākya Dhammadinnā is working towards a well-trained Bhikkhunī Saṅgha rooted in Dhamma and Vinaya, while making the deeper teachings of Abhidhamma accessible to wider communities in a simple and meaningful way.

Drupon Gyalten Samten

India

Tibetan Buddhist Nun | Certified Shravasti Meditation Instructor

Drupon Gyalten Samten, formerly known as Barkha Madan, is a Tibetan Buddhist nun whose journey from the world of cinema to a life devoted to Dharma practice, study, meditation and compassionate service is both remarkable and deeply inspiring.

Her spiritual journey began at the age of 10, with a visit to Rumtek Monastery. A transformative meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2001 deepened her connection with Buddhist philosophy and inspired her to formally pursue the Dharma. In 2012, she renounced her career in film and received ordination at Sera Jey Monastery from His Eminence Choden Rinpoche, under the guidance of Venerable Zopa Rinpoche, becoming one of the first non-Himalayan Indian women ordained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Her decision to renounce her established life and enter the monastic path was deeply rooted in her aspiration to ordain for the benefit of others, encouraged by her Guru, Venerable Zopa Rinpoche.

Since ordination, she has dedicated her life to Dharma practice, scriptural study, meditation, extensive retreats, social service and facilitating meditation, with her work extending across India and the United States. She has completed the extensive ngöndro preliminary practices in the Gelug tradition and is certified in the 10-day Shravasti Meditation programme. She also undertook a three-year solitary retreat on the Five-fold Mahamudra at Lamayuru, under the guidance of His Holiness Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche.

In 2025, in recognition of her accomplishment in practice, His Holiness conferred upon her the title of “Drupon Ma” during the Drikung Snake Year Teachings at Lamayuru, making her, according to her official biography, the first non-Himalayan Buddhist nun to receive this honour.

Her understanding of Dharma is expressed not only through teaching and meditation but also through compassionate action. Through Meals on Wheels, she and friends offer meals to homeless, destitute and vulnerable people, inspired by the compassion of her Guru, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and the tradition of Langar Seva. She also offers prayers and compassionate presence to those nearing the end of life and to the departed, accompanying them with prayers for peace, clarity and liberation.

Through her Dharma offerings, she shares teachings, pujas, guided meditations and wellness retreats, encouraging the study and contemplation of Buddha Dharma as a path towards clarity, compassion, balance and inner freedom.

Drupon Gyalten Samten’s journey reflects a distinctive synthesis of deep contemplative practice, Buddhist scholarship, renunciation and compassion in action- demonstrating how Dharma can move from personal transformation into meaningful service to others.

Bhante Suniti Bhikkhunī

India

Secretary - All India Bhikkhuni Sangha | Lawyer & Preacher

Bhante Suniti Bhikkhuni is the Secretary of the All India Bhikkhuni Sangha and has been in robes since 2006. She is engaged in spreading Buddhism through a rational and practical approach, with an emphasis on everyday Dhamma practice and the Ambedkarite Buddhist perspective.

Her Dhamma work extends from classrooms to the field, reaching Buddhist communities as well as Dalit bastis, OBC communities and Adivasi regions. She conducts Dhamma lectures, sermons, trainings and workshops for women, families, children, university students, residents of social welfare hostels, social activists and prisoners.

She is also engaged in training those entering the monastic life through Sāmaṇera and Sāmaṇerī camps. Through these efforts, she works towards strengthening Buddhist communities and creating opportunities for deeper Dhamma learning and practice.

Bhante Suniti represents Indian Ambedkarite Buddhism at various international platforms, bringing the perspective of contemporary Indian Buddhist communities into wider Buddhist conversations.

Her commitment to education extends to both academic education and Dhamma education. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she continued educating and engaging with people through social media, emphasising the importance of education and Dhamma in everyday life.

Before entering the monastic life, Bhante Suniti was a lawyer (B.Sc., LL.M.) and practised in Mumbai. She subsequently worked for approximately 20 years as a national-level legal trainer with various organisations. Her experience in law, professional training and community engagement has contributed to her practical and accessible approach to Dhamma education.

Through her work in Dhamma teaching, grassroots community engagement, monastic training and Ambedkarite Buddhist representation, Bhante Suniti Bhikkhuni continues to contribute to the spread of the Buddha’s teachings among diverse communities in India and beyond.

Chinmayee Sumeet

India

Marathi Actor, Theatre Artist & Social Activist

Chinmayee Sumeet is an accomplished Marathi actor, theatre artist and socially engaged voice whose work extends beyond the performing arts into education, language advocacy, literature and community engagement.

Born on 23 September 1970 in Dharwad, Karnataka, she was raised largely in Aurangabad. She comes from a family with a strong academic and cultural background. Her father, Ravindra Surve, was an IAS officer, her mother, Sushila Surve, was a Professor and Head of Psychology, and her sister, Shivapriya Surve, is a poet.

Since 2017, Chinmayee has been associated with the Marathi Bhasha Premi Palak Mahasangh and has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for Marathi-medium schools. She travels across Maharashtra advocating Marathi-medium education and conducts workshops for parents. Her work reflects a strong engagement with education, language, culture and society.

Her engagement with literature and social thought includes readings from Umgalele Gandhi, participation in Vijay Tendulkar's Swagate dialogues through Avishkar, readings of Namdeo Dhasal's poetry and occasional writing. She is also the President of Antar Bharati Kalabhavan, the cultural wing of Sane Guruji Smarak Samiti.

Chinmayee's artistic journey began at the age of five with All India Radio. During her school years, she received prizes in elocution and debate. While studying at Sir Parashurambhau College, Pune, she received the Best Actress award at the Purushottam Karandak One-Act Play Competition. Her professional theatre journey began with Jwalamukhi, followed by more than three decades of work across Marathi theatre, cinema and television.

Her artistic work has also extended to Gujarati and Hindi theatre as well as Kannada and Telugu films. Her film work includes Bangarwadi, Muramba, Faster Fene, Phulwanti and Krantijyoti Marathi Madhyam. She received the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress award for Muramba and has also been associated with several television productions.

She portrayed Bhimai, the mother of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, in the Marathi television series Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar-Mahamanvachi Gauravgatha. Her connection with Ambedkarite thought is also rooted in her family upbringing and her engagement with social questions.

Chinmayee has participated in short films and socially meaningful performances, including a portrayal of Aruna Shanbaug, for which she received an award. Through her artistic and public work, she continues to engage with questions of society, education, culture and human dignity.

Her guiding principles are Prajñā, Śīla and Karuṇā — wisdom, ethical conduct and compassion. These principles reflect her approach to using her public voice not only to create and perform, but also to question, advocate and contribute to society.

Ayya Yeshe

Australia

Director - Bodhicitta Foundation | Abbess - Bodhicitta Dakini Monastery

Ayya Yeshe is a Buddhist nun of 25 years and the Director of the Bodhicitta Foundation India, a socially engaged charitable organisation working for poor women and children in the slums of Nagpur, Central India.

Her work combines Dhamma, social engagement and compassionate service, with a particular focus on supporting women and children from disadvantaged communities. Alongside her humanitarian work, she is an international Dhamma teacher and sacred chants artist, bringing Buddhist teachings and contemplative practice to diverse audiences.

Ayya Yeshe is the author of Everyday Enlightenment, published by HarperCollins and is associated with Bodhicitta Dakini Buddhist Monastery in Australia, located within a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness area.

She has studied within Tibetan Buddhism and Theravāda Buddhism, and continues her studies with teachers in the Northern Treasures and Sakya traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as in the Theravāda tradition.

With a life that brings together monastic practice, Buddhist teaching, sacred arts and grassroots humanitarian service, Ayya Yeshe represents an engaged form of contemporary Buddhist leadership rooted in both spiritual practice and compassion in action.

Sister Visuddhi Paññā

Vietnam

Monastic Teacher & Scholar | Ph.D. Researcher in Pāli

Bhikkhunī Visuddhipaññā, born Nguyễn Thị Kim Liên in Đồng Tháp, Vietnam, took ordination in 2007. Before entering the monastic life, she worked as a high-school teacher. Since her ordination, she has been actively engaged in humanitarian and community-oriented work with the Saṅgha, combining Dhamma practice with education, service and the welfare of communities.

Together with the Saṅgha, she has travelled extensively through remote areas of Maharashtra, supporting the establishment of Buddha statues in Viharas and helping bring Buddhist spaces and inspiration closer to local communities. This grassroots engagement reflects her commitment to taking the Dhamma beyond academic and institutional settings and into the lives of people and communities.

A Buddhist scholar and practitioner from Vietnam, Bhikkhunī Visuddhipaññā has pursued advanced studies in Pāli and Buddhist Studies, with academic training in Vietnam, Myanmar, and India. She completed her M.A. in Pāli Language and is currently pursuing doctoral research in Pāli Language at Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Her scholarly work has included the editing of Pāli scriptures translated into Vietnamese and participation in the translation of the commentaries on the Majjhima Nikāya into Vietnamese. She has also presented research at national and international Buddhist conferences on themes including Theravāda Abhidhamma, happiness and fostering harmony through the Dhamma.

Bhikkhunī Visuddhipaññā’s journey represents a meaningful integration of Dhamma, education, Buddhist scholarship, humanitarian service, and grassroots community engagement. Her work reflects the living tradition of Buddhist women who carry the teachings of the Buddha into both scholarly and social spaces, serving communities with compassion and dedication.

Prof. Manouri P. Senanayake

Sri Lanka

President - Servants of the Buddha | Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics

Prof. Manouri P. Senanayake is the President of Servants of the Buddha, a well-known Buddhist organisation in Sri Lanka, a position she has held since 2021. Established in 1921 and registered by an Act of Parliament, Servants of the Buddha, has maintained an unbroken tradition of weekly Dhamma discussions in English, making it a unique and historic a 106 years old Buddhist organisation with a remarkable legacy of Dhamma dialogue.

Under her leadership, the Society has expanded its reach into the digital space, widening its network of speakers and listeners, introducing Orations, and making its Dhamma discussions accessible globally through its YouTube channel. The Society also continues its publishing work, including its annual Vesak publication, Dhamma Gems, along with other Dhamma booklets.

Prof. Senanayake is an Emeritus Professor of the University of Colombo and a Senior Professor of Paediatrics, having served at the Faculty of Medicine, Colombo, for more than three decades. Her professional career included sabbatical service as a Consultant Paediatrican in the United Kingdom and leadership as President or Chairperson of several professional bodies, including the Sri Lanka College of Paediatrics.

Her contribution extends beyond medicine and Buddhist leadership into writing and education. In addition to numerous scientific publications and editorial work, she has authored several full-length books, including medical textbooks, handbooks for medical students and books on parent education. Her works also include The Past Unfolded, a history of paediatrics and child care; Eight Portraits, documenting the lives of Sri Lanka’s earliest women paediatricians; and a historical novel that was nominated for a National Literary Award.

She is also the author of English Through Buddhism, a distinctive work that combines Buddhist teachings with English-language learning, using practice and revision exercises for young monks and lay readers from their teenage years onwards.

Through her leadership of Servants of the Buddha, distinguished medical career, scholarship, writing and commitment to Dhamma education, Prof. Manouri P. Senanayake represents a unique synthesis of professional excellence, Buddhist leadership, intellectual engagement and service to society.

Dr. Yojana Bhagat

India

Senior Academician | Former Head, Department of Pali, University of Mumbai

Dr. Yojana Bhagat is a distinguished scholar of Pāli and Buddhist Studies, with a unique academic background that brings together architecture, archaeology, ancient Indian culture, philosophy, Pāli and Buddhist studies.

A trained architect, she completed her B.Arch. from Sir J.J. College of Architecture, University of Mumbai and subsequently pursued advanced studies in Philosophy, Pāli, Ancient Indian Culture, and Numismatics and Archaeology. She holds two Ph.D. degrees from the University of Mumbai- one in Pāli, with research on Mnemonics in Pāli Literature and another in Ancient Indian Culture, with research on the Impact of Vipassana Meditation on Buddhist Architecture.

Dr. Bhagat has been associated with the Department of Pāli, University of Mumbai, since 2007, where she has served as Coordinator and Assistant Professor and has contributed extensively to teaching and academic development. She has also been a recognized Ph.D. guide in Pāli at the University of Mumbai since 2016.

A dedicated Vipassana meditator since 1988, her work reflects a meaningful intersection of Buddhist thought, contemplative practice, culture and scholarship. Her doctoral research on Vipassana meditation and Buddhist architecture further reflects this distinctive interdisciplinary perspective. She has presented and published more than 25 research papers at national and international conferences on Pāli and Buddhist Studies. Alongside her academic work, she has written articles for newspapers and conducted workshops dedicated to the promotion and propagation of Pāli.

Dr. Yojana Bhagat represents a rare synthesis of architecture, Buddhist scholarship, Pāli studies, contemplative practice and education. Her work contributes to preserving and communicating India's Buddhist intellectual and cultural heritage while making the study of Pāli and Buddhism accessible to wider communities.

Shivanjali Gaikwad

India

Corporate CSR & Social Impact Strategist | Dhamma Educator

Shivanjali Gaikwad is a Buddhist practitioner and social-impact leader with 18 years of experience in CSR, strategic philanthropy and institution building. She has held senior leadership roles at ICICI Foundation, YES FOUNDATION, Essel Group and Raintree Foundation, leading pan-India initiatives in livelihoods, women’s empowerment and youth development. She holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Applied Buddhist Psychology, an M.A. in Political Science from the University of Pune and a B.A. in Political Science and History from Jai Hind College, Mumbai.

Alongside committed Ambedkarite women, she helped establish Sunday Dhamma Schools across approximately 30 viharas in Maharashtra and initiated Virtual SDS during the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme supports morality, critical thinking, mettā and mindfulness through Ānāpāna meditation while introducing children to Buddhist culture and the lives and work of social reformers.

A Vipassana practitioner since childhood, Shivanjali spent more than 15 months living in forest monasteries in Thailand, including approximately eight months as an ordained nun. She has also been closely involved in the administration of Dhamma Vinaya Monastery of Pune and is currently in the process of being inducted as a Trustee.

Dr. Shilpa Chaudhary

India

Surgeon, Dhamma Worker, Educationist and Social & Cultural Activist

Dr. Shilpa Chaudhary (Pazare) is a highly experienced surgeon, Dhamma worker, educationist, and social and cultural activist based in Nagpur. She is one of the Directors of Jaibai Chaudhary Dnyanpeeth, carrying forward the legacy of her great-grandmother, Jaibai Chaudhary, who was instrumental in organising and conducting the historic Depressed Classes Women’s Conference and All India Scheduled Caste Federation convened by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in 1942.

Her work reflects a commitment to propagating the Buddha Dhamma and nurturing its values among children and the wider community. She has served as Secretary of the Buddhist International Cultural Meditation Educational Research Council, Nagpur, and has been involved in the Children’s Meditation Centre, Buddha Dhamma Prachar and Prasaar Sangh and Children’s World Peace Mission. She has conducted more than 100 children’s meditation camps.

She has also contributed to Buddhist cultural and educational initiatives, including work as Project Coordinator for the Seven Arts Academy and Cultural Educational Research Unit at Jaibai Chaudhary Dnyanpeeth and choreography of Sathpath – The Path of Happiness, a dance-drama based on Buddhist philosophy and teachings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education with Pāli as her main subject and has pursued Madhyama Pūrṇa in Indian Classical Music and Kathak.

A surgeon with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Chaudhary has expertise in complex open and laparoscopic procedures, with special interests in anorectal and breast surgery. She also runs the Prabha Chaudhary Centre for Breast Diseases and has served in clinical and academic roles in India and Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Rupali Bhamre Moon

Australia

Researcher, Academician and Social Advocate

Dr. Rupali S. Bhamare is a researcher, academician and social advocate with over 25 years of diverse professional experience spanning academia, structural consultancy and research leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from India, a PhD in Structural Engineering from The University of Melbourne, Australia, and a Master’s degree in Education from Monash University, Australia.

Her work is deeply rooted in social justice, gender equality and community empowerment. She has written and raised awareness on gender discrimination, equal participation, women’s role in the upliftment of society and women’s contribution to the global economy.

For more than 15 years, she has been involved with Ambedkarite organisations in Australia, promoting the values and vision of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. She is also a member of the Australian Council of Social Service and has engaged with South East Community Links programmes focused on women’s welfare and empowerment.

Dr. Rupali has been invited as a guest speaker and panellist at events including the unveiling of Dr. Ambedkar’s bust at Western Sydney University, the University of Melbourne conference on caste, and a Human Rights Arts & Film Festival panel discussion in Melbourne. She is the Director of Navayāna Buddhist Charitable Organisation and Founder of JanKalyan Charitable Foundation.

Dr. Neelam Oswal

India

Clinical Psychologist at IPH, Pune | Adjunct Professor in Buddhist Psychology

Dr. Neelam Oswal is a Clinical Psychologist at the Institute for Psychological Health (IPH), Pune, and has been associated with the Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University, as Visiting Faculty and Adjunct Professor. Her work brings together clinical psychology, Buddhist psychology, Vipassana meditation and psychotherapy.

She has been engaged in psychological research and practice since 1999, with a particular interest in the contribution of Vipassana meditation to mental health. Her doctoral research explored the therapeutic utility of popular stories in relieving distress and promoting mental health, and she contributed to the design and teaching of the Buddhist Psychology and Psychotherapy course at SPPU. Her research training includes ICMR Junior and Senior Research Fellowships.

Her work has explored the practical application of contemplative approaches in mental health, psychotherapy, education and well-being, including research on mindfulness, Vipassana, Buddhist psychology, storytelling and psychological well-being. She has also presented her work at national and international academic forums.

Her recent research under the MITRA (Mind In Training for Right Awareness) programme examines the role of ānāpāna meditation in attention and mental well-being among secondary school students. The research was published in Frontiers in Public Health in 2026. Her publications include A Tale of Research on Stories Relieving Distress: A Psychologist’s Narration and Essence of Buddhist Psychology, along with scholarly work on mindfulness, Vipassana, psychotherapy and Buddhist psychology.

An ardent Vipassana practitioner, Dr. Oswal also serves as an Assistant Teacher in the Goenka tradition, guiding practitioners in the practice of Vipassana meditation.

Bhikkhunī Mahākāsa

Korea

Monastic Teacher & Research Scholar (Buddhist Studies)

Bhikkhunī Mahākāsa (Daeho sunim, Juehui Lee), born in Korea, is a Buddhist monastic practitioner and member of the Korean Saṅgha. She entered the monastic life with a commitment to Buddhist practice and the study of the Buddha’s teachings in 2013. As a bhikkhunī, she continues her spiritual journey within the Buddhist tradition, cultivating the Dhamma through monastic life, learning, and practice.

In 2018, she travelled to several important Buddhist sacred sites in India, including Bodhgayā, Kusinagara, Sāñcī, Lumbini and other places associated with the Buddha’s life and teachings. This pilgrimage deepened her interest in Buddhist learning and inspired her to pursue higher studies in India.

In 2019, she came to India to further her academic understanding of Buddhism. She studied Sanskrit and subsequently pursued higher education in Pāli and Buddhist Studies, completing an M.A. in Pāli and an M.A. in Buddhist Studies. Subsequently, she is pursuing doctoral research in Pāli Language at SPPU.

Her journey reflects the close connection between pilgrimage, spiritual inspiration, and academic study. Through her engagement with Buddhist languages and literature, she has sought to deepen her understanding of the Buddha’s teachings and the intellectual traditions of Buddhism. As a Korean bhikkhunī studying in India, her experience represents the continuing international dimension of Buddhist monastic education and the enduring relationship between Buddhist practitioners and India, the historical homeland of Buddhism.