Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the death of American Buddhist scholar and academic Robert AF Thurman, remembering him as “a distinguished teacher and a lifelong friend of India” who helped popularise Buddhist thought globally and strengthened cultural understanding between nations.
In a post on X, PM Modi paid tribute to Thurman and recalled a meeting with him in New York in 2023.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Robert AF Thurman, an eminent scholar of Buddhism, a distinguished teacher and a lifelong friend of India. Through his works, he popularised Buddhist thoughts globally and also built enduring bridges of understanding between cultures. I fondly recall our meeting in New York City a few years ago, where we had an excellent conversation. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this hour of grief,” the Prime Minister said.
Robert Thurman was an American Buddhist scholar, author, and Padma Shri awardee.
