(Nalanda, Bihar; Feb 12) Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, Sunday inaugurated here a three-day international conference to mark the 2,550th death anniversary of the Buddha and called for peace in the world by spreading the message of love and compassion.

Amid the chanting of Buddhist hymns, the Dalai Lama inaugurated the conference in the Huen Tsang Memorial Hall near the site of the ancient university of Nalanda in Bihar. The hall is named after the Chinese traveller who visited the university during 629-645 A.D.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and some of his cabinet colleagues were also present during the inauguration ceremony.

Nitish Kumar sought the Dalai Lama's blessings to build a new Bihar.

"I know, you (the Dalai Lama) regularly visit Bihar and know it well that it remains backward and needs development. We seek your blessings for it, please guide us and bless us to achieve it," he said.

Over 300 delegates from 25 countries are attending the conference organised by the New Delhi-based Asoka Mission, a premier Buddhist organisation, in collaboration with the tourism and culture ministry.

Eminent experts from the fields of history, archaeology, art, philosophy and religious studies will present papers and discuss ways to conserve and protect Nalanda's monuments and heritage.

The Dalai Lama arrived here Saturday and will stay in Nalanda before moving Wednesday to Bodh Gaya, the birthplace of Buddhism, where Buddhists from around the world will participate in the Maha Nirvan, or death anniversary commemorations.