A STREET IN FRANCE NAMED
« VENERABLE THÍCH MINH TÂM »
HOMAGE TO VENERABLE THÍCH MINH TÂM AND
RECOGNITION OF VENERABLE THÍCH QUẢNG DẠO
EMBLEMATIC FIGURES OF EUROPEAN BUDDHISM
Evry, December 2025 — Two significant events strengthen the presence and recognition of Buddhism in France, illustrating the richness of its spiritual and humanitarian heritage. The city of Évry-Courcouronnes honored the memory of the Most Venerable Thích Minh Tâm, founder of the Khánh Anh pagoda, by renaming a street in the city after him. Additionally, the successor of the same name, Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo, received honorary distinctions from the French Parliament for his humanitarian efforts, demonstrating the deep commitment of the Buddhist community to coexistence.
THE THÍCH MINH TÂM STREET A SYMBOL OF
RESPECT AND INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE
During the meeting of the Evry-Courcouronnes City Council, located 25 km from Paris, on December 11, 2025, a de
cision was made to allocate a section of François Mauriac Street, near Khánh Anh Pagoda, to be renamed as « Rue Très Grand Vénérable Thích Minh Tâm » (Hòa Thượng Thích Minh Tâm Street). The official statement from the Evry Town Hall reads as follows: La Municipalité a proposé à l’association bouddhique de débaptiser la portion de la Rue François Mauriac (voie publique) qui ceinture le parking et permet l’accès à la Pagode, et de la rebaptiser « Rue du Très Vénérable Thich Minh Tâm ».
(The Municipality proposed to the Buddhist association to de-name the portion of François Mauriac Street (public road) that encircles the parking area and provides access to the Pagoda, and to rename it « Rue du Très Vénérable Thich Minh Tâm »). This strong gesture of recognition is part of an effort to highlight the legacy of the founder of Europe’s largest pagoda, built in 1995 and inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2008.
The Khánh Anh pagoda, built in 1995 and inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2008, is situated in the Parc aux Lièvres neighborhood, overlooking the Seine Valley on a wooded hill. It has hosted cultural, spiritual, and intercultural activities for over 30 years.
Covering 3,000 square meters, it offers a space for dialogue among various Buddhist traditions and other faiths, contributing to local social cohesion. Naming this street in honor of the Venerable Thích Minh Tâm, who passed away in 2013 in Finland, reflects the lasting recognition of his major role in establishing Buddhism within French society. His exemplary journey, from beginning as a monk at age 9 to his international engagement, symbolizes the transmission of a message of peace, solidarity, and openness.
VENERABLE THÍCH MINH TÂM,
AN EMBLEMATIC FIGURE OF EUROPEAN BUDDHISM
The Venerable Thích Minh Tâm, president of the Vietnamese Buddhist Unified Congregation in Europe, left his mark through his educational, social, and religious actions. After studying Buddhist philosophy in Japan, he worked for religious freedom in Vietnam before moving to France in 1973. Passionate about peace and intercultural dialogue, he founded the Khánh Anh pagoda in Évry, which today stands as a symbol of the vibrant presence of Buddhism in Europe.
THÍCH QUẢNG ĐẠO, SUCCESSOR OF THÍCH MINH TÂM
CELEBRATION OF HIS HUMANITARIAN MISSION
The legacy of Venerable Thích Minh Tâm continues through his disciples, notably Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo, his designated successor, who received two major distinctions in 2024 and 2025. The Medal of Honor from the Senate, awarded in January 2024 by Senator Jean Raymond Hugonet, followed by a medal from the Parliament in May 2025, highlights his ongoing efforts in solidarity, intercultural dialogue, and assistance to vulnerable populations.
The Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo with Senator Jean Raymond Hugonet
The Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo with Deputy Nathalie Da Conceicao Carvalho
HUMANITARIAN COMMITMENT OF VENERABLE THÍCH QUẢNG ĐẠO
Since beginning his work in Vietnam and continuing in France since 1981, Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo’s journey exemplifies profound humanitarian engagement. As president of the Higher Council of Buddhist Religious Leaders of France, he works toward social peace, solidarity, and community cohesion. The national recognition through honorary distinctions attests to the positive impact of his actions on French society.
A HARMONIOUS FUTURE, BALANCING MEMORY AND COMMITMENT
These two events – the renaming of a street in honor of Venerable Thích Minh Tâm and the international recognition of Venerable Thích Quảng Đạo – embody the vitality of a spiritual heritage rooted in solidarity, mutual respect, and diversity. They reinforce Buddhism’s place in France’s cultural landscape as a vector of peace, dialogue, and brotherhood. By symbolizing openness to intercultural dialogue and Buddhism’s humanitarian contributions, these initiatives contribute to building a harmonious future where remembrance of the past is combined with active present engagement for a richer and more inclusive coexistence. The city of Évry, through this recognition, affirms its attachment to diversity and spirituality as forces of unity within French society.
Nguyễn Đình Nhân
