Rs 991-crore plan for Deekshabhoomi development awaits state government approval

A development plan worth Rs 991 crore has been proposed to transform Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's historic Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur. The project is planned to be completed in four phases. The state government was urged to approve the proposal immediately. The Dhammachakra Pravartan Din programme also stressed the development of Deekshabhoomi, the global message of Buddhism and the relevance of the Buddha's thoughts today.

The 70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din ceremony was held at Deekshabhoomi on Tuesday by the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti. Advocate Shailesh Narnaware said a public interest litigation had been filed in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court over the development of Deekshabhoomi. He said there was a Rs 991-crore plan for the development work, which was to be implemented in four phases. Narnaware expressed hope that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would approve the proposal soon.

The programme was presided over by the committee's president, Bhadant Arya Nagarjun Surei Sasai. Bhadant Vanna Siri Mahathero of Myanmar was the chief guest. Dr T. Dhamma Ratan, president of the Prakunt Buddhist Academy of France, spoke on the state of the world and explained the importance of the Buddha's thoughts. According to him, the teachings of Tathagata Gautama Buddha can help show the path of peace, coexistence and human justice to a world beset by economic crises and international challenges. He also said the influence of Buddhism was now growing beyond the continent of Asia.

Bhante Karunakaran of Delhi demanded that the Mahabodhi Vihar be handed over to Buddhists. He also spoke of the need for a separate personal law for the Buddhist community.

Jese Thakpa Jingpa of Karnataka said it was not enough merely to remember the thoughts of the Buddha and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, and that adopting them in real life was the true tribute. He made clear that Buddhism is the path to the welfare of all humanity.

Buddhist monks and followers from across the country and abroad paid homage to the Buddha and Dr Ambedkar at the programme. Jigme Sultrim Mahathero of Bengaluru, D. Revatathero of Sarnath, advocate Anand Phulzele and the committee's secretary Sudhir Phulzele were among the dignitaries present.