Gadchiroli Oct. 5 (District correspondent) The Dhamma Deeksha given by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the great revolution that has brought about tremendous change in the lives of the people. Efforts are however made deliberately to counter this revolution and we have to be very cautious to thwart these efforts and carry forward the teachings of social change’.
This was stated by Bhadant Dr. Samyak Bodhi, a noted Buddhist thinker from Nagpur while delivering a lecture at ‘Dhamma chakra Pravartan Din’ on the grounds of Samyak Buddha Vihara, Gokul Nagar here this morning.
The programme was organized jointly by Samyak Samaj Samiti, Vishakha Mahila Mandal and Samyak Senior Citizens Association. Mr. Hansraj Undirwade, President of Samayak Samaj Samiti, presided over the programme while Mr. Rohidas Raut, social worker, Kawduji Undirwade, President of Senior Citizens Association, Ms. Sumitra Raut, President and Manisha Walke, Secretary of Mahila Mandal were the chief guests.
At the outset, portraits of Lord Buddha and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar were garlanded, panchasheel flag was hoisted by the guests and Buddha Vandana was recited to mark the beginning of the programme.
Indian history is nothing but a conflict between the two ideologies the one which believed in equality and fraternity and the another that was based on exploitation and caste discrimination. The Constitution of India that is based on the Buddhist philosophy wanted to bring this discrimination to an end. This is the greatest work done by Dr. Ambedkar, pointed out Bhanteji.
He further said Buddhism has the greatest principles of equality, freedom, fraternity and justice which are quite necessary for the progress of the people. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar gave this Dhamma to lakhs of people in a historic Dhamma Deeksha programme. Welfare of the people lies in the Dhamma and all need to follow it.
Mr. Rohidas Raut said the Dalits in India have experienced a massive cultural and social change through Buddhism. This sort of change in such a short period of time is not seen anywhere in the world. The Dhamma movement has to be strengthened in the times to come so that all the deprived classes could be benefited by it.
The meritorious students from the Buddhist community were felicitated on the occasion by presenting them books and mementos at the hands of the guests.
Mr. Gautam Meshram introduced the guests, Tarkeshwar ambade made an introductory speech, Jagan Jambhulkar conducted the programme. A large number of people attended the programme.
