NALGONDA, OCTOBER 14, 29025: “Buddhism is not a religion but a Dhamma or Dharma, which refers to the teachings of Buddha, is a way of life,” said Pune University Professor Dr Mahesh Deokar. Participating in the Dhamma Vijaya Celebrations on Tuesday, held in the Buddhavanam in Nagarjunasagar, presided by Special Officer of Buddhavanam Mallepalli Lakshmaiah, floral tributes and salutations were offered at the feet of the Buddha in the Buddhavanam and the Buddha Jnana Jyothi was lit in the meditation hall inside the Mahasthupam.
Later, in a program organised in the conference hall, Professor Mahesh Deokar said that the day when Ashoka embraced Buddhism is called the Dhamma Vijaya. On this day, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was deeply attracted to the teachings of Buddha and embraced Buddhism, he added. He said that the philosophy of equality, brotherhood and sisterhood is ingrained in the Buddhist Dhamma. At that time, Emperor Ashoka spread many Dhamma inscriptions in the Pali language all over the world and spread the essence of Buddha Dhamma in the form of Dhamma inscriptions throughout the world. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar said that Buddha Dhamma is the only way to eradicate inequalities, to achieve love and compassion in man, to achieve righteousness, and to bring about equality. He said that there is a need to take forward the teachings adopted by such great souls. He hoped that Buddhavanam would be the center for all this. He suggested to Mallepally Lakshmaiah, Special Officer of Buddhavanam, to set up an educational center in Buddhavanam to impart the teachings of Buddha.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahatma Gandhi University Vice Chancellor Prof Khaja Althaf Hussain said, “It is no exaggeration to say that Buddhavanam will stand as a landmark for Telangana. Buddhavanam will stand as a synonym for peace, Dhamma, knowledge and inspiration.” He said that efforts would be made to provide certification education in Buddhist studies. He hoped that the teachings of Buddha and the essence of Buddha’s Dhamma would be propagated all over the world as a centre for Buddhavanam and that Buddhavanam would gain global recognition in the next 10 to 15 years. He assured that he would do his best for the educational centre in Buddhavanam.
Later, Buddhavanam Special Officer Mallepally Lakshmaiah explained how Buddha Dhamma entered Telangana. He said that efforts were being made to further develop Buddhavanam, and the process of setting up a digital museum had already begun. Hyderabad Reddy Women’s College Secretary Mutyam Reddy also spoke on the occasion. Mahatma Jyothibapule BC Gurukula Degree College Principal Madhavi Latha, Buddhavanam Executive Officer Sangadhi, Estate Manager Ravichandra, Nalgonda District Tourism Officer Shivaji, Buddhavanam Arts & Promotions Manager Shyam Sundar Rao, Buddhist fans, BC Gurukula Degree College students and local people participated in the programme.
