Union Minister Ramdas Athawale recently met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, extending a formal invitation to the revered Tibetan spiritual leader for the upcoming ‘Dhamma Diksha’ conference in Mumbai. This international event, dedicated to Buddhism, is set to be a large gathering and will take place over two days at prominent venues in Mumbai, as reported by NDTV on December 04, 2023.
The ‘Dhamma Diksha’ conference, slated for December 15 and 16, will be held at the sports stadium in Worli and the Mahalaxmi Race Course. This conference carries historical significance as it draws inspiration from the plans of Dr. BR Ambedkar, who, after his conversion to Buddhism in Nagpur on October 14, 1956, had intended to organize a similar event. Unfortunately, he passed away on December 6 that year, before his plans could materialize.
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Mr. Athawale, a distinguished Dalit leader from Maharashtra, has encouraged Buddhists and followers of Dr. Ambedkar to attend the event in large numbers. His call for widespread participation underscores the event’s importance in the Buddhist community and its role in honoring Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.
The conference is expected to be a high-profile event, with several prominent figures slated to attend. Alongside His Holiness the Dalai Lama, attendees will include Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and Bhutan Princess Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk. Additionally, Buddhist leaders from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and other countries are also expected to participate.
This gathering in Mumbai is not just an ordinary conference; it represents a confluence of Buddhist thoughts and teachings from across the globe. The presence of such a diverse group of leaders and scholars from different countries is set to make the ‘Dhamma Diksha’ a landmark event in promoting Buddhist values and principles.
The event honors the memory of Dr. BR Ambedkar and highlights the continued relevance and importance of Buddhist teachings in the modern world.
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