Massive Turnout Marks 70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din in Nagpur
Lakhs of devotees gather at Deekshabhoomi to celebrate a pivotal moment in Buddhist history, demanding a major development plan.
70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din celebrated in Nagpur.
Demand for a Rs 951 crore development plan for Deekshabhoomi.
Calls for unity within the Buddhist community highlighted during the event.
On Tuesday, Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur witnessed an extraordinary gathering of devotees commemorating the 70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din. The event celebrated the historic moment in 1956 when Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and millions of followers embraced Buddhism. Amidst the sea of attendees, a significant demand emerged for the swift approval of a Rs 951 crore development plan aimed at transforming Deekshabhoomi into a world-class monument and an international tourist attraction.
During the main ceremony, Supreme Court advocate Shailesh Narnaware addressed the crowd, urging Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to approve the proposed four-phase development plan. He emphasized the need for additional government land to facilitate the expansion of the monument. Narnaware noted that a public interest litigation had previously led the state government to allocate Rs 200 crore for Deekshabhoomi, but construction was halted due to controversies surrounding an underground parking facility. He expressed frustration over the stalling of development works for the past 18 months and mentioned that they have once again approached the court to resume construction.
The event featured prominent Buddhist monks, including Bhante Wanna Siri Mahathero from Myanmar and Bhante Karunakaran from Delhi, who spoke on the importance of unity and education within the community. Narnaware also highlighted the successful movement for the recognition of Pali as a classical language, urging followers to continue their advocacy for its promotion and preservation. Sri Lankan monk Bhadant D Reva Thero called for unity among the community, warning against divisions caused by money and power, and echoed Dr. Ambedkar's teachings on organization and education.
The police maintained strict security measures throughout the day, closing all roads leading to Deekshabhoomi to ensure the safety of the large crowd. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation and district administration made extensive arrangements, providing essential services such as drinking water, sanitation, and medical assistance to accommodate the thousands of attendees.
Looking ahead, the community's focus will likely remain on the development of Deekshabhoomi, with ongoing efforts to secure the necessary approvals for the ambitious project. The next steps involve awaiting the court's decision regarding the resumption of construction and further advocacy for the recognition of Pali, which could significantly impact the cultural landscape of the region.