The event highlighting the importance of Buddha Dhamma’s teachings, particularly compassion, kindness, and co-existence, was marked by Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju's call for future leadership to embrace these values.
Speaking at a one-day conclave titled “Buddha’s Middle Path (Madhyama Marg), a Guide for Future Global Leadership,” he noted how Maharashtra, with its significant Buddhist population, could play a pivotal role in spreading the Buddha’s teachings globally.
Rijiju emphasised the connection between Babasaheb Ambedkar's embrace of Buddhism and a new cultural awakening in India, following a long period of stagnation.
The event, jointly organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), was held in Maharashtra, a fitting location due to its historical link with Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism.
Rijiju highlighted how the movement to promote Buddha Dhamma could start from this region and spread across India and the world. He remarked on the contributions of historical figures like Emperor Ashoka, Kanishka, and Guru Padmasambhava, noting the long gap in the propagation of Buddhism until Ambedkar’s significant decision to adopt the faith. According to Rijiju, this event revitalised Buddhism in India and marked a new beginning for Buddhist teachings.
In his speech, Rijiju also mentioned that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has celebrated Buddha Jayanti on a larger scale.
This, he said, reflected the Prime Minister’s vision for an "Asian Century," inspired by Buddha’s teachings. Rijiju stated that the government had consistently promoted the values of Buddha Dhamma on international platforms, including the United Nations, through the Prime Minister’s speeches and discussions.
He stressed that the principles of compassion, loving-kindness, and co-existence, rooted in the Middle Path, would guide India's global leadership role.
Rijiju also expressed the government’s commitment to advancing Buddhist institutions not only in Maharashtra but across India.
He urged all stakeholders to continue promoting Buddha’s teachings for the betterment of society and the world. According to Rijiju, India's future global leadership would be rooted in the values of Buddha Dhamma, which is a model of peaceful co-existence and compassion.
Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, who was present as a special guest, also emphasised the significance of Buddha’s teachings. He pointed out how Buddhism spread from India to other parts of the world, particularly under the influence of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Lalpura noted that Ambedkar’s contributions to India's social fabric, including the introduction of fundamental rights, the right to education, and freedom of religion, were deeply influenced by his commitment to Buddhism.
He reminded the audience of India's history of embracing and promoting its minorities, stating that Buddha Dhamma played a crucial role in fostering this inclusive culture.
Milind Kamble, Chairman of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), also spoke at the event, focusing on Buddha’s philosophy of the Middle Path.
He encouraged the audience to follow Buddha's teachings and reflect on Dr. Ambedkar’s peaceful methods for achieving social reform. Kamble remarked on how Eastern values rooted in Buddha Dhamma had contributed to peace and stability in the region, contrasting them with the more conflict-driven history of the West.
The Secretary General of the IBC, Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, highlighted the importance of Buddha’s teachings in promoting global harmony and peace.
He mentioned that in a world driven by conflict and competition, Buddha’s message could bring about a much-needed transformation. The Secretary General expressed hope that this conclave would inspire both political and religious leaders around the world to adopt Buddha’s teachings for creating a better and more peaceful world.
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