After decades of dormancy, Resumed Excavation at Ratnagiri Buddhist Monastery in Jajpur district is expected to shed light on previously unknown aspects of the historic site. Led by ASI officer Debala Mitra, previous excavations in the 1960s yielded thousands of rare artifacts, establishing Ratnagiri as an ancient Buddhist university. With renewed efforts beginning on November 20 and the participation of students from prestigious universities, the mysteries of Ratnagiri may finally be revealed. However, logistical challenges and lack of on-site facilities for workers and researchers are causing some concerns. Nevertheless, this venture promises to greatly expand our knowledge of Buddhist heritage in the region and contribute to further studies.
As India commemorates the 61st anniversary of the passing of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, he is remembered as a revered figure and a trailblazer in the fight against social injustice. After overcoming numerous barriers, Ambedkar rose to become the first law minister of independent India and was instrumental in crafting the country's now-famous constitution. His legacy continues to inspire millions as the driving force behind the Dalit Buddhist movement and his contributions to Indian society.
The Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing in Cragsmoor, New York has been recognized as the best place in the country to find peace and tranquility. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhist principles, the center offers a variety of programs and retreats focused on meditation, yoga, and holistic healing. Its stunning location on 90 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge adds to the overall experience, making it a top choice for those seeking a break from their hectic routines.
In a beautiful gesture to celebrate the 89th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Bomdila Buddhist Society (BBS) organized a mass plantation drive in and around Bomdila Pass, West Kameng District. The event saw the plantation of over 300 saplings, marking the importance of taking care of the environment, according to the 12th Guru Tulku Rinpoche of Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery. The spiritual leader was prayed for the long life and good health as well.
On July 6th, Tibetans worldwide celebrate World Tibet Day, a day dedicated to honoring their distinct culture and drawing global attention to the ongoing struggles faced by Tibetans living under Chinese occupation. This day, initiated by Pulitzer nominee Richard Rosenkranz and the Dalai Lama's younger brother, Tendzin Choegyal, also serves as a reminder of the brutal suppression and cultural erasure faced by Tibetans since China's annexation of the Tibetan plateau in 1951. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is not only a revered spiritual leader but also a potent symbol of resistance and a global advocate for peace, human rights, and universal responsibility rooted in Buddhist philosophy.
The ongoing dispute over an underground parking project at Deekshabhoomi, a significant Buddhist site in Nagpur, turned violent as members of the Deekshabhoomi Smarak Samiti clashed and set fire to the construction site. The tensions seemed to have been fueled by internal rifts within the organization, with the secretary publicly accusing the president during a press conference. The Nagpur Police swiftly intervened and sent a squad to the site to control the situation.
The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace unanimously recognized the profound contributions of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to global peace, declaring July 6th as the ‘Universal Day of Compassion’. This decision was celebrated by Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, who expressed his pride on Twitter. The 'Universal Day of Compassion' aims to spread the values of compassion, empathy, and peace advocated by the Dalai Lama.
After being destroyed for 800 years, Nalanda University in India's Bihar state has finally been rebuilt and inaugurated next to its ancient ruins. Attended by the leaders of 17 participating countries, the new campus serves as a symbol of India's focus on its Buddhist heritage and its 'Act East' policy. Despite the university's destruction marking a dark phase in India's history, the rebuilding shows the nation's determination to emerge as a 'vishwa bandhu' or global friend.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for a deeper understanding of Indian Buddhist history while paying respects to Buddha on his birth anniversary. He questioned why historical research on the Krishna river has been neglected in comparison to the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Cauvery. Kharge also expressed concern over the lack of interest in Buddhist thoughts among Indians, citing the higher number of foreign visitors to Sarnath, a site significant to Buddhism in India.
On May 23, Buddhists around the world will come together to celebrate Buddha Purnima, a sacred holiday commemorating the birth of Gautama Buddha. While the exact date of his birth is unknown, the festival is traditionally observed on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month. From Lumbini, Nepal to Sikkim, India, where Buddhist monuments and monasteries are abundant, this festival serves as an opportunity to spread the message of peace, compassion, and enlightenment.