New Delhi, March 22, 2025 – The New Delhi Centre of the Maha Bodhi Society of India celebrated the 86th Anniversary of Buddha Vihar with a grand event attended by distinguished dignitaries, scholars, monks, and devotees from across the world.
The event was graced by Shri Sardar Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, as the Chief Guest. Her Excellency Ms. Priyanga Wickramasinghe, the Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, was the Special Guest, while Dr. Anirban Ganguly, Chairman of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, was the Guest of Honour. Other notable attendees included Prof. (Dr.) Bimalendra Kumar, Prof (Dr.) Manish Kumar, Vice President of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, and Shri Subrata Barua, Governing Body Member of the Maha Bodhi Society of India.
Welcome Address by Ven. M. Dhammalankara Thero
Ven. M. Dhammalankara Thero, Bhikkhu-in-Charge of the New Delhi Centre of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, warmly welcomed all the esteemed guests and participants. In his address, he acknowledged the historic importance of the New Delhi Buddha Vihar, stating:
> “This Vihara has been visited by great personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Their presence here reaffirms the spiritual and historical significance of this sacred space.”
Furthermore, he expressed his deep gratitude to Most Venerable P. Seewalee Thero, General Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, for his unwavering leadership and support.
> “I take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to Most Venerable P. Seewalee Thero, General Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, under whose able guidance the New Delhi Centre continues to flourish as a center of learning, spiritual practice, and service to humanity. His leadership and dedication inspire us to uphold the noble mission of the Maha Bodhi Society, ensuring that the teachings of the Buddha continue to illuminate the path of wisdom, compassion, and peace for all. Under his guidance, the Maha Bodhi Society remains committed to the revival, preservation, and propagation of Buddhist heritage, and we are honored to carry forward this legacy at the New Delhi Centre.”
Message from the Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka
In her keynote address, Her Excellency Ms. Priyanga Wickramasinghe, the Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, emphasized the long-standing Buddhist ties between India and Sri Lanka:
> “Buddhism remains one of the strongest pillars connecting our two nations and civilizations. The shared spiritual heritage of India and Sri Lanka continues to inspire peace and understanding.”
She also acknowledged the legacy of Anagarika Dharmapala, the founder of the Maha Bodhi Society, for his invaluable contributions to preserving Buddhist heritage and promoting Buddhism worldwide.
While addressing the gathering, Dr. Anirban Ganguly emphasized the historical significance of the Buddha Vihar in relation to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s journey towards Buddhism. He revealed an important moment in history, stating:
> “Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar took Trisharan—the Triple Gem—along with his wife at this historic Buddha Vihar of the Maha Bodhi Society of India before he officially embraced Buddhism in Nagpur.”
Dr. Ganguly’s statement shed light on the deep connection between this sacred site and the Buddhist revival movement in India, highlighting the Vihara’s role in shaping modern Buddhist history.
The 86th Anniversary celebrations of Buddha Vihar concluded with a prayer session led by Ven. R. Sumithananda Thero, Bhikkhu-In-Charge of the Sarnath Centre of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, reaffirming the Maha Bodhi Society’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage and spreading the teachings of the Buddha.
A Vote of Thanks was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Manish Kumar, Vice President of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, who expressed gratitude to all the guests, monks, and devotees for making the event a resounding success.
The celebrations brought together scholars, monks, and devotees in a shared vision of wisdom, compassion, and harmony, further strengthening the mission of the Maha Bodhi Society of India.
