NEW DELHI: The Fifth Jagtik Bodh Dhamma Parishad, an Indian Buddhist Council was convened at Kinwat, a sub-division under the district of Nanded, Maharashtra State from 7th to 8th February 2015. The convention was attended by thousands of followers of Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar where foreign guest and researchers from US, Spain, Norway, Switzerland – doing study and research upon the challenges and contribution of Dr.Ambedkar towards impoverished section of Indian community – also attended and shared their observation and findings upon his vision of India and its people.

Among the other dignitaries, Shri.Bhimrao Ramji Keram, former Local MLA; Shri.Raju Todsam, MLA, Kinwat; Shri.Rajeev Satav, MP, Lok Sabha; also graced the occasion with their presence. Months before this convention, Shri. Arun Laxmanrav Alne, Chairman, Municipal Council and member of Organizing Committee jointly with Shri. Arvind Nikose, Regional Convener and Secretary of National Campaign for Free Tibet, extended invitation to Mr.Penpa Tsering, Honorable Speaker, Tibetan Parliament in Exile to grace this occasion. As invited, on 8th February 2015, shortly after landing in Nagpur – 280 kms. from Kinwat – he drove directly and attended the closing ceremony which began at 8.00PM and went on till 12.00 in the midnight.

At this huge gathering of more than 40 to 50 thousand people Honorable Speaker spoke upon the legacy of Indian culture and influence of Buddhism to Tibet. He added that His Holiness the Dalia Lama is largely admired everywhere in the world not only because of his personality and thoughts but also because of his practices and teaching upon Buddhism. More to this, Honorable Speaker added that unfortunately today inside Tibet, there is no freedom of expression and religious practice but then what Tibetans couldn’t perform inside Tibet is what they have sustained in exile in India. And for this, he expressed deepfelt gratitude to Indian government and its people for extending all these facilitations over the years. Yet, he admits that there is still a long way to go to achieve genuine autonomy for Tibetan people where Tibetans would still require support from India.

Also at the occasion, Honorable Speaker, stressed importance upon the study of Buddhism from every perspective and this way would lead to the restoration of ancient Buddhist learning centers of Taxila and Nalanda in India.

Next day, on 9th February 2015, at 15:30hrs, A Program titled A Day for Tibet, organised by Shri. Amrut Bansur, Member, Indo Tibet Friendship Society, Bhandara, Honorable Speaker visited Mahila Adyapak Mahavidyalaya at Bandara district – 350 kms. from Kinwat – where Honorable Speaker introduced himself as second generation of Tibetan people in exile which shoulders the responsibility of Tibetan struggle until it finds genuine autonomy for Tibetan people. Addressing to the students, Honorable Speaker categorically requested them saying that they represent the youth and future of India and this is how he finds a huge importance for disseminating information upon the present, past and future conditions of Tibetan people’s struggle.

Honorable Speaker left Bhandara for Norgyeling Tibetan settlement where he arrived at 18:00hrs. Members of local Tibetan community welcomed him after which he addressed members of Tibetan settlement upon the present course of Tibetan struggle and the need of sustainability of Tibetan identity in exile, as this is the hope of Tibetans inside Tibet. Finally, at 22:00hrs.the program ended at Norgyeling Tibetan Settlement with much satisfaction expressed from local members of Tibetan Community. Throughout these events at different locations, Mr.Dorjee Rigzin, Tibetan Settlement Officer, Norgyeling and Mr.Jigmey Tsultrim, Co-ordinator, Indo-Tibet Coordination Office, Delhi accompanied Honorable Speaker.

Report filed by: India-Tibet Co-ordination Office (ITCO)