Union Minister visits Mahabodhi Devachan Campus
LEH: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Monday assured all possible support for the humanitarian initiatives of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) after reviewing its educational, healthcare and social welfare programmes during a visit to the Mahabodhi Devachan Campus in Leh.
The assurance came after Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President and Spiritual Director of MIMC, sought the Ministry’s support for the Maitri Geriatric Home, which provides residential care to senior citizens, and the proposed Ambedkar Memorial Park within the MIMC Buddha Park for World Peace.
Addressing members of the institution, Athawale lauded MIMC’s contribution to humanitarian service and the promotion of Buddhist values in Ladakh. He assured that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in coordination with other concerned ministries, would extend all possible assistance for the Centre’s welfare initiatives.
Recalling his long association with Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, the Union Minister praised his efforts in advancing the teachings of Lord Buddha and promoting peace, compassion and social harmony through community service. In a poetic remark, he observed that while soldiers safeguard the nation’s borders, Sanghasena has dedicated himself to protecting Buddhism and serving humanity in Ladakh.
Earlier, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena briefed the Minister on MIMC’s activities across the Himalayan region, highlighting its work in education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance and spiritual outreach. He underscored the need for institutional support to expand facilities for elderly care and develop the proposed memorial dedicated to Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Following the interaction, Athawale visited the MIMC Buddha Park for World Peace and paid floral tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The visit concluded with an exchange of goodwill, reaffirming the shared commitment of MIMC and the Union Government to advancing compassion, social justice and public welfare.
