JAMMU: The Rashtriya Bauddh Mahasabha (RBM) will organise its 20th National Convention and a mega Dhamma initiation ceremony at Kalinga in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on October 14, with thousands of Buddhist followers and representatives from around 30 states expected to participate.
The event will begin at 10 am at the Secretariat Services Association Ground (OSSA Ground), Unit-3, Kharavela Nagar, Bhubaneswar, bringing together Buddhist followers, Ambedkarite followers, intellectuals and Dhamma enthusiasts from across the country.
The programme was announced by Er. Ramesh Chander Bangotra, National Vice President, Rashtriya Bauddh Mahasabha, following an appeal by RBM founder Dharm Prakash Bharatiya Bauddh.
Highlighting the historical significance of Kalinga, Bangotra said the region occupies a prominent place in Buddhist history because of its association with the Kalinga War and Emperor Ashoka’s transformation. He said the devastation caused by the war led Ashoka to turn away from violence and embrace the teachings of Gautama Buddha centred on compassion, loving-kindness, non-violence and welfare of humanity.
According to the RBM leader, Ashoka’s transformation from a ruler associated with military conquest to a proponent of Dhamma, peace and public welfare marked a major turning point in the history of Buddhism.
He said Ashoka subsequently made Dhamma and public welfare important elements of his approach to governance and supported the construction of stupas, viharas and inscriptions. The Buddhist message was also carried beyond India through Dhamma emissaries, including Mahendra and Sanghamitra, he added.
Bangotra said holding the 20th National Convention and Dhamma initiation ceremony on the historic land of Kalinga carries particular significance as it represents the transition from violence to Dhamma, war to peace and conquest to human welfare.
The RBM has appealed to Buddhist and Ambedkarite followers, intellectuals and Dhamma enthusiasts from across the country to attend the convention with their families. The organisation said the gathering aims to promote the values of peace, equality, compassion and human welfare.
