Yr-long celebrations for Dr Ambedkar's 50 yrs of 'dhamma deeksha'

Nagpur, Apr 1 (UNI) Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti here has chalked out various cultural and literary programmes to celebrate 'dhamma deeksha' golden jubilee, to mark 50 years since Dr Ambedkar and his followers embraced Buddhism in 1956 at the Deeksha Bhoomi here.

Smarak Samiti Chairman and RPI President R S Gavai told mediapersons that the year-long celebrations had already begun on October 13 last year and added that the concluding function would be held at the Deeksha Bhoomi for three days from October one this year.

Mr Gavai said Japan-born Indian monk Bhante Surai Sasai would take out a big rally, involving 5,000 Indian and foreign monks in the city on first day.

Other programmes to be held during the three days would include an international Buddha dhamma parishad, inauguration of Dr Ambedkar's photo gallery and his photo album, erection of pillars depicting rock inscriptions of preamble of Indian constitution and 22 oaths given by Dr Ambedkar at the time of embracing Buddhism.

A drama written by late M B Chitnis 'Yug Yatra', which was staged at the behest of Dr Ambedkar on October 14, 1956, would be staged again by Sanjay Jivane of Buddhist Arts Academy.

Mr Gavai also demanded that Nagpur railway station or Ajni Railway station be renamed after Br Babasaheb Ambedkar and urged the Central government to publish a postage stamp on the occasion of the celebrations.

He said over 10 lakh people are expected to visit Deeksha Bhoomi for the celebration. Elaborate arrangements would be made in coordination with locals and district authority of Nagpur, he added.

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