Dhammachakra day celebrations to begin amid tight security

Nagpur, Sep 30 (UNI) Elaborate security arranegments have been made for the 52nd Dhammachakra Pravartan day celebrations at the historic Deekshabhoomi here from October 7-9.

Speaking to reporters today, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Committee (DAMC) Secretary S J Fulzele said 10 CCTV cameras, including night-vision cameras, would be used to keep a watch inside and around the famous 'Stupa' at Deekshabhoomi in view of the ongoing security concerns in the country. These would be in addition to the other security measures like doorframe metal detectors and frisking, he said.

The celebrations for the 52nd Dhammachakra Pravartan day, the anniversary of the father of the Indian Constitution, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism here, will begin on October seven with the hoisting of the flag and an international conference on Buddhism the next day, Mr Fulzele said.

Kerala Governor R S Gavai would preside over the main function to be held on October nine, while Union Minister for Home Shivraj Patil and Scheduled Caste Commission Chairman Buta Singh would be the guests of honour, Mr Fulzele told reporters.

Dr Ambedkar converted to Buddhism along with lakhs of followers at Deekshabhoomi here on October 14, 1956, which coincided with Dassera. Since then, the anniversary of the historic event is marked with a huge congregation of devotees at the same venue on Dassera every year.

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