KD NEWS SERVICE
MAHARASHTRA, Sep 14: In an inspiring address at a one-day conclave titled “Buddha’s Middle Path (Madhyama Marg): A Guide for Future Global Leadership,” the Minister of Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, emphasized the relevance of Buddha Dhamma in shaping global leadership for the future. The event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), was held in Maharashtra, a state that has been pivotal in the resurgence of Buddhism in India.
Shri Rijiju highlighted that Maharashtra holds a special place in the propagation of Buddha’s teachings, particularly due to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s historic conversion to Buddhism in 1956. He remarked that Babasaheb’s embrace of the faith marked a new dawn for India, a renaissance after centuries of stagnation. The Minister stressed that Maharashtra, with its large Buddhist population, is the ideal state to lead the dissemination of Buddha’s Middle Path, not just in India but globally.
Drawing attention to the historical journey of Buddhism, Shri Rijiju reflected on how the faith once thrived under the leadership of figures like Emperor Ashoka and King Kanishka, but witnessed a decline until Dr. Ambedkar’s conversion. He emphasized the modern relevance of Buddha’s teachings, particularly in the context of India’s leadership in the 21st century. According to him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the “Asian Century” is rooted in Buddhist principles of compassion, loving-kindness, and co-existence. Shri Rijiju also noted the Prime Minister’s consistent efforts to promote these values on international platforms, including at the United Nations.
“The teachings of Buddha Dhamma offer a guiding light for global leadership based on compassion and coexistence. It is our duty to connect the world through these values,” Shri Rijiju said. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Buddhist institutions in Maharashtra and across India to further the spread of Buddha’s message.
The event featured other notable figures, including Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, as the Special Guest, and Shri Milind Kamble, Chairman of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), as the Guest of Honour. Shri Lalpura reminded the audience of the significant influence of Buddha Dhamma beyond India’s borders and highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s role in championing social reform through Buddhist teachings. He remarked that Ambedkar’s contributions, particularly in areas like fundamental rights and education, were deeply influenced by Buddha’s principles, which are also enshrined in India’s Constitution.
Shri Kamble, in his address, reflected on Buddha’s core message of self-reliance, quoting the famous words, “Be your own light.” He drew parallels between Dr. Ambedkar’s non-violent struggle for justice and Buddha’s Middle Path, underscoring that this balanced approach to life is key to both individual and societal progress. He also emphasized the stability and peace brought by Eastern values, particularly those rooted in Buddha Dhamma, which stand in contrast to the more conflict-ridden paths of the West.
A short film was screened at the event, showcasing the efforts of the Government of India to promote Buddha Dhamma both within the country and internationally.
In his closing remarks, the Secretary General of IBC, Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, stressed the transformative potential of Buddha’s teachings in a world marked by increasing competition and conflict. He expressed hope that the conclave would encourage both religious and political leaders to adopt the Middle Path as a framework for fostering peace and prosperity worldwide.
As the conclave came to an end, one message rang clear: the principles of Buddha Dhamma—compassion, kindness, and co-existence—are more essential than ever in guiding the world’s future leadership. With Maharashtra at the helm, India is poised to spearhead a global movement to revive these teachings for the benefit of all humanity.
