Mumbai-  In a landmark decision aimed at unifying and strengthening Buddhist traditions in India, the Board of Trustees of the Buddhist Society of India has resolved to celebrate the birth anniversary (Jayanti) of Chakravarti Emperor Ashoka across the country every year. Furthermore, it has been made mandatory to display the images or statues of three great personalities- Tathagata Buddha, Emperor Ashoka, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, in all Dhamma programs and Buddhist rituals.

The proposal was put forward by Dr. Bhimrao Y. Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. A central meeting was held on March 18 at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar East, Mumbai, where the resolution was formally passed.

The meeting highlighted the monumental contribution of Emperor Ashoka, whose reign is regarded as the golden age of India. He built 84,000 stupas, erected Dhamma pillars, inscribed edicts, and constructed caves and viharas across the entire Jambudweepa (present-day India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Persia). He also organized the Third Dhamma Sangiti and sent his son, Mahamahendra, and daughter, Sanghamitra, to Sri Lanka for Dhamma propagation, setting a precedent for spreading peace across the world.

Recognizing Emperor Ashoka’s role in spreading Dhamma beyond India's borders and aligning with Dr. Ambedkar’s vision, the organization emphasized the need to honor these icons collectively. The decision mandates that moving forward, all events must include the statues of Lord Buddha (symbol of wisdom), Emperor Ashoka (symbol of Dhamma propagation), and Bodhisattva Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (symbol of Dhamma revolution), with due reverence.

The nationwide celebration will commence with the 2,330th Jayanti of Emperor Ashoka on March 26. The Buddhist Society of India has appealed to all states, districts, zones, talukas, city branches, Buddhist scholars, the Buddhist community, and the Ambedkarite society to implement this historic decision with full dedication.