New Delhi – The Minorities Commission of India convened a significant meeting on Thursday, chaired by Iqbal Singh Lalpura, to discuss pressing issues related to minority rights, with a particular focus on the Buddhist community in India. The meeting brought together key representatives to address long-standing demands and propose initiatives for the welfare and representation of minorities.

In his opening address, Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura emphasized the importance of resolving persistent issues faced by minority communities. He emphasized the need for regular discussions to ensure effective progress, setting the tone for a productive session.

Repeal of the Bodh Gaya Act, 1949 Takes Center Stage

A major highlight of the meeting was the renewed call for the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Act, 1949, a demand long championed by the Buddhist community. Bhante Sumit Pal, Advisor to the All India Buddhist Forum, passionately advocated for its repeal, describing it as a "long-overdue" reform. He urged Chairman Lalpura to facilitate a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss this critical issue further.

Echoing this sentiment, C.S. Bhandari of the Buddhist Society of India called for immediate action to preserve Buddhist heritage. He pressed the government to retrieve archaeological artifacts of Buddha from Ayodhya and store them in a museum. Bhandari also proposed a broader consultation with Buddhist organizations to deliberate on the repeal of the 1949 Act.

Push for Minority Representation and Pali Language Promotion

The meeting also shed light on the lack of minority representation across 20 Indian states, a concern raised by several representatives. Alongside this, there was a strong push to promote the Pali language, integral to Buddhist heritage, in both government and private schools. Attendees stressed that such measures would strengthen cultural preservation and educational outreach.

Acharya Yeshi Phuntsuk, another key participant, put forward a series of welfare proposals for the Buddhist community. These included the establishment of Buddhist schools, scholarships, and housing schemes to uplift the community’s socio-economic status. In a notable suggestion, he called on the Government of India to lead celebrations for His Eminence the Dalai Lama’s 90th birth anniversary in May 2025. Additionally, Phuntsuk recommended that Chairman Lalpura nominate the Dalai Lama for the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Acharya Yeshi Phuntsuk, marking a step forward in addressing the Buddhist community’s concerns.

As these proposals move forward, all eyes will be on the government’s response to the community’s demands, particularly the potential high-level meeting with the Prime Minister and the celebration of the Dalai Lama’s milestone anniversary.