Buddhist Bodies Launch Movement for ‘Liberation’ of Mahabodhi Mahavihara on Ambedkar Jayanti

New Delhi-  On the auspicious occasion of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, the All India Buddhist Forum, along with various Buddhist organizations, has issued a fervent appeal for the "liberation" of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya, calling for the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949.

In a recent statement , Dr. Akash Lama, a leading voice from the forum, described April 14th as a "great festival" for the community. He reminded followers that Dr. Ambedkar dedicated his entire life to the upliftment of society, gifting them the Dhamma of Lord Buddha, which he described as being in accordance with science and nature.

"Baba Saheb taught us that life is incomplete without knowledge, compassion, and justice," the statement reads. However, the forum expressed deep concern over the current state of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara- the very seat of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment. Dr. Lama alleged that the sacred site is currently "in the grip of pomp and hypocrisy," and declared that it is the community's "first duty to liberate it."

The movement argues that freeing the Mahavihara from its current administrative and spiritual control is not merely a physical act, but a symbolic one. "The liberation of Mahabodhi Mahavihara is not just the liberation of a place, but the liberation of Buddhist society and the liberation of our thoughts," the appeal stated.

The forum outlined four primary goals for the agitation:

1. Freeing Mahabodhi Mahavihara from ostentation and hypocrisy.

2. Re-establishing the authentic Dhamma of Lord Buddha.

3. Promoting compassion, love, and justice in a world moving towards hatred and malice.

4. Bringing Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals to life.

On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, the forum has urged every village to raise its voice under their banner, demanding the repeal of the BT (Bodh Gaya Temple) Act of 1949, which currently governs the management of the temple complex. They believe that liberating the site will help India "once again become a center of knowledge, wisdom, virtue, and compassion."

The forum has humbly requested the public to join the movement, share their ideals, spread awareness in society, and struggle to realize Baba Saheb’s dreams.

"Come, let us all fight together for the liberation of Mahabodhi Mahavihara," the statement concluded, urging unity to make Babasaheb's dreams a reality.