Hundreds Champion Equality and Social Justice at AANA’s Grand Three-Day Annual Retreat

The Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) successfully concluded its annual three-day Ambedkarite retreat at the Laurelville Retreat Center, held from May 22 to May 25. The event commemorated the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule Jayanti, and Vesak Day.

The gathering drew approximately 250 attendees, bringing together community leaders, youth, and Ambedkarite families. Representatives traveled from nearly 20 U.S. states, the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick, and included visiting guests and parents from India.

Centered on the teachings of Dr. Ambedkar and Mahatma Phule, the retreat provided a space for cultural expression and education on Buddhism, equality, and social justice. The event officially commenced on Friday evening with a meet-and-greet session designed to foster fellowship and community connections.

Saturday began with an early-morning meditation led by Bhante Revata alongside a Zumba session. A grand procession followed breakfast, leading into the Tisharan Panchasheel, Buddha Vandana, and the Presidential address.

A major highlight of the day was the awards ceremony honoring key contributors to the movement. Guest speaker Prof. Laurence Simon delivered an address on caste and social justice. Prestigious accolades were presented, including the Dr. Ambedkar International Award to Prof. Atul Bhosekar, the Savitrimai Phule International Award to Swati Sawant, the Mooknayak Excellence in Journalism Award to Ambedkarite People’s Voice, and the Dr. Ambedkar International Lifetime Achievement Award to Bhante Gunaratna. The Jaibhim Award also recognized dedicated community volunteers across all age groups.

Saturday afternoon featured vibrant cultural performances ranging from kindergarteners to senior citizens, allowing the youth to take an active role in hosting. The evening shifted to an informative AI discussion and the highly anticipated Vesak Night. Attendees engaged in a Dhamma talk on the history of Buddhism, participated in a candle-lighting ceremony, and released illuminated balloons into the sky to symbolize hope and unity.

Sunday’s schedule continued the focus on wellness and activism, beginning with morning meditation, Zumba, and a Walk for Equality inspired by Dr. Ambedkar. Attendees later participated in team-building indoor and outdoor sports.

Crucial legislative discussions also took place on Sunday. Prof. Larry Simon and Advocate Swati Sawant led a special 90-minute session detailing the New York state anti-caste discrimination bill (6531/A6920) and the addition of caste as a protected category at Boston University.

The retreat culminated in a festive DJ night and a family fashion show that continued past midnight. On Monday morning, following final meditation and Zumba sessions, attendees exchanged heartfelt goodbyes and departed with a renewed dedication to human dignity.