Hon'ble union Minister Shri Ramdas Athawale Visit Mahabodhi Devachan Campus, Assures Support for Humanitarian Initiatives
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Shri Ramdas Athawale, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, paid a visit to the Mahabodhi Devachan Campus today, where he was accorded a warm and traditional welcome by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena.
Upon his arrival, the Hon’ble Minister was warmly received by the staff, members, monks, nuns, and students of MIMC, who gathered to welcome the distinguished guest to the campus. A high tea was hosted in his honour at the Sambodhi Retreat Centre.
The Hon’ble Minister was accompanied by Shri Chandrabodhi Patil, President of the Buddhist Society of India, along with the President and members of the Buddhist Society of India, Ladakh Branch. Joining Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena in welcoming the Minister were Shri Tsering Samphel, Vice President of MIMC, senior MIMC member Shri Rigzen Spalbar, and Shri Rigzen Wanla.
Welcoming the Hon’ble Minister, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the visit and highlighted the various humanitarian, educational, healthcare, and spiritual initiatives being undertaken by MIMC for the welfare of the people of Ladakh and the Himalayan region. He particularly requested the Ministry’s support for the Maitri Geriatric Home, which provides care and dignity to senior citizens, and for the proposed Ambedkar Memorial Park within the MIMC Buddha Park for World Peace, envisioned as a tribute to the ideals and legacy of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ramdas Athawale fondly recalled his long-standing friendship with Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena and reaffirmed his deep commitment to the teachings of the Buddha and to the humanitarian mission of MIMC. Speaking in his characteristic poetic style, he remarked:
“Just as the Sena (soldiers) protects our borders and our motherland, Sanghasena protects Buddhism and humanity in Ladakh.”
The Hon’ble Minister highly appreciated the tireless efforts of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena in promoting Buddha Dhamma, serving humanity, and fostering peace and harmony. He assured all possible assistance and cooperation from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, as well as support through other concerned ministries, for the continued development of MIMC’s humanitarian initiatives.
Following the interaction, the Hon’ble Minister visited the MIMC Buddha Park for World Peace, where he paid floral tributes at the statue of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution of India, and appreciated the Park’s vision of promoting peace, compassion, social justice, and universal brotherhood.
The visit concluded with a vote of thanks and the exchange of goodwill, reaffirming the shared commitment of MIMC and the Government of India towards the ideals of compassion, social justice, and the welfare of humanity.
