Mahakaruna Diwas observed in New Delhi on 7th January 2026
The Mahakaruna Day Celebration was held on Tuesday, 7 January 2026, at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The programme brought together spiritual leaders, educationists, social thinkers, administrators, and professionals from across India to reflect on compassion (Mahakaruna) as a guiding value for peace, education, and social harmony. The celebration coincided with the 68th birthday of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena.
The event was jointly organized by Mahakaruna Foundations, Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, the Confederation of Indian Universities, GPF-India, the Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment, and the International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP), affiliated with the United Nations ECOSOC.
The celebrations commenced with the lighting of the lamp and the release of the book Mahakaruna by the distinguished dignitaries present on the dais. The publication highlights the philosophy and practice of universal compassion as a pathway to personal transformation and global peace. The welcome address was delivered by Er. Anil K. Jain, Director – Projects, MIMC, Leh–Ladakh.
The central theme of the event highlighted compassion as the most potent force for addressing global challenges, emphasizing connection over division. Speakers consistently underscored that only compassion has the capacity to heal fractured societies and respond meaningfully to violence, conflict, and growing alienation.
It was explained that compassion arises when one encounters the suffering of others and feels a genuine motivation to alleviate it. In this context, Mahakaruna was described as an all-inclusive and universal form of compassion that extends beyond human beings to include all living beings and even nature itself. Speakers noted that Mahakaruna represents a shared core value across religions and philosophical traditions, fostering unity and inner well-being. It was also observed that compassionate living helps reduce anxiety and stress by generating positive emotional states, often referred to as “happy hormones.” Unlike ordinary compassion, Mahakaruna was distinguished by its universality and by its grounding in the deeper understanding that all existence is interconnected.
A key highlight of the programme was the message delivered by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, President, MIMC, Leh–Ladakh, who emphasized compassion as a way of life and a practical response to contemporary social and moral crises. The theme of Mahakaruna Day was further elaborated by Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi, President, Confederation of Indian Universities.
A significant announcement made during the programme was the establishment of Mahakaruna Vishwa Vidyapeetham (University of Great Compassion). The initiative aims to launch online academic offerings, beginning with certificate and diploma courses, with the objective of spreading the understanding and practice of compassion to a global audience.
Several speakers shared reflections on the life and work of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena. Acharya Lokesh Muni appealed for the Nobel Peace Prize for Bhikkhu Sanghasena for his lifelong contributions to great compassion and world peace. Dr. P.R. Trivedi described him as a scrupulous preacher and a committed spiritual leader. Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of All India Imam Organisations, shared how Bhikkhu Sanghasena’s life inspired him to walk on the path of the Buddha, noting that although people come from different faiths and traditions, they are united on the path of humanity, Mahakaruna, and world peace.
Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, Convenor of the Bhartiya Sarv Dharm Sansad, stated that the coming together of all faiths would meaningfully contribute to the realization of Mahakaruna in action. Kiran Bedi, IPS (Retd.), former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, shared how each action of Bhikkhu Sanghasena reflected compassion in action and expressed her intention to visit Ladakh again for the International Festival of Yoga and Meditation 2026.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah congratulated Bhikkhu Sanghasena on the occasion of Mahakaruna Day and his birthday, encouraging people to engage in good karma as a path to progress. Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman, GPF-India, spoke on the Indian ethos of Vasudeva Kutumbakam and urged participants to translate this philosophy into everyday life. Maj. Gen. Y.P. Mor (Retd.), CEO, Save the Himalayas Foundation, shared his long association with Bhikkhu Sanghasena and how he has inspired countless individuals.
Dr. A.K. Merchant of the Baha’i Faith offered prayers for Mahakaruna to spread everywhere, highlighting how India’s spiritual heritage inspires the world to move towards peace. Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, former Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile congratulated Bhikkhu Sanghasena on his birthday and invoked the blessings of Lord Buddha and H.H. the Dalai Lama for his long life and good health. Nayeem Ji from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Delhi, shared how Karuna brings hearts together, strengthens relationships, and reaffirmed the principle of “love for all, hatred for none.” Dr. P.P. Wangchuk described compassion as an umbrella under which all noble qualities naturally arise.
The programme also featured addresses by Mr. Ashok Wangdi, former Executive Director of the International Buddhist Confederation; Dr. Biju Sivam Pillai, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon; and Er. M.K. Gupta, international expert in plumbing science and civil engineering.
An open house discussion focused on the launch of online certificate and diploma courses under the aegis of Mahakaruna Vishwa Vidyapeetham, followed by awards and appreciations.
The speakers collectively urged participants to embody compassion in their personal lives, initiate inner transformation, and actively contribute to positive change in society. The Mahakaruna Day Celebrations reaffirmed the timeless relevance of universal compassion as a means to overcome violence, hatred, fear, and social divisions.