Ambedkar Statue-A Historical Milestone in Punjab. Hundreds embraced Buddhism and accepted Deeksha. by Arun Kumar, Bedford, UK
An important landmarked was created in the history of Ambedkar movement in the state of Punjab when a full sized copper statue of Dr. Ambedkar was installed at the Takshilla Maha Buddha Vihara, Ludhiana in the presence of All India Bhikkhu Sangha and thousands of devotes who gathered to celebrate the Dikhsha Divas and Ashok Vijay Dashmi on 13th October, 2013. This statue is unique in whole of India. Babasaheb is shown pointing one finger towards Buddha Vihara and in another hand he is holding his last book 'Buddha and his Dhamma' indicating Buddhism is the ultimate refuge for peace and the welfare of mankind. On 14th October, 1956 Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with 500000 of his followers and that day became important in the Buddhist movement in India. Every year 14th October is celebrated as Diksha Day with great fan fare. It is also believed that on that very day Ashoka, the Great also converted to Buddhism after the victory over Kalinga.
The statue was donated by Hukam Chand Mehmi, President, Ambedkar Mission Society, Bedford and the plinth by Mrs. Nirmala Chahal in memory of her husband, late Chanan Chahal, former President, Punjab Buddhist Society, UK who played a prominent role in the construction of Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara. The statue was unveiled by Ram Pal Rahi, President, Punjab Buddhist Society, UK. Other members of the Punjab Buddhist Society, UK, Punjab, Ambedkar Mission Society, Bedford, UK and Dhamma Federation of India, Rattan Lal Sampla, Mehar Chand Jassal, Mr. & Mrs. Dhanpat Rattu, Mr. & Mrs. Hukam Chand Mehmi, Mr. & Mrs. Harbans Virdee, Mr. & Mrs. Ram Pal Rahi, Mr. & Mrs. Arun Kumar, David Masih, Harbhajan Sampla, Dalbir Saroye, Gurnam Mall, Sham Lal, Manoj Kumar, Gurmit Singh, Advocate Sandeep Kumar Bhaura graced the occasion. Arun Kumar and his family gifted a computer and printer to the Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara.
S. R. Darapuri, IG (retired), UP, DVP Sehra, Senior Scientist (retired), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, Delhi, Ram Gautam from Ghaziabad, Sohan Sehjal, Dr. G.C. Kaul, Dr. Rahul, Guru Ravidass Mission Hospital, Phagwara especially came to attend this function.
Following the footsteps of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar, hundreds of his followers took refuge in the Buddhism. The Diksha ceremony was conducted by Ven. Bhikkhu Boddhi Palo Mahathero and the twenty two oaths prescribed by Dr. Ambedkar were administered by the resident monk Ven. Bhikkhu, Prigya Bodhi.
In his discourse, Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhipalo Mahathero explained the importance of Diksha Divas. Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar resurrected Buddhism for which he will always be remembered for ever like Ashoka. Ven. Bhikkhu Prigyabodhi thanked all devotees who helped to develop the monumental place, Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara. He also requested everybody to donate liberally so that Ambedkar Hall in the Vihara is also completed.
The stage was anchored very successfully and efficiently by Advocate Sandeep Bhaura of Dhamma Federation of India. Food was provided by Mrs. Nirmala Chahal, Satpal Paul, Chaman Lal, Ram Pal Rahi and Harbans Lal Virdee.