A three-day jam-packed schedule awaits the visitors to Deekshabhoomi as various programmes and events are earmarked for the 69th Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din celebrations. Since year after year, the number of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar are increasing, the Samiti overseeing the arrangements is working overtime to ensure the objective of their pilgrimage, said Dr Rajendra Gavai, Secretary, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti, while interacting with newspersons at Dr Ambedkar College on Monday. Dr Gavai said that, while the main programme is on October 2. Programmes will commence from September 30 onwards.

 

He said that, agencies including Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Maharashtra State Government Health Service Agency and the Police Department have made arrangements to provide civic facilities for the visitors. Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule held a meeting of all stakeholders with Samiti officials for drawing up plan for success of the 69th Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din programme, Divisional Commissioner Vijaylaxmi Bidari and District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar and other senior officials were present. Gavai recalled that on October 14, 1956, on Ashoka Vijayadashmi, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism at Deekshabhoomi from Mahasthaveer Chandramani. In memory of that event, the Samiti every year holds Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din.

 

On October 2, the main programme starts with Buddha Vandana at 9 am at Deekshabhoomi in the presence of Bhadant Arya Nagarjuna Surai Sasai, President of the Samiti. The three-day programme will begin on September 30 at 9 am with an initiation into Dhamma of those desirous. On October 1 at 9 am, the Panchasheel flag will be hoisted by Bhadant Sasai in the presence of Samiti members. At 6 pm, Samata Sainik Dal will give a salute, followed by a Dhamma Parishad with monks from Japan, Malaysia and other countries. A cultural programme will conclude the day at 9 pm at Dhamma Deeksha Shamiana. On October 2 at 9 am, Bhadant Sasai will administer vows and lead mass Buddha Vandana. Samata Sainik Dal will pay tributes.

 

The main programme will be chaired by Bhadant Sasai, with the presence of Bhadant Chandima Thero, Vinacharya, Raj Vrindra, IAS, and other dignitaries. At 9 pm, a cultural presentation of Samvidhan will be staged. Special arrangements include shelter in schools near Deekshabhoomi during rain and assistance from Buddhist Vihara Committees. Trustees Sudhir Fulzele, Vilas Gajghate, N R Sute and Pradeep Aglawe were present at the press conference.