‘Studying book on Buddha can enlighten people’

NAGPUR: October 14, 1956, will forever be etched in the memory of people when Dr Babasaheb Ambdekar embraced Buddhism which, at one point of time, had almost become non-existent in the country, and set a path for others to follow it.

Delivering a lecture on ‘Buddha ani tyacha Dhamma ya granthachi prasangikta, organized by Buddha Vihar Samanway Samiti on Thursday, retired lead district manager of Bhandara, Shriram Bansod, said that not owning a book about Buddhism or owning and keeping it in one corner of the house brings darkness.

“Having such a book in one’s possession and understanding it can enlighten life as it contains wealth of knowledge,” he added.

The lecture was organized to convey the importance of ‘Buddha ani tyacha Dhamma’, written by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Bansod highlighted the importance Ambedkar had in

Bouddha

religion. After Ambedkar converted to Buddhism, he was followed by around five lakh people. It was a sort of history not seen before which infused new life in Bouddha religion, he added.

Though tasked with writing the Constitution of India, Ambedkar spared time to conduct extensive research to explain Buddhism in his book, he said.

Talking about his experience with the book, Bansod told, “I initially found it difficult to understand, but regular reading brought clarity of thought. I was amazed by the knowledge it provides which can make people wise.”

Earlier, Bansod and Namdeo Gosavi offered flowers to a statue of Buddha and Ambedkar’s portrait which was followed by recitation of ‘tri-ratna’ prayers.

(Reporting by Tanuja Ratnaparkhi)