Ballari
India is the land of Lord Buddha, who taught peace and non-violence, said Dr. Mundaragi Nagaraj, President of the Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Limited, during the Buddha Jayanti celebrations held in Ballari. The programme was organised jointly by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Kannada and Culture Department, and the City Corporation at Hongirana Hall in the Cultural Complex on Dr. Rajkumar Road.
He said Gautama Buddha, born in 563 BC, founded Buddhism, which is now the world’s third largest religion. He highlighted Buddha’s message of peace over war and said his teachings remain relevant in today’s conflict-filled world. He also called for adopting the Panchasheela principles in daily life and expressed a desire to build a large Buddha statue in a peaceful location in Ballari city.
Mayor P. Gadeppa said Buddha was a global symbol of non-violence who left royal life at the age of 29 in search of truth and peace. He said great personalities like Buddha, Basavanna, Dr. Ambedkar, and Mahatma Gandhi continue to inspire society, and stressed the importance of following non-violence in today’s turbulent times.
District Guarantee Scheme Implementation Authority Chairman K. E. Chidanandappa said Buddha, Basavanna, Ambedkar, and Gandhi all worked for equality and against social injustice. He said their philosophies promote truth and peace.
A special lecture was delivered by retired principal Somnath C. H., and Buddhist songs were performed during the event. A grand procession was also held in the evening through major city roads, drawing participation from devotees, officials, and community leaders.
