Kalaburagi marks Buddha Purnima with leaders calling for peace, equality, and adoption of Buddha’s teachings in daily life.
Kalaburagi
The 2570th Vaishakh Buddha Purnima was observed with devotion at Siddhartha Buddha Vihar in the city, with a call to adopt Gautama Buddha’s teachings of peace, compassion, and rational thinking.
The programme began with Buddha Vandana led by Bhanteji, with participation from devotees and dignitaries from various regions.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof Purushottama Bilimale said Buddha’s teachings should not be limited to rituals but must be practiced in daily life. He said Buddha introduced a scientific and knowledge-based approach during the 5th–6th century BCE, offering a new direction to society during a period of ideological transition in India.
He added that Dr B.R .Ambedkar later institutionalised Buddha’s progressive ideas through the Indian Constitution. He stressed the need to adopt humanistic values, equality, and rational thinking for societal progress.
Prof Bilimale also highlighted India’s tradition of compassion and said Buddhism has strengthened the values of humanity and empathy over centuries.
Presiding over the event, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge said Buddha’s teachings remain highly relevant in today’s world and promote global peace. He said the ideas of Buddha, Basavanna, and Ambedkar must be widely propagated.
He added that religion should serve human upliftment and said India’s unity is strengthened by the Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights. He also noted that Buddha’s Dhamma is reflected in the Ashoka Chakra of the national flag.
Several ministers, MLAs, MLCs, and community leaders attended the programme, which concluded with messages promoting equality, peace, and social harmony.