Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The city is hosting the Global Dhamma Conference for the first time in 70 years in India. The five-day event will be inaugurated on Thursday at 9 am by Myanmar’s Vipassana teacher Bhante Ashin Tara Sayadaw.
Monks, nuns and followers from 30 countries, including India, have arrived for the conference, informed chief organiser prof. Bhikkhuni Dhammadarsana Mahatheri, organising committee president Dr Arvind Gaikwad and vice-president Anil Baste.
Guardian minister Sanjay Shirsat will preside over the inaugural function. Mayor Sameer Rajurkar, MP Kalyan Kale, district collector Deelip Swami,commissioner of police Pravin Pawar and Smart City CEO Ravindra Jogdand will attend. The programme will begin with flag hoisting at 8 am, followed by Vinayapitaka chanting and Dhamma discourses.
Speakers include Bhadant Dhammariddhim, Bhadant Ngawan Dechen, Dr Bhikkhuni Dhammasari (Myanmar), Prof. Dr Wangchuk Doji (Varanasi), Bhadant Uttapan Ariya Dhammo Mahathero (Japan) and Bhadant Pragyadeep Mahathero (Bodh Gaya). Archaeologist Atul Bhosekar will speak on Buddhism and youth.
Renowned singer Abhijit Kosambi will present a cultural performance on the opening day.