The Maharashtra Government launched development works worth Rs 200 crore at Deekshabhoomi at a programme, which was witnessed by lakhs of devotees who had come to pay respects to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on Tuesday to mark the 67th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din. State Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the gathering virtually on this occasion. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who were present at the programme, announced that Deekshabhoomi would be made into a globally revered site. Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) has been appointed as the authorised agency for the developmental work. The 22.80 acre area of Deekshabhoomi will be developed to world class standards. On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave a cheque of Rs 70 crore to Bhadant Arya Nagarjuna Surai Sasai, President of Param Pujya Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti, Deekshabhoomi, who also presided over the function.

 

Dr Afinita Chai Chana of Thailand was the chief guest. Krupal Tumane, Ramtek MP; Amitesh Kumar, Commissioner of Police; Dr Vipin Itankar, District Collector; Dr Abhijit Chaudhary, Municipal Commissioner; Dr Manoj Kumar Suryavanshi, Chairman of Nagpur Improvement Trust; Dr Kamalatai Gavai, Member of Smarak Samiti; Dr Rajendra Gavai, Secretary of the Samiti; Adv. M M Yeole; Dr Sudhir Phulzele, Adv Anand Phulzele, N R Sute, DG Dabhade, Vilas Gajghate, Dr Pradeep Aglave, Dr Chandrasekhar Meshram, Bhante Nag Dipankar, Siddharth Gaikwad, Regional Deputy Commissioner, Social Welfare; Sukeshini Telgote, Deputy Commissioner were seated on the dais. Nitin Gadkari, Devendra Fadnavis performed e-bhoomipujan of Dikshabhoomi development work. In his video greeting message, the Chief Minister explained that the state government is committed to the development work on Deekshabhoomi and Chaityabhoomi.

 

Devendra Fadnavis said, “Without any invitation, without being called by anyone, lakhs of people gather at this place for the sake of Babasaheb. So whatever will be created at this place, whatever will be made will be magnificent. It will be world-class. Buddhist thinkers of the world will get world-class facilities when they come here to pay obeisance to this great man. The development of Deekshabhoomi is an emotional issue for me.” “This is the second phase of the development of Deekshabhoomi. Earlier, when I was Chief Minister, the work of development of Deekshabhoomi had started rapidly. But later it faced a hurdle. Now this hurdle has been removed and the work will be completed soon,” asserted Fadnavis. Nitin Gadkari while greeting the devotees gathered said, “ I welcome all the followers from all corners of the country at Nagpur. I express my pleasure for completing the Buddhist circuit at the country level, and the appreciation of the work received from all over the country.” Dr Afinita Chaichana stated, “The great man Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s work for the upliftment of human welfare is revered not only in India but also for countries like Thailand. In today's situation, the thoughts of Gautama Buddha are useful in the perspective of the world.” Dr Rajendra Gavai gave introductory speech. Vilas Gajghate compered and Adv Anand Fulzle proposed a vote of thanks.