Millions of followers today paid homage to Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur on the occasion of the 70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Day. Addressing the main ceremony, Venerable Wannasiri Mahathero from Myanmar said that Dr. Ambedkar had embraced Buddhism not out of hatred for anyone, but because the Dhamma of the Buddha offered humanity and the world a better society. He said that the responsibility of carrying forward the Dhamma embraced and propagated by Dr. Ambedkar rested with his followers.
President of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti, Bhadant Arya Nagarjuna Surai Sasai, along with monks from India and abroad, were present on the dais. Every year, millions of followers visit Deekshabhoomi to pay their respects to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who embraced Buddhism along with millions of his followers at Nagpur on October 14, 1956, on the occasion of Vijayadashami. The day is celebrated as Dhammachakra Pravartan Day since then.The annual observance commemorates the historic conversion of Dr. Ambedkar to Buddhism and his message of equality, liberty, fraternity and human dignity.
Extensive arrangements were made by the Nagpur district and muncipal administrations to facilitate the devotees. Adequate security arrangements were put in place by the police. The Central Railway’s Nagpur Division operated additional trains to facilitate the arrival and departure of followers from different parts of the country. Nagpur Metro also operated services from early morning till late at night to ensure convenient travel for the visitors.
