Itanagar: Representatives from diverse Buddhist organizations and community leaders in Arunachal Pradesh recently gathered to address their persistent grievances concerning the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC). The committee, established under the BTMC Act of 1949, has long been a subject of discussion within the Buddhist community regarding its composition and governance.
The meeting, held at the Circuit House, witnessed unanimous support from attending Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for the advocacy efforts aimed at restructuring the BTMC. Following extensive discussions, the assembled members reached a consensus to forward a memorandum to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, imploring his intervention to champion the Buddhist community’s concerns at the national level.
Swiftly following their deliberations, the delegation journeyed to Nafra where they met with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on April 12th. The Minister, who also serves as a Member of Parliament representing Arunachal Pradesh, conveyed his unequivocal support for their cause. He underscored his dedication to safeguarding the sanctity and heritage of Buddhist institutions.
The submitted memorandum articulated two primary demands: the reconstitution of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) to exclusively comprise individuals of the Buddhist faith, ensuring appropriate representation for monks and monastic bodies to uphold the temple’s spiritual and cultural integrity. Additionally, the memorandum called for institutional reforms to embed Buddhist representation within the legal and administrative framework governing the Mahabodhi Temple, empowering Buddhist monastics and community leaders to assume a central role in the temple’s maintenance, rituals, and enduring preservation.
As part of their movement, a peace march has been proposed. Organizers have stated that the date for the march will be announced upon receiving the necessary permission from the Deputy Commissioner. They have issued an appeal to the general public and all Buddhist organizations to unite and participate in a peaceful manner.
The delegation conveyed their sincere appreciation to all the NGOs and individuals who participated in the discussions and pledged their support to the cause.
The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains a vital center of cultural and religious importance. The appeal for management solely by the Buddhist community has been a long-standing aspiration, and with the backing of the Union Minister, the community now expresses hope that this significant matter will gain traction.
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