OdishaLIVE Bureau
Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha celebrated the 45th foundation day of Dhauli Peace Pagoda in presence of a number of Monks from Japan, America, England, Thailand, Nepal, Shillong etc. Dr. Prasanna Patasani, MP, Bhubaneswar, Govt. of Odisha was Chief Guest of the occasion while other dignitaries Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT and KIIS and Founder International Centre for Buddhist Studies and Research, Dr. Bimalendu Mohanty, Convenor of the celebration committee and former Vice-Chancellor, Utkal University of Culture Rev. T. Okonogi also graced the occasion.
‘Dhauli Past and Present’ a book authored by Dr. Bimalendu Mohanty was released by the dignitaries.
Speaking on the 45th foundation day of Dhauli Peace Pagoda, Dr. Prasanna Patasani, MP, Bhubaneswar said “State Government has always given importance for the development of Buddhist destinations of Odisha. Dhauligiri, the major tourist destination and one of the historical places where Emperor Asoka took the path of non-violence preached by Lord Budhha after the Kalinga world war has always been in priority.”
The Dhauli Shanti Stupa has a special significance because a piece of Budha’s bone was installed in the Stupa on 18th Oct 1972 by the then Chief Minister of Odisha Smt. Nandini Satapathy. The formal inauguration of the Stupa was performed by Shri Gatikrushna Mishra, the then acting Governor of Odisha and the Chief Minister had unveiled the four images of Lord Budha installed on the four sides of the Shanti Stupa. Dr Radhanath Rath, Editor, The Samaja, Shanti Shugei and many other dignitaries were present at that occasion.
The idea of construction of Peace Pagoda in India was first conceived by Ven. Nichidatsu Fujii Guruji, founder President of Nipponzan Myohoji during the course of his 5th visit to India in the year 1956. Dhauli Shanti Stupa was constructed by Japanese Monks led by Ven. Nichidatsu Fuji Guruji who was closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. It is heartening to note that Rev. Shanti Shugei under whose leadership the Shanti Stupa was constructed and he was the second Chief at the time of construction of the Stupa was also present in the gathering. The Shanti Stupa construction was started on 25th Aug 1971 and completed on 8th Nov 1972.
Also present on the occasion were Chief Monk, Rajgir, Rev. M Asai, Chief Monk, Wardha,K Yoda, Chief Monk, Dhauli, Senior academician Dr. Surya Narayan Mishra, Dr. Arya Kumar Jnanendra, Dr. Hari Prasad Patnaik, Mr. Achyutananda Patnaik, Dr. Bedabati Mohanaty.
