Leh, July 5: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale on Sunday visited the Mahabodhi Devachan Campus in Leh and assured full support for the humanitarian, educational and social welfare initiatives being undertaken by the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC).
Athawale was accorded a traditional welcome by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President and Spiritual Director of MIMC. He was received by monks, nuns, students, staff and members of the organisation, followed by a reception at the Sambodhi Retreat Centre.
During the interaction, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena briefed the Minister about MIMC’s humanitarian work across Ladakh and the Himalayan region, including its education, healthcare, elderly care and spiritual outreach programmes. He also sought the Centre’s support for the Maitri Geriatric Home and the proposed Ambedkar Memorial Park at the Buddha Park for World Peace.
Addressing the gathering, Athawale recalled his long association with Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena and praised his contribution towards promoting the teachings of Buddha, humanitarian service and communal harmony. In his trademark poetic style, he remarked, “Just as the Sena protects the nation’s borders, Sanghasena protects Buddhism and humanity in Ladakh.”
The Union Minister assured all possible assistance from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, besides exploring support through other ministries, for the expansion of MIMC’s humanitarian initiatives.
Later, Athawale visited the Buddha Park for World Peace, where he paid floral tributes to B. R. Ambedkar and appreciated the park’s message of peace, compassion, social justice and universal brotherhood.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment between MIMC and the Government of India towards promoting compassion, social justice and the welfare of society.
