Thousands of Buddhists and Representatives from Around 30 States Expected to Participate in Bhubaneswar Event
JAMMU, Oct 8: The Rashtriya Bauddh Mahasabha (RBM) will organise its 20th National Convention and a grand Dhamma initiation ceremony on October 14, 2026, at the historic Kalinga land in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The mega event will begin at 10 am at the Secretariat Services Association Ground (OSSA Ground), Unit-3, Kharavela Nagar, Bhubaneswar, with participation expected from representatives of around 30 states and thousands of Buddhist followers from across the country.
The announcement was made by Sheeshpal Bauddh, National General Secretary and In-charge of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, Rashtriya Bauddh Mahasabha, following an appeal by RBM founder Dharm Prakash Bharatiya Bauddh.
Highlighting the historical significance of the venue, Sheeshpal Bauddh said Kalinga holds a special place in Buddhist history as the site associated with the Kalinga War and Emperor Ashoka’s transformation. According to him, the devastating consequences of the war led Ashoka to turn away from violence and embrace the teachings of Gautama Buddha based on compassion, loving-kindness, non-violence and welfare of humanity.
He said Ashoka’s transformation from a conqueror through war to a proponent of Dhamma and peace represented one of the most significant turning points in the history of Buddhism.
Sheeshpal Bauddh further said that Emperor Ashoka subsequently made Dhamma and public welfare central to his approach to governance and supported the construction of stupas, viharas and inscriptions. Through Dhamma emissaries, including his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra, the message of Buddhism was carried beyond India to other parts of the world.
He said organising the 20th National Convention and the mega Dhamma initiation ceremony on the historic land of Kalinga carries special significance as it symbolises the transformation from violence to Dhamma, war to peace and conquest to human welfare.
The RBM has appealed to Buddhist followers, Ambedkarite followers, intellectuals and Dhamma enthusiasts from across the country to participate in the event along with their families and make the convention a significant gathering for promoting the values of peace, equality, compassion and human welfare.
The organisers have invited people to join the programme at Kalinga, Bhubaneswar, on October 14 from 10 am onwards. For further information, participants can contact 9997470456 and 8057675547.