Statewide Yatra Marks 70 Years of Dhamma Deeksha as Half a Million Eye Conversion

A massive three-week mobilization to promote constitutional values and celebrate the platinum jubilee of the Buddhist Dhamma Deeksha movement will launch in Kalaburagi this autumn. Zen monk Shaku Bodhi Dhamma, who leads the International Buddhist Youth Organisation (India), announced that the Karnataka Dhamma Janjagruti Yatra-2026 begins on October 5.

Routes and Logistics

The journey starts at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Statue located at Jagat Circle. From this starting point, the yatra will visit every district in Karnataka. The International Buddhist Youth Organisation (India) is coordinating the initiative alongside several domestic and international partners, including:

• Global Dr. Ambedkar Buddhist Mission (U.S.)
• All India Dr. Ambedkar Bhikkhu Sangha
• Buddhist Mahastupa Development and Conservation Trust, Sannati (Kanaganahalli)

The mission will culminate on November 1 at Sannati in Chittapur taluk. This location holds significant historical weight as an ancient Buddhist hub dating back 2,000 years. A massive Dhamma Deeksha ceremony is scheduled for the finale, where organizers project half a million attendees will formally convert to Buddhism.

Ideological Goals and Heritage Preservation

Dr. Dhamma characterized the yatra as a tool to reinforce the fundamental societal pillars of fraternity, justice, liberty, and equality. Beyond social activism, the movement seeks to bring national attention to the archaeological importance of the Kanaganahalli site.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Dr. Dhamma called for unified action to conserve the Sannati heritage site. He emphasized that the event expects to draw followers not only from across Karnataka but also from various regions across India to witness the revitalization of these ancient spiritual traditions.

Source: The Hindu — Home