Latest news with #Panchasheel
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
‘Shed inferiority complex and embrace the vision of equality and social justice'
'Secular and pluralistic values are the backbone of India and it is under the guidance of the teachings of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar that we find unity in our Constitution,' professor of Kannada at Central University of Karnataka Appagere Somashekar has said. He was speaking at the Buddha-Basava-Ambedkar Vicharotsava, a symposium organised at the open-air auditorium in the Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University (VSKU), Ballari, on Wednesday. Emphasising the influence of the progressive ideals of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar's thoughts on the Constitution, Prof. Somashekar urged the people to shed inferiority complexes and embrace the vision of equality and social justice they championed. 'Their dreams have taken shape in the very fabric of the Constitution. We must uphold those values and fight to realise them,' he said. Buddhist writer Buddhaghosh Devendra Heggade described the Buddha as a timeless figure whose teachings remain relevant across all generations. He noted that the Buddha's Panchasheel principles offered a guiding light to people of all castes, religions and communities. 'Today's youth, unfortunately, lack familiarity with the life and wisdom of the Buddha,' he lamented. Literary scholar and university syndicate member Amaresh Nugadoni highlighted the transformative relevance of the trio's philosophies. 'The thoughts of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar are essential for human development. Basavanna's Vachanas and his awareness of knowledge continue to lead us towards innovation and enlightenment,' he said. University Vice-Chancellor M. Muniraju, who presided over the event, noted that Dr. Ambedkar worked to ensure justice for every marginalised community. He stated that the programme's goal is to instill the ideologies of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar in students, so they may contribute meaningfully to their families, society and the nation. During the occasion, winners of speech competitions on the philosophies of the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar were awarded cash prizes and certificates. Veteran writer N.D. Venkamma offered Buddha Vandane, a dedicated prayer. The event also featured a procession within the university campus with students dressed as the Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar, accompanied by a float carrying their portraits. The procession was led by Registrar S.N. Rudresh. Cultural highlights included renditions of revolutionary songs presented by the Department of Performing Arts and Drama. N.M. Sali, N. Shantanayak, Sushma Jogan, Shridevi Alur and other faculty members, research scholars, teaching and non-teaching staff and students were present. The day concluded with a series of cultural performances in the evening.
Hans India
13-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Buddhist philosophy has universal relevance
Ongole: The 2,568th Buddha Jayanti celebrations here highlighted the profound potential of Buddhist principles to foster social harmony and personal growth, with local officials and social leaders emphasising the transformative power of Buddha's teachings. Speaking at a programme conducted at Buddha Dharma Prachara Kendra near Nirmal Nagar Park, various speakers stressed the universal relevance of Buddhist philosophy in contemporary times. Prakasam district Additional SP Ashok Babu urged Buddhist organisations to take a proactive role in spreading the Panchasheel throughout civil society. He said that Panchasheel can be a powerful tool in reducing criminal tendencies and promoting social well-being. Dr Sudhakar Babu, a government medical college professor, drew attention to the vision of Dr BR Ambedkar, noting that embracing Buddhist culture could pave the way for a more equitable and enlightened India. Additional Director of the Mother and Child Welfare Department Karanam Raghavarao requests Indians to shed age-old superstitions and caste barriers. He emphasised that countries that have embraced Buddhist dharma have shown remarkable progress and called for a more rational and compassionate approach to social interactions. The other speakers highlighted the universal message of Buddha and emphasised that his teachings offer a path to world peace. They called upon citizens to understand and implement the Panchasheel principles, which advocate non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, sexual responsibility, and abstaining from intoxicants. As part of the Buddha Pournami celebrations, participants organised a peace walk from the Sai Baba Temple in Lawyer Pet to Nirmal Nagar Park, symbolising the Buddhist principles of peace and unity. SKM district convener Chunduri Rangarao, OPDR leader Chavali Sudhakar Rao, and leaders from multiple social and political organisations participated in the programme.
