Dhamma Diksha Day celebrated by Buddhist Ambedkarite Maitri Sangh (BAMS UK) and the Cambridge Buddhist Center

Buddhist Ambedkarite Maitri Sangh (BAMS UK) and the Cambridge Buddhist Center, on behalf of the Indian Community, celebrated “Dhamma Diksha Day” in Cambridge, UK, with great enthusiasm and joy.

On October 14, 1956, the great revolutionary and champion of equality, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, took Dhamma Diksha (initiation into the Buddhist faith) on the day of “Ashoka Vijayadashami” and revived the almost extinct Buddhist Dhamma in India, sparking a Dhamma revolution. The Dhamma Wheel set in motion by Lord Buddha was once again turned. This historic day is also called “Dhammachakka Anuvattan Day.”

Today, this day is celebrated with grand festivities across India. In remembrance of this historic day, the “Dhamma Diksha Day” program, organized by the Buddhist Ambedkarite Maitri Sangh (BAMS UK) and the Cambridge Buddhist Center, Indian Community, was celebrated with immense joy at the Cambridge Buddhist Center, Cambridge, UK, on October 13, 2024.

The event featured several vibrant programs. The program began with health and safety and safeguarding instructions. This was followed by a collective recitation of the Three Refuges, Five Precepts, Buddhavandana, and the Dhamma teachings “Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu” and “Mahamangala Sutta.” The audience honored the great leader with rhythmic Lezim dances, and the hall resounded with chants of “Jai Bhim.” Devotees practiced mindfulness and walking meditation. The significance of the 22 revolutionary vows was recited in the sweet voices of children. An engaged Talkshow was held to address how we can face and overcome the many challenges and questions arising from the stress of modern life through the principles of Buddha Dhamma. The interactive discussion explored why Babasaheb embraced Buddhism, the reasoning behind his decision, and the responsibilities of all devotees. Various dances, songs, and presentations were also part of the event.

The Buddhist Ambedkarite Maitri Sangh (BAMS UK) is dedicated to instilling Ambedkarite and Buddhist values and traditions in children. BAMS volunteers are actively working to create a socio-cultural platform for Ambedkarite and Buddhist communities in the UK. This event provided a stage for young and old alike to showcase their talents. Children eagerly participated in various programs, demonstrating their skills and abilities. BAMS, a family-based association in the UK, brings together families and students to preserve their cultural and intellectual heritage while remaining independent of any political organization.

Photos of walking meditation

The Cambridge Buddhist Center has been a significant spiritual center of Buddhism in Great Britain for many years. It offers important knowledge about Buddhism, along with training in various forms of meditation, Tai Chi, and yoga. The Cambridge Buddhist Center is entirely supported by donations from those who visit. It has played a crucial role in planting the roots of Buddhism in the Cambridge area.

Despite living in the United Kingdom, these volunteers are nurturing the invaluable philosophies of Buddhism, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the great Emperor Ashoka, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in their children. People from various parts of the United Kingdom attended this event. For centuries, the oppressed masses were shackled in slavery. It was only due to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar that they received opportunities to work according to their merit. Hence, the phrase “Uddharli Koti Kule Bhima Tujhya Janma Mule” (“Millions of families were uplifted by Bhim’s birth”) resonates, acknowledging that “the bread we eat bears Babasaheb’s signature.”

Group photo taken at the end of the event

Today, numerous doctors, engineers, PhD holders, and students have crossed the seven seas and established themselves. As a social responsibility, they continue to spread the teachings of Lord Buddha, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and other great leaders.

Author: Nitin Thulkar and Girish Kamble