‘Growth of Dhamma Requires the Active Support of the People’: Dr. Vilas Adhav

Pune, 3rd June 2026: Dr. Vilas Adhav, Director of the School of Education at Savitribai Phule Pune University, said that the holistic development of the Buddhist community in India depends on embracing and practicing the scientific philosophy of Dhamma propagated by Bodhisattva Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and strengthening intellectual connections with Buddhist nations across the world.

He was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of a 10-day Shramanera (novice monk) camp held at Bodhivana Buddha Vihara in Wadegaon, Wade Bolhai, Pune district. The camp concluded with great enthusiasm on May 31.

Delivering the keynote address on “The Buddhist Dhamma Envisioned by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar,” Dr. Adhav highlighted the historical spread of Buddhism during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, attributing its global expansion to strong royal patronage.

“Today, Buddhism continues to flourish in countries such as Sri Lanka and Thailand, where it has enjoyed sustained institutional and societal support. As a result, these nations are widely recognized for their strong Buddhist heritage. In India, however, the growth and propagation of Dhamma now require the active support and participation of the people,” he said.

Dr. Vrushali Randhir, Principal of Ness Wadia College, also addressed the gathering. She emphasized the need for women to uphold the intellectual and social legacy of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Tathagata Gautama Buddha by rejecting superstition and embracing scientific thinking and rational values to achieve social and economic progress.

Jitin Kamble shared his thoughts on the significance of the Dhamma and encouraged the Shramaneras to remain committed to the path of wisdom, compassion, and ethical living.

Around 40 Shramaneras from various parts of Maharashtra participated in the camp, benefiting from Dhamma education, moral training, and spiritual guidance.

The camp was organized under the leadership of Venerable Bhadant Dr. Nagghosh. During the ten-day programme, guidance was provided by a group of monks including Venerable Bhadant Shakhyaputra Rahul, Venerable Bhadant Payyarakhit, Venerable Bhadant Dhammanand, Venerable Bhadant Deepdhammo, Venerable Bhadant Dhammabodhi, Venerable Bhadant Sanchitabodhi, and Samast Shinde.

Venerable Bhadant Milind also delivered in-depth teachings on the Dhamma and mentored the novice monks throughout the camp.

The organisers expressed gratitude to local volunteers, public representatives, parents, and lay devotees whose support and dedicated efforts contributed significantly to the successful conduct of the Shramanera camp.