Marking the beginning of the session, the Buddha Damma Jyothi was taken out in procession from the Buddha stupam at Anupu to the Buddha Vanam in Nagarjunasagar early in the morning. The convention was organised at Buddha Vanam (the Buddhist Theme park).
At its inaugural session, BSI general secretary V.H. Mukley said Buddhism was the only religion that treated all people equally.
He asked the gathering to draw inspiration from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who started the BSI. Mr. Mukley said the members of the society must spread the teachings of Buddha in all parts of country.
Retired IPS officer Chennuru Anjaneya Reddy said that since many countries had been invited to be part of the construction of Buddha Vanam, the BSI expected that Nagarjunasagar would be developed into a sought-after spiritual tourism spot to Buddhists in the nation. BSI-Telangana chairman Bommala Kattaiah hoisted the flag of the Society.
Retired IAS officer R .Subba Rao, organising committee members Gampala Anthaiah, Seelam Prabhakar and others were present.
