Andhra Pradesh gearing up for Buddhist congregation

Times of India, Dec 23, 2005

HYDERABAD, India -- The Andhra Pradesh government is gearing up to host the world Buddhist conclave ‘Kalachakra’ 2006, to be held at Amravati on the banks of the Krishna river in Guntur district from January 5 next year.

Strict security arrangements are being made at the venue where Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, will deliver discourses during the 12-day event. The authorities are also taking steps to provide drinking water, power supply, shelters and other facilities to the participants.

Briefing reporters about the arrangements for the prestigious event, Finance Minister K Rosaiah and Tourism Minister Dr J Geetha Reddy today said the state government was playing the role of a facilitator by providing infrastructure and other facilities for the pilgrims at an estimated cost of Rs 52.64 crore.

Terming the event as a prestigious one for the country, they said over 1.3 lakh Buddhist pilgrims are expected to participate in the congregation and a contingent of 1,000 volunteers from Dharmasala-based Norbulingka Institute were already camping at Amravati to make the necessary arrangements.

On its part, the state government had constituted a cabinet sub-committee, headed by Rosaiah, to co-ordinate the arrangements and monitor the works being taken up at the site.

Home to ancient Buddhist sites, Amravati, a small village about 35 km from Guntur, is a holy land for Buddhists. It was here that the Buddha first revealed 'Kalachakra', a spiritual practice belonging to the highest yoga tantras.
The Buddhist Channel - Donate to Support Our Work



An Appeal

In deep gratitude for your support! We are half way to meeting our target (US$ 10,400 of US$ 18,000 already achieved)!

The Buddhist Channel is a dedicated group of "mindful communication practitioners" striving to make a positive impact on the Buddhist community. We deeply believe in the power of mindful journalism and are reaching out to you with a heartfelt request for your support. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless Buddhist monastics, local communities and other dedicated engaged workers. With your help, we make their stories known, and thereby opening up avenues for them to obtain sustainable support for their work.

Please indicate whether your support will be a donation or a loan. We will get back to you via email. We thank you in advance for providing us financial relieve. May the Buddha Dharma ever be your guide and protector.

Note: To date, we have received the following:

US$ 900 from Esa Myllykoski (donation)
US$ 9,500 from Lance Edwards/Kau Soo Kin (loan)

We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.

If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv

TOP