“Dhammachakra Pravartan Din” is just two weeks away, but Deeksha Bhoomi is in a state of disrepair due to rain! Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s grandsons have made this demand.

Nagpur – With just two weeks remaining for the historic “Dhammachakra Pravartan Din,” the Ambedkar family has issued an urgent appeal to the Nagpur District Administration regarding the infrastructure crisis at the sacred Deeksha Bhoomi memorial. The situation created by recent heavy rains has jeopardized the safety and convenience of millions of pilgrims.

In a letter addressed to the District Collector, Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar, President of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and Buddhist Society of India, and Bhimrao Yashwant Ambedkar, Executive President, express concern over “serious infrastructural and logistical challenges” that could pose difficulties for the millions of pilgrims expected to visit.

The letter begins by reminding the profound historical significance of Deeksha Bhoomi. It was here on October 14, 1956, that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with his over 380,000 followers. This historic event marks the revival of Buddhism in India and a powerful turning point against caste discrimination.

Every year, on this day, millions of devotees from India and abroad gather at Deekshabhoomi to pay homage and reaffirm their commitment to the principles of equality, compassion, and non-violence. A large turnout is expected this year as well.

Call for Immediate Action, Key Demands

The letter presents a list of nine urgent demands to improve the situation:

1. The main event site, where thousands of people gather and spend the night, is currently waterlogged and muddy. The administration is requested to make the area safe and accessible by laying at least 300 trucks of gravel or crushed stone.
2. Ambedkar wrote that the rear portion of the complex, where thousands of people stay, has not yet been inspected by officials. He demanded an immediate site inspection.
3. The provision of large, waterproof awnings and temporary shelters has been requested to protect guests during sudden rains and overnight stays.
4. The provision of a sufficient number of clean and accessible mobile toilets at all key locations is a key demand.
5. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation should install clear information boards outside schools designated for emergency accommodation, displaying the name of the responsible guard/staff and the numbers of two or three contact persons for immediate assistance.
6. The administration is requested to deploy dedicated officers and guards at all key locations, with their names and contact numbers publicly available. Adequate police force has also been requested for crowd management.
7. The designated space for book stalls is also prone to waterlogging. It has been requested that this space be leveled with gravel so that stalls can be set up.
8. Directional signs in Marathi, Hindi, and other regional languages ​​should be installed at prominent locations such as Nagpur Railway Station, Ajni Station, and Mor Bhavan Bus Stop, providing directions to Deeksha Bhoomi and information about essential services such as medical care, food, accommodation, and toilets.
9. Special, free or subsidized shuttle buses should be arranged for visitors from railway stations, bus stops, and the airport to Deeksha Bhoomi.

The letter concludes by emphasizing that these steps are not merely for convenience, but are necessary to maintain the “dignity and importance of this national and spiritual event.” Prakash and Bhimrao Ambedkar expressed confidence in the administration and urged “immediate attention” and “necessary action without delay.”

Geetha Sunil Pillai

Courtesy: Hindi News