A two-day International Buddhist Conference will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium in Chamarajanagara.
Prior to the conference, participants will take part in a march carrying the Damma Jyothi under the theme ‘Walk Towards Dhamma’ at 7 a.m. The march will begin at the statue of Dr. Ambedkar, Bhimasamudra, and pass through the road in front of B. Rachayya Double Road, Sri Bhuvaneshwari Circle, Santhemarahalli, before culminating at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium.
Sheelavamsha Mahathero Banthe from Colombo University, Sri Lanka, and Bodhirathna Bante from Nalanda Bowdha Vihara, T. Narasipura, will light the Damma Jyothi in the presence of C. Puttarangashetty, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture.
The conference is scheduled to be inaugurated by Mallikarjuna Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, at Saranatha Vedike at 11.30 a.m. in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara.
A.R. Krishnamurthy, Kollegal MLA, will preside over the conference. Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah will release the souvenir, while former Minister H.C. Mahadevappa will inaugurate the book stalls and S. Mariswamy, a former IPS officer, will release books on Dhamma.
A series of discussions on topics related to Buddha and B R Ambedkar will be held across different forums during the conference.
Topics such as ‘Cultivation of Mind: Perception of Buddha and Babasaheb’, ‘Buddhist Culture and its Relevance Today’, ‘Contemporary Educational Challenges and Solutions Proposed by Buddha and B.R. Ambedkar’, ‘Damma: Babasaheb’s Visionary Philosophy’, ‘The Fundamental Principle of Buddhism and Inclusivity’, ‘Buddhism and Women’s Liberation’, ‘Buddhist Philosophy and Social Transformation’, and ‘Buddhist Sites in Karnataka and their Historical Significance’ will be covered during the sessions on the first day of the conference.
A quiz and spelling bee will be held as part of the Makkala Maithri programme.
A women’s roundtable conference will discuss the challenges faced by families in practising religion.
Discussions on ‘Heritage of Boudha Wisdom’, ‘The Constitution of India and Buddha: Cultural Significance’, ‘Thoughts of Buddha and B.R. Ambedkar: Mass Media’, ‘Buddhist Thoughts in Kannada Literature’, ‘ Dalit Movements: Buddhist Philosophy’ will be held on the second day of the conference.
A youth roundtable conference scheduled for Sunday will discuss a ten-year action plan to spread Buddhist teachings and Ambedkar's thoughts among the younger generation. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will take part in the valedictory programme on Sunday evening.
Published - October 23, 2026 08:03 pm IST