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2015-16
NAGALOKA ANNUAL REPORT
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ORGANISATION PROFILE
Established in 1995
Nagaloka is a major centre of the Buddhist Revival in India, initiated by Dr.
Babasaheb Ambedkar. It is a member of Triratna Boudhha Mahasangha family. The
goal of Nagaloka is to support the peaceful transformation of Indian society through
training, education and research based on the values of liberty, equality and fraternity,
Babasaheb's foundation principles, which he emphasised, are at the heart of the
Buddha's teachings. The goal of Nagaloka is to support the peaceful transformation of
Indian society through training, education and research based on the values of liberty,
equality and fraternity.
VISION
“A caste free society based on the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as
envisioned by Dr. Ambedkar”
MISSION
To educate and develop committed people to enhance their capacities and actieve
their full potentials by practicing and spreading equality, fraternity and liberty and
human rights through Buddhist teachings and social action
OBJECTIVES
o Training young Buddhist from all over India in the Dhamma
o Develop all india Dhamma network of practitioners and activists
o Interaction with Buddhists from abroad
o Local Dhamma activities
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MANAGEMENT
President
Dhammachari Lokamitra, President of Nagaloka
Vice-President
Dhammachari Viradhamma, Vice President of Nagaloka
Chairperson
Dhammachari Maitreyanath, Trustees of Nagaloka took over as Chairperson of
Nagaloka during the year 2015-16
Directors
N. Gauthama Prabhu held the charge Director of Nagarjuna Training Institute during
the current year 2015-16
Dhammachari Tejdarshan joined Nagaloka as Directors of Administration in August,
2015
Board Meetings
The meeting of the governing board of Nagaloka was held six times in the current
year 2015-16
Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting of Nagaloka was convened on 3rd to 4th
October, 2015 in
Nagaloka. In total 20 members attended the meeting. The AGM adopted the
Chairperson report and audited accounts of Nagaloka for the year 2014-15.
Local Management Committee for Nagarjuna Training Institute
Under the Chairmanship of Dhammachari Vivekratna, for the year 2015-16 in total
three local management meetings were conducted on June 2015, September 2015 and
January, 2016.
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CONTENT Pages
1. Year Review: Main Highlight of Major Activities 5-26
Dhammasekhiya Course 5
Graduation Programe 6
Workshops 7
Retreats 12
Conferences 15
Skill Development Programe 17
Free Medical Check up 18
Field Visits 19
Participation at Dali Conference 20
Ashoka Vijay Dashmi Celebration 21
Sangha Day Celebration 23
Ambedkar Jayanti 24
Diksha Ceremony 25
Dhammamitra Ordination 25
Dhamma Classes 26
2. Our Coverage 26-17
3. Alumni Achievements 27-18
4. New Initiatives 28-35
Ambedkar School of Governance 28
Formation of Alumni General Council and 30
Central Executive Committee
International Trip to Sri Lanka 30
Nagaloka Staffs Workshop 31
Visit to Wardha University 32
Free Distribution of Sanitary Napkins 32
Visit to Nepal After Earthquake 33
Contribution Towards Chennai Flood Relief 33
Inauguration of Upaya Building 34
Completion of new boys hostel 35
5. Success Stories 35-16
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YEAR REVIEW: MAIN HIGHLIGHT OF MAJOR ACTIVITIES
DHAMMASEKHIYA COURSE
The year 2015-16 was the 14th
year of
Dhammasekhiya course training. In this
year, 120 trainees joined the course. It is
eight month residential course which offers
basic Buddhist teachings and practices
with special consideration being given to
Dr. Ambedkar’s approach to Buddhism. It
also introduces students to the rudiments of
Buddhist based social work and action. In
total 18 Dhammachari and
Dhammacharuni took the classes for
Buddhist studies, 5 resource persons took
Ambedkar thoughts and 8 experts took
social action. Along with this, Hozan Alan
Sanauke and Viradhamma from United States took the classes on Martin Luther
sermon on “I am an Untouchable” and American Buddhism.
During the training
programme, trainees practice
meditation twice a day, recite
suttas, participate in group
discussion, work duty and
work period. Along with three
hours of classroom teaching,
trainees was engaged with self
study in two hours of library studies. As part of course, three retreats were
conducted on meditation led by Dhammachari Vivekratna, Satta-aparihariya
Dhamma by Bodhidharma and Sigalwad sutta by Viveksheel. All the trainees have
admired our Dhammasekhiya course pedagogy, contents, quality and exposure.
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Number of Trainees enrolled in year 2015-16
GRADUATION PROGRAMME
Since 2012 Nagarjuna
Training Institute is
affiliated with
Rashtrasantha Tukodoji
Maharaj Nagpur, Nagpur
University and offers a full
time three year degree
course in Buddhist
Studies, Dr. Ambedkar
Thought, Pali, English and
Hindi. At present in total 47 students are pursuing graduation programme from
the institute.
One day study tour was organised for BA II students on 6th
March, 2016 to
explore the Buddhist destinations nearby Nagpur. Students were taken to
Mansar, Nagardhan fort which was built in 5th
century at Ramtek, Pench Dam
Sl.no States Male Females Total
1 Bihar 6 0 6
2 Chhattisgarh 14 17 31
3 Delhi 3 2 5
4 Karnataka 0 1 1
5 Kerala 0 1 1
6 Maharashtra 0 2 2
7 Madhya Pradesh 0 1 1
8 Haryana 0 1 1
9 Odisha 19 5 24
10 Rajasthan 3 3 6
11 Uttar Pradesh 6 10 16
12 Gujarat 1 1 2
13 Uttrakhand 0 1 1
14 Jharkhand 5 11 16
15 Tamil Nadu 4 0 4
16 Telangana 0 2 2
17 West Bengal 0 1 1
Overall Total 61 59 120
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Multipurpose project, and Nagarjun hill. One faculty and one staff
accompanied the students during the trip.
WORKSHOPS
Imparting workshop has been an integral part of Nagaloka. Every year
numbers of alumni turned up to participate in workshops. In 2015-16,
Nagaloka organised in total 4 workshops for the alumni on disaster
management, women health education, baseline survey and report writing as
well as 3 workshops for Dhammasekhiya Trainees on disaster management,
self defence for girls’ trainees and community organisation. The number of
total alumni participants was 82 out of which 60% were women alumni.
1. Disaster Management
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A six days workshop on disaster management was organised for both alumni
on 15th
to 19th
June, 2015 and for the dhammasekhiya trainees from 11th
to 14th
January, 2016. Both the workshop was conducted by Mr. Gauthama Prabhu.
In total 18 alumni and 96 dhammasekhiya trainees participated.
The programme introduced kinds
of natural and man-made
disasters, concepts of disaster
management, an understanding
of the different aspects of rescue,
relief, rehabilitation and
reconstruction and ways to
enhance these work though
Buddhist practice. The course included power point presentations from the
facilitator; group discussions open discussions; and group presentations,
pictorial representation, and short plays. The most important outcomes of the
course were that the students expressed a strong willingness to respond to
natural and men made disasters.
2. Women health education
Workshop on Women
Health Education took
place on 25th
to 27th
September, 2015 at
Sambodhi in Nagaloka to
provide a comprehensive
health education to women
alumni. The resource
person of workshop was
Karunaprabha, Director of Green Tara Foundation, Pune and was attended by 24
women alumni. During the workshop, a fun and interactive methods were used to
teach the aspects of health and well being that impact our physical, emotional and
social health.
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The workshop offers the following women related health education:
Understanding of body anatomy (male and female)
Reproductive system
Physical and emotional
changes
Balance and Nutritious Diet
HIV
Self esteem
Overall the workshop has been an
interactive program consisting of overview talks by resource person, oral
abstract presentations on the concern issues, question and answers sessions,
visual presentation, and group discussions.
3. Baseline survey
The workshop on baseline
survey was organised at seminar
room in Training Building,
Nagaloka from 16th
to 20th
December, 2015. The workshop
was attended by 18 alumni (10
male and 8 female). The overall
aim of the workshop was to
provide skill in order for
ascertaining the socio-economic status of a given area; to develop an
investigative attitude among socially engaged alumni; and to provide
analytical skills for the information extracted from baseline. Mr. Gauthama
Prabhu, Director of Nagarjuna Training Institute, Nagaloka led the
workshopThe workshop began with an introductory address on need of
baseline survey and method to conduct baseline survey. During the workshop,
participants were divided into groups and sent to various areas namely Indora,
Dhammadeep Nagar, Sanjay Gandhi Nagar and Pili Nadhi located in Nagpur
city and Rama Nagar, Kamgar Nagar, Kumhare Colony and Ramgarh of
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Kamptee Tehsil. Alumni visited the Balwadi centre of these areas and
gathered basic information about the centre. During the field visits, alumni
explored the functioning of Balwadi centre, Maternal and child care, social
problems and socio-economic
background of selected localities.
With the support of Balwadi
staffs, alumni conducted home
visit and interview some of the
community people. After the field
visit, each group gave
presentation of their findings and
shared their field experiences.
4. Report writing
Nagaloka conducted a
workshop on Report
Writing for the Nagarjuna
Training Institute alumni
from 14th
to 18th
January,
2016 at Paramita building.
The workshop was led by
Ms. N. Rebecca. In total,
22 alumni participated in
this programme. Participants were those who are pursuing higher studies
or involve in social development project. The overall objective of the
workshop was to help alumni to develop the skill and ability to write
effective report.
During the four days workshop, alumni were able to understand the
importance of reports and report writing, identify the purpose of report,
importance of identifying the readers and their needs, identify how much
detail readers need and will understand, structure and present report
professionally, organise the report so information flows logically and is
easy to follow and an effective way of writing summary, background,
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conclusion and
recommendations section.
The workshop sessions
includes lectures,
discussion, writing
practice, and presentation.
For writing practice,
participants were asked to
conduct an interview of
Dhammasekhiya trainees and write a short report about their experience of
staying in Nagaloka campus. Each participant read out their report during
sessions and discussed the difficulties in drafting the report.
5. Self defence
Three days self defence
training was organised for
Dhammasekhiya girl’s
students from 17th
to 19th
September, 2015 in
association with the
Prabodhini Mahila
Foundation at Nagaloka.
Dhammacharini Abhayadana along with her two staffs conducted the training
for 48 participants. The aim of the training program was to train female
students to defend themselves, and
to boost confidence. They were
introduced to mental, physical and
verbal techniques of self defence
which includes use of physical
forces, ability to get proper mindset
for execution of physical self
defence and to prevent or end an
attempt assault. Other form of self defence such as avoidance was explained
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during the training. Issues related with women welfare such as sexuality,
domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment were also discussed.
6. Community organisation
From 7th
to 9th
February, 2016
Stalin Ponnusamy from Tata
Institute of Social Sciences,
Mumbai, Maharashtra conducted
a workshop on community
organisation, development and
practice for the Dhammasekhiya
trainees. The aim of the
workshop was to provide an
understanding of community and
community dimensions which
includes culture, custom, socio-
economic system and
community problems. Through
the method of transcend walk
and community mapping, trainees were given exploration to understand the
situation of community, community infrastructure and ways to gather quantity
and quality data from the community.
The sessions during the workshop includes lectures, group discussions,
presentation and practical work. Total trainees were divided into ten groups
and these groups have given presentation on various issues of community such
as caste discrimination, child marriage, tribal culture and custom, dowry,
superstition.
RETREATS
In order to nurture spiritual life, deepen meditation practice, cultivate
mindfulness and learn more about Buddhism, various retreats are organised
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every year in Nagaloka for alumni and Dhammasekhiya trainees. During the
year 2015-16, the retreat programmes at our institute were broadly as follows:
Table: Number of Retreats conducted in year 2015-16
Sl.no Particulars Name of
Resource
Person
No.
of
days
No. of Participants
Male Female Total
1 Vision of
Nagaloka
Lokamitra 8 11 3 14
2 Kalamsutta Manidhamma 6 23 11 34
3 Meditation Vivekratna 8 74 70 144
4 Sattaapahariniya
Dhamma
Bodhidharma 6 59 54 113
5 Sigalwatta Sutta Viveksheel 6 48 47 95
6 Human virtues Lokamitra 6 23 11 34
From 25th
April until 2nd
May, 2015 a retreat was held for 14 Nagaloka alumni
at Madhyamarg Centre, Kondhanpur, Maharasthra. Lokamitra led the study
on ‘Saddhamma’, the two main functions of which Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
says are to clean the mind of its impurities and to make the world a kingdom
of righteousness. He makes it clear that Dhamma practice is not just a personal
matter, but must express itself in the way we behave with and relate to others,
and also have a positive impact on the world around us, especially in terms of
breaking down barriers between people and establishing equality - in other
words in creating a better society for all. The participants explored in some
depth and breadth the implications of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's approach to
Saddhamma, looking at subjects such as the Middle Way, Atmavad and
Ucchedwad, pratitya samutpada, and many others.
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This year, second alumni retreat
was organised from 20th
to 25th
July, 2015 at Sambodhi,
Nagaloka. The theme of the
retreat was Kalama Sutta and was
led by Dhammachari
Manidhamma. 34 alumni
including 23 male and 11 female
from nine different states of India
participated in the event. Every
day sessions include meditation, lectures, group discussions, presentations,
and silence observation. Dhammachari Manidhamma began the event with a
talk on ‘Introduction of Sutta and Importance of Sutta in present situation”.
For group discussion, total participants were divided into three different
groups led by Dhammachari Manidhamma, Dhammachari Nagdeep and
Sushant.
A meditation retreat for the Dhammasekhiya course trainees was organised
from 21st until 28
th July, 2015 at Buddha Surya Vihar, Nagaloka. The retreat
was led by Dhammachari Vivekratna. Along with Dhammasekhiya trainees,
students from the graduation and skill development programmes also
participated. 74 boys and 70 girls benefitted from the retreat. On these eight
days, participants were introduced to the basic meditation practices, the
Anapanasatti and the Metta Bhavna (cultivation of Universal loving kindness),
walking meditation, and taught how to work with hindrances in meditation, as
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well as to keep a meditation diary. For two days participants observed
complete silence. Dhammachari Vivekratna held some question and answer
sessions and on the last day students were divided in groups in which they
shared their experiences.
Dhammachari Lokamitra led a special retreat for alumni general council
members in January 2016. The retreat begins with sharing the present
activities carried out by alumni at different part of country. During the
programme Lokamitra started by asking the alumni to explore the society and
gain awareness about better society. That better society, Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar called Prabuddha Bharat, and at its heart are the values of Liberty,
Equality and Fraternity. During the programme, Lokamitra inaugurated
Sukhavati Tours and Travels, an initiative taken by alumni from Kerala.
CONFERENCES
1. 7th
Alumni Main conference
The seventh conference of Nagaloka alumni took place on November 26th
up to December 1st, 2015 at the Buddha Surya Vihar, Nagaloka, Nagpur.
The conference brought together 116 alumni (37 females and 79 males)
from 13 states.. The theme of the conference was “The Commonality of
the Vision of Dr. Ambedkar and Urgyen Sangharakshita”. The event was
officially opened by Dhammachari Lokamitra.
The conference began with the observation of Constitution Day as the
constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th
November, 1949. Mr. Mangesh Dahiwale gave a speech on genesis and
importance of constitution. Dhammachari Vivekratna shared the
background of alumni conference. He opined the aim of the alumni
conference has been to bring together or bind all the alumni in a
harmonious way and form micro sangha where they will share their
opinions, views and experiences.
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Dhammachari Lokamitra
conducted three hour
session for the five days.
During these five days,
his session focused on
socio-economic
background of Dr.
Ambedkar and
Sangharakhita; commonality of western and eastern Buddhist; their
thoughts and characteristics of an individual and groups; purification of
mind; and importance of Sangha which he sees as microcosm of new
society. Other activities includes presentations by alumni sharing their
social activities and experiences, career guidance session by Mr. Prashant
Rokade (IAS) and Mr. Mangesh Dahiwale, presentation by Mr. Gauthama
Prabhu on upcoming alumni projects, formation of alumni General
Council of 31 members and Central Executive Council which include nine
members.
2. Regional Alumni Conference
Regional Alumni conferences have been organised at Chhatisgarh, Delhi,
Bihar and Karnataka in the month of January and February. The purpose of the
regional alumni conference is to introduce new members of alumni committee,
provide cross cultural interaction, and explore avenues for perfect livelihood
and enhance the spiritual and social activities. The theme of the conference
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was “Towards Ideal Society”. In total, 123 alumni participated. Dhammachari
Maitreyanath, Dhammachari Manidhamma, Dhammachari Upaiyraja and Mr.
Gauthama Prabhu led the conferences.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
For alumni development activities, Nagarjuna Institute, Nagpur provides four
months skill development program funded by Karuna, United Kingdom. This
year, the program begins from 10th
June up to 10th
October, 2015. In total, 22
alumni (11 females and 11 males) participated in the programme. For English
Language, Mr. Rajiv Indulkar was appointment as resource person and Ms.
Surabhi for Computer Course.
The inauguration program was solemnised on 19th
June, 2015. The Chief
Guest was Dr. Sunil Talware. In his speech, Mr. Talware talked about the
importance of English Language and computer skills in an individual life as
well as at professional front. With the knowledge of English an individual lose
the self esteem, lack of
confident and
generally fail to clear
interview.
Dhammachari
Vivekratna, Trustees
narrated brief about
the course and
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encourage alumni to make use of the given opportunity effectively. Mr.
Gauthama Prabhu, Director of Nagarjuna Institute talks how English language
empowers an individual and be an instrument for personal development.
FREE MEDICAL HEALTH CHECK UP
The first free medical camp for new
trainees of the Dhammasekhiya Course
was organised on 4th
July, 2015 at
Paramita and Grudhrakut, Nagaloka.
The initiative for organising this camp
was taken by Nagaloka with the
support of Dr. Ambedkar Doctor
Association, Nagpur. The 5 team members of association including four
doctors and one lab technician conducted camp from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Free
physical examination, blood pressure, blood test were provided by the
association. Approximate 120 new trainees came for health check up. Doctors
advised them various medicines and consultation during the camp. Camp was
successfully organised under the guidance of Dr. Mukesh Wagmare and
coordinated by Dhammachari Nagamitra.
Second free medical camp
conducted on 17th and 18th
August, 2015 for 114 students
and alumni (65 girls and 49
boys) in the campus. Dr. Jivak
Gaikwad and Dr. Asmita from
Pune conducted programme
checking pulse rate, blood
pressure, and weight as well as other health investigations. Appropriate
treatment and follow up action was recommended by the doctors. The
quarterly health camp was organised with the objectives of providing free
medical examinations/check up and to promote a healthy life among the
students.
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FIELD VISIT
1. Dhammachari Pragyaratna and Mr. Sushant Patra visited Kosmanda village
located in Champa district of Chattisgarh on June 6th
and 7th
, 2015 to
encourage the local alumni in their the Dhamma practice and activities. The
purpose of the visit was to know the meet alumni to built a good long term
relationship and to conduct one day retreat for local community people.
Seven alumni from the nearby areas organised a one day retreat. Around 40
people participated in the programme which includes alumni, alumni relatives,
youth, local leaders and community people. Dhammachari Pragyaratna
delivered speech on Dr. Ambedkar life and his work against caste
discrimination, non-violence and Dhamma. Mr. Sushant explained importance
of Dhamma in day to day life, and contribution of Nagarjuna Institution in
social transformation. The team also meet some youth and their families.
These interactions with the youth and community people are critical in
garnering support from society. During this, the team also met the four alumni
families. It was amazing to see that these alumni and their families are
strongly following the path of Dhamma
2. Dhammachari Nagamitra conducted field visits to Chattisgarh from May 21st –
24th
, 2015 to meet alumni who belongs to Ambikapur district. He travelled
five villages which are located at Naxalite hit areas. People are surviving in a
very difficult situation with no proper water and electricity. Most of the
villages are situated far from main road and there was lack of public
transportation. So far, Nagaloka has trained 37 alumni from Ambikapur. Many
of them are pursuing higher education and also engaged in social activities. In
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this journey, Nagamitra conducted meeting with around 50 community people
and brief about the Nagaloka activities. He met few youth and interviewed
nine people (four female and five male) for the Dhammasekiya course. Most
of the youth in these areas are into alcoholic with no proper qualification.
Another field visit was made to Kolkatta, Gaya and Lucknow from June 5th
–
10th
, 2015. In Kolkatta a meeting with Ambedkarite was organised and in
Gaya, Nagmitra met 5 alumni namely Vikas, Ramesh, Niranjan, Sujith and
Upendra and interviewed two youth for Dhammasekiya course. A visit to
Busanda village was conducted to see the work initiatives of Sujith and
Upendra who are providing free education to children of 6 to 10 years of age
from nearby villages. At present 48 children are attending classes of two
hours. There is no school in the nearby areas. In future, these two alumni are
planning to build a school and they have full support of villagers.
In Lucknow, Nagamitra had a
meeting two alumni Akashdeep
and Rina. Akashdeep has
organised a meeting at his village
Biswan where Nagamitra met 15
community people and talked
about Nagaloka. A home visit
was made to Vidhusi and Krisha
to meet her family. Her father is
taking initiatives to send trainees for Dhammasekiya course. They were very
happy with the visit.
PARTICIPATION AT DALI CONFERENCE
The Buddhism Association of Yunnan Province and Dali Chongsheng
Temple, China organised the 3rd
Chongsheng International Buddhist Forum
from 28th
to 30th
October, 2015 at the Chongsheng Temple, Dali, China. The
theme of the conference was “Humanistic Buddhism”. The aim of the forum
was to bring together Buddhist leaders, eminent scholars, and concerned
government officials from South Asia and South East Asia to promote
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friendship, harmony,
peace and develop
Buddhist culture. Over
one hundred delegates
attended and participated
in conference, from Sri
Lanka, India, Burma,
Laos, Bangladesh, China,
Taiwan, Japan, Thailand,
Russia, Cambodia and Vietnam, Australia and other places. The conference
was officially opened by Venerable Chong Hua, the president of Chongsheng
Temple, Dali. Dhammachari Lokamitra, Mr. Mangesh Dahiwale, Mr.
Gauthama Prabhu and Ven. Sugatavamso representing Nagaloka made their
presence and presented their respective papers in the conference.
ASHOKA VIJAY DASHMI CELEBRATION
Nagaloka hosted a grand celebration of Ashoka Vijaya Dashami, which is also
historic anniversary of Emperor Ashoka and Dr. Ambedkar conversion to
Buddhism on 22nd
October, 2015. Thousands of people paid their tributes
during this occasion at Nagaloka. Dhammachari Maitriyanath introduced the
programme looking at the significance of Dr.Ambedkar's conversion to
Buddhism as a step towards the creation of Prabuddha Bharat. He explained
the history of Nagarjuna Training Institute, its functions, activities, and the
achievements.
A Dhamma
Diksha Ceremony
was held for 47
people from
Karnataka, U.P.,
and Gujarat led
by Dhammachari
Vivekaratna.
Mangesh
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Dahiwale introduced and inaugurated the Ambedkar School of Governance,
which will hold its first course at Nagaloka in November. He also introduced
Theodore Mayer, who is developing a new MA programme in Socially
Engaged Buddhism, an initiative of the International Network of Engaged
Buddhists. The students will spend four or five weeks of the MA programme
at Nagaloka, learning about Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and his conversion to
Buddhism.
Dhammachari Lokamitra gave the main talk and in his speech he showed that
although Urgyen Sangharakshita and Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar came to
Buddhism in very different ways, they both developed a common approach..
Both saw the Sangha as instrumental in this, representing a microcosm of the
ideal society. Lokamitra concluded by looking at what we could expect from
the Sangha in terms of the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
These, he said, corresponded to three aspects of Babasaheb's approach -
Dhamma as empowerment, breaking down barriers between people, and
governance.
To conclude the ceremony, Dhammachari Virdhamma, the Vice President of
Nagaloka, opined the achievement of the day by bringing out the important
events and the larger
impact it has on the
Indian society. He
further expressed his
great appreciation and
admiration for work of
Nagarjuna Training
Institute and
Ambedkarite movement.
Dhammachari Ritayush
was Master of Ceremonies.
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SANGHA DAY CELEBRATION
Thousands of people
from Nagpur and
nearby districts
visited Nagaloka to
celebrate Bahujan
Hitaya Bahujan
Sukhaya Day,
otherwise known as
Sangha Day, on 25th
November, 2015 in honour of the Buddha Sangha, the Buddhist spiritual
community. Dhammachari Lokamitra presided over the ceremony. The three
distinguished academicians, Professor Savi Sawarkar (University of Delhi),
Professor Aloysius (Pondicherry University) and Dhammachari Maitrivir
Nagarjuna (English and Foreign Language University, Hyderabad) were
invited to speak on this occasion with Dhammachari Maitreyanath as Master
of Ceremonies.
Professor Aloysius gave a talk on “Breaking down Barriers of Inequality”. He
opined that the world is suffering from pain and the main cause of pain or
suffering is discrimination because of religion, language, caste, creed etc. This
discrimination is spreading and growing in the Indian society. The only way to
change this is to make Dhamma as universal based on knowledge, loving
kindness and purity of action. Professor Sawarkar’s talk was on “Dhamma as
Empowerment” in which he stated that Dhamma is a platform of
reconstruction. He emphasised on the transformation of mind through art and
culture, and the importance of art in Dhamma revolution. Dhammachari
Maitrivir Nagarjuna explained the significance of Sangha Day (the day of
fraternity). He initiated his speech by explaining Dhamma as governance
based on the value of equality, liberty and fraternity and social transformation
through Sangha.
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Dhammachari Lokamitra speech was focused on Dr. Ambedkar’s ideal society
based on liberty, equality and fraternity. Recounting the mass conversion of
Buddhism by Dr. Ambedkar in Nagpur, Lokamitra stated that Babasaheb’s
expression of Dhamma in these three words – liberty, equality, and fraternity
is the essence of Dhamma Revolution and constituted a new turning of the
Wheel of the Dhamma,or Dhammachakra pravartan. He said that the key to
freedom of mind is cultivation of awareness. Further, he added the essence of
sangha, the essence of
democracy and
equivalent of fraternity
is maîtri. He concluded
with the key point on
keeping the wheel of
Dhamma revolving and
never let it get stuck.
On this special day,
Nagaloka also offered
lunch to nearly 1000
visitors. Later in afternoon, nearly 250 Dhammamitras gathered to reaffirm
their commitment to Buddhist practices and traditions. The ceremony was led
by Dhammachari Vivekratna and supported by Dhammacharini Jayakirti.
AMBEDKAR JAYANTI
To mark the 124th
birth anniversary of
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Nagaloka organised
a function on 14th
April, 2015. The event
was attended by Nagaloka staff, NTI
alumni, graduation students and local
people. The Chief Guest was Prof.
Mhaske, Head of Department of
Computer Deparatment, Vishwasarya
National Institute of Technology
(VNIT), Nagpur. During the events, ten
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NTI students shared their thoughts on Dr. Ambedkar’s life, his work against
social injustice, discrimination, untouchability, and Buddhism and presented
their critical analysis on social issues prevailing in their respective states.
DIKSHA CEREMONY
The Deeksha ceremony was organised on 28th
February, 2016 in which 45 (23
females and 22 males) trained youth of Dhammasekhiya course were
converted into Buddhism. The ceremony was presided by Dhammachari
Pragyaratna. The ceremony was attended by nearly 250 people.
DHAMMAMITRA ORDINATION
On the occasion of Vishak full moon day on 4th
May, 2015, Triratna Boudha
Maha Sangha, Nagaloka organised one day retreat programme at Buddha
Surya Vihar and a ceremony of dhammamitra ordination in front of walking
Budha statue.
The retreat was on the importance of mitra ordination led by Dhammachari
Pragyaratna in support with Dhammachari Prasannabodhi. In this retreat 164
people participated which includes order members, dhammamitra and local
people. In the evening, 52 members were ordained as Dhammamitra by the
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chairman of the Nagaloka Dhammachari Vivekratna. Out of these 30 were
males and 22 were females.
DHAMMA CLASSES
o Dhamma class every Sunday at 09:00 am in Buddha Surya Vihar
o Dhamma retreat every third Sunday at 10:00 am
o Every full moon day special programme
o Mitra day every second Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
o Meditation class every Saturday at 06:30 pm for general public
OUR COVERAGE
Since 2002 to 2015, Nagaloka reaches out to 843 youth in 140 locations across 24
states of India.
Sl.no State/UT Number of Youth
Male Female Total
1 Arunachal Pradesh 10 9 19
2 Andhra Pradesh 4 4 8
3 Bihar 44 3 47
4 Chattisgarh 71 48 119
5 Delhi 2 3 5
6 Gujarat 25 12 37
7 Goa 2 1 3
8 Haryana 1 1 2
9 Jharkhand 21 14 35
10 Karnataka 29 14 43
11 Kerala 50 13 63
12 Madhya Pradesh 0 4 4
13 Maharastra 72 63 135
14 Mizoram 1 0 1
15 Odisha 55 30 85
16 Pondicherry 1 2 3
17 Punjab 4 1 5
18 Rajasthan 23 11 34
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19 Tamil Nadu 31 16 47
20 Telangana 20 4 24
21 Tripura 1 0 1
22 Uttrakhand 0 2 2
23 Uttar Pradesh 60 60 120
24 West Bengal 1 0 1
TOTAL 528 315 843
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS
GOING GLOBAL
In October 2015, Bhante
Sugatavamso, an alumnus from
Gujarat was invited to attend 3rd
Chongsheng International Buddhist
Forum organised by the Buddhism
Association of Yunnan Province and
Dali Chongsheng Temple, China.
In this conference, Deepak presented a paper entitle a case study of social
transformation through Buddhism in which Deepak related his life story of
growing up as untouchable, the impact of Buddhism in his life, and on how
Nagaloka shaped his life and the lives of many other young people in India.
CLEARED COMPUTER EXAMINATION
Five of alumni namely Mamta Markam (Chhattisgarh), Vir Dravid (Uttar
Pradesh), Deepak (Rajasthan), Dayanidhi (Odisha), and Subham (Uttar
Pardesh) have been awarded with the certificate of course on computer
concepts, after the alumni have successfully passed the examination of course
on computer concepts conducted by National Institute of Electronics and
Information Technology. Certificates were distributed to successful alumni
during the main alumni conference held in November.
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CLEARED RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP
Four of the alumni namely Kiran Kutte (Chhatisgarh), Lalvijay (Chhattisgarh),
Firoz (Odisha) and Suman (Uttar Pradesh) pursuing higher education at
Wardha University, Wardha have qualified for the Rajiv Gandhi National
Fellowship (RGNF) funded by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
PARTCIPATION AT STATE LEVEL ESSAY COMPETITION
Lakinder Soren from Jharkhand
has achieved 10th
rank at
Maharashtra state level essay
competition “Abhivadan
Prashnottari” organised by Dr.
Babasaheb Ambedkar National
Association of Engineer, Nagpur.
He was awarded with excellence certificate and cheque worth Rs. 2000. In
total 60 trainees and alumni of Nagaloka participated in this essay
competition.
NEW INITIATIVES
AMBEDKAR SCHOOL OF GOVERNANCE
With aim to develop Nagaloka as centre of Ambedkar studies, a new initiative has
been taken up and established Ambedkar School of Governance (ASG). The
inauguration of ASG course 2015-16 was conducted on 5th
November, 2015 at
Paramita Building, Nagaloka. 16 candidates from various educational
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backgrounds took part in the course. Most of the participants are research scholar
doing studies on Dalit issues, Inclusive Education, Local Self Governance,
Dr.Ambedkar Thoughts etc.
Aim and objectives of ASG:
1. To study and understand the method and Philosophy of Ambedkar
2. To practice and propagate the philosophy and method of Ambedkar
3. To collaborate with individuals, groups and institutions to ‘study, understand,
practice and propagate’ philosophy and method of Ambedkar
4. Institutionalization of the program/aims and objective for systematic and
speedy outcome
Mr. Jadumani, course co-ordinator welcomes all the participants with brief
note about the ASG which is the first school to impart Dr.Ambedkar’s
philosophy and a way to propagate Ambedkar Thoughts and Buddhism across
the world. In the inaugural speech, Mr. Mangesh Dahiwale, Chairman of
Manuski and founder of ASG opined the needs and methodology of the
course. He explained that the purpose of course is to develop a deeper
understanding on Dr. Ambedkar’s ideologies and critically analyse the writing
and speeches of Dr. Ambedkar. He stated that Dr. Ambedkar’s writings has
gained worldwide recognition, and has revolutionary potentialities to
transform the world. The methodology of the course will focus on open
discussion rather than conventional methods. Participants will be engaged in
interactive sessions to develop an attitude to think and reflect more on Dr.
Ambedkar writings.
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“Being a participant of this
conference I built up my
confidence and
communication skills on a
larger scale. I can travel
hgoenceforth alone
anywhere without fear in
other countries. I liked
much about the od market
concept which I may try to
involve myself in adopt and
promote organic food
culture in my life and for
others”
Vajrajaya
FORMATION OF ALUMNI GENERAL COUNCIL AND CENTRAL
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
During the alumni main conference held on November, 2015 alumni general
council and central executive committee was formed to nurture the network of
Nagaloka alumni. In total, there are 34 alumni members in general council and
7 members in central executive committee. During the meeting of selected
members of general council and central executive committee, Dhammachari
Lokamitra expressed his gratitude on the formation of council and committee
and discussed about the development of alumni network. According to
members this council and committee will help to build rapport among alumni
and Nagaloka, justify the dhamma practice, to motivate alumni in carrying out
various social and dhamma activities.
INTERNATIONAL TRIP TO SRI LANKA
Nagaloka has taken an initiative for alumni to have an international trip to Sri
Lanka in order to experience of visiting other country, extend the learning
experience in such a way that alumni not only
understand the concept but also able to
connect with world, and develop networking
skills.
With this mind, Nagaloka sent alumni to
participate in INEB Biennial conference from
22nd
– 28th
January held at Sri Lanka. The
theme of the conference was Converging
Streams: Engaging for Holistic
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Development.The trip brought together four alumni from different states namely
Vajrajaya (Maharashtra), Binoj Babu (Kerala), Stalin (Tamil Nadu) and Deepak
(Gujarat).
During the seven days field trip, alumni explore some of the historical places
and different social institutions. These provide an opportunity for the alumni to
visiting a new places, meeting new people, and seeing and understanding the
things. Alumni visited to Jafna, Aruradhapuram and Colombo in Sri Lanka. The
trip was funded by Karuna Germany and Alan Sanuake (USA).
NAGALOKA STAFFS WORKSHOP
Dhammachari Lokamitra led workshops for staffs of Nagaloka in the month of
August 2015, September 2015 and January 2016. In these workshops in total 23
staffs participated. The aim of the workshop was to reflect upon the vision and
governance of Nagaloka, helping members of staff relate to the vision of a new
society, or Prabuddha Bharat (Enlightened India) and the implications for
governance or the way we work together at Nagaloka.
Each day started with a lecture, followed by small group discussions, and
concluded with short presentations and open discussions.
In the workshop we explored and tried to understand what is meant by:
1. Prabuddha Bharat
2. Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as Buddhist values.
3. How we move from vision to actuality, what are the implications for the way
we work together.
4. Individual perceptions
5. Communication skills
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VISIT TO WARDHA UNIVERSITY, WARDHA, MAHARASHTRA
A team of four from Nagaloka
visited Mahatma Gandhi
Antarrashtriya Hindi
Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha on
14th
October, 2015 in order to
affiliate for distance education
program provided by the
University. The team included Gauthama Prabhu, Nagamitra, Padmavir and
Rebecca.
During the one day visit, the team met academic faculties, vice chancellor,
dean and head of departments. The team was warmly welcomed by Dr. Surjit
Singh, head of department of Buddhist Studies. He introduced to other staffs
and faculties of University and short meeting with Nagaloka alumni who are
pursuing higher education in same University was conducted where the team
encouraged students to achieve their goal of life and study hard for better
career. In total 12 alumni are studying in the University. Vice Chancelor Prof.
Girishwar Mishra has given his nod to extend support in establishing the
distance education through Nagaloka if the criteria are fulfilled.
Regarding Chinese course affiliation, the team also met Prof. Hanuman
Shukla, Dean and head of department of school of language. Dr. Shailesh
Kadam, Assistant Professor of Distance Education suggested organising
another meeting in Nagaloka to understand the criteria to get affiliation with
University to start the Diploma Course in Buddhist Studies, Tourism and Pali.
FREE DISTRIBUTION OF SANITARY NAPKINS
In collaboration with
Shekhar Memorial
Foundation (SMF), Pune,
Maharasthra and Nagaloka,
on 16th
January, 2016 free
sanitary napkins were
distributed for in campus
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girls trainees and alumni. In total 61 girls have been benefitted. During the
event, Ms. Visakha Lanjewar, Regional Chapter Head of SMF spread
awareness about the importance of sanitary pad and hygiene and sanitation.
Such initiative has been taken up for the first time by Nagaloka.
VISIT TO NEPAL AFTER EARTHQUAKE
On April 25, 2015 at 11:56 am, a
massive earth quake with a
magnitude of 7.8 hit Nepal. The
official death toll of this disaster is
more than 8,000 lives. It was the
most powerful disaster to strike
Nepal since the 1934 Nepal-Bihar
earthquake. Hundreds of people were made homeless with entire villages
flattened.
In order to conduct a rapid disaster assessment for supporting the affected
people, Nagaloka, Nagpur and Manuski Centre, Pune (India) sent a team of
two to Nepal who have previous experience of working in disaster relief and
rehabilitation programs, especially during post-earthquakes, in India. The two-
member team were Dhammachari Anandshakya and Haresh Dalvi. The team
visited Kathmandu, Pokhara (second largest city in the country), Belahiya and
Lumbini between 1-4th of May, 2015.
CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS CHENNAI FLOOD RELIEF
Continuous heavy rainfall since
9th
November, 2015 caused a
massive flood across the state of
Tamil Nadu specifically in
Chennai, Chidambaram, and
Cuddalore city. In this flood
hundreds have lost their life,
thousands rendered homeless,
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rails and road link destroyed and airports shut, and preventing the entire
population of Chennai to access public amenities. Nearly 600 people have
died and over 1.8 million people have been displaced.
To support the flood
affected people, Nagaloka
took the initiatives to collect
cloths from all the part of
Nagpur and the students and
alumni of institute
segregated useable cloths
and packed them. Nearly
nine quintal of bags have
been transferred to Chennai and with the help of Nagaloka staffs, these cloths
were distributed to needy people in slums areas of Tiruvottiyur, Royapuram,
and Kashimedu.
INAUGURATION OF UPAYA BUILDINGS
The new building named Upaya
was formally inaugurated on
27th March 2016 by Professor
Zhu Qingshi, Academician of
Chinese Academy of Sciences,
President of the University of
Science and Technology of
China, Disciple of Master NAN
HUAIJIN, whose inspiration and support made this possible, along with other.
Master Nan was considered one of the greatest Buddhist masters of recent
times, being not only a great practitioner, but also an expert in Buddhist,
Confusion, Taoist studies, Chinese medicine, the martial arts, management
and education. Lokamitra met him in 2009 and again in 2011 before he died.
He was very keen to see Buddhism revived in India, and felt that India and
China shared a very special relationship through Buddhism. Master Nan and
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his disciples had already made a significant contribution to the Walking
Buddha, and his disciples hoped that these two contributions of theirs would
be stepping stones in the revival of Buddhism in India.The occasion was
graced by Mr. Lu-Songtao, Mr. Ma-Hong-Da, Master Chan Wen-Kuei from
China, Nagaloka trustees, staffs and hundreds of local people. The building is
a residential centre for short term training - courses, retreats, workshops,
seminars and conferences.
COMPLETION OF NEW BOYS HOSTEL
In month of October 2015,
new boy’s hostel was
completed which will
accommodate 72 people.
Adjacently construction of
another hostel building has
already begun which will
accommodate similar number
of people. The whole building
will be finish tentatively by October 2016.
SOME SUCCESS STORIES
MAMTA KHUNTEY, 20 years old from district of
Janjgir Champa, Chhattisgarh has completed
Dhammasekhiya course in 2015-16. She hails from
that society where there is less freedom of girls, lack
of education especially for girls, highly dominated by
Hindu religion. But her family has been practicing
Buddhism over the last two years. She is first girl
from whole village who have left the village to obtain
training in Nagpur. About Nagaloka she came to
know through one of the alumni from Chhattisgarh. Earlier she was not aware of
meditation practice and never heard about Dr. Ambedkar. Along with elder brother
she reached Nagpur in June 2015 and sincerely attended and finished the
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Dhammasekhiya course. The course has helped her to overcome anger and develop
positive attitude. She cherished every experiences that she gained through meditation
practice, work duty and work period.
“The best thing about the Nagaloka institute is that there is no discriminication and
everyone is treated equally”
- Mamta Khuntey
***************************************************************
Rajratan, a 20 year old from district Saraikella,
Jharkhand joined Nagarjuna Training Institute
for Dhammasekhiya course and graduation
programme 2015-16. One of the biggest
problems in his village is that there is
opportunity for quality education. Villagers give
less importance to education. In his village
many of youth are school drop-out, uses
substance abuse. There is no inspiration to
pursue higher education among the youth.
To be free from such society, Rajratan left his
village after completing higher secondary education and started working in Gujarat
for short period. Then one of his relative informed about Nagaloka and persuaded to
continue higher education. In 2016, he has successfully completed the
Dhammasekhiya course. The daily practice and discipline of the institute has shaped
his life. He is very much thankful to Nagaloka for providing such training. Currently
he is enrolled for Bachelor of Arts degree in Nagarjuna Training Institute.
“Earlier I used to have lack of interest in studies, lack of confidence and short
tempered. But after attending the Dhammasekhiya course, I have gained immense
confidence that I can give speech in public forum. The meditation practice also
develop loving kindness attitude”
- Rajratan
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