Nagpur: Amid a sea of devotees who thronged Deekshabhoomi to mark the 70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din on Tuesday, a demand was raised for immediate approval of a Rs 951 crore development plan aimed at transforming the historic site into a world-class monument and international tourist destination.Supreme Court advocate Shailesh Narnaware, addressing the main ceremony, urged chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to sanction the four-phase development plan and make additional govt land available for the monument’s expansion.Narnaware said a public interest litigation (PIL) had earlier prompted the state govt to sanction Rs 200 crore for Deekshabhoomi. However, construction was subsequently halted following a controversy over the proposed underground parking facility. “The development works have remained stalled for the past one-and-a-half years. We have once again approached the court to ensure their resumption,” he said.Deekshabhoomi witnessed an overwhelming turnout as lakhs of followers gathered to commemorate the moment when Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and lakhs of followers embraced Buddhism in 1956.The main ceremony was attended by prominent Buddhist monks, including Bhante Wanna Siri Mahathero from Myanmar, Bhante Karunakaran from Delhi, Jigme Tsultrim Mahathero from Bengaluru, and memorial committee president Bhadant Arya Nagarjuna Surei Sasai.Narnaware also highlighted the movement seeking recognition for Pali, saying sustained efforts had resulted in the language receiving classical status. He urged followers to continue advocating for its promotion and preservation.Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Bhadant D Reva Thero appealed for unity within the community, expressing concern over divisions driven by money, power and personal interests. “Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar taught us to remain organised and educated. Unfortunately, we are divided today. If we unite, we can emerge as a powerful force,” he said.Myanmar’s Mahathero emphasised Buddhism’s message of equality, dignity and humanity, urging followers to spread education and treat everyone equally.Police maintained tight bandobast throughout the day, with all roads leading to Deekshabhoomi closed to vehicular traffic. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and district administration made elaborate arrangements, including drinking water, sanitation, medical assistance and other essential facilities.
