45th foundation day of Dhauli Peace Pagoda was celebrated by Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha

Bhubaneswar:29/10/17; The 45th foundation day of Dhauli Peace Pagoda was celebrated by Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha today in the presence of a number of Monks who have come from all the way from Japan, America, England, Thailand, Nepal, Shillong etc. Dr. Prasanna Patasani, MP, Bhubaneswar, Govt. of Odisha attended as Chief Guest of the programme. Among other dignitaries Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT and KIIS and Founder International Centre for Buddhist Studies and Research, Dr. Bimalendu Mohanty, Convenor of the celebration committee and former Vice-Chancellor, Utkal University of Culture, Rev. T. Okonogi, Chief Monk, Rajgir, Rev. M Asai, Chief Monk, Wardha,K Yoda, Chief Monk, Dhauli, Senior academician  Dr. Surya Narayan Mishra, Dr. Arya Kumar Jnanendra, Dr. Hari Prasad Patnaik, Mr. Achyutananda Patnaik, Dr. Bedabati Mohanaty  also graced the occasion.

On this occasion a book entitled “Dhauli Past and Present” authored by Dr Bimalendu Mohanty was released by the dignitaries.

Speaking on the 45th foundation day of Dhauli Peace Pagoda, Dr. Prasanna Patasani, MP, Bhubaneswar said “State Government gives importance for the development of Buddhist destinations of Odisha. Dhauligiri, the major tourist destination and one of the historical places where Emperor Asoka took the path of non-violence preached by Lord Budhha after the Kalinga world war is always been in priority.”

The Dhauli Shanti Stupa has a special significance because a piece of Budha bone was installed in the Stupa on 18th Oct 1972 by the then Chief Minister of Odisha Smt. Nandini Satapathy. The formal inauguration of the Stupa was performed by Shri Gatikrushna Mishra, the then acting Governor of Odisha and the Chief Minister had unveiled the four images of Lord Budha installed on the four sides of the Shanti Stupa. Dr Radhanath Rath, Editor, The Samaja, Shanti Shugei and many other dignitaries were presence at that occasion.

Shanti Stupa Dhauli was constructed by Japanese Monk led by Ven. Nichidatsu Fuji Guruji who was closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. It is heartening to note that Rev. Shanti Shugei under whose leadership the Shanti Stupa was constructed and he was the second Chief at the time of construction the Stupa was present in the gathering today. The Shanti Stupa construction was started on 25th Aug 1971 and completed on 8th Nov 1972.