Bodhi saplings from Bodh Gaya planted in Buddhavanam to mark Dhammachakra Day

Buddhism arrived in this land during the lifetime of the Buddha himself, says Buddhavanam Special Officer Mallepalli Laxmaiah.

Hyderabad: Bodhi saplings brought from Bodh Gaya were planted at Dhyana Vanam in Buddhavanam in Nalgonda on the occasion of Dhammachakra Parivarthana Day, on Thursday.

The ceremony was part of a gathering to mark the day when Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon to five ascetics at Sarnath, now observed annually on Ashadha Purnima.

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The planting was led by former Minister Jana Reddy, Buddhavanam Special Officer Mallepalli Laxmaiah, and monk Sanghapala Banteji, who began with Buddha Vandana. Students, faculty, public representatives, and officials also participated. The saplings were gifted by CID Additional DG Charu Sinha.

Speaking at the event, Mallepalli Laxmaiah highlighted the deep historical roots of Buddhism in the Telugu region, stating, “Buddhism arrived in this land during the lifetime of the Buddha himself. Bhavari, from what is now Nirmal district, had sent his disciples to learn directly from the Buddha. That marks the beginning of our region’s Buddhist heritage.”

He noted that the Buddhavanam project, launched in 2002, is steadily emerging as a hub of learning. Laxmaiah also acknowledged the pivotal role played by senior leader Jana Reddy, particularly in securing land on the left bank of the Krishna River in 2002, which laid the groundwork for the project.

Former Minister Jana Reddy said that Buddhavanam was not just a tourism project but a symbol of our cultural past. It reflected the message of peace, equality, and wisdom that the Buddha stood for. Bollywood Actor Gagan Malik, known for playing the role of Siddhartha said he would act as a bridge between Buddhavanam and Buddhist nations.

MLC Shankar Naik, and others including Daivagna Sharma, university students, and BC Welfare Residential College participants were present. The event highlighted the shared effort to preserve the region’s historical and spiritual traditions.