Metro India News | nagarjuna sagar

On the occasion of Dhammachakra Parivarthana Day, several Bodhi saplings brought from Bodh Gaya were planted at Dhyana Vanam in Buddhavanam in Nalgonda on Thursday. The saplings were gifted by Charu Sinha, IPS, currently serving as Additional Director General of Police (CID), Telangana.

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. The planting was led by former Minister Janareddy, Buddhavanam Special Officer Mallepalli Laxmaiah, and monk Sanghapala Banteji, who began with Buddha Vandana.

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 culture and 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 Janareddy said, “Buddhavanam is not just a tourism project but a symbol of our cultural past. It reflects the message of peace, equality, and wisdom that the Buddha stood for. I am happy to see how far it has come, and I will continue to support its development with the cooperation of both State and Central governments.”

Bollywood Actor Gagan Malik, known for playing the role of Siddhartha, said, “I feel connected to this place and will act as a bridge between Buddhavanam and Buddhist nations. It’s time to share this heritage with the world.” MLC Shankar Naik, Daivagna Sharma, university students, and BC Welfare Residential College participants were present.