Deputy Chief Minister Unveils Buddha Statues of 11ft in Nongtaw, Outlines Vision for Mahabodi Skill Development Centre's Expansion

Nongtaw (Arunchal Pradesh): Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein unveiled 14 numbers of 11 ft tall Lord Buddha’s statues at the Mahabodhi Skill Development Centre, Nongtaw in the august presence of Former Minister CC Singpho, Chairman of Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala Arunachal Centres, Ven. Bhikkhu Panyarakkhita, Director of Mahabhodi Skill Development Centre, Nongtaw Ven. Bikkhu Sangharakkhita and Director of Mahabodhi Monastic Institute, Bengaluru Ven. Bhikkhu Panyaloka.

108 sacred Buddha statues are aimed to be installed in the Centre. These statues have been dedicated by different individuals from various communities residing in the area with a view to maintain serenity of the pristine nature and to arrest rampant shifting cultivation and deforestation.

Mein also inaugurated the Handloom Weaving and Carpentry Workshop and Monk’s Dining Hall. At the same time, he laid the foundation stone for a hostel building for trainees and an Administrative Block for the Centre.

In his address to the people, Deputy CM informed that number 108 signifies the 108 qualities of Lord Buddha. He opined that the Mahabhodi Society with it’s centres spreading across the country can go beyond spiritualism and spread its work to the health and educational sectors too. With this objective in mind, the Mahabodhi Lord Buddha College at Namsai was started in the year 2013 and the Institute is affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh. He expressed hope that in coming years, this collegewill further evolve into an independent university.

He opined to transform the Mahabhodi Skill Development Centre into a learning Institute while citing that Monastic Institute of Buddhist are based on Gurukul System. He further opined to establish a school along-side the Skill Development Centre which will impart monastic teaching along with the CBSE education.

Mein stated that he envisions the Centre to grow bigger and transform itself into one of the premier spiritual and tourist destination. In this regard, he urged the collective participation of society members. He called for the initiation of a 10-bedded Monk's Hostel through voluntary contributions to support their initiative for the conservation of the region's natural beauty and biodiversity besides promoting spiritualism and mental peace. He further contemplate to construct a grand 108 feet statue of Lord Buddha on the hill top, envisaging it as an emblematic addition to the Centre's beauty.

He assured for construction of the approach roads and security fencing around the Centre to protect its large sprawling area from encroachment. He also opined for establishment of a security force in the area.

He lauded the initiative of the Director, Mahabodhi Skill development Centre, Ven Bikkhu Sangharakkhita for his innovativeness and development of an echo-friendly centre.

On the occasion, Two books, ‘Basics of Buddhism’ and the ‘Living Legacy of the Buddha’ dedicated to Deputy Chief Minister and his family were also released. Among others, ZPC Namsai, Urmila Manchykhun, District BJP President, Sujana Namchoom, DC C R Khampa and SP, Sangey Thinley were also present.