All India Sherpa Buddhist Association formed, demands Buddhist management of Mahabodhi Temple

A major meeting convened in Mungpo brought together representatives from across India to form the All India Sherpa Buddhist Association (AISBA). The gathering focused on protecting the sacred Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya and included a demand that the Mahabodhi Temple’s managing committee be made up solely of Buddhists.

The meeting was chaired by Colonel Kunga Tshering Sherpa from Kalimpong. Thendup Sherpa, the President of the Global Sherpa Association (GSA), was also present along with leaders from many Sherpa Buddhist groups such as the Denzong Sherpa Association (Sikkim), All West Bengal Sherpa Buddhist Association, Assam Sherpa Buddhist Association, Delhi Sherpa Buddhist Association and others. Local Sherpa groups from places like Kalimpong, Kurseong, Munsong, Lava and Darjeeling also attended in large numbers.

At the beginning of the meeting, everyone stood for two minutes of silence. They paid tribute to the innocent victims who lost their lives in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The leaders condemned the attack strongly and said it was a shameful and inhuman act. They also showed their full support to the Government of India in fighting terrorism.

One of the key decisions taken at the meeting was to dissolve the old ad-hoc committee of the All India Sherpa Buddhist Association. A new interim body was created to lead the association until proper elections are held.

The new interim office bearers are:

• President: Mr. Dorjee Sherpa Pinasa (Spokesperson, Global Sherpa Association and former President of Denzong Sherpa Association)

• General Secretary: Mr. Mingma Sherpa (Presidential Awardee and former Treasurer of GSA and DSA)

• Treasurer: Mr. T. T. Sherpa (Secretary, GSA)

• Executive Member: Mr. Zangpo Sherpa

A major point of discussion during the meeting was the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, which is one of the holiest sites for Buddhists worldwide. The leaders urged the Bihar Government to amend the Bihar Temple (BT) Act of 1949. They demanded that the managing committee of the Mahabodhi Temple should be made up only of Buddhists. They said that since Bodh Gaya is deeply sacred to Buddhists, it is important that Buddhists themselves should manage the temple fully.

Another important decision taken was about building a Sherpa Bhawan in Bodhgaya. This new center will help Sherpas who visit the holy site by giving them a place to stay and hold community programs. The Secretary of GSA has been asked to prepare a detailed plan for this project.

Throughout the meeting, there was a strong feeling of unity and pride in Sherpa identity. Leaders spoke about the need to preserve and promote Sherpa culture, history, religion, and language. They agreed that by working together under AISBA, they could help uplift the Sherpa tribal community not just socially but also politically and economically.

Both the Global Sherpa Association and the newly formed All India Sherpa Buddhist Association promised to stand together for the welfare of Sherpas across India. They also promised to protect and promote Buddhist values and traditions, especially concerning the Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, which they said must be fully restored to Buddhist management.