Sikkim Buddhist fraternity seeks Centre's intervention on Bodhgaya Temple Act
Lama's letter to Rijiju comes at a time when tensions have risen in Bodhgaya, where Buddhist leaders and followers have been gathering to voice their concerns.
LOCAL
Appealing Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Sonam Lama, the Minister for Public Health Engineering, Water Resources, and Ecclesiastical Affairs in Sikkim, has sought intervention in the ongoing movement by the Buddhist fraternity in Bodhgaya, Bihar. The movement, which began on February 9, 2025, has drawn attention from across the world, with Buddhists urging for long-pending justice.
In a letter dated April 1, 2015, addressed to Rijiju, Lama expressed deep concern over the issues surrounding the Bodhgaya Temple Act (BTA) of 1949, which governs the administration of the iconic site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The Act, according to Lama, has led to several issues that have remained unresolved for decades, impacting the Buddhist community globally.
"With utmost faith and dedication, I write to you seeking your guidelines and instructions on the ongoing movement," Lama wrote in the letter, emphasizing the need for necessary amendments to the BTA. He further stressed that the changes would be crucial in delivering long-overdue justice to the Buddhist community, both in India and worldwide.
The Bodhgaya Temple, located in Bihar, is one of the holiest sites in Buddhism, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. The recent movement at Bodhgaya calls for rectification of the 1949 Act, as the Buddhist community feels that it has not received the recognition and rights it deserves.
Lama's letter to Rijiju comes at a time when tensions have risen in Bodhgaya, where Buddhist leaders and followers have been gathering to voice their concerns. The movement has gained momentum, with calls for reform growing louder. Many believe that the current Act does not adequately represent the interests of the Buddhist community, which has contributed immensely to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
In his letter, Lama expressed his hopes that the Union Minister would take immediate action, providing guidance and support for the movement. "It shall highly be appreciated if necessary rectification is brought in the Bodhgaya Temple Act, thereby delivering long-pending justice to the Buddhist fraternity across the world," he added.