159th Birth Anniversary of the legendary Karma Yogi Kripasaran Mahasthavir was celebrated with great dignity and respect on 22 June. He was Founder of Dharmankur Mahavihara, epitome of Renaissance of Buddhism, promotions of its religion, education & culture in Bengal. At 3 p.m. songs and poetry based on Buddha Pranam poetry collection edited by Acharya Hemendubikash Chowdhury were performed under the direction of Somerita Mallick.
‘Pujarini’ poem written by Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore was performed collectively, under the supervision of Deepa Das. Both these cultural programs were well appreciated by the audience. The main program started with Mangalacharan by Bhikshu Biswajit.
Thirteenth Kripasaran Commemorative Lecture 2024 was delivered by Shrimat Bhikshu Sunandapriya, General Secretary of Bangladesh Buddhist Federation and Editor of ‘Sougata Patrika’, on the topic: “Buddhism of the Obscured Style in Bengal”.
This will undoubtedly be of great help to future generations in researching on this topic. ‘Kripasaran Memorial Gift 2024’ recipient was Srimat Ananda Bhikshu, Founder-President of Ananda Mitra Memorial and Cultural Centre of Buddha Gaya, Honorary President of International Sadhana Center and General Secretary of Bharatiya Sangharaj Bhikshu Mahasabha.
A beautiful speech was delivered by the distinguished guest, visiting professor at University of Calcutta Dr. Sumanpal Bhikshu and Professor of Bengali Department of Bidhan Chandra Agricultural University
Dr. Kalyan Chakraborty.
Chief guest Dr. Achintya Biswas could not attend due to illness. The General Secretary of Bauddha Dharmankur Sabha, Amlendu Chowdhury, mentioned the various activities of Mahasthbir and said that all Buddhists should be highly encouraged in the promotion of Karma Yogi to this generation. He hoped that minority Bengali Buddhists will have more honesty and social responsibility. There are no illiterates or beggars in this small community, there is no anti-social and this small community is more advanced in education and consciousness than any other community in India. He proudly mentioned that the full attendance of the meeting hall in that event had inspired him a lot.
Honorable President of the meeting was Bhadanta Dr. Ratanshree Mahathir.
The vote of thanks was given by the Sabha treasurer Mrs. Bipasha Dasgupta.
The whole program was conducted beautifully by Sumit Barua, the Joint Secretary of Sabha.