Historic Injustice Sparks Nationwide Movement and Indefinite Hunger Strike from February 12
New Delhi, January 30, 2025
The demand for Buddhist control over the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya has gained momentum, with the All India Buddhist Forum and various Buddhist organizations calling for the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949. During a press conference at Dr. Ambedkar Bhavan, Karol Bagh, leaders emphasized that the temple’s management by non-Buddhists is a violation of religious rights and contradicts the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Call for Repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949
Addressing the gathering, Aakash Lama, General Secretary of the All India Buddhist Forum, denounced the current administration, accusing it of promoting superstition and commercializing the sacred site.
“Bodh Gaya is the most revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, yet its management remains in the hands of non-Buddhists. The Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949 has denied Buddhists their rightful authority over their own sacred site. It is time for justice. We demand the complete repeal of this act and the full transfer of the temple’s management to the Buddhist community,” said Lama.
Protests and Indefinite Hunger Strike
Since November 26, 2023, and September 17, 2024, the All India Buddhist Forum has organized peaceful demonstrations, including a nationwide signature campaign and the submission of over 500 memorandums to key officials, including the Chief Minister of Bihar, Prime Minister of India, and President of India. To escalate their efforts, an indefinite hunger strike will commence on February 12, 2025, coinciding with Magha Purnima.
Global Support for the Movement
Dr. Harbans Virdee, International Coordinator of the Federation of Ambedkarites & Buddhist Organisations (UK) and Chief Advisor of the All India Buddhist Forum, reaffirmed that the struggle for Buddhist control over Mahabodhi Mahavihara has persisted for over a century.
“Anagarika Dharmapala fought for this cause in the 19th century, yet the temple’s administration remains unjustly controlled. The Indian government must respect Buddhist rights and return Mahabodhi Mahavihara to its rightful caretakers,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Bhikkhu Ratnadeepa, General Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Bhikkhu Sangha, emphasized, “Mahabodhi Mahavihara is a global symbol of Buddhist heritage. Its sanctity and spiritual significance can only be preserved under Buddhist leadership. We call upon the Indian government to recognize this and transfer its management to the Buddhist community.”
Demands for Government Action
Bhadant Prajnasheel Mahathero, Chief Advisor of the All India Buddhist Forum, along with Buddhist leaders such as Chandrabodhi Patil, National President of the Buddhist Society of India, and Dr. Vilas Kharat Prajnasheel, urged the Bihar government and the central government to immediately repeal the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949.
The Act, passed by the Bihar government, allows a nine-member Mahabodhi Temple Management Committee—headed by a non-Buddhist—to oversee the administration. Buddhist leaders argue that this is a violation of religious freedom and an insult to Buddhist heritage.
Nationwide Appeal for Support
The newly appointed advisors of the All India Buddhist Forum, including Dr. Professor Vilas Kharat, Dr. H.L. Birdee, Chandra Bodhi Patil, and Dr. Rahul Bali, have pledged to intensify the movement. The forum has also announced the formation of its Delhi Executive Committee, led by senior Buddhist monks and activists.
Urging widespread participation in the February 12 hunger strike, Aakash Lama stated, “This is not just about a temple; this is about Buddhist identity, dignity, and justice. We appeal to all those who believe in Buddha’s teachings to stand with us in this historic movement.”
The All India Buddhist Forum has called upon the Indian government to take immediate steps to rectify this historical wrong and hand over full management of Mahabodhi Mahavihara to the Buddhist community.