Students and dignitaries at PMC’s Buddha Purnima and Dr Ambedkar Jayanti celebration in Panvel | File Photo
Navi Mumbai: On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) organized a special tribute to Lord Gautam Buddha at Ambedkar Bhavan, Sector 10. The event also marked the culmination of a series of competitions held in honor of the 134th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, with a grand prize distribution ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Prashant Thakur highlighted the lasting influence of Lord Buddha’s teachings, which were embraced and propagated by Dr. Ambedkar.
“Through his acceptance of Buddhism, Babasaheb showed us a path of peace, knowledge, and self-realization. The competitions organized by PMC are a great way to introduce this legacy to the younger generation,” he said.
Additional Commissioner Ganesh Shete emphasized the relevance of Buddha’s Eightfold Path, calling it a guide to a meaningful life. “Lord Buddha taught ordinary people the true meaning of compassion and inner peace. These values remain relevant today more than ever,” he stated.
Former Mayor Kavita Choutmol underlined the global significance of Buddha’s message amid present-day conflicts. Former Corporator Prakash Binedar thanked the civic body and Commissioner Chitale for organizing a grand procession and extensive activities involving large public participation.
Massive Student Participation Recognized
As part of the celebrations, PMC had conducted essay writing and elocution competitions. Over 2,672 students from within and beyond municipal limits took part in the events. More than 200 students were felicitated for their performance.
In a special gesture, students who dedicated up to 18 continuous hours of study at the competitive exam center at Ambedkar Bhavan were also honored for their perseverance and commitment.
The event stood as a tribute not only to the legacies of Lord Buddha and Dr. Ambedkar but also to the values of education, social awareness, and public engagement that both leaders championed.
