HT Correspondent
MARGHERITA, June 24: A renowned Buddhist monk in Margherita, with a profound interest in horticulture, has transformed Margherita Buddha Vihar into a verdant oasis.
Established in 1975 and located just 3 kilometers from the Margherita Railway Station in Tinsukia district, Margherita Buddha Vihar now boasts a stunning garden with over a thousand varieties of flowers, orchids, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
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Ven. Gyanowada Bhikkhu, the 58-year-old head monk of Margherita Buddha Vihar, shared with this correspondent that his passion for planting began when he was ordained as a monk at the age of 20. Since arriving at the vihar in 2002, he has cultivated more than 100 types of orchids, 100 varieties of flowers, and a wide range of fruits, including bananas, jackfruits, jamuns, lychees, guavas, tamarinds, custard apples, chikoos, kaji lemons, dragon fruits, as well as over 100 varieties of medicinal plants. This botanical haven attracts visitors from across the state and beyond, including from Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Sikkim.
Ven. Gyanowada Bhikkhu emphasised that Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was a great environmentalist who revered nature. Following Buddha’s teachings, he believes it is our duty to protect and nurture nature by conserving trees and engaging in extensive planting.
Ven. Gyanowada Bhikkhu said that at present, nature has undergone huge changes, and due to the heavy scorching sun, it has become difficult to survive. Through plantation, one can get relief, and our planet as well.
Ven. Gyanowada Bhikkhu said that those who are pursuing a PhD in botany can come to Margherita Buddha Vihar for their thesis work, which will be easier for them during the time of study.
