HT Correspondent
MARGHERITA, May 4: In a significant celebration of peace, spirituality, and cultural unity, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein inaugurated the newly constructed Ananda Vihara building at Machey Gaon Buddhist Monastery and Pannyasara Vidyapith, located at 3 No. Makum Pathar in Margherita under Tinsukia district.
The two-day inaugural ceremony, which commenced on May 3, attracted hundreds of Buddhist monks and devotees from across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, reflecting the deep spiritual connection and shared cultural heritage of the region.
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The festivities began with a ceremonial flag hoisting, a grand procession of the Buddha statue, and sacred rituals including Petesa, Paritrana chanting, and prayers led by Buddhist monks from both states. The vibrant ceremonies set the tone for the historic unveiling of the monastery.
On May 4, the formal inauguration was conducted by Dr. Chowna Mein in the presence of several dignitaries including Namsai MLA Jingnu Namchoom, Margherita Co-District Commissioner Parikshit Thoudam, Singpho Development Society Chairman M.N. Singpho, Ngiyot Weingken, and leaders from the All Assam Man Tai Speaking Students Union Coordination Committee.
The event witnessed a large gathering of devotees and spiritual leaders from Margherita, Digboi, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and neighboring parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
In his address, Mein highlighted India’s spiritual legacy as the land of Lord Buddha, a sentiment echoed globally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated, “As followers of Buddha, we embody compassion, peace, and kindness towards all living beings.” He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich Buddhist heritage of Northeast India.
A special moment during the ceremony was the release of a commemorative souvenir titled “Bauddha Loka”, unveiled by Mein and MLA Jingnu Namchoom. The publication symbolizes the collective vision of unity and propagation of Buddhist values.
The successful completion of Ananda Vihara stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of Pannyasara Bhikkhu, President of the Monastery, and Joha Singpho, Secretary. Pannyasara, a distinguished Buddhist monk known for his command over 15 languages, has served at All India Radio and as a professor at Arunachal Pradesh University of Studies (AUS) in Namsai.
Speaking at the event, Mein lauded Pannyasara’s devotion: “We are proud that such a marvelous monastery has been constructed in an interior village of Margherita. This is an extraordinary contribution to our spiritual and cultural landscape.”
The event was skillfully moderated by Pallab Shyam Wailung, Working President of the Machey Gaon Buddhist Monastery and Pannyasara Vidyapith Managing Committee.
With the inauguration of Ananda Vihara, Margherita now emerges as a prominent hub of Buddhist culture, dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, cultural preservation, and interstate harmony. Mein concluded, “Our aim is to ensure that the vibrant heritage, language, and traditions of Buddhism continue to inspire and guide the next generation.”
