Grand inauguration of Buddha Statue near Chikalthana Airport

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A majestic 15.5-foot statue of Lord Gautam Buddha was unveiled near Chikalthana Airport on Friday, marking a historic moment for Maharashtra. Industries Minister Uday Samant, along with Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat and OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save, presided over the event, emphasizing the government's commitment to inclusivity and development.

In a significant announcement, Minister Samant revealed that land would be allocated from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for a skill development center by the Buddhist Industrial Manufacturers and Traders Association (Bhimta). "Lord Buddha's teachings of non-violence and equality remain ever relevant. True superiority is defined by actions, not caste. We are committed to supporting skill development initiatives," he stated. Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat highlighted the importance of the installation, declaring, "Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is the first city in Maharashtra to have a Buddha statue at its airport. This city has always been a hub of revolutionary thought and progressive movements." The unveiling ceremony witnessed participation from bhimta president Milind Thorat, Bhante Bodhipalo Mahathero, former Mayor Nandkumar Ghodele, Shiv Sena district chief Rajendra Janjal, MASSIA President Chetan Raut, and various dignitaries. The Bhikkhu Sangha led a religious ceremony, consecration, and Dhamma discourse, fostering a spiritual atmosphere. The event was meticulously organized by a dedicated team, including Subhash Mudgalkar, Pravin Kumar Vasate, Siddharth Jadhav, Balasaheb Pathare, Suryakant Kotkar, Ramchandra Pathare, Subhash More, Vinod Avasarmal, Pramod Raut, and Sandeep Kedare.

A symbol of peace and progress

Minister Atul Save underscored the statue's symbolic significance, remarking, "Travelers arriving at the airport will be greeted by this statue, which stands as a beacon of peace and enlightenment."

About the buddha statue

The statue, sculpted from a single piece of Bengaluru granite in Alagatta, Telangana, represents the Abhaya Mudra, symbolizing fearlessness and protection. It was originally installed on Buddha Purnima, May 5, 2023, and following extensive beautification, was formally inaugurated in a grand ceremony.

(WITH PHOTO)