Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Bahu Fort Jammu celebrated Buddha Purnima and International Labour Day with great devotion and respect at the premises of Gurudwara Shri Guru Ravi Dass Ji Maharaj, Bahu Fort. The programme was held under the presidentship of Dr Vijay Shivgotra. On the occasion, floral tributes were paid to Gautama Buddha and B. R. Ambedkar, remembering their immense contributions to humanity, equality, and social justice.
Speaking on the occasion, General Secretary Sham Lal Basson highlighted the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. He said that Gautama Buddha was born on Baisakh Purnima at Lumbini, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, and achieved Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar—all on the same auspicious day, making it a “Triple Blessed Day.”
He added that this year marks the 2588th anniversary of these significant events, symbolizing wisdom, compassion, and spiritual awakening. Basson further noted that India once flourished as a leading nation when Buddhist philosophy guided society, describing it as “Buddhmaya Bharat.” He emphasized that Buddha Purnima inspires people to adopt values of peace, compassion, and enlightenment in daily life.
Highlighting the historical importance of the day, he stated that the declaration of Buddha Purnima as a public holiday in India was initiated by Dr B.R. Ambedkar during his tenure as Law Minister. He also elaborated on Ambedkar’s major role in shaping labour rights in India.
Marking International Labour Day, Basson recalled Dr Ambedkar’s contributions as Labour Member in the Viceroy’s Executive Council from 1942 to 1946. He credited Ambedkar with reducing working hours from 12–14 hours to 8 hours per day, introducing employment exchanges, ensuring maternity benefits for women workers, and creating welfare funds for miners. He also highlighted Ambedkar’s role in promoting health, safety, and compensation laws, as well as enforcing the principle of “equal pay for equal work.”
He further spoke about Ambedkar’s decision to renounce Hinduism in 1935 and his eventual adoption of Buddhism on October 14, 1956, at Nagpur (Diksha Bhumi), along with over five lakh followers, marking a historic social transformation.
Several dignitaries paid tributes on the occasion, including Baldev Raj Nargotra, Chairman Bahu Fort Development Committee; Kulbir Singh (Bittu Baba), President Dogra Sabha Gorkh Nagar; Bahadur Lal, former President Saryara Sabha; Prof. Chaman Lal Shivgotra; Mahesh Shivgotra, President All J&K Bank Employees SC/ST/OBC Association; Sham Kalsi, Vikas Kalsi, Mangat Kalsi, Charan Dass Shivgotra, Moti Ram, Om Parkash, Bishan Dass (Retd. SP), Manohar Lal, Ramesh Lal, Kushal Chand, Amit Kumar, and many others.
The event concluded with a message of unity, equality, and commitment to the ideals of social justice, encouraging people to follow the teachings of Buddha and Dr B.R. Ambedkar in building a harmonious society.
