Arunachal Deputy CM Chowna Mein inaugurates new Buddhist shrine in Assam

A new chapter in the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage unfolded as Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Chowna Mein formally inaugurated the newly constructed Ananda Vihar Buddhist Monastery at Machey Gaon, Margherita, in Tinsukia district on Sunday. The monastery, located within the premises of Machey Gaon Buddhist Monastery and Pannyasara Vidyapith at 3 No. Makum Pathar, aims to further enrich the Buddhist traditions in the Northeast.

The two-day inaugural celebrations commenced on May 3 with a series of religious rituals, including the flag hoisting ceremony, a grand procession featuring the Buddha statue and Petesa, as well as Paritrana chanting and collective prayers led by Buddhist monks from across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Devotees gathered in large numbers, reflecting the deep-rooted faith and shared cultural legacy between the neighboring states.

The main event on May 4 was graced by Dr. Mein, accompanied by Namsai MLA Jingnu Namchoom, Margherita Co-District Commissioner Parikshit Thoudam, Singpho Development Society Chairman M. N. Singpho, and Dr. Ngiyot Weingken, General Secretary of the All Assam Man Tai Speaking Students' Union Coordination Committee. Also in attendance were monks from Margherita, Digboi, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Arunachal Pradesh, along with hundreds of Buddhist devotees from both Assam and Arunachal.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mein emphasized India’s unique position as the land of Buddha, noting that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights this legacy during his international visits. “As followers of Buddha, compassion, peace, and kindness towards all living beings define us. Our mission is to preserve and pass on this rich heritage of Buddhism to future generations,” he remarked.

The ceremony also saw the unveiling of a commemorative souvenir titled Bauddha Loka by Dr. Mein and MLA Jingnu Namchoom in the presence of the congregation.

Pallab Shyam Wailung, Working President of the Machey Gaon Buddhist Monastery and Pannyasara Vidyapith Managing Committee, moderated the proceedings throughout the event.