National Symposium Reaffirms Padmapur as His Birthplace
Jharsuguda: In a spiritually vibrant and culturally rich ceremony, the Jayanti of the Second Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, was celebrated with grandeur at the historic Padmasini Temple premises in Bhikhampali, drawing scholars, devotees, and dignitaries from across the region. The celebrations were marked by the inauguration of Padmasambhava’s statue by eminent Buddhist monk Buddha Guru Jetul Ring Poche, followed by a soul-stirring village-wide procession featuring traditional sankirtan and reverberations of Hulhuli and Haribol that echoed through the skies.
The Second Buddha Padmasambhava Birthplace Protection Trust paid heartfelt floral tributes at the sacred site, evoking deep emotional resonance among attendees.
The first symposium session, chaired by retired educationist Tahlu Sahu, focused on presenting scholarly evidence supporting Padmapur as the birthplace of the Second Buddha. Renowned researcher Dr. Prabir Kumar Patnaik delivered a detailed presentation featuring authentic and research-backed data affirming this historical claim.
Former Jharsuguda District Magistrate and Ex-Director of the Information & Public Relations Department, Saroj Kumar Samal, stressed the need for further research to establish this site at the national and international level, stating, This land is intrinsically linked to Padmasambhava’s legacy and deserves due recognition.
Dr. Subrata Kumar expanded the discussion by drawing connections between Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, Udaygiri, and Jajpur, underscoring the deep Buddhist roots of Odisha.
The second session, presided over by Prof. Narendra Kumar Panda, saw participation from distinguished academics and cultural advocates including Prof. Tapan Kumar Barik, Dr. Swarnamayi Purohit, Ramesh Pashayat, and Shubham Naik. The proceedings were skillfully conducted by Anjali Patnaik and Antaryami Panigrahi.
The third session, held under the leadership of Udekar Pradhan of the Trust, featured eminent guests including:
Suresh Pujari, Minister, Revenue & Disaster Management, Pradeep Kumar Purohit, Member of Parliament, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Chairman, Sambad & Aama Odisha, Dr. Prabir Kumar Patnaik, Saroj Kumar Samal, Former Jharsuguda District Magistrate and Ex- Director Information & Public Relations Department, Awadh Kishore Pandey, General Manager, Lakhanpur OCP, Mahanadi Coal Mines.
On this occasion, the official souvenir of the Trust was unveiled, symbolizing a milestone in the movement to preserve and promote Padmasambhava’s legacy.
Gyanabrata Bhoi extended the welcome address on behalf of the Trust, while veteran journalist Mehboob Mahatab ably moderated the session.
The day also witnessed felicitations for individuals who have made notable contributions to the preservation of Odia language and cultural identity. Honourees included: Pattasagar Bhoi, Playwright Subash Chandra Pradhan, Surang Pradhan, Mahima Cultural Council.
The success of the grand celebration was made possible by the tireless efforts and cooperation of individuals such as Mehboob Mahtab, Tapan Kumar Barik, Kartik Pradhan, Gautam Behera, Ramani Ranjan Biswal, Sangram Keshari Raut, Jnanabrat Bhoi, Virat Raja Padhan, Surang Pradhan, Gyanabrata Bhoi and scores of villagers whose unity and devotion brought the celebration to life.
