Residents demand fair representation in Mahabodhi Temple management
In a peaceful demonstration, residents of Tabo village in Lahaul and Spiti district voiced their concerns over the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Act of 1949 (BTMC Act 1949), calling for a fairer representation of Buddhist interests in the management of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. The protest, led by Lhakpa, alongside senior citizens and the Mahila Mandal Tabo, aimed to highlight what they view as an imbalance in the temple’s administrative structure.
Repeal 1949 Act
The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide, yet its management committee comprises a majority of non-Buddhist members. The current nine-member committee includes only four Buddhists, while five seats are occupied by non-Buddhists. Moreover, the Act mandates that the District Magistrate of Gaya, a Hindu official, serves as the committee’s chairman.
Lhakpa and other demonstrators demanded the immediate repeal of the BTMC Act 1949 and urged the government to restructure the management system to ensure fairness and religious autonomy.
Call for govt action
Sampten Puntsok, a key protestor, underscored the global significance of the Mahabodhi Temple, stating that billions of Buddhists consider it a sacred site. “This temple is not just a historical monument but a spiritual symbol that connects Buddhist communities worldwide,” he said.
Lhakpa emphasised that the protest was not against the Indian government but against the increasing influence of non-Buddhist members in temple management. He pointed out that India has always upheld secular values, and Buddhists had never opposed the temple’s administration until recent concerns over misleading doctrines allegedly promoted by certain non-Buddhist committee members.
Preserving cultural identity
Protestors also expressed fears about the threat to their religious identity and heritage. “We have always followed the path of Ahimsa (non-violence), tolerance, and compassion,” one protestor remarked. “But what does one do when their very existence is at stake?”
Appeal to PM Modi
The protesters urged PM Modi to review the BTMC Act 1949 and ensure that the Mahabodhi Temple remains under proper Buddhist stewardship. They argued that India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism carries global responsibility, particularly in maintaining strong relations with Buddhist-majority nations like China, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries.
