ABOUT NAGALOKA
Nagaloka, situated in Nagpur, holds historical significance as the place where Dr. Ambedkar adopted Buddhism in October 1956; approximately 500,000 individuals made the same personal choice on that occasion, marking a historic assertion of constitutional rights.. This event marked a significant resurgence of Buddhism in its birth land. ‘Today, Nagaloka serves as a centre for education, residential training, and cultural exchange, empowering socially marginalised youth across India. The iconic Walking Buddha statue at the heart of the campus attracts thousands of visitors annually. At the core of Nagaloka lies the Nagarjuna Institute, offering training and conference amenities to Buddhists and social advocates from across India and beyond.
VISION
We aspire to see a society embodying the values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, devoid of injustice and exploitation, fostering Enlightened India. In this vision, individuals are equipped to overcome hardships, lead empowered and meaningful lives, and actively contribute to a compassionate and unified society.
MISSION
Taking our inspiration from the Buddha, Ashoka, Dr. Ambedkar and other great like-minded individuals, the purpose of the Nagarjuna Institute is to:
- Promote evidence-based practices that support psychological well-being, life skills development, and social engagement capacity among programme participants;
- Promote the vision inspired by Dr. Ambedkar, a society that is based on the ethical values underpinning liberty, equality and fraternity – a society that is free of all forms of oppression and injustice;
- Develop an all-India community of activists devoted to these ideals from among the Nagarjuna Institute alumni;
- Build connections with others throughout the world who share these values.
NAGARJUNA TRAINING INSTITUTE
Dr. Ambedkar has inspired millions of young people to understand how Buddhism can help them transform their individual and social lives. Unfortunately there is little effective teaching available in India. The Nagarjuna Institute was started to respond to this need. It conducts two residential courses, an eight month introductory Dhammasekhiya course, and a three year BA degree in Buddhism and Dr. Ambedkar Studies as part of Nagpur University. Both courses include mindfulness practices, classical Pali language studies, cultural heritage education, and social action training.
IMPACT
Most of the students come from Dalit or other socially disadvantaged backgrounds of unimaginable deprivation. The training has a profound impact on their lives. Most feel transformed after few months of Dhamma practice, developing confidence, the ability to cultivate skillful mental states, and the realization they can do something with their lives, both for themselves and for society. After their training many share what they have learnt of the Dhamma in their villages and towns. Some engage in social projects. Others pursue graduate studies.
NAGALOKA CAMPUS
The fifteen-acre campus includes seven residential halls, a classroom and library building, kitchen facilities, two multipurpose assembly and training halls and administrative offices. The architecture of the buildings is based on the design of the Buddhist meeting halls that were found in India two thousand years ago. A slightly larger than life-size bronze statue of Dr. Ambedkar and magnificent 36’ statue of a Walking Buddha at the center of the Nagaloka campus has attracted visitors and pilgrims for years.
HISTORY OF NAGALOKA
Nagaloka was created through the combined efforts of Indian Buddhists and their supporters in Taiwan, China, Korea, Europe and the United States. As such it is an international institution based on the values of compassion and social engagement and Nagaloka reflects a spirit of international solidarity in support of educational equity and human rights in India.