Dr. Ambedkar (1891-1956) is revered figure for millions because of his struggle to eradicate untouchability and caste discrimination. Although he himself played a leading role in drafting the constitution of India, it was Buddhism more than constitutional change that he felt would help bring about the most effective social change in India. He concluded his great life by converting to Buddhism with 500,000 followers. Unfortunately Dr. Ambedkar died on December 6, 1956, barely six weeks after his conversion. Neglected by the Buddhist world, most of his followers although having deep faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, have had little chance to understand Buddhist teachings and practices.

The Nagarjuna Institute

Today the situation is acute with many millions having become Buddhists (this movement is likely to continue, and will soon include people from the other Backward Classes). Without guidance many will revert to their old religion and their pitiable place in that, or they will develop strange forms of Buddhism. The Nagarjuna Institute at Nagaloka has been developed to train people from all over India in Buddhism as well as basic social work, so that they can go back to their village or town and share what they have learnt. Courses lasting one year have been taking place since 2002, and known as The Dhamma Sekhiya course or Dhamma Seekers. Now in the fourth year we are developing a second year of studies for thosewho want to take their practice deeper. This also includes more training in social work and livelihood. This is called the Dhammaduta course – or messenger of the Dhamma. The training is unique in India as it brings together students from all the different parts of India.

Shorter courses, seminars and retreats, as well regular classes are also held at the institute. This year with the completion of the Paramita residential building more residential courses are planed. 282 students from 15 different states of India have been trained in the Nagarjuna Training Institute.

International Interaction:
Nagaloka has also been developed as a centre for interaction between Buddhist followers of Dr.Ambedkar, Buddhists from different backgrounds in India and Buddhist from abroad. Dr. Ambedkar saw Buddhism as a means of bringing about social change based on individual practice. However his followers come from the poorest and most socially deprived sections of Indian society and have little or no resources themselves. They are by and large isolated from other Buddhists in India and from the wider Buddhist world. In India this is due largely to the history and circumstances of their conversion. The cause of this isolation is due to poverty on their behalf which inhibits their travel to the wider Buddhist world and ignorance on the part of others due to lack of communication. As a result most of the newly converted Buddhistshave had little contact with other Buddhists. If they do experience positive contact with other Buddhists they have an enormous amount to gain from a sense of brother and sisterhood, and the confidence that that brings. Other Buddhists have just as much to gain from contact with them, in the figure and approach of Dr. Ambedkar, in his conviction that Buddhism could bring about a social revolution, and in the energy and inspiration of so many of his Buddhist followers. Every year Nagaloka has many visitors from abroad, especially from UK, Taiwan, Korea and Europe. Some of them come to attend festivals, others come to help teach the Dhamma.

The Nagaloka Campus
Nagaloka is situated on a 15 acres campus just outside Nagpur. On the campus there are the following buildings, all designed combining modern architecture with the ancient Buddhist style:

1. Buddha Surya Vihara (The Buddha Sun Dhamma Teaching Hall):
The Buddha Surya Vihara, was the first building on the Nagaloka campus. It is very well used with weekly Dhamma classes, lectures, festivals, devotional practices and rituals, and workshops on issues related to the Dhamma. All these events take place there helping people to understand Dhamma. A majestic image of Maitreya Buddha in the Ajanta style inspires all those who visit the Vihara. This year, the proceedings of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) were hold in the Vihara. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama gave a talk and addressed a concluding session of INEB.

2. Nagarjuna Training Institute and Library:
Nagarjuna Training Institute (NTI) is the heart of the Nagaloka and it is established:
• To provide a centre for Buddhist learning and practice;
• To investigate the social implications of Buddhist practice;
• To train social and Dhamma workers.
It consists of a large library and a number of classrooms. The library is open to all while the classrooms are used for the course, for study weekends, seminars, workshops and the like.

3. Sambodhi Parayana Shala (The school for realization of the Buddha truth)
This very serene hall, specially devoted to meditation, was inaugurated in the year 2000. In this very serene and natural setting, the students of the Nagarjuna Institute meditate there twice daily, and many weekend meditation workshops and courses are held in it.

4. Adhisthan Residential Building:
The name of this residential building suggests resolution to practice the Dhamma. The male trainees in the Nagarjuna Training Institute live here during their stay. It consists of dormitories and residential rooms with good facilities. This accommodates up to 40 students.

5. Paramita Residential Complex:
This training and residential complex was inaugurated by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama on 16th October 2005. The ground floor is open and used as a dining area as well as for conducting various programmes. The first and second floors consist of residential rooms for people coming for short courses, or for seminars and workshops. Although men stay there, it was built especially with women in mind as the other two residential buildings are for men. It can accommodate over 50 people.

6. Sakyakula Residential Building:
This is a residence for students as well as for guests who visit Nagaloka to teach and give Dhamma talks. Many important Buddhists figures in the world have stayed there. The name was given to indicate that irrespective of our Buddhist tradition, we are all members of the community (kula) of the Buddha (Shakya). This holds up to eight or ten guest and 20 students.

7. Dhamma Seva Kendra (Administrative block) The large office is located here. Besides offices, there is a bookstall that sells the Buddhists books and literatures related to other disciplines. It was opened in the year 2001.