It was an effort to arrange infrastructure & organize retreat of such a scale in the miniscule but most beautiful landscape situated in rural lap of northern Maharashtra. Nashik one of the major city of northern Maharashtra, located nearly 20 kms lies 'Deshwande' village, the birth place of famous poet Mahakavi (Great Poet) Wamandada Kardak. His poems and songs were mainly on Babasaheb Ambedkar. This neglected village is covered with beautiful hills. Within lakes a glimpse atop these hills gives an awesome view of the amazing village. The village has about 35 to 40 house. All of them are farmers mostly grow onions, rice and other vegetables. The one thing special about this village is that everyone is Buddhist and related to Mahakavi Wamandada Kardak somehow.

Ultimately village got its repute from literature of this famous poet. Here's National Network of Buddhist Youth(NNBY) got an opportunity to remember Wamandada Kardak’s's legacy. This brought the 3 day retreat began from 16th July to 18th July 2010 with the benevolence objective "Growing Together With Mutual Love" which was the  theme of the retreat.

The retreat took place at “Mahakavi Wamandada Smarak Samithi” a place of about 2 acres developed few years ago by the local municipality (government) in remembrance for the great poet. But since its opening no activities has been taken place. Recently NNBY National Council Meeting was held in Nashik which was led by Dhammachari Kumarjeev during the month of May 2010. During that time the council members visited Deshwande village and saw “Mahakavi Wamandada Smarak Samithi”. They also interacted with the local villagers. The next day Kumarjeev had a short meeting with Praveen Kardak (Grandson of Wamandada Kardak), Dhammamitra Santosh Inamdar (Sinner) and Uttam Shetty at Nashik. This was where the actual retreat was planned for the development of local youths and starting activities at International levels for upcoming young poets.

Retreat began with 60 participants under the spiritual leadership of Dhammachari Dharmashalin (UK). Participants were from Nashik, Sinner, Sangamner, Manmad, Nandurbar, Pune, Chandrapur, Mumbai, Shirdi. These participants were actively joined by local village populace to listen to the Marathi translation done by Dhammamitra Bharati Shetty of all English talks delivered by Dhammachari Dharmashalin.

The retreat began with Puja and introduction of Dharmashalin by Dhammamitra Santosh Inamdar (Sinner). After that Dharmashalin gave the idea of what we were supposed to do for the next two days.

Next day began with the 7am morning maîtri bhavana meditation and practicing Chinese martial art form 'CHI-GUNG'. Then under the leadership of Dhammachari Dharmashalin we all ferried the village, meeting each person and calling them for attending the dhamma talks was enthralling. We all interacted with the local schools and meet the students. Some of them sang beautiful songs to welcome Dharmmashalin in their school. All the children were very excited as this was the first time a foreigner visited their village and that too in their own school.

After the lunch sessions all the NNBY members started cleaning the retreat place. Taking out the weeds, grasses and digging holes for planting trees. Cleaning session was held thoroughly for cleaning the nearby surroundings as it was not well maintained for long time. Everybody enjoyed the session and that is illustrious from their joy of working. All the work hard paid-off in the evening which was marked by cultural activities. Opportunity saw the Wamandada Kardak's song cherishly sung by the artists. To mention amongst them was "Bheema tujya matache jar pach aste" most stirring. Infact village's dholki maestro was himself on the dholki (Drum).

Last day after morning meditation, tree plantation were done by the NNBY members and the local villagers. All the participants together took part vigorously, that was evident from the helping hands watering and nourishing the plants with sense of friendliness for each other. Retreat got its true meaning after Dhammachari Dharmashalin emphasized the benefits of growing 'maitri' in our heart not only for our near-dear friends but for all living human.

Concluding ceremony of the retreat began with felicitation of valuable efforts taken by individuals and to mention particularly Santosh Inamdar, Pravin Kardak, Raju Kardak and other of the Mahakavi Wamandada Kardak Smarak Samiti's trustees. Also not to mention the efforts of Dhammamitra Uttam Shetty (Nashik) who took herculean responsibilities of registration, media other than being a pillar, as organizer of the retreat. In the program NNBY members Dhammachari Vasitkumar (Mumbai), Pranali (Mumbai), Kiran (Nashik), Arhant (Chandrapur), Amol (Mumbai) gave the presentation regarding the activity of NNBY around India.

Finally retreat was concluded by the open talk of Dharmashalin among all village populace. In the talk Dharmashalin gave the importance of Panchsheel (Five percepts) and explained how one is related with another. If we break one precept the how it supports to break another one. Finally Dhammapalangatha by Dhammachari Ratnashur (Nashik) concluded the retreat with joys and tears.

We as a member of NNBY would also take this opportunity to thanks Dhammachari Subhuti for allowing his secretary Dharmashalin to give his few days for this NNBY retreat. Also for all the villagers who supported by not just by participation but also donating in many ways. Donations were mainly in form of some materials like rice, cereals, oils, vegetables, flour and many such things. The food were prepared by the villagers themselves. They also allowed the girls to stay at their home as there were no separate facilities for females at the retreat place. Special thanks for Dhammamitra Niru (Pune) who took the responsibility for decorating beautiful shrine for the event as well as for preparing food for Dharmashalin during these days.

Only remain to say that one of such distinct retreat ended with kind call of Buddha's words

"EHIPASSIKO AKALLIKO OPANAYIKO".

Lead by - Mr. Pranit Savarkar

Date & Time - 20/06/2010 at 10:00 Am to 05:00 Pm

Place - NNBY Office, 183, Dixit Nagar, Nari Road, Nagpur.

NVC Workshop ( Only for Ladies)

Lead by - Dh. Kamalshri

Date & Time - 26/06/2010 at 10:00 Am to 05:00Pm

Place - NNBY Office, 183, Dixit Nagar, Nari Road, Nagpur.

National Network of Buddhist Youth, Tiroda has organized the youth workshop for youth on

1) Perspective of Dr.Ambedkar on todays youth.

2) NLP

3) Personality Development &

4 ) Play for Peace.

Mr.Chetan, Mr.Sanjeev and Mr.Atish, had lead the workshop. The youth from  various educational background, caste , culture and also from places like Gondia, Tiroda , Ekodi had overwhemly participated in the program.

Mr. Sanjeev took the workshop on NLP and gave various practical demonstrations to the youths. In it they also learned the various teachings of communication, behavior attitude etc. Mr. Chetan told the youth about the social, educational, cultural and various dynamism of Dr.Ambedkars life, which is very much intimated with the youths. He also deliberated on the function of NNBY, its objective, aims, and its vision. He also talked about the practical implementation of SWOT analaysis & Johari’s window on the issues of student’s day-to-day life. Youths have raised various queries regarding the formal and informal education, personality traits etc. of which the speakers satisfied on their problem. Mr.Atish involved everybody in the game of Play for Peace and told how its important to live peacefully, healthy and happy.

The first ever event in Nasik dedicated to paying tribute to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was organized and successfully carried out.

The program began by saluting the beautifully decorated shrine. Offering flowers, fragrance and candle to Buddha and garlanding the photograph of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar we began the function by reciting Trisaran, Panchasheel, Vidhayak sheel, Buddha Puja. Dhamma mitra Karate and Kiran Salwe shared Bhim Stuti. The Puja was followed by a short period of Anapansati meditation which helped us to concentrate and to be aware in the present moment.

The participants present contributed by initiating a group discussion on why it is necessary for us as Indians to be indebted to Babasaheb. We also discussed what is the importance of constitution for any independent country. The participant were very surprised to know that the constitution was already rejected twice before Dr. B. R. Ambedkar shouldered the responsibility of drafting it.

Participants also discussed and regreted that the pattern of school education pays more emphasis on Histroy. Whereas the emphasis on study of Civics, which in fact is actually essential for every citizen, is given very less importance.

We also discussed how the constitutions has made provision for our day to day life to have basic things like food, shelter, clothing, freedom of employment, freedom of speech, right to protest, right to organize meetings, right to form non profit and social organizations, right to education. The participants were touched to see how constitution has important place in their everyday life. They realized that it was not something that is supposed to be only the property of intellectuals or politicians.

Afterwards, when Swati, Bharati and Mrs Waghmare told that constitution has given girls right to education, property and even right to divorce they experienced heart felt gratitude for Babasaheb. Through the Hindu Code Bill, he initiated the discussion for freedom of women and also included it in constitution.

We also compared the success of Indian constitution and the constitutions of neighbouring countries. We discussed many factors contributing to its success of democracy in India as well as its failure to establish the India as envisioned by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The reasons for Freedom, Fraternity and Equality still not established in India.

We also reviewed some of the violence and atrocities taking place in India and how the constitution is useful to deal with the current issues prevailing in India. We also discussed that social movement is equally important to the political movement and what provisions in constitution are useful for strengthening both of them.

We Concluded the program by looking inside ourselves to find what does the constitution mean to me and do I really feel Gratitude for the Cheif Architect of Constitution whose Vision was to bring bliss in the life of billions of Indians.

All the participants were overwhelmed and expressed their gratitude towards Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. In the end we distributed sweets to celebrate our joy and togetherness and ended the program by reciting Dhammapalan Gatha.

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Nagpur has celebrated the 60th Republic Day in the NNBY office, Dixit Nagar, Nagpur at 11.00am.

Task group of Nagpur team and other friends of Nagpur attended the gracious gathering. The chief guest of the program was Mr. Ajay Dhoke (IRS). Dh. Amritsiddhi, Dh Kamalshree and Dh Abhaydana were also present.


Mr. Ajay Dhoke deliberated the importance of catching the key post in the government sector as well in the other sector, which was also the dream of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar. He presented the seminar on the UPSC, Civil Service examination and also told how to crack those examinations with consistent efforts, right efforts, overcome fear and time management. He encouraged the youth and raised their confidence level by giving example of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar and other social revolutionary people of India.

Dh.Amritsiddhi enlighten us on the true meaning of Republic and told how republic government and the parliament system were in the time of Buddha. He made an emphasis on the importance of education and the vision of Dr.Ambedkar to see the young generation for making the golden history. He told about the
importance of Sila and its value.

The chief guest then inaugurated the facebook community page of NBY

WORLD FELLOWSHIP OF BUDDHIST YOUTH (WFBY)  has organized the ASEAN INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST YOUTH EXCHANGE (IBYE) 2010 which was hosted by  Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia(YBAM). The main object of the program was to promote development of leadership qualities among the Buddhist Youth and also to strengthen the Buddhist Networking across South East Asia.

The program was held in the Fo Guang Shan monastry. The theme of the event was “Joy, Fellowship and friendship. The countries which participated included Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea. Dhammachari Vasitkumar & Mr Chetan were representing from National Network of Buddhist Youth (NNBY) from India.

The 10 day programme is divided into four parts:

1) Home Stay Program

International delegates were staying with Buddhist foster families for the first three days of the programme. Co-inciding with the New Year and weekends, they had the opportunity to start 2010 in Malaysia, and also to feel and experience Malaysian lifestyle of living culture, food, sights and sound.

2) ASEAN IBYE leadership and Training Workshops:

The sessions cater for the learning, contributing and tackling of current situations faced among youths in the Buddhist society, both local and international.

Chetan addressing the issues of vision of NNBY.

3) Malacca and  Kuala Lumpur tour

4) ASEAN IBYE JFL Concert 2010:

The concert will beheld at the Malaysian Tourism Centre, Kuala Lumpur. The concert has a different Buddhist cultures and traditions on the display.

Vastikumar and Chetan made the other delegates aware about the concerns of Buddhist youth in India. Their social, economic and educational situations were discussed.  Most importantly we communicated the revival of Buddhism and dynamics of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkars movement. They both explained the aim, objective and mission of NNBY.  The event created strong connections between those who attended.  We hope these connections will contribute to the betterment of the youths in ASEAN and especially more widely in India.