Friends For Education International

The All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) is a national organization advocating for the rights and interests of the Buddhist community in India. It has been actively involved in campaigns to address issues related to the administration of sacred Buddhist sites, particularly the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.indiatodayne.in+5jabalpurtoday.com+5newsheads.in+5

🕉️ Core Advocacy: Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC)

The AIBF’s primary concern revolves around the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949, which established the BTMC to oversee the Mahabodhi Temple. Critics argue that the Act’s composition is inequitable, with only four of the nine committee members being Buddhists, including the District Magistrate serving as the chairperson. This arrangement has led to demands for the repeal of the Act and for the temple’s management to be fully entrusted to the Buddhist community. indiatodayne.in+6sikkimexpress.com+6en.themooknayak.com+6newsheads.in+1jabalpurtoday.com+1

📅 Key Actions and Mobilizations

  • Nationwide Campaigns: The AIBF has organized signature campaigns and submitted over 500 memorandums to various government officials, including the Chief Minister of Bihar, the Prime Minister, and the President of India, urging the repeal of the BTMC Act. jabalpurtoday.com

  • Peace Rallies: In November 2023, the Sikkim Chapter of the AIBF led a peace rally in Bodh Gaya, highlighting concerns over the temple committee’s composition. jabalpurtoday.com+7indiatodayne.in+7indiatodayne.in+7

  • Solidarity Actions: On April 26, 2025, the Sikkim Chapter organized a solidarity rally in Gangtok, Sikkim, to support the ongoing protests in Bodh Gaya and to raise awareness about the BTMC Act. sikkimreview.in+1sikkimexpress.com+1

🧘 Organizational Structure

The Sikkim Chapter, formed in 2023, has been instrumental in mobilizing support and organizing events to advocate for the Buddhist community’s rights.

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