Benefits of the Nagarjuna Training Institute (NTI) courses

> The students come from some of the most deprived and oppressed situations in India, often with a feeling of no hope whatsoever. After a year of Dhamma practice most feel completely transformed, with a new vision of life, and the Dhamma tools to work on it.

> The confidence in the Dhamma and Dr. Ambedkar’s great vision they develop during the year gives them energy to share what they have learnt with many others in their villages and towns.

> The different Scheduled caste communities in India do not usually cooperate with each other, even after they have become Buddhists. At the Nagarjuna Institute they relate to each other just as Buddhists and not in terms of the caste they have come from. This in itself is an enormous contribution to a truly democratic society. The intensive practice for a year with other Buddhists from all over India means they cease to identify with the old untouchable caste but just as Buddhists.

> The ex-students make up a network covering over 19 states in India. This is the basis for organising local activities, retreats and lecture tours, making a very significant contribution to the development of Buddhism in these States.

> Many have started social projects. A group of the first students started two hostels in Tamil Nadu for children who suffered from the Tsunami.

Vijaya Dashmi Programme

Buddhism and Transcending Caste Barriers

Two day conference on the occasion of 53rd Vijadashmi, more than 200 activists from Maharashtra state are gathering at Nagaloka, Nagpur on 26th and 27th September, 2009.