The Federation of Barua Buddhist Welfare Association of Assam (FBBWAA) has decided to escalate the ongoing dispute regarding the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) Act, 1949, to the United Nations Organization (UNO). This announcement was made on May 14, 2025, after growing dissatisfaction within the community over the management of the Bodh Gaya Temple in Bihar, which holds immense religious significance for Buddhists worldwide.
The BTMC Act, which governs the management of the Bodh Gaya Temple, has long been a source of contention. The FBBWAA, representing the Barua Buddhist community of Assam, has voiced concerns over what they call the “inadequate representation” of Buddhist communities in the management of the temple. The temple is considered one of the holiest sites in Buddhism, where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. However, the FBBWAA claims that despite the temple’s religious significance, the governance structure established under the BTMC Act does not adequately account for the views and concerns of a diverse range of Buddhist sects.
In a statement made on the issue, FBBWAA officials emphasized that the dispute over the management of the Bodh Gaya Temple has reached a critical point where it requires international intervention. They argue that the temple’s management should reflect the interests of all Buddhists, not just a select few. According to the FBBWAA, the current Act leaves out key stakeholders, particularly from minority Buddhist communities, in decision-making processes concerning the temple’s administration and resources.
The association has stated that it will formally petition the United Nations, urging the global body to take note of what it describes as an issue of religious equity. The FBBWAA’s call for international intervention stems from the belief that the dispute surrounding the Bodh Gaya Temple’s management is not only an issue for India but has wider implications for Buddhist communities around the world. The temple, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts millions of Buddhist pilgrims annually, and the FBBWAA believes that the temple’s governance should reflect the diverse nature of the global Buddhist population.
The Federation’s decision to approach the UN is being seen as a bold move in a bid to resolve the long-standing dispute that has been brewing for decades. The move is also expected to raise the profile of the Barua Buddhist community’s demands for fair representation in religious institutions. The FBBWAA intends to seek the support of other Buddhist organizations across the globe to bolster their case when approaching the UN.
As part of the effort, the FBBWAA plans to initiate a global campaign, urging Buddhist communities and supporters to stand in solidarity with their cause. The association is also preparing to submit a detailed report to the UN outlining the reasons behind the dispute, the history of the BTMC Act, and the lack of adequate representation for various Buddhist groups, including those from Assam. The FBBWAA hopes that through diplomatic channels, they can bring international attention to what they view as a matter of religious and cultural injustice.
The Bodh Gaya Temple dispute is not just a local issue but has stirred debates about the governance of religious institutions in India. The FBBWAA’s proposed action comes at a time when there is increased attention on the rights of minority religious communities in India. The temple’s management controversy is seen as one of the most significant religious governance disputes in recent years, with political and religious overtones adding complexity to the issue.
In Assam, the announcement has sparked widespread discussions, with many Buddhists rallying behind the FBBWAA’s decision to take the matter to the international stage. Religious leaders and organizations within Assam have expressed their full support for the Federation’s initiative, noting that the Bodh Gaya Temple holds great importance for Buddhists across the world, and fair governance is crucial for maintaining its sanctity.
As the FBBWAA prepares for its next steps, it remains to be seen how the UN will respond to the petition. The issue, however, highlights the increasing willingness of minority groups to seek global platforms to address their concerns. The outcome of this action could have significant implications not only for the management of religious sites but also for the broader conversation about religious rights and governance in India.
The FBBWAA’s decision to approach the United Nations has raised eyebrows within various political and religious circles in India, especially in Assam, where the Barua Buddhist community has a significant presence. The community has long advocated for a larger say in matters relating to Buddhist heritage and religious administration, and the Bodh Gaya Temple dispute represents a culmination of years of perceived marginalization. The call for global intervention marks a departure from traditional domestic channels, which the community feels have failed to address their concerns effectively.
This move by the FBBWAA also signals a growing trend among smaller, often overlooked religious groups in India to take their grievances to international platforms. Many smaller religious communities, particularly those with historical or cultural ties to regions outside India, are increasingly turning to global organizations like the UN to address issues they feel are not given sufficient attention by local authorities. The FBBWAA’s actions may set a precedent for other religious or ethnic minorities to pursue similar paths when it comes to addressing issues of representation and governance.
Moreover, the call for reform in the governance of the Bodh Gaya Temple may open a broader conversation about the relationship between religion and state in India. While India is home to diverse religious communities, the management of key religious sites often falls under state control, raising questions about the balance of power between government bodies and religious institutions. The FBBWAA’s move brings into question the extent to which state intervention should be allowed in religious matters, particularly when it involves a sacred site with international significance.
As the Federation gears up to take its case to the UN, there is also the possibility of further diplomatic engagement between India and other countries with significant Buddhist populations. The temple, as a symbol of Buddhism, draws millions of pilgrims from across the globe, and issues surrounding its management could attract attention from neighboring countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, where Buddhism holds cultural importance. These countries may express solidarity with the FBBWAA, adding more weight to their call for reform.
While the FBBWAA’s move is seen by many as a significant step toward achieving greater religious fairness, it also highlights a deeper, more complex issue of managing religious and cultural heritage in a modern, pluralistic society. For years, the governance of such institutions has been a touchy subject, and the Bodh Gaya dispute could pave the way for further scrutiny of religious management in India. The increasing involvement of global organizations may, over time, reshape the way India approaches issues of religious governance, not just for Buddhists but for all faiths.
As the FBBWAA prepares for its next steps, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the organization’s call for intervention will resonate with international bodies. The outcome of this issue has the potential to set a significant precedent for religious governance in India and may serve as a model for other minority groups seeking justice in the future. The FBBWAA, by bringing the matter to the UN, is not only seeking resolution for its own community but is also challenging India’s approach to managing religious sites of national and international importance. The next stage of this dispute will undoubtedly be one to watch closely, both in India and abroad.