Bengaluru, Apr 08: Most Venerable Bhikkhu Ananda Thera, General Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society, was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) in Pali and Buddhism by Karnataka Samskrit University at its 12th Annual Convocation Ceremony held in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
The honour was presented by Thawar Chand Gehlot, who serves as Chancellor of the university, at the Jnana Jyoti Auditorium, in the presence of Vice Chancellor Dr. S. Ahalya and Member of Parliament Dr. C. N. Manjunath, among other dignitaries.
The conferment recognises Bhikkhu Ananda Thera’s longstanding engagement in the promotion of Pali language and Buddhist philosophy, alongside his work in education, meditation, interfaith dialogue and humanitarian initiatives. Over the years, his leadership at the Maha Bodhi Society in Bengaluru has been associated with efforts to expand access to spiritual learning and social service programmes rooted in Buddhist teachings.
In his response, Bhikkhu Ananda Thera dedicated the honour to his teachers, including Most Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita Mahathera and Most Venerable Kassapa Mahathera, as well as fellow monks, his family and lay followers who, he said, continue to walk the path of Dhamma collectively.
Jikmet Wangdus Jyothi, Member of the Karnataka Minorities Commission, conveyed congratulations on behalf of the state government and the Buddhist community, acknowledging the monk’s contributions to spiritual and social outreach.
The Maha Bodhi Society, Bengaluru, in a statement, said the recognition reflects Bhikkhu Ananda Thera’s sustained commitment to public welfare through spiritual guidance and educational work, adding that his efforts have influenced a wide cross-section of society.
