Prof. Pokala Lakshmi Narasu, the Buddhist Prodigy of the 19th Century (1861-1934)

11 months ago

“In history textbooks,” according to Dev Dutta Patnaik, “religion starts with a leader. When the founder (of a religion) dies, he is replaced by an institution.” (Papas And Politics, T O I April 22,2025).

As far as the Buddhism is concerned Maha Siddha Buddhagupth Natha (1514-1610) of the 16th century revived Buddhism in India as well as in several other parts of Asia, North Africa etc. after Buddha’s Maha Nirvana. In the 20th century, Buddhism owes its popular influence on the people because of His Holiness Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, the world’s best-known Buddhist and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (1989). Before HH Dalai Lama’s arrival in India (1959), Professor Pokala Lakshmi Narasu of Madras’ (Chennai), Pachaiyappa’s college, along with stalwarts like Anagarika H Dharmapala, M Sringaravelu, G Aloysius, Sahodara Ayyappan and Ayothi Thasar strived for the propagation of Buddhism in India.Dr B R Ambedkar, the chief architect of our Constitution, eulogized Professor Pokala Lakshmi Narasu as ‘the Prodigy of the 19th Century’.

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