THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Washington, D.C., June 11, 2026 — The Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) proudly participated in a special Vesak Day celebration held at the White House on June 11, bringing together Buddhist leaders, monastics, diplomats, and community representatives from across the United States and around the world. The event was organized by the International Buddhist Association of America with support from the White House Office of Faith.
Although held shortly after the official observance of Vesak Day, the celebration honored the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana (passing) of Lord Buddha and provided an opportunity to recognize Buddhism’s enduring contributions to peace, compassion, wisdom, and human dignity. A major highlight of this year’s celebration was the invitation extended to the President of the Ambedkar Association of North America, representing Ambedkarite Buddhists at a White House Vesak Day event for the first time. This historic participation reflects the growing recognition of Ambedkarite Buddhists and their contributions to religious, cultural, and civic life in the United States.
The event was attended by White House Office of Faith Senior Advisor Paula White-Cain and Faith Director Jennifer S. Korn, who joined Buddhist leaders and community representatives in honoring the teachings of the Buddha and promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation.
The celebration also brought together distinguished Buddhist monastics representing the three major traditions of Buddhism—Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana—demonstrating the unity and diversity of the global Buddhist community.
Adding to the international significance of the occasion, representatives from several embassies participated in the event, including those of Nepal, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Mongolia, and other nations with deep Buddhist heritage. Their presence highlighted the global reach of Buddhist values and the importance of cultural and diplomatic engagement.
The Ambedkar Association of North America is a community organization representing Ambedkarite Buddhists, many of whom trace their heritage to India, the homeland of Lord Buddha’s teachings and the birthplace of Buddhism. Inspired by the teachings of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of India’s Constitution and a champion of social justice, the organization promotes Buddhist values of equality, compassion, wisdom, and social harmony.
“We are deeply honored to participate in this historic Vesak celebration at the White House,” said Smitha, President of the Ambedkar Association of North America. “This invitation recognizes not only our organization but also the millions of Ambedkarite Buddhists around the world who follow the teachings of Lord Buddha and the vision of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. It represents an important step toward greater recognition of the diversity and richness of the Buddhist community in America.”
The participation of AANA in this national celebration underscores the increasing visibility of Ambedkarite Buddhists and reaffirms the shared values of religious freedom, inclusion, mutual respect, and human dignity that unite people of all faiths and backgrounds.
The Ambedkar Association of North America extends its sincere gratitude to the International Buddhist Association of America, the White House Office of Faith, Buddhist monastic leaders, and participating diplomatic representatives for making this historic and memorable event possible.
Media Contact:
[email protected]
Ambedkar Association of North America
