NALANDA BUDDHA VIHAR SAMITI
THE FOUNDING PRESIDENT
bhante dnyanratna
Karmveer Awardee Kisanrao Ganpatrao Munwar, later known as Bhante Dnyanratna, was the Founding President of Nalanda Buddha Vihar Samiti and a lifelong torchbearer of social reform and authentic Buddhist practice.
He was born on 15 October 1930 in Dhule City. During the historic visit of Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, he, along with his father, had the opportunity to witness Babasaheb in person. This experience left a profound impression on his young mind and became the foundation of his lifelong commitment to Ambedkarite ideology and social transformation.
After his marriage, he migrated to Malegaon, where he actively engaged in public service. During an epidemic outbreak, he served the community as a Malaria Officer and was later offered a permanent government position. However, driven by his deeper social commitment and ideological passion, he chose a path of service over personal security.
Actively involved in socio-political movements for nearly 25 years, he contributed extensively to social awareness and reform. Alongside his activism, he sustained his family through his skills as a talented artist, reflecting self-reliance and integrity.
Through his extensive grassroots work, he recognized that many people were following ritualistic practices rather than the authentic teachings of Buddhism. This realization led him to dedicate himself fully to grassroots Dhamma teachings based on the original philosophy of Lord Buddha.
In the early 1990s, he formally embraced monkhood and received Diksha, thereby beginning a new spiritual journey. He was ordained as Bhante Dnyanratna by the Akhil Bhartiya Bhikku Sangh, marking a profound transformation from socio-political activism to spiritual and ethical leadership.
Bhante Dnyanratna organized two Dhamma Councils in Malegaon, with Bhadant Nagarjun Arya Surai Sasai as the Chief Guest. He also actively participated in and guided numerous Dhamma councils across India, contributing significantly to the spread of authentic Buddhist teachings.
He served in key leadership roles within esteemed institutions such as the Buddhist Society of India, Akhil Bhartiya Bhikku Sangh, and other national-level organizations, often holding responsibilities at the divisional level.
Bhante Dnyanratna attained Parinirvana on 19 June 2014. His life remains a lasting inspiration—defined by sacrifice, clarity of purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment to social justice and Dhamma.
apply here!
“Be the change—volunteer with us to uplift lives and build a compassionate community.”