India Tribune Newsdesk
Annapolis, MD: Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller welcomed nearly two dozen Buddhist monks to the Maryland State House, marking the final destination of their extraordinary “Walk for Peace,” a pilgrimage that spanned more than 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. Annapolis became the culminating stop of a journey defined by faith, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to compassion. It was also the first time the monks visited an official residence of a First Family during their months-long walk.
Lieutenant Governor Miller described the moment as deeply meaningful, both personally and for the state. She reflected on the symbolism of Annapolis—America’s first peacetime capital—serving as the place where the walk concluded, calling it a powerful reminder of Maryland’s long-standing values of unity, inclusion, and peace. The overwhelming response from the community, she said, demonstrated how deeply the monks’ message resonated across cultures and beliefs.
An estimated 12,000 people gathered to welcome the monks as they made their approach to the State House from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. After brief public remarks, the lieutenant governor escorted the monks inside the State House, where they visited the House and Senate chambers. There, they were formally recognized with resolutions honoring their journey and participated in a collaborative discussion with local elected officials and members of the Council for Interfaith Outreach, which is chaired by the lieutenant governor.
Later in the day, Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore welcomed the monks to Government House for a private lunch. Before the meal, the monks were presented with Maryland State Flag pins as a token of gratitude for their dedication to peace and compassion. Governor Moore praised the walk as both a remarkable physical achievement and a living expression of faith, noting that it was an honor to receive the monks at the People’s House as they concluded their journey. The First Lady echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that meaningful change comes from working together and recognizing the shared humanity that connects all communities.
The interfaith discussion was guided by Dr. Lora Hargrove, Director of Faith Outreach for the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. She highlighted the importance of cooperation among faith traditions in building resilient communities, fostering mutual respect, and addressing shared challenges. State and local leaders reinforced that message through a series of proclamations and citations, including the declaration of February 12, 2026, as “Walk for Peace Day.”
The walk began on October 26, 2025, rooted in Theravada Buddhist teachings of nonviolence, mindfulness, and loving-kindness. It was inspired by lead monk Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra’s concern about a growing lack of mindfulness in society. What started with just 1,000 peace bracelets grew into the distribution of hundreds of thousands along the route. Reflecting on the journey’s end, the venerable monk shared that while they began the walk alone, they now move forward supported by countless people united on the same path—together, in peace.
