PM Modi Presented with Bodhidharma Doll in Japan; Demand Rises for Statue in Kanchipuram

The World Karate Masters Association (WKMA) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate the installation of a statue of Bodhidharma in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The association says such a move would honor India’s cultural heritage and give further impetus to the promotion of martial arts.

Who was Bodhidharma

Bodhidharma was a revered Indian monk and martial arts master, born in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

Around 1,500 years ago, he traveled to China, where his teachings laid the foundation for martial arts traditions that later spread across East Asia.

Even today, the influence of Bodhidharma is evident in the martial arts practiced in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries.

Recent Developments

On August 29, 2025, the Chief Priest of the Bodhidharma Temple presented Prime Minister Modi with a traditional Bodhidharma doll during his visit to Japan.

Earlier, on August 23, 2025, at a press conference in Chennai Press Club, WKMA formally requested the central and state governments to install a Bodhidharma statue in Kanchipuram, his birthplace.

WKMA’s Stand

S. Bala Murugan, President of WKMA, emphasized that the association is committed to spreading the benefits of martial arts across India and making training accessible to all.
He added that if the governments agree to install the statue, WKMA will extend full cooperation and even provide free martial arts education to the public.

Significance of the Gesture

The presentation of the Bodhidharma doll to Prime Minister Modi in Japan is being seen as a symbolic recognition of India’s cultural legacy at the global stage.

According to WKMA, the installation of a Bodhidharma statue in Kanchipuram would not only be a matter of pride for Tamil Nadu but also for the entire nation