Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller Welcomes Buddhist Monks After 2,300-Mile ‘Walk For Peace’

India-West News Desk

ANNAPOLIS, MD -Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller on February 11 welcomed nearly two dozen Buddhist monks to the Maryland State House, marking the final stop of their cross-country “Walk for Peace,” a 2,300-mile journey that began in Fort Worth, Texas, in October last year.

The monks, accompanied by volunteers and a dog named Aloka, arrived in Annapolis after walking through ten states and Washington, DC. It was the first time during the pilgrimage that the group visited an official residence of a state’s First Family.

Following their arrival from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the monks were received at the State House, where Miller escorted them through the House and Senate chambers. They were presented with legislative resolutions recognizing their journey and later met with local elected officials and members of the Council for Interfaith Outreach, which is chaired by the lieutenant governor.

“I am profoundly honored that this delegation of monks chose Annapolis as a stop on their journey,” Miller said. She described the conclusion of the walk in Maryland’s capital as symbolic, noting the city’s place in U.S. history and the community response to the monks’ message of peace and unity.

Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore also hosted the monks at Government House for a private lunch. Ahead of the meal, the monks were presented with Maryland State Flag pins to commemorate their visit.

“It was an honor to welcome these spiritual leaders to Maryland,” Moore said, describing the walk as both a physical and spiritual undertaking and praising its message of peace.

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Miller jointly issued a proclamation declaring February 12, 2026, as “Walk for Peace Day.” Montgomery County faith liaison Kate Chance presented a citation marking the occasion, while Capitol Police Lieutenant Colonel Glend McGuire honored the monks with a police badge.

The pilgrimage began on October 26, 2025, rooted in Theravada Buddhist teachings of nonviolence, mindfulness, and loving-kindness. Lead monk Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra said the walk was launched to raise awareness about peace after he observed what he described as a lack of mindfulness in society.

“When we started out, we were alone,” Paññākāra said. “Now we walk together, with many people sharing this path toward peace.”

The monks initially carried 1,000 peace bracelets to distribute along the route, eventually handing out hundreds of thousands by the time they reached Annapolis.