0.1753
900 319 0030
x

Dalit Conversion to Buddhism

iasparliament Logo
May 01, 2018

What is the issue?

  • In recent times dalits are facing various pressures from right wing groups.
  • This has intensified the conversion of Dalits to Buddhism which might impact the political scenario.

What are the recent attacks by right wing groups on dalits?

  • 300 dalits in Gujarat converted to Buddhism recently following the incident of a dalit family beaten by cow vigilantes.
  • There was also another instance where gau rakshaks assaulted a group of villagers after which the whole village converted to Buddhism.
  • Various reports cite attacks by right wing groups to be one of the main reason for dalits conversion into Buddhism.

What were the roots for this dalit conversion to Buddhism?

  • This conversion to Buddhism was initially started by Dr. B R Ambedkar who embraced the religion and vowed to follow Buddha’s faith.
  • After this, many dalit individuals, families in large groups converted to Buddhism tracing the steps of their leader.
  • Dr. Ambedkar’s cremation ceremony too witnessed masses conversion to Buddhism.
  • Hence forth, every year people visit Deekshabhoomi (Where Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism) and take religious vows.
  • The 2011 Census has recorded 84.43 lakh Buddhists all over India of which over 65 lakh only in Maharashtra.

Why Dr. Ambedkar chose conversion to Buddhism as a tool?

  • Dr. Ambedkar felt this decision of conversion will shame the religion which denied him equality and self-respect.
  • It will also serve as a threat to both the reputation of Hinduism as a tolerant religion and to Hindus as a political entity.
  • He believed the ultimate object of both conversion and self-government is to attain freedom and stressed that conversion alone was the way for Dalit emancipation.
  • Ambedkar identified sympathy, equality and liberty as the three factors required for the uplift of an individual in a religion which were present in Buddhism and hence embraced Buddhism.

How these conversions will impact the political scenario?

  • These conversions due to attacks from right wing groups will undermine the Union government’s political project of building a Hindu vote comprising of all communities.
  • Hindutva agenda valorising the past Hindu culture and celebrating brahminical values will worsen the situation as it directly contradicts the union government’s efforts.
  • Dalit youth a part of future generation are unwilling to accept old hierarchies, therefore political power will rest with the parties which brings all religions and communities together.

 

Source: The Indian Express

 

Login or Register to Post Comments
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to review.

ARCHIVES

MONTH/YEARWISE ARCHIVES

Free UPSC Interview Guidance Programme