Following Ambedkar's Path: 500 Dalit Families in Bengaluru Embrace Buddhism, Declaring It as the Path to Equality

Anekal, Bengaluru- In a landmark event on the occasion of the 2568th full moon of Gautama Buddha, a Dhamma Deeksha program was held at the BR Ambedkar Maidan on June 2.

Organized by the Ambedkar School of Thoughts, Samata Sainik Dal, Neelam Culture Center, and several Dalit and progressive organizations, the event witnessed a historic mass conversion to Buddhism.

This significant act of defiance against caste oppression saw hundreds of individuals affirming their commitment to the egalitarian principles championed by Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

In a powerful display of faith and unity, hundreds of people voluntarily accepted Buddhism, affirming their belief in the principles articulated by Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

The mass Dhamma Diksha witnessed participation from devotees not only from Karnataka but also from Tamil Nadu, highlighting the widespread resonance of the movement.

Esteemed Buddhist monks, including Manorakhkhita Banteji, Nagasena Buddammaji, Sugatapala Banteji, Janaloka Banteji, and Aniruddha Banteji from Jetavana, led the ceremony.

Manorakhkhita Banteji emphasized the importance of walking the path outlined by Babasaheb, asserting that peace, as preached by Buddha, has the power to transform the world. He urged attendees to adopt the messages of mercy, love, alliance, and peace in their lives.

"Babasaheb said that Buddhamarga plays a crucial role in the destruction of caste," stated Manorakhkhita Banteji. "It is now imperative to move away from Hinduism and embrace Buddhism to live scientifically and rise above poverty."

Nagasena Buddammaji further encouraged the congregation to integrate Dhamma into their daily lives, advocating for the principles of equality and compassion as antidotes to caste-based discrimination.

Among the attendees were notable leaders and activists, including Patapat Nagaraj, Sriramulu, Patapat Prakash, Ravana, CK Ramu, Satish, Venkatesh Murthy, Srinivas, Budugappa, Arivu, Chinai Uday, Muniraju, Munikrishna, and Nanjesh. Their presence underscored the significance of the event in the ongoing struggle for social justice.

Speaking with The Mooknayak, Anand Chakravarthi , co-ordinator of the event said , " the event witnessed an extraordinary turnout, with a notable influx of young devotees, particularly schoolchildren and college students, joining their families in embracing the teachings of Baba Saheb. The fervor and enthusiasm displayed by these young participants underscore a growing awareness and commitment to the principles of social justice and equality espoused by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar."

In pledging allegiance to Baba Saheb's teachings, individuals from all walks of life vowed to renounce all forms of discrimination and prejudice.

This collective commitment signifies a collective rejection of the divisive caste system and a resolute determination to uphold the dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their social background.

Moreover, attendees took a solemn oath to abstain from vices such as gambling and alcohol addiction, recognizing the destructive impact these habits can have on both individual well-being and community harmony.

Ambedkar's Dhamma Journey: From Hinduism to Buddhism

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's fascination with Buddhism traces back to 1908, when he first delved into the life of Buddha. However, it reached its pinnacle in 1935 when he boldly proclaimed, 'Although I have been born a Hindu, I will not die a Hindu.' This declaration marked a profound shift in his philosophical outlook.

In his seminal essay, "The Annihilation of Caste," Ambedkar articulated that Hinduism, in its essence, posed the greatest obstacle to the progress of the untouchables. He recognized Buddhism and Sikhism as indigenous faiths that stood in defiance of Brahmanical hegemony. Ambedkar urged his followers to emulate the courage of figures like Buddha and Guru Nanak, who challenged the authority of Hindu scriptures.

"You must take the stand which Guru Nanak took. You must not only discard the Shastras, you must deny their authority, as did Buddha and Nanak. You must have the courage to tell the Hindus that what is wrong with them is their religion—the religion which has instilled in them the notion of the sacredness of caste," he passionately asserted.

Ambedkar's rejection of Hinduism and his embrace of Buddhism were not merely personal choices; they were profound statements of resistance against the oppressive caste system. In contrast to Gandhi's emphasis on the removal of untouchability while preserving the caste system, Ambedkar advocated for the complete eradication of caste hierarchy, viewing it as intrinsic to Hinduism's fabric.

His journey towards Dhamma symbolizes not just a spiritual awakening but a radical reclamation of identity and a relentless pursuit of social justice.

The Plight of Dalits in Karnataka: A Persistent Struggle

The mass conversion event sheds light on the deeply entrenched caste discrimination prevalent in Karnataka, particularly in rural areas. Research studies indicate that Dalit households face severe caste bias, with Tumakuru district exhibiting some of the highest levels of discrimination due to poverty and illiteracy.

In Tumakuru, caste discrimination manifests in various forms: Dalits are often forced to use separate plates and cups at workplaces, and nearly half the households report indignities while at work. This form of discrimination is also notably high in Mysuru, Chitradurga, and Belagavi districts.

Social interactions are marred by caste prejudices. General category households rarely share meals with Dalits, and Dalit men are the only ones who visit their homes. Non-Dalits often avoid shaking hands with Dalit individuals, and Dalits are frequently barred from entering non-Dalit households.

During traditional ceremonies and rituals, visible discrimination persists. While general caste people may invite Dalits to marriages and other celebrations, Dalits are often made to sit separately. One-tenth of the respondents highlighted the use of separate cups and tea glasses for Dalits in the selected villages.

Furthermore, Dalits face exclusion in services; some households report that dhobis (traditional laundry workers) refuse to wash their clothes due to their low caste identity. The pervasive caste practices and biases indicate a need for moral and ethical reforms at individual, group, and community levels to eradicate caste discrimination in rural areas.

Dalit Villagers in Karnataka's Malligere Protest Discrimination in Water Supply

Recently, some residents of Malligere village in Karnataka raised serious allegations against the local administration, accusing them of discrimination in the distribution of water. According to the villagers, the colony that houses over 300 Dalit families has been systematically excluded from the village's water supply. While water is provided to the entire village, this specific colony remains deprived, leading to widespread discontent and protests among the Dalit community. This incident adds to the growing evidence of entrenched caste-based discrimination in the region, as highlighted by recent reports detailing the systemic biases faced by Dalit