Ambedkar Dalits and Buddhism

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The caste system divides people into groups; at the bottom are the Dalit Historically, they have been denied education, consigned to menial tasks such as scavenging, and deprived of self-determination The Indian constitution safeguards what it calls "scheduled castes" through affirmative action policies. In theory, all citizens are equal, but in practice violence is on the rise. Ambedkar combined fearless and trenchant criticism of religion with a deep sympathy and understanding of it. When he diagnosed Hinduism as a religion of inequality because it sanctified caste or when he converted to Buddhism with his followers, Ambedkar was saying that religion can be and must be criticized.

The Dalit Buddhist movement is a socio-political movement by Dalits in India started by B. R. Ambedkar. It radically re-interpreted Buddhism and created a new school of Buddhism called Navayana. The movement has sought to be a socially and politically engaged form of Buddhism. December 6 marks a special day for millions of Dalits and socially backward citizens of India. It was on December 6, 62 years ago, that one of the greatest crusaders of the country's marginalised communities, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar passed away But it was two months prior to his passing away, that Baba Saheb took a pivotal step that would shape the course of the life of millions. This was the time when he converted to Buddhism. Baba Saheb's conversion not only marked the beginning of Ambedkar (ite) Buddhism that continues to gather more followers every year, but also gave lakhs of Dalits suffering under India's oppressive caste system a new lens to view their identity from, and redefine their place in the country. Speaking about the necessity of conversion, Ambedkar had in a speech in 1935 said, "After giving deep thought to the problem, everybody will have to admit that conversion is necessary to the Untouchables as self-government is to India. The ultimate object of both is the same.

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