Several Dalits to embrace Buddhism tomorrow

Special Correspondent

It will mark 54th anniversary of a similar act by Ambedkar

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Several monks will grace the occasion

‘Following the tenets of Buddhism is essential'

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GULBARGA: A large number of Dalits will embrace Buddhism here on Thursday to mark the 54th anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar embracing Buddhism at Nagpur in Maharashtra along with his followers.

Veteran Dalit leader Shivaram Moga told presspersons here on Tuesday that the International Bouddha Yuva Sanghatane and the Buddhist Society of India would jointly organise the fifth mass ‘Buddha Dhamma Deeksha' programme at the MSK Mill Grounds here on Thursday.

Mr. Moga said that October 14 was an important date in the annals of India as it was on this day that Ambedkar had embraced Buddhism in protest against the oppressive caste system that prevailed in the country.

Buddhism gave a new life to those who embraced it at the behest of Ambedkar. “This was also the day on which Buddhism was revived in the country in which it was born,” he said.

Achievement

The Buddhist Society of India and the International Bouddha Yuva Sanghatane have been celebrating the anniversary of Ambedkar embracing Buddhism in Gulbarga for four years. “So far, thousands of Dalits and oppressed sections of society have embraced Buddhism,” he said.

Adopt philosophy

Admitting that mere embracing of Buddhism would not bring about any qualitative change in the life of Dalits, he said that it was essential to adopt the philosophy and follow its tenets. Led by Bhante Bodhidhamma, founder president of the International Bouddha Sanghatane, a team of Buddhist monks from across the country will help the Dalits in the conversion process.

Inauguration

The programme will be inaugurated by Union Labour and Employment Minister M. Mallikarjun Kharge. Dalit leaders, including Mogali Ganesh, D.S. Veeraiah, Mavalli Shankar and Vittal Doddamani, will participate, Mr. Mogasaid.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/13/stories/2010101360540300.htm