Dalit Conversion to Buddhism

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