One lakh people convert to Buddhism in Mumbai

[Guest guest]

One lakh people convert to Buddhism

 

 

 

Prachi Pinglay

 

 

" A

step taken to protest against Government's apathy towards basic needs

of tribal people "

 

 

 

 

 

A majority who took the " Deeksha " were tribals and followers of Dalit writer

Laxman Mane It

could not be termed a move away from Hinduism

 

 

 

 

PHOTO: VIVEK BENDRE

 

 

 

 

MASS CONVERSION: Tens of thousands gathered at Mahalaxmi Race

Course in Mumbai on Sunday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of B.R.

Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism. More than 1 lakh Dalits and tribal

Hindus embraced the Buddhist faith in what is considered the largest

mass conversion in the country.

 

 

MUMBAI: A place marked by and perhaps limited

to the elite and the popular in Mumbai on Sunday witnessed nearly 1

lakh people from tiny pockets of Maharashtra come together for a mass

religious conversion rally at the Mahalaxmi Race Course.

Around 4 lakh people attended the rally

organised by the Republican Party of India to declare their support for

this conversion on the golden jubilee year of Babasaheb Ambedkar's

conversion to Buddhism (Bauddha Dhamma Deeksha).

However, while mass support was more than

obvious, the guests mentioned on the invitation card — Dalai Lama and

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh — did not attend citing

different reasons.

 

 

 

 

— PHOTOS: AP, AFP

 

 

 

 

NEW PATH: A Dalit woman taking part in a mass conversion

ceremony in Mumbai on Sunday. About 1 lakh Dalits and tribals converted

to Buddhism in one of the largest conversions in the country. At right,

the new converts offer prayers at the ceremony.

 

 

A majority of the people who took the " Deeksha "

were tribals and followers of Sahitya Akademi winner and Dalit writer

Laxman Mane, who has been touring the State after converting to

Buddhism in October 2006.

 

Laxman Mane said: " Thousands of people from 42

different nomadic tribes have embraced Buddhism. " He said tribals did

not follow Hinduism and so it could not be termed a move away from

Hinduism.

 

However, he said it was a step taken to protest against the apathy of the

Government towards the basic needs of these people.

 

Several monks were present on the dais to offer

prayers and " Deeksha " for the thousands who converted. Buddhism does

not believe in the Hindu gods, hierarchy and idol worship. Republican

Party of India President Ramdas Athawale, who was chairman of the

organising committee, informed people about the rules and regulations

of the new religion.

People came in vans, buses, and cycles, on

foot from all over Maharashtra. They were chanting " buddham sharnam

gacchami, " " dhammam sharnam gacchami, " and other slogans in praise of

Dr. Ambedkar and Gautam Buddha. The entire area was dotted with

colourful flags.

Suresh Alavane said: " We are bauddhas. We

have to come to see Laxman Mane and to attend this function from Pune.

Dr. Ambedkar wanted this function on December 16 in 1956 on the same

venue but unfortunately he passed away just 10 days before that. Now

his dream has come true. "

Followers of Dr. Ambedkar kept streaming in

from gate no.1 at the racecourse from early afternoon till late in the

evening. Police presence was minimal and the organisers kept announcing

directions for the thousands of children, women and men to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new converts offer prayers at the ceremony.

 

 

 

 

No untoward incident

 

 

 

 

 

People sat on the ground when the seating space was fully occupied. There was no

untoward incident.

 

There were hardly any facilities such as public

conveniences, food or water stalls. There were several stalls selling

and distributing literature about Buddhism, Dr. Ambedkar, and the

struggle of the Dalits and the minorities.

 

Source : http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/28/stories/2007052806851200.htm

 

Best Regards

Upendra V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for people who are YOUR TYPE? Find them at in.