68 years of B R Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism remembered at Jammu
Jammu: 14. Oct.2024: Dr B R Ambedkar, the father and architect of the Indian Constitution, took a life-altering decision on 14th Oct. 1956. The Dalit strongman decided to quit Hinduism and take up Buddhism, with his followers in Nagpur.
Today the followers of Ambedkar under the ages of Confederation of Dalit, OBC, Minority, Adivasi Organisations met at Prem Resort, Jammu, and remembered Baba Sahib’s bold step.
R K Kalsotra, State President, Confederation said the reason behind Ambedkar’s thought was a “threat to freedom” from the varna or caste system. Ambedkar opined that conversion was the only method for Dalits to denounce the caste system. He further said that Ambedkar Sahib remarked, “Religion is for man & not man for religion. For getting human treatment, convert for getting organised, Convert for becoming strong, Convert for securing equality, Convert for getting liberty”.
Kalsotra further said that after 68 years of Baba Sahib’s conversion, still caste atrocities are not ending, his made constitution is under threat of changing, Articles 12 to 35 contained in Part III of the Constitution which deal with Fundamental Rights are also weakening day by day. These are: Right to equality, including equality before law, prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, and equality of opportunity in matters of employment. Confederation has called for National wide Maharally on 1st December 2024 at Ram Leela Maidan, New Delhi, to Save the Constitution, Save Democracy and Save Fundamental Rights.
Our main demands the caste census, there should be no interference in the Waqf Board and a ban on privatization and reservation in the higher judiciary. Recruitment to vacant posts, land distribution, equal education, end of contracting system, religious freedom, reservation in projects run by government funds, guarantee of MSP to farmers, opposition to ST being deprived of water, forest, and land, elections through ballot paper, and issues of Jammu Kashmir will also be raised in the Maharally. All the participants remembered Baba Sahib, paid their tribute to him and assured to participate in the coming rally of 1st December 2024 of Ramleela Maidan New Delhi.
Others who spoke were Ramesh Uttama, Shahid Saleem, S Kuldeep Singh Giani, Adv J A Kazmi, Dr Ramesh Kaith, and S Harasis Kranti. Safeer Ch, Ashu Peter Mattoo, Javeed Wattal, S Tejinder Singh, Dr Sameer Ch, Dr Jatinder, Rattan Bhagat, and many others.
