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CHANDIGARH, INDIA, April 14, 2003: On the occasion of the 112 birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, around 150 Dalits converted to Buddhism in what they termed a mass protest against the rising violence and atrocities against their community in Haryana. A Buddhist monk gave diksha to over 150 people in the presence of the All India Confederation of SC and ST Organizations national chairman Udit Raj. Ten children also converted to Christianity and nine people shaved their heads to become monks. Vowing to shun cow worship, the Dalits held a buffalo-worship program. Many of the converts did not seem to know what conversion is all about. However, Shyam Lal from Chandigarh said he and his three daughters had converted for self-respect. Others had no answer why they had decided to convert. In a related article, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has asked Dalits to embrace Buddhism if they can no longer endure exploitation under Hinduism. At a massive rally on Monday CM Mayawati said she was willing to lead the way as she had spent her life fighting “manuvadi Hinduism.” Mayawati said Dalits had suffered trying to enter temples, but this would no longer be tolerated, and if Hindu religious leaders did not mend their ways, she would lead her followers into the “Buddhist fold” to protect their “social dignity.”

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