UDUPI, INDIA, November 3, 2008: Sri Vishweshateerta Swamiji of Pejawar Math has written an open letter to the dalits, requesting that they not convert into other religions and promising to initiate steps to ensure that they get equal status in Hinduism. While affirming an individual’s right to select the religion of his or her choice, he explained that a true conversion is based on acceptance of the vision and rituals of the new religion.
“Hundreds of Hindu maths and temples are ready to abandon their caste bias,” he stated, promising that if any injustices are committed, the dalits can inform him and he or his representatives will come to set right the wrongs. “If I am unable to provide justice to the dalits, I will take their side and fight for their rights. Myself and heads of various other maths are with you,” he stated.