Karnataka: 50 Dalits convert to Buddhism in Udupi

OCT 20 2020

Udupi: Udupi district Boudh Mahasabha held the 64th Dhammachakra Pravartan Day on October 18.
On the occasion more than 50 people belonging to the Dalit community have accepted Buddhism as their faith.
The conversion took place on the 64th Dhamma Chakra Parivarthana Day of Dr B R Ambedkar For the uninitiated, the Dalit Buddhist movement also known as the Neo-Buddhist movement is a religious as well as a socio-political movement among Dalits in
India which was started by BR Ambedkar.
It radically re-interpreted Buddhism and created a new school of Buddhism called Navayana. The movement has sought to be a socially and politically engaged form
of Buddhism.
Sugatapala Bhantheji who had arrived from Mysuru administered the oath ceremony for the converted Dalits.
Dalit leaders including Sundar Mastar, Shyamraj Birthi, Narayan Manur, Shekar Hejmadi and others were present on the occasion. Scholar Bhaskar Vittla delivered a
talk on the occasion.
Meanwhile, more than 30 students who had secured top marks in SSLC and PU examination were given scholarships and felicitated. Professor Bhaskar Vittal was the
chief orator at the ceremony.