How didBR AmbedkarinspiredDalit Buddhistmovement in India?
By iastoppers.com
Born in 1891, B.R. Ambedkar belonged to the Mahar (Dalit) caste and faced severe discrimination in school, where he was treated as an untouchable
Despite the hurdles, Ambedkar was the only one among his siblings to pass his examinations and attend high school, where a teacher changed his surname to 'Ambedkar'
A biography of Lord Buddha, gifted by Dada Keluskar, profoundly influenced Ambedkar and shaped his future actions and beliefs
After considering Sikhism, Ambedkar found solace in Buddhism and formally converted in 1956 through a public ceremony
Ambedkar initiated Navayana Buddhism, which rejected Hinduism’s caste system and focused on Dalit rights, while also rejecting traditional Buddhist teachings
During his conversion, Ambedkar's followers adopted 22 vows that outlined the principles of Navayana Buddhism, emphasizing equality and social justice
Ambedkar's interest in Buddhism deepened around 1950 when he participated in the World Fellowship of Buddhists in Sri Lanka
Throughout his life, Ambedkar advocated for the education of Dalits as a means to overcome social injustice
Ambedkar's leadership in the Dalit Buddhist movement provided a beacon of hope and a new path for millions of oppressed individuals in India
Ambedkar's efforts have left a lasting legacy, inspiring numerous Dalit movements and social reforms in India and around the world