Dalits to convert en masse in Mumbai

Mumbai: Thousands of Dalit Hindus are convening in Mumbai on Sunday to participate in what could be the largest mass conversion to Buddhism.

The mass conversion is being organised by Baudha Damma Diksha Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee, headed by Republican Party of India leader and MP Ramdas Athavale.

The party, which was set up by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, has planned this historic event in order to fulfil their leader's dream of converting a million Dalits into Buddhism so that they might escape the stigma of belonging to the lowest caste.

Dr. Ambedkar, who fought for the rights of the underprivileged Dalits in the caste-ridden Indian society, passed away 10 days before he could organise the event on Mumbai's racecourse ground.

Hundreds of Buddhist monks are here to hail the event as a significant step towards re-establishing Buddhism in India, its motherland.

Although the two-day fete, which included an international conference on `Buddhism and World Peace,' was expected to be inaugurated by the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist spiritual leader did not turn up in person. However, in a message, the Dalai Lama said conversion to the Buddhist faith was not so important as were efforts to change society.