UNTOUCHABLES NEWS.13.04.2024.By Team Sivaji.chennai.26.
Jyotiba Phule did many works for the upliftment of Dalits.
Chas. The birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was celebrated on Thursday at the Chas office of Bharatiya Janata Party Chas Nagar Southern Division. The program was presided over by Board President Tinku Tapadia. Mainly Bokaro MLA Biranchi Narayan, District President Jaydev Rai were present. Throwing light on the biography of Jyotiba Phule, MLA Shri Narayan said in his address that she did many works for the upliftment of Dalits and women. Launched a campaign to provide education to all sections of the society.
District President Shri Rai said that Jyotiba Phule was a staunch opponent of the caste system prevalent in the Indian society. He opposed child marriage and was a supporter of widow remarriage. Mainly present in the program were District Vice President Mukesh Rai, General Secretary Sanjay Tyagi, Minister Dheeraj Jha, Northern Division President Pannalal Kandu, Vikram Singh, Manraj Singh, Vikas Aggarwal, Rishabh Rai, Vicky Rai, Lalan Sharma, Vishnu Jaiswal, Govind Gop, Krishna. Mahato, Vikas Mehta, Jaishankar Kumar, Dhruv Kumar, Pradeep, Gori, Ravi Ranjan Tiwari and others were present. Whereas BJP Chas Nagar North celebrated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule at Shakti Kendra as per the instructions of BJP state leadership under the chairmanship of city president Pannalal Kandu. BJP District General Secretary Sanjay Tyagi said that Mahatma Jyotiba Phule had done important work in educating and making women aware. For this he also faced opposition from the society, but never wavered from his aim and objective. He had an important contribution in the work of education. He gave his valuable time for the upliftment of poor and downtrodden people. Budheshwar Ghoshal, Rajesh Ghoshal, Jhantu De, Dilip Pal, Pintu Pal, Senti Kandu Akash Singh, Dharmendra Bauri and others were present on the occasion.
Jalminar of Simradohar Dalit locality has been bad for 3 months, people are drinking water from a well full of weeds.
The water tower installed in Simradohar Dalit locality of Budhidih village of Dulmaha Panchayat of Barhi block has been lying defunct for almost three months. Due to this, the villagers are facing severe water shortage in this scorching heat. The only source of drinking water in this Dalit locality was the Jal Minar. That too is in bad shape.
There is not a single government hand pump in this locality nor does any individual have his own. All the villagers are forced to drink dirty water from wells filled with weeds built years ago. The local Panchayat representatives do not seem to be serious about this serious problem. Neither the Chief has come to his senses till now nor have any other public representatives made any alternative arrangements. Due to this there is deep dissatisfaction and anger towards the Panchayat representatives.
Villagers told that a water tower was installed near Rajdev Bhuiyan house from 14th Finance. It has been lying damaged for three months. Besides, the hand pump is also bad. Due to this the villagers are worried about drinking water. The villagers told that the villagers have got the water tower repaired several times at their personal expense. Here, no officer or Panchayat representative seems to be interested in repairing the damaged water tower.
It is said that the cost of the installed solar water tower is approximately Rs four lakh. Villagers told that about 30 families live in this Dalit locality and the only source of drinking water at that place is this solar water tower. Due to damage to the water tower, people are facing huge problem of drinking water. In this regard, the local people alleged that no public representative is going to look into the problems of us Dalit families nor listen to our complaints.
The villagers demanded to build this water tower immediately. Also said that until the water tower is repaired, drinking water should be supplied to the Dalit colony through water tankers. Kamal Shankar Pandit, a social worker of the same panchayat, said that no public representative is paying attention to the development of this Dalit colony. Local Panchayat representatives should immediately arrange drinking water from tankers.
Accused arrested for assaulting a Dalit in Bari: A case of assault and assault on the head of the household was registered, the police was searching for one and a half months.
Taking action in the case of assault and assault on the head of a Dalit family on February 27 in Basai Ka Pura village of Sadar police station area of Bari, the Sadar police station has arrested the accused youth after one and a half months. Now the Bari CO is interrogating the arrested accused regarding the above mentioned case of ST-SC Act.
Bari CO Narendra Kumar told that on February 27, the victim Narendra, son of Harisingh Jatav, resident of Pura village of Basai of Sadar police station area, was beaten up by Pradeep alias Abhay, son of Ramesh Lodha, resident of Adampur village and four to five other people over some matter. When the victim Narendra Jatav lodged a case in the Sadar police station regarding the incident of assault, the accused Pradeep alias Abhay Lodha along with four to five people reached his house the same night and beat him badly and insulted him with caste related words. The accused had also threatened the victim.
Sadar Police had handed over the investigation to him regarding the said case. In which Sadar Police has arrested the accused. Which was presented in the CO office today. In this action, there has been special support from Sadar Police along with Head Constable Bahadur Singh, Constable Gyanendra Kumar, Horilal of CO Office.
UP: Dalit voters threatened in BSP candidate’s meeting, abused in Bhari Chaupal, threatened to see if not voting
Shamli News: A person has abused and threatened Dalit voters in the meeting of BSP candidate in Shamli. He has threatened to look into it if he does not vote. This video is becoming very viral. On the other hand, after the video went viral, police officers swung into action.
Published by : kapil
A case of intimidation of voters has come to light in the meeting of BSP candidate Shripal Rana of Kairana Lok Sabha constituency. The video of bullying is going viral on social media. The police have taken cognizance of the viral video and started investigation. This video is of a meeting held on Thursday in village Hind of Thanabhawan area.
In a viral video on social media on Friday, a person is seen threatening Scheduled Caste voters during the meeting of BSP candidate. The said person is abusing the Dalits at Bhari Chaupal and threatening to see them if they do not vote.
In this video, some people are trying to stop the bullying person, but even after this he is not stopping. BSP candidate Shripal Rana was also present in this meeting. Taking cognizance of the viral video, the police have started investigation. This is becoming very viral on social media.
Thanabhavan police station in-charge said that the matter of viral video has come to the notice. The video is being investigated. After investigation, action will be taken after filing a report.
Case filed against BSP candidate for violation of code of conduct
BSP candidate Shripal Rana was taking out a procession with drums without the permission of the administration in village Hinde of Thanabhavan assembly constituency. When the police reached the spot and asked for permission for the procession, they did not have it. On this, the police registered a case against the BSP candidate for violating the code of conduct and started investigation. Police station incharge Satish Kumar said that a case has been registered for taking out the procession without permission.
‘Chalo Bhim ki Aur, Chalo Buddh ki Aur’: Gujarat Ambedkar Collective Set to Make Presence in New Delhi on Ambedkar Jayanti
Dalit History Month: The event commemorating Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on April 14th starts with a rally at 9:00 AM from Ambedkar Bhawan on Rani Jhansi Road, New Delhi.
Ayanabha Banerjee
New Delhi- Swayam Sainik Dal (SSD), a collective of Ambedkarites and Buddhists, will conduct an event on the occasion of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on 14th April. The proceedings will begin with a rally scheduled to commence at 9:00 AM, starting from Ambedkar Bhawan located on Rani Jhansi Road in New Delhi.
The Mooknayak spoke to Ashwin Kumar, a member of the collective from Gandhinagar, regarding the upcoming event. SSD hosts an annual commemorative event, with last year’s held in Gandhinagar and this year’s scheduled for Delhi.
“Just like Kanshiram conducted events at different corners of the nation, this year’s event will be held in the national capital,” claimed Kumar.
The organization is building on the honest movements conducted by the leaders and aims to make citizens aware that an umbrella collective exists, accepting everyone.
Kumar continued, “Many young children who are below the age of 10 will dress up as Buddhist monks and conduct conversion into Buddhism.”
Snapshot of the rally held in 2023
Where Did Brahma Sit in Isolation During Menstruation? Jyotirao Phule’s Provocative Inquiry That Incensed Brahmins in the 19th Century
Subsequently, a public gathering will be convened, during which members will introduce and discuss their organization. This event will be held at Dr. Babasaheb Khel Parishad in Trilokpuri, New Delhi.
There, the “bais barbaadi (22 evils) will be presented to the gathered crowd, and we will continue the conversation to discuss the 22 agendas developed by us.”
The 22 agendas are as follows, according to which citizens will:
- Possess the ability to engage in diverse social endeavors.
- Have the capacity to thwart all forms of antisocial inclinations.
- Be empowered to disseminate the compassionate and wise teachings of Tathagat Buddha.
- Be capable of affirming the principles of education, organization, and activism advocated by Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar.
- Understand and eradicate Manuwadi ideology.
- Foster a cultured ethos within society.
- Eliminate superstition from societal norms.
- Steer society towards a humanistic ethos.
- Safeguard individual self-respect.
- Remove buffalo-like anti-Bahujan leadership.
- Ensure the protection of all rights and interests.
- Realize Dr. Baba Saheb’s mantra of “Where there is union, there is power.”
- Promote a sense of brotherhood transcending caste distinctions.
- Foster a sense of a unified, extended family.
- Truthful and humane communication will remove derogatory labels from Bahujans.
- Strengthen morale through unity and foster a sense of societal resilience.
- Achieve and implement genuine democracy.
- Finance the construction of educational, medical, and residential facilities.
- Establish an orderly and disciplined societal framework.
- Provide a platform for social thinkers to serve as guides.
- Uproot injustice, inequality, and oppression.
- Eradicate “Manuwad” from indigenous communities.
On being asked about the upcoming elections and if the collective will be taking a stand against the “manuwadi” ideals of political parties, Ashwin explained that the organization is non-political and accepts everyone, regardless of their politics.
He observed that their primary fight is against the caste system, which unfortunately infiltrates every political party. When it is tackled, according to Kumar, citizens will understand how to use the power of the vote given by Babasaheb.
Ashwin also mentioned that the event scheduled for 2025 will be held in Kolkata, followed by Bhopal in 2026, Bangalore in 2027, and Mumbai in 2028. The Mumbai event will commemorate the historic conversion at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar, where 2 crore people are expected to participate in the conversion to Buddhism.
Event of 2023:
The programme of 2023 was held at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. It was first supposed to be held in 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic.
According to the member, almost 50,000 people all over the state claimed Buddhism during the month of April, last year. Lakhs of people from all over the state had travelled to be a part of the event.
Kumar said, “The event was flagged off by a ‘bus rally’ after which Buddhist monks conducted an event for conversion. We then talked about the issues plaguing our society.”
History of Swayam Sainik Dal:
The organization was started in 2006 to tackle the various issues responsible for the degradation of the society.
According to Kumar, there are many people who still do not know Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, Babasaheb and other icons responsible for social justice. He also seemed to believe in the fact that no matter the social standing, people are still unable to give up on their caste.
“Regardless of our actions, we persistently seek to bolster our social status based on caste,” Ashwin said. “There is a need to destroy the caste system on an emotional level as well.”
Ashwin further added that the need to form Swayam Sainik Dal arose from the fact that there is no one singular collective under which anti-caste advocates can belong. There are multiple organizations claiming to fight the system, but most have ulterior motives. Some are running behind money or political power.
Talking about the uniqueness of their collective, Kumar claimed, “Our organization does not ask for funds. People donate if they wish to, which we use for our programmes. We have no hierarchy and our posters do not have pictures of anyone else apart from the anti-caste icons.”
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
Why are Ambedkarite Collectives Excited About Gujarat Government’s Clarification on Buddhism as a Separate Religion?
Dalit History Month Special: As per a rough estimate, more than 1 crore of Dalit population is estimated to convert to Buddhism by 2025. Similarly, the SSD has a systematic plan to organize similar mass conversion ceremonies in Delhi, Kolkata, Banglore, Bhopal and Mumbai on Ambedkar Jayanti, one every year, from 2024 onwards respectively in these big cities.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Ahmedabad- In a significant development just days before Ambedkar Jayanti, the Gujarat government has issued a circular clarifying that Buddhism must be considered a separate religion, a move applauded by Ambedkarite associations and Buddhist collectives.
The circular, issued by the Home department on April 8, stipulates that any conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism require prior approval from the district magistrate under the provisions of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.
The move comes in response to growing concerns over the arbitrary interpretation of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act by district magistrates, leading to delays and confusion in the approval process for religious conversions.
Signed by Deputy Secretary (Home) Vijay Badheka, the circular aims to ensure that conversions are conducted in accordance with established rules and procedures.
In Gujarat, organizations such as Swayam Sainik Dal, Gujarat Buddhist Academy (GBA), Bharatiya Bodh Mahasabha , and the Buddhist Society actively promote the teachings of Buddha and encourage conversions, echoing the sentiments of Baba Saheb, who himself embraced Buddhism.
Clarifications and Instructions in the Circular Regarding Conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism
The circular issued by the Gujarat government addresses concerns regarding the interpretation and application of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act in cases of conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism/Jainism/SIkhism. It highlights instances where district magistrates have been arbitrarily interpreting the Act, leading to inconsistencies in the approval process for such conversions.
One key issue raised in the circular is the misconception that prior permission is not required for conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism. This misunderstanding has led to some district magistrates disposing of applications without following the prescribed procedure, citing Article 25(2) of the Constitution, which includes Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism within Hinduism. However, the circular emphasizes that Buddhism must be considered a separate religion under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act.
According to the Act, both the person seeking to convert and the individual facilitating the conversion are required to obtain prior permission from the district magistrate. The circular instructs district magistrates to carefully review applications for religious conversion, ensuring compliance with legal provisions and government instructions.
Ambedkarite associations and Dalit collectives have hailed the government’s decision, viewing it as a positive step towards affirming the separate identity of Buddhism and addressing administrative hurdles faced by Dalits seeking conversion. Mass conversions to Buddhism, often observed on Ambedkar Jayanti, Dussehra, and other festivals, have been a recurring phenomenon in Gujarat, predominantly among Dalit communities.
The circular concerning Buddhist conversions is anticipated to not only streamline the conversion process but also contribute to the accurate recording of individuals embracing Buddhism. Stakeholders across the state are optimistic that this move will lead to a clearer census of the Buddhist population, addressing a longstanding need for precise demographic data.
Ashok Bauddh, a volunteer of the Syayam Sainik Dal (SSD) in Ahmedabad, shared his experience, highlighting the challenges encountered due to the lack of clear directives. “I converted to Buddhism last April 2023. I had submitted the completed form at the collectorate, but till now, I have not received the certificate,” lamented Ashok. He echoed the frustrations of many Dalits who have faced bureaucratic obstacles in their journey towards embracing Buddhism.
A common refrain encountered by individuals seeking conversion has been the assertion that one does not need permission to become a Buddhist, as it is considered a part of Hinduism. Such misconceptions have hindered the smooth execution of the conversion process and underscore the need for clear guidelines, as emphasized by the recent government circular.
With the issuance of the circular, Ambedkarites and Buddhist collectives hope for a streamlined approval process that respects the autonomy of individuals choosing to embrace Buddhism. The recognition of Buddhism as a separate religion is seen as a crucial step towards affirming the distinct identity and rights of Dalit communities in Gujarat.
Shashikant Jadhav, national treasurer of The Buddhist Society of India, has lauded the Gujarat government’s recent circular recognizing Buddhism as a separate religion. Speaking to Mooknayak, Jadhav contrasted the ease of religious conversion procedures in Maharashtra with reported administrative hurdles faced by believers in Gujarat, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
Jadhav highlighted the streamlined process for religious conversions in Maharashtra, where individuals wishing to convert face minimal hurdles. In contrast, The Buddhist Society of India reportedly receives calls from Gujarat, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, where believers describe a complicated administrative process and seemingly easily granted approvals.
While admitting that he hasn’t read the complete clauses of the Gujarat circular, Jadhav expressed optimism about its potential impact. “If they recognize Buddhism as a separate religion, it is definitely a positive move,” he remarked, suggesting that other states should consider similar measures to facilitate religious conversions.
Sanjay Baudh, a devoted follower from Somnath district in Gujarat, sheds light on the burgeoning Buddhist community in the state and the challenges they face in official recognition. In a telephonic conversation with The Mooknayak, Sanjay emphasized the significant rise in Buddhist conversions, particularly among Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, driven by mass awareness efforts spearheaded by organizations like the SSD.
“Gujarat, with its 7 percent Dalit population, witnesses hundreds of SC and ST individuals adopting Buddhism every month,” Sanjay revealed. He attributed this trend to the increasing awareness among people, fuelled by SSD’s initiatives such as chintan camps held in rural areas. These efforts aim to empower individuals to embrace Buddhism as a means of escaping oppression and discrimination, resonating deeply with many in the state.
Sanjay highlighted the case of Somnath, where approximately 1000 legally converted Buddhists are recorded in official records. However, bureaucratic delays and procrastination often leave hundreds awaiting official recognition, despite their conversion being legally documented.
Ragesh, another volunteer of the SSD, echoed Sanjay’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to view the new circular in a positive light. He expressed hope that the circular would expedite the recognition process and eliminate unnecessary delays, providing much-needed relief to individuals seeking official acknowledgment of their conversion to Buddhism.
Discrepancy in Census Figures as Actual Buddhist Conversions Underreported in Gujarat
Official Census data from 2011 indicates only 30,483 Buddhists in Gujarat, representing a mere 0.05 percent of the population.
In 2023, according to a report by The Indian Express, a notable surge in conversions to Buddhism was observed in Gujarat. Approximately 2,000 individuals, primarily Dalits, embraced the faith, marking a significant cultural and spiritual shift within the state.
Buddhists in Gujarat have raised concerns regarding the accuracy of these figures, asserting that many conversions go unaccounted. It is argued that a considerable number of individuals who have converted to Buddhism are inaccurately recorded as Hindus in official records, leading to a skewed representation of the religious landscape in the state.
According to Ramesh Bhai (pseudo name), a representative of SSD, the decision to convert to Buddhism is a voluntary step of the Dalit community, who have suffered under the caste-based discrimination of Sanatan Dharma. This sentiment is reflected in the actions of Baba Saheb, who himself renounced Hinduism and embraced Buddhism in order to reject the caste system.
As per a rough estimate, more than 1 crore of Dalit population is estimated to convert to Buddhism by 2025. Similarly, the SSD has a systematic plan to organize similar mass conversion ceremonies in Delhi, Kolkata, Banglore, Bhopal and Mumbai on Ambedkar Jayanti, one every year, from 2024 onwards respectively in these big cities.
Procedure for Conversion
Before converting to Buddhism or any other religion, individuals are required to adhere to a prescribed procedure, which involves obtaining prior permission from the district magistrate. This process begins with the submission of a specified form by the ‘dharmguru’ (religious head) overseeing the conversion event.
The form, serving as an official request for permission, must be submitted to the district magistrate at least one month before the scheduled conversion event.
It includes comprehensive details of the individual(s) to be converted, such as their name, address, community, marital status, occupation, monthly income, duration of following the religion from which conversion is intended, reasons for conversion, venue and date of the conversion event, and the name of the dharmguru who will perform the conversion.
This procedure aims to regulate religious conversions in the state and prevent potential misuse or coercion in the process.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak
Why are Ambedkarite Collectives Excited About Gujarat Government’s Clarification on Buddhism as a Separate Religion?
Dalit History Month Special: As per a rough estimate, more than 1 crore of Dalit population is estimated to convert to Buddhism by 2025. Similarly, the SSD has a systematic plan to organize similar mass conversion ceremonies in Delhi, Kolkata, Banglore, Bhopal and Mumbai on Ambedkar Jayanti, one every year, from 2024 onwards respectively in these big cities.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Ahmedabad- In a significant development just days before Ambedkar Jayanti, the Gujarat government has issued a circular clarifying that Buddhism must be considered a separate religion, a move applauded by Ambedkarite associations and Buddhist collectives.
The circular, issued by the Home department on April 8, stipulates that any conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism require prior approval from the district magistrate under the provisions of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.
The move comes in response to growing concerns over the arbitrary interpretation of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act by district magistrates, leading to delays and confusion in the approval process for religious conversions.
Signed by Deputy Secretary (Home) Vijay Badheka, the circular aims to ensure that conversions are conducted in accordance with established rules and procedures.
In Gujarat, organizations such as Swayam Sainik Dal, Gujarat Buddhist Academy (GBA), Bharatiya Bodh Mahasabha , and the Buddhist Society actively promote the teachings of Buddha and encourage conversions, echoing the sentiments of Baba Saheb, who himself embraced Buddhism.
Clarifications and Instructions in the Circular Regarding Conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism
The circular issued by the Gujarat government addresses concerns regarding the interpretation and application of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act in cases of conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism/Jainism/SIkhism. It highlights instances where district magistrates have been arbitrarily interpreting the Act, leading to inconsistencies in the approval process for such conversions.
One key issue raised in the circular is the misconception that prior permission is not required for conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism. This misunderstanding has led to some district magistrates disposing of applications without following the prescribed procedure, citing Article 25(2) of the Constitution, which includes Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism within Hinduism. However, the circular emphasizes that Buddhism must be considered a separate religion under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act.
According to the Act, both the person seeking to convert and the individual facilitating the conversion are required to obtain prior permission from the district magistrate. The circular instructs district magistrates to carefully review applications for religious conversion, ensuring compliance with legal provisions and government instructions.
Ambedkarite associations and Dalit collectives have hailed the government’s decision, viewing it as a positive step towards affirming the separate identity of Buddhism and addressing administrative hurdles faced by Dalits seeking conversion. Mass conversions to Buddhism, often observed on Ambedkar Jayanti, Dussehra, and other festivals, have been a recurring phenomenon in Gujarat, predominantly among Dalit communities.
The circular concerning Buddhist conversions is anticipated to not only streamline the conversion process but also contribute to the accurate recording of individuals embracing Buddhism. Stakeholders across the state are optimistic that this move will lead to a clearer census of the Buddhist population, addressing a longstanding need for precise demographic data.
Ashok Bauddh, a volunteer of the Syayam Sainik Dal (SSD) in Ahmedabad, shared his experience, highlighting the challenges encountered due to the lack of clear directives. “I converted to Buddhism last April 2023. I had submitted the completed form at the collectorate, but till now, I have not received the certificate,” lamented Ashok. He echoed the frustrations of many Dalits who have faced bureaucratic obstacles in their journey towards embracing Buddhism.
A common refrain encountered by individuals seeking conversion has been the assertion that one does not need permission to become a Buddhist, as it is considered a part of Hinduism. Such misconceptions have hindered the smooth execution of the conversion process and underscore the need for clear guidelines, as emphasized by the recent government circular.
With the issuance of the circular, Ambedkarites and Buddhist collectives hope for a streamlined approval process that respects the autonomy of individuals choosing to embrace Buddhism. The recognition of Buddhism as a separate religion is seen as a crucial step towards affirming the distinct identity and rights of Dalit communities in Gujarat.
Shashikant Jadhav, national treasurer of The Buddhist Society of India, has lauded the Gujarat government’s recent circular recognizing Buddhism as a separate religion. Speaking to Mooknayak, Jadhav contrasted the ease of religious conversion procedures in Maharashtra with reported administrative hurdles faced by believers in Gujarat, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
Jadhav highlighted the streamlined process for religious conversions in Maharashtra, where individuals wishing to convert face minimal hurdles. In contrast, The Buddhist Society of India reportedly receives calls from Gujarat, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, where believers describe a complicated administrative process and seemingly easily granted approvals.
While admitting that he hasn’t read the complete clauses of the Gujarat circular, Jadhav expressed optimism about its potential impact. “If they recognize Buddhism as a separate religion, it is definitely a positive move,” he remarked, suggesting that other states should consider similar measures to facilitate religious conversions.
Sanjay Baudh, a devoted follower from Somnath district in Gujarat, sheds light on the burgeoning Buddhist community in the state and the challenges they face in official recognition. In a telephonic conversation with The Mooknayak, Sanjay emphasized the significant rise in Buddhist conversions, particularly among Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, driven by mass awareness efforts spearheaded by organizations like the SSD.
“Gujarat, with its 7 percent Dalit population, witnesses hundreds of SC and ST individuals adopting Buddhism every month,” Sanjay revealed. He attributed this trend to the increasing awareness among people, fuelled by SSD’s initiatives such as chintan camps held in rural areas. These efforts aim to empower individuals to embrace Buddhism as a means of escaping oppression and discrimination, resonating deeply with many in the state.
Sanjay highlighted the case of Somnath, where approximately 1000 legally converted Buddhists are recorded in official records. However, bureaucratic delays and procrastination often leave hundreds awaiting official recognition, despite their conversion being legally documented.
Ragesh, another volunteer of the SSD, echoed Sanjay’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to view the new circular in a positive light. He expressed hope that the circular would expedite the recognition process and eliminate unnecessary delays, providing much-needed relief to individuals seeking official acknowledgment of their conversion to Buddhism.
Discrepancy in Census Figures as Actual Buddhist Conversions Underreported in Gujarat
Official Census data from 2011 indicates only 30,483 Buddhists in Gujarat, representing a mere 0.05 percent of the population.
In 2023, according to a report by The Indian Express, a notable surge in conversions to Buddhism was observed in Gujarat. Approximately 2,000 individuals, primarily Dalits, embraced the faith, marking a significant cultural and spiritual shift within the state.
Buddhists in Gujarat have raised concerns regarding the accuracy of these figures, asserting that many conversions go unaccounted. It is argued that a considerable number of individuals who have converted to Buddhism are inaccurately recorded as Hindus in official records, leading to a skewed representation of the religious landscape in the state.
According to Ramesh Bhai (pseudo name), a representative of SSD, the decision to convert to Buddhism is a voluntary step of the Dalit community, who have suffered under the caste-based discrimination of Sanatan Dharma. This sentiment is reflected in the actions of Baba Saheb, who himself renounced Hinduism and embraced Buddhism in order to reject the caste system.
As per a rough estimate, more than 1 crore of Dalit population is estimated to convert to Buddhism by 2025. Similarly, the SSD has a systematic plan to organize similar mass conversion ceremonies in Delhi, Kolkata, Banglore, Bhopal and Mumbai on Ambedkar Jayanti, one every year, from 2024 onwards respectively in these big cities.
Procedure for Conversion
Before converting to Buddhism or any other religion, individuals are required to adhere to a prescribed procedure, which involves obtaining prior permission from the district magistrate. This process begins with the submission of a specified form by the ‘dharmguru’ (religious head) overseeing the conversion event.
The form, serving as an official request for permission, must be submitted to the district magistrate at least one month before the scheduled conversion event.
It includes comprehensive details of the individual(s) to be converted, such as their name, address, community, marital status, occupation, monthly income, duration of following the religion from which conversion is intended, reasons for conversion, venue and date of the conversion event, and the name of the dharmguru who will perform the conversion.
This procedure aims to regulate religious conversions in the state and prevent potential misuse or coercion in the process.
Courtesy : The Mooknayak.
ANDHRA PRADESH ATROCITIES DALIT NEWS NEWS STATE
Decades-old Dalit atrocity case threatens to impact Andhra polls
YSRCP leader Thota Trimurthulu and his supporters have been accused of tonsuring two Dalit youths for supporting BSP’s poll agents.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
An Andhra special court may pronounce its verdict in a 28-year-old sensational Dalit atrocity case on 16 April. YSRCP leader Thota Trimurthulu and his supporters are the. They allegedly forcefully tonsured two Dalit youths at Venkatayapalem village in East Godavari district on 29 December 1996. YSRCP has a lot at stake in election time as Trimurthulu is now a YSRCP MLC.
A special court in Andhra Pradesh is likely to pronounce its verdict in a 28-year-old sensational case of atrocity against Dalits on 16 April.
The verdict was expected on Friday, 12 April, but was adjourned since the judge concerned of the court handling SC/ST atrocities cases was on leave.
YSRCP leader Thota Trimurthulu and his supporters have been arraigned as accused in the case. They allegedly forcefully tonsured two Dalit youths at Venkatayapalem village in the East Godavari district on 29 December 1996.
The YSRCP has been anxiously awaiting the verdict ahead of the 13 May Lok Sabha polls in the state. The ruling party has a lot at stake since the accused in the case, Trimurthulu, is now a YSRCP MLC.
Dalit organisations and the Human Rights Forum have been seeking justice for the victims.
The alleged incident that occurred almost three decades ago continues to singe the Dalit psyche, though society at large, has relegated it to the backyard of memories.
The Dalits, tormented by the henchmen of Thota Trimurthulu, then the Ramachandrapuram MLA, have not forgotten the day on which their heads were forcefully tonsured.
Delay annoys high court
Years later, they are still seeking justice. The High Court of Andhra Pradesh in February directed the special court handling SC/ST atrocities cases in Visakhapatnam to expedite the hearing in the case.
The Daksharamam police registered an FIR in connection with the incident at Venkatayapalem, about 30 km from Kakinada, on 4 January 1997.
The high court expressed unhappiness over the inordinate delay in providing justice for the victims. It also expressed annoyance over the special court for not taking the caste certificates of the victims and recording their statements.
The court said that it violated Section 311 of CrPC and the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The charge against Trimurthulu and others was that they had the heads of Koti Chinna Raju and Dandala Venkataratnam, tonsured. The victims were daily-wage labourers in the state electricity department at that time.
The legislators’ supporters allegedly manhandled three others as well.
Political vendetta
Witnesses testified that the attack took place since the assailants bore a grudge against the Dalits for working for the poll agents of the BSP candidate for the election for the Ramachandrapuram Assembly seat in 1994.
Trrimurthulu was an independent candidate and he won the election. Witnesses said that the Dalit youths, working for the BSP candidates’ agents, had tried to stop Trimurthulu’s supporters from rigging the polls.
The police registered a case, but not before the Dalit organisations raised a hue and cry. They then arrested Trimuruthlu and nine others and sent them to the central prison in Rajahmundry. They were later granted bail.
Trimurthulu is a powerful Kapu leader in the Ramachandrapuram Assembly segment. After winning as an independent in 1994, he joined the TDP and won the election again in 1999.
When Chiranjeevi floated his Praja Rajyam Party, he left the TDP and joined the actor’s outfit but lost the election in 2009.
Later, after the Praja Rajyam merged with the Congress, he became a Congress leader. He was elected an MLA in a by-election in 2012 but he returned to the TDP in 2014 and won the election.
In the 2019 elections, he contested on a TDP ticket but lost to YSRCP nominee Ch Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna, now the BC welfare minister. Later Trimurthulu joined the YSRCP and acted as in-charge for Mandapet.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, releasing the influence he wielded as a Kapu leader, sent him to the legislative council.
Courtesy : TSP
'Caste first' elections: Is it time to revisit Ambedkar's idea of separate electorates for Dalits?
It is a cacophony of castes that's leading the dance of political democracy in the campaigning for the 2024 general elections across the 29 states and eight Union territories.
In Bihar, for example, when the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its list of Lok Sabha candidates it was simply a case of 'caste first': there were 10 candidates out of 17 belonging to the upper castes; Janata Dal (United) led by the mercurial Nitish Kumar had 16 candidates with his typical bouquet of caste-mix: Bhumihars, OBC, EBC (Economically Backward Class), Mahadalit and Muslim candidates. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has five seats carefully distributed among its own Paswan family and trusted loyal lieutenants as they vie for Dalit and Muslim votes.
The 'caste first' story is repeating itself in the vast political battlefields of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat -- major states that command more than 300 of the 540 Lok Sabha seats.
Andhra Pradesh, for example, with 25 seats at stake has been the electoral playground of two powerful castes: the Kammas and Reddys. They have conveniently shared political power over the last five decades. Now when the Bahujan Samaj Party picks up the gauntlet to challenge the status quo, it seems like a voice in the wilderness. Undoubtedly, the Bahujans are in a majority; their population is higher in number but their representation in the legislatures is pathetically low. One leader quipped, "We witness democracy for the caste and by the caste!"
Tamil Nadu, the land of Periyar and social welfarism, has witnessed the empowerment of a sea of castes: the Vellalars, Chettiyars, Mudhaliyars, Naidus, Gounders, Nadars, Yadavas, Thevars and Vanniyars have organised themselves to assert their political strength.
The genius and curse of caste as Ambedkar saw it
As the nation commemorates the 133rd birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, constantly hailing him as 'Father of Indian Constitution', his writings on 'the curse of caste' are relevant and important in today’s aspirational India.
Moreover, his stringent determined campaign for ‘separate electorates’ is worth revisiting now when the Muslims have been ‘invisibilised’ and the Dalits are little better than pawns in a complex chessboard of today’s political democracy.
"Caste can exist only in the plural number," Ambedkar said, (Chapter 19, Volume 5 'Writings and Speeches, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar').
"Caste to be real can exist only by disintegrating a group. The genius of caste is to divide and to disintegrate. It is also the curse of caste. Few, however, realize how great this curse of caste is. It is therefore necessary to illustrate the vastness of this curse by reference to the disintegration brought about by caste," he wrote, focusing on the example of Maharashtra Brahmins who are divided into 25 castes and further sub-castes.
Similar is the case with the Saraswata Brahmins, Kanyakubja Brahmins, Gauda Brahmins, Utkala Brahmins and the Maithila Brahmins. Through the enumeration, Ambedkar showed how the Brahmins themselves have been overwhelmed by "what I call the curse of caste".
50 million Untouchables, yet a denial of their existence
With the might of the British Raj at its peak, Ambedkar began his quest for social democracy and 'separate electorates' when he posed a big and basic question.
"What is the total population of the Untouchables of India? For the Census of India taken in 1931 gives it as 50 million. That this is the population of the Untouchables had been found by the Census Commissioner of 1911 and confirmed by Census Commissioner of 1921 and by the Simon Commission in 1929. This fact was never challenged by any Hindu during the twenty years it stood on the record,” he wrote in From millions to fractions (in Book 3 of Volume 5 ‘Writings and Speeches, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’).
It was in 1932 when the political scene erupted over Untouchables, or the Depressed Classes as Ambedkar referred to them.
The Lothian Committee, appointed in consequence of the recommendations made by the Franchise Sub-Committee of the Indian Round Table Conference in 1931, came to India and began its investigation. The future architect of the Indian Constitution was a member of the Indian Franchise Committee, and he wrote, “the Hindus adopted a challenging mood and refused to accept this figure (of 50 million) as the correct one. In some provinces the Hindus went to the length of denying that there were any Untouchables there at all. This episode reveals the mentality of the Hindus and as such deserves to be told in some detail."
Before accepting membership of the Indian Franchise Committee, Ambedkar had stipulated that the decision of the question - whether the Untouchables should have joint or separate electorates - should not form part of the terms of reference to the Committee. This was accepted and the question was excluded from the purview of the Indian Franchise Committee.
“I had therefore no fear of being out voted on this issue in the Committee -- a strategy for which the Hindu Members of the Committee did not forgive me. But there arose another problem of which I had not the faintest idea. I mean the problem of numbers… Strange as it may appear the issue of numbers was fought out most bitterly and acrimoniously before the Indian Franchise Committee. Witness after witness came forward to deny the existence of the Untouchables. It was an astounding phenomenon with which I was confronted," he revealed.
The demand for separate electorates
Ambedkar had demanded that his community (the Dalits) be treated as a distinct minority when he presented his evidence before the Simon Commission in 1928.
These were his exact words: "The first thing I would like to submit is that we claim that we must be treated as a distinct minority, separate from the Hindu community. Our minority character has been hitherto concealed by our inclusion in the Hindu community, but as a matter of fact there is really no link between the depressed classes and the Hindu community."
"Secondly, I should like to submit that the depressed classes minority needs far greater political protection than any other minority in British India," he explained, "for the simple reason that it is educationally very backward, that it is economically poor, socially enslaved, and suffers from certain grave political disabilities, from which no other community suffers. Then I would submit that, as a matter of demand for our political protection, we claim representation on the same basis as the Mahomedan minority. We claim reserved seats if accompanied by an adult franchise."
Ambedkar was clear that he would ask for separate electorates if there was no adult franchise.
"Further, we would like to have certain safeguards either in the Constitution, if it is possible, or else in the way of advice in the instrument to the Governor regarding the education of the depressed classes and their entry into the public services," said Babasaheb.
The 1932 Gandhi-Ambedkar standoff
Why did 1932 become a flashpoint between the Congress leaders and Ambedkar leading the charge of the Depressed Classes?
Ambedkar is forthright in his explanation: "Up to 1932, the Untouchables had no political importance. Although they were outside the pale of Hindu Society which recognizes only four classes namely Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras, yet for political purposes they were reckoned as part of the Hindu Society. So that for political purposes such as representation in the Legislature etc., the question of the population of the Untouchables was of no consequence."
Moreover, the Minorities Sub-Committee of the Indian Round Table Conference had accepted the principle that under the new Constitution the depressed classes should be given representation in all Legislatures in proportion to their population. It is thus that the population of the Untouchables became a subject of importance.
Between Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar, the disagreements and arguments rose in tenor to become chargesheets and political statements publicly circulated in India and England.
Gandhiji had consistently said that he was opposing the claims of the Depressed Classes for separate representation for he did not want the Hindu Community to be subjected to vivisection or dissection.
In 1932, Gandhiji had to face an equally powerful counter-charge carried in Writing and Speeches, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar: "Attempts are being made to show that Gandhiji and the Congress alone represent the Depressed Classes by presenting addresses through a handful of hirelings and dupes. Is it not our duty to demonstrate the fact by coming out in thousands and proclaiming the truth? This is our chargesheet against Gandhiji and the Congress."
Find echoes of it in the politics of today?
(Ranjit Bhushan is a senior journalist)
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