PATNA: About 60,000 Indian Hindus registered themselves with Budh Dharm Diksha Samaroh Samiti here for concession to Buddhism and in a token move 25000 of them did so publicly on Dec.6, according to organizers.
This is the first major rebellion against Hindu religious slavery imposed on Dalits, tribals and other poor sections of Indian society. The public function against the virtual “ruling religion” is regarded by political observers as Significant, The Hindu dominated district administration tried to scare away the participants by banning the assembly but despite hostile security several thousand Dalits and other poor sections thronged the place.
Among the converts were Mr.Maiku Ram, Inspector General, V.T.Rajshekar, editor of Dalit Voice, while a former Indian Minister Tarakeswari Sinhaand Janata Dal legislator Makhan Singh were present. Some of the participants bore weapons presumably feanng. attack from Brahmans.
The gathering was administered an oath that included strong condemnation of Brahmanism. A Japanese monk Bhajant Saas! was present. He paid tributes to Dr. Ambedkar.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 10, 1993
