More Than 200 Dalits Convert to Buddhism in Gujarat

The Una incident was majorly cited as a reason for conversion.

A sizeable proportion of the Dalit rising at Una was women. (Photo Courtesy: Revati Laul, altered by The Quint)

On Tuesday, over 200 Dalits converted to Buddhism at three programmes in Gujarat, many claiming the Una flogging incidents to be the reason for their decision, reported the Indian Express.

“We were thinking of converting to Buddhism since the past six months. The Una incident cleared our doubts,” said Sangeeta Parmar from Ahmedabad, who was one of those who converted.

The programmes were organised in Gandhinagar, Ahemadabad and in Surendranagar district.

Various issues such as superstition, inequality and caste-based discrimination in Hinduism were cited as the reasons for conversion. The influences of Dr BR Ambedkar and the Una episode – where seven Dalits were flogged by alleged gau rakshaks – were cited by most of them as the reason to convert.

Six months ago, a friend was looking for a flat in our area. But he was told that the buildings were not for people of our caste. This incident, followed by the Una episode, led us to convert”, another convert Shashikant said.

Those who have been denied housing, have asked why they should follow a certain religion if they are not considered to be a part of it.

(Source: Indian Express)