At large rally in Central India, thousands of lower castes embrace Buddhism, Christianity

NAGPUR – Oct. 14, 2006 – Today thousands of Dalits exited Hinduism by embracing a variety of faiths at the “World Freedom of Conscience and Freedom of Religion Day,” held in Nagpur, Maharashtra, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kasturchand Park. Copies of anti-conversion laws from several Indian states were burned, as well as an effigy of Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, who is accused of inciting communalism and violence against non-Hindus.  A police tussle ensued, but eventually ended peacefully.

The rally occurred exactly 50 years after Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and his followers left Hinduism and embraced Buddhism during a massive gathering in Nagpur. Ambedkar was a messiah for Dalits and author of India’s constitution. More than 10,000 Dalits (formerly known as untouchables) participated throughout the day in the demonstration along with leaders from many faiths and about 25 international observers.  By the end of the event, Dalit leaders expressed their certainty that both Buddha and Jesus are potential deliverers from the oppression under which Dalit-Bahujans have suffered for more than 3,000 years.

Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian leaders issued a united call for increased religious freedom in India. Mr. Naseem Siddiqui, Chairman, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, said, “We’re all born into a religion, but if we find our religion is harming us, we should have every right to leave.” Progressive Hindus attended the rally and Sikh and Jain leaders had previously expressed support.

Dr. Joseph D’souza, President, All India Christian Council, and International President, Dalit Freedom Network, said, “Today is about celebrating one of India’s greatest souls. Dr. Ambedkar not only gave us freedom of religion by writing it into the constitution, but he showed us how to practice this freedom. Fifty years ago he made a costly decision to leave Hinduism. Today we are encouraged to see many of you exercising your freedom to choose a faith that gives you dignity and respect.”

Dr. Udit Raj, National Chairman, All India Confederation of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Organisations, said, “We do not support forced or fraudulent conversions. In contrast, today we saw people changing religion in a proper way. Many Dalits realized, in Hinduism, they have not been valued as humans created equal by God. They chose freely to embrace another religion in the tradition of our hero Dr. Ambedkar.”

The rally was co-sponsored by the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations led by Dr. Udit Raj and the All India Christian Council. About twenty-five international observers from a variety of human rights organizations attended. They expressed solidarity with Dalits and committed to report to the outside world India’s progress towards freedom of religion. One international invitee, Nanci Ricks, Executive Director of the Dalit Freedom Network said, “We are here because we believe you deserve respect. We believe in you.”

The issue of caste-based oppression is increasing in importance on the global scene.  In a report today, the BBC recognized, “The events in the central city of Nagpur are part of a protest against the injustices of India's caste system. By converting, Dalits - once known as Untouchables - can escape the prejudice and discrimination they normally face.”

(Courtesy http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6050408.stm)

Anti-conversion laws have been passed under the guise of ‘freedom of religion bills’ in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Laws are being actively enforced in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Tamil Nadu is in the process of repealing its law.

The All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations (www.scstconfederation.com), exists to champion the intent and spirit of the constitution of India towards scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. It pursues social justice and the benefits conferred by the constitution.

The All India Christian Council (http://www.aiccindia.org), founded in 1999, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of over 5,000 Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.

The Dalit Freedom Network (http://www.dalitnetwork.org), based in the United States, partners with the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations and the All India Christian Council to support Dalits in their emancipation movement through education, health care, economic advancement, and human right advocacy.