Thread by @Neelam_Culture

#JaiBhim🌸
On 14th October 1956 Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in Diksha Bhumi, Nagpur along with millions followers. Ever since, this day has been celebrated as #DhammaChakkaPavattanDay and holds great relevance in history. @beemji (1/11)

Babasaheb Ambedkar proclaimed that he shall not die an Hindu. Throughout his life, at various instances he reaffirmed that the problem of untouchables and untouchability exists as long as the untouchables submit to the Hindu fold. (2/11)

He says, “The Hindu religion does not teach as to how an individual should behave with another individual. It forgets this, & with a view to educate a few persons keeps the rest in the dark, is not a religion but a strategy to keep the people in mental slavery”. (3/11)

“My conversion is sure as anything. My conversion is not for any material gain. There is nothing which I cannot achieve by remaining an Untouchable. The Hindu religion does not appeal to my conscience. It does not appeal to my self-respect.” (4/11)

He studied various religion, compared them all. Buddha as a personality, his teachings & his religion stood out for Babasaheb Ambedkar, since they were all rooted in democratic value of equality. Most importantly, Buddhism as a religion freed humankind from mental slavery. (5/11)

Though Babasaheb Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in the last year of his life, his work towards propagating the religion is immense.

1. Babasaheb Ambedkar considers Buddha, along with Mahatma Phule and Kabir as his teacher (guru) (6/11)

2. He attributes the democratic values - equality, liberty & fraternity imbibed in the Indian Constitution to Buddha& his teachings.
3. On 2nd June 1953 with establishment of the People’s Education Society, he affirms that it shall be managed & administered by Buddhists. (7/11)

4. On May 8th, 1955 at the function held at Nare Park, Bombay, he made a formal announcement of the establishment of this Society for propagation of Buddhism. (8/11)

5. Babasaheb Ambedkar also wished to establish a Buddhist University around Ajanta Ellora Caves known for its Buddhist Legacy. (9/11)

6. Babasaheb had planned another mass conversion in the month of December in Mumbai, unfortunately he breathed last before this could take place.

7. Babasaheb authored ‘Buddha and His Dhamma’ his Magnum Opus. (10/11)

Babasaheb choose Buddhism as the pathway social liberation of untouchables.Though untouchables are not reason for introduction of untouchability & caste, we are responsible for annihilation. This #DhammaChakkaPavattanDay let’s walk towards our SocialLiberation- Buddhism (11/11)

References:
People Education Society, Memorandum or Association ( Vol 17)
Buddhist Society of India (Vol 17)
Last Days of Ambedkar (Nanak Chand Rattu)
Buddha and His Dhamma
What Path to Salvation