The Untouchables in India are attending mass ceremonies, converting to Christianity or Buddhism to escape the stigma of being the lowest caste in the Hindu system.
Joseph D’Souza, the president of the Dalit Freedom Network and a Christian convert, described the conversions as a “celebratory occasion”.
“I think it’s important to understand that this is a cry for human dignity, it’s a cry for human worth,” he told the BBC.
He said that Dalits could seek dignity by converting to Christianity, Jainism or Sikhism as well as Buddhism.
Buddhist convert Dhammachari Manidhamma told the BBC that social equality was impossible within Hinduism.
“Buddha’s teaching was for the humanity, and Buddha believed in equality.
“And Hindu religion, Hindu teaching is nothing but inequality.” (BBC)
Knowing human nature, this won’t stop discrimination. But still, we can hope.
January 31st, 2007 at 12:08 pm
It has always amazed me that something so (supposedly) important as a person’s religious beliefs can be changed when that religion no longer suits the individual’s purpose.
While I understand the plight of these people in a caste based society, I have problems understanding how belonging to a different religious group is going to change things, unless the society changes.
But, then again, at least they can not feel as worthless, and have more dignity, so who knows.