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Mass conversion to Buddhism

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE OCT. 14. About 5,000 people, mostly Dalits, got "initiated" into Buddhism at a function here today.

The function was organised to mark the "Dhammachakra Parivarthan" (conversion to Buddhism) of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar 48 years ago. This is perhaps the first major attempt to initiate Dalits into Buddhism in south India.

The converts took the oath that they firmly believed in the "Dhamma" and repeated the Buddhist spiritual leader, Bodhi Dhamma Bhanteji's statement that they did not believe in Gods and Goddesses.

Many Dalit organisations took part in the function.

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