![]() ![]() The frequency of these discussions of religion and conversion increased during his final years. Ambedkar should make it clear why the Hindus should embrace Buddhism and what is wrong with the Hindu religion at present.” The unsigned commentary even echoed Gandhi’s critical comments on conversion from the 1930s, incredulously asking, “Does he imagine that changing one’s religion is as easy as changing one’s walking stick?”Īmbedkar’s speeches to his followers in the 1950s served as his way of directly or indirectly answering such skeptical questions about the planned conversion to Buddhism. For instance, the Free Press Journal of May 18, 1950, included a short but scathing note on Ambedkar’s recent moves toward Buddhist conversion, demanding, “Let him make up his mind once for all… Dr. ![]() By 1950, some in the Indian press had tired of his attacks on Hinduism and did not believe the justification behind the anticipated conversion. Eventually, Buddhism was announced as his preferred religion-one that would safeguard the personality of each oppressed Dalit. Ambedkar’s appeals for conversion began in earnest after 1935, but his rhetorical activity changed in significant ways in his final years. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |