Hundreds of Hindus Embrace Buddhism in Ahmedabad, Citing "Inequality"

The Buddhist Channel, 25 Oct 2023

Gujarat, India -- In a noteworthy event organized by the Gujarat Buddhist Academy, nearly 400 Hindus from across the state of Gujarat converted to Buddhism on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra. This annual gathering marked the 14th such ceremony held on Dussehra, symbolizing a growing movement towards a new religious identity.

The day-long conversion ceremony, presided over by Bhadant Pragyasheel Mahathero hailing from Amravati, Maharashtra, witnessed individuals and families from various cities, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Mehsana, Surendranagar, and Botad, making the life-altering decision to embrace Buddhism.

Among those who embraced this spiritual transition was Pravinbhai Parmar, a 38-year-old resident of Vadodara. He expressed that the deep-seated inequalities within Hinduism were the driving force behind his decision. Parmar emphasized that "there is equality, love, and compassion in Buddhism. Unlike Hinduism, where discrimination seems to pervade every facet, and atrocities against Dalits are on the rise. What is the point of remaining a Hindu when it offers so little for us?"

Notably, a significant portion of the converts hailed from the Dalit community, for whom this conversion represents a potential escape from the entrenched caste-based discrimination prevalent in Hindu society.

Parmar, who has been affiliated with the Gujarat Buddhist Academy since 2013, decided to take the momentous step toward Buddhism, accompanied by his wife and two young daughters, aged nine and seven. He explained, "As we delved deeper into Buddhism, we realized that the time was right for this change."

Of the 418 individuals who submitted their conversion applications to the Collector's office a month ago, approximately 90 percent were present for the deeksha, a sacred initiation ceremony, according to Ramesh Bankar, the secretary of the Gujarat Buddhist Academy. He echoed Parmar's sentiments, stating that the majority of the converts had chosen Buddhism because it advocates for equality, in stark contrast to the lingering issues of untouchability and caste discrimination within Hinduism.

Bankar further pointed out that the Gujarat Buddhist Academy has been conducting deeksha events since 2010, marking a sustained interest in this transformative journey towards Buddhism.

The Solanki family from Randheja in Gandhinagar was also among those who embraced Buddhism during this event. Ashwini Kumar Solanki, a 22-year-old member of the family, revealed, "My parents, aged 69 and 70, have also embraced Buddhism today. My father has been associated with Buddhism since 2004, and it was his suggestion that led us to make this significant religious transition."

On the other hand, there were individuals like R K Jadav, a 71-year-old resident of Chandkheda in Ahmedabad, who stood as the sole representative of his family in adopting Buddhism. He mentioned, "My family also believes in Buddhism, but I thought it best to take this step first, and my family members can follow suit at their own pace."

This mass conversion event underlines the emerging trend of Hindus opting for Buddhism, driven by the pursuit of equality and justice in the face of persistent social disparities.