Dhamma Chakra Day: Buddhism and Emancipation of Marginalized Classes in India

Harvard Divinity School

This special event, jointly organized by CSWR and HDS Buddhist Ministry Initiative, aimed to commemorate Dhamma Chakra Day and delved into the enduring legacy of Dr. Ambedkar. His peaceful, egalitarian, grassroots movement has left an indelible mark on Indian society and politics. The event showcased three speakers whose research has deepened our understanding of Buddhism's impact and potential in fostering equality and social justice in India. Speaker List: - Dr Ambedkar: Restructuring of Indian Society towards Liberty, Fraternity, and Equality - Prof S. K. Thorat, Chairman, Indian Institute of Dalit Studies - Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, "Buddhism and Emancipation of oppressed classes in India," author of Gandhi, Ambedkar and Patel - Chief Secretary, Haryana State, India. - Dr. William Edelglass, Director, Barre Centre for Buddhist Studies, author of "Equality, Solidarity, and Religion: On Ambedkar’s Conversion" Buddhism made a significant comeback in India in October 1956 through a momentous mass conversion led by Dr. Ambedkar and his 500,000 followers, predominantly from the marginalized Untouchable communities. Despite enduring severe structural violence, Dr. Ambedkar eschewed the path of aggression, opting instead for the peaceful transformation of society. He believed that this transformation could only be achieved by embracing the teachings of Buddha-Dhamma. Presently, India boasts over 50 million Buddhists, many of whom found inspiration in Dr. Ambedkar. His conversion movement is a pivotal force, reshaping India's religious and social landscape to a degree not witnessed since the times of Buddha and Ashoka. This event took place on October 19, 2023. For more information: https://hds.harvard.edu/ Transcript: https://cswr.hds.harvard.edu/news/2023/11/07/video-dhamma-chakra-day-buddhism-and-emancipation-marginalized-classes-india