DNA
with pics by Rons Bantwal
for Daijiworld News Network - Mumbai (MB)

Mumbai, May 28: As a mass of humanity descends on Mahalaxmi, political leaders forced to sing praises of Ambedkar

For once the Mahalaxmi race course stood still. When several thousand adivasis representing 42 nomadic tribes across Maharashtra embraced Buddism as their religion, they not only empowered themselves, but also consolidated the political forum for the dalit/tribal leadership in mainstream politics.

Against the backdrop of preparations for the 2009 assembly elections and Mayawati’s social engineering experiment in the Hindi Heartland, the event at Mahalaxmi race course clearly sent sings of nervousness in all major political organisations.

What was supposed to be a dalit-tribal event saw top leaders of the ruling Congress and NCP actively participating and expressing solidarity with the masses. Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, deputy CM RR Patil and MLA Sachin Ahire were all there, signing praises of Dr BR Ambedkar.

The politicians also renewed their pledge to work for the cause of the oppressed classes in the state. The Congress and NCP were seen reassuring Republic Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athavale their political support.

In a simple ceremony, thousands of tribals embraced Buddhism. Later, they were handed clothes, including saris and kurta-pyjamas, thus signalling a new beginning. The gathering of the dalits who had already adopted Buddhism also expressed their desire to adopt one nomadic tribe child and support his/her education till class X.

“I have been receiving feelers from all quarters with political leaders asking me not to convert the nomadic tribes into Buddhism,” said tribal leader Laxman Mane.

He added, “But my question to all those shaken by our show of strength is what they have done to destroy the evil of casteism in society.”

It is estimated that 42 nomadic tribes in Maharashtra constitute a population of 10 lakh. Even after 60 years of India’s Independence they have never exercised their right of franchise in elections as they have no permanent house address.

On Sunday, lacs of them assembled to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism, and it provided a platform for Mane to bring them into the mainstream.

By joining the dalit forum, Mane also provided a new identity to the nomadic tribes. The resolution passed on the occasion renews the pledge to fight the evils of casteism.