Source

NEW DELHI, INDIA, May 4, 2003: Former BJP president, Bangaru Laxman, taking issue with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for her threat to convert to Buddhism, said that conversion was no cure-all for the problems of Dalits (“untouchables”). Laxman, the first Dalit president of the BJP, said the Dalits, instead of adopting an escapist approach, should fight for their honorable place in Hindu society. “For me, neither pity nor an escape would do. I would not give up my faith. I would rather strive for an honorable place within Hindu society.” He said he would suggest to Mayawati to launch a program to make every Dalit of UP well educated. “Once a Dalit is educated, he would not settle down for anything short of what is due him.” He said that he fully agreed with Mayawati when she talked of Dalits still not being allowed in temples. “This practice, even though alien to big cities, is still continuing in the countryside,” he said. However, he pointed out, if conversion could put an end to it, untouchability would have ended long ago. Laxman said Dalits, after converting to Christianity, had to make do with separate churches, or endure segregated areas within the churces all over South India.

Post Views: 212