In solidarity with Rajendra Pal Gautam

Mahesh Wasnik,

(on behalf of NRI Ambedkarite organisation)

Strong condemnation of Delhi and central government

NRI Ambedkarites from USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Nederland, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Japan, Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, Belgium, Hungary, Australia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Malaysia condemn the manner in which Delhi’s Social Welfare minister Rajendra Pal Gautam had to resign from his post due to his presence at an event embracing Buddhism in Delhi on Wednesday October 5^th 2022. Rajendra Pal Gautam attended the Ashoka Vijaya Dashami celebrations at Ambedkar Bhawan in Jhandewalan, where over 10,000 people from various religions embraced Buddhism. We condemn the manner in which mainstream Indian media villainized Mr Gautam, tried to defame him by taking some vows out of context, mischaracterizing them and attempting to divide the society.

The gathering, an annual affair held every October, was a peaceful event organized by a local social groups called the Buddhist Society of India and Mission Jai Bheem. Dozens of such events take place every year all over India where thousands of people embraced peacefully to Buddhism. This event in Delhi was no different. These events commemorate the 1956 mass embracing Buddhism held at Nagpur on October 14, 1956 known as Ashok Vijaya Dashmi, where Dr. BR Ambedkar led lakhs of people in adopting Buddhism by taking the famous 22 vows. The same 22 vows were also recited peacefully at the event in Delhi, where Mr. Gautam was present. Reciting the 22 vows is a common practice in all embracing Buddhism ceremonies. These vows are nothing but a guide to an individual to stay away from superstition, not to believe in caste system and treat everyone with dignity and respect. There is nothing disrespectful to any community in the 22 vows. We condemn the attempts made by mainstream media to spread negative propaganda against the 22 vows.

During this distressing time, the NRI Ambedkarites are seething with pain, sadness and are appalled at the turn of events. We offer solidarity to Mr. Gautam in this difficult time. We trust that the government will fulfill its constitutional obligation and prevent attempts by media and anti-social elements to divide the society. The world is watching.

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