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- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a towering figure in Indian history, famously declared in 1935 that he was born a Hindu but would not die as one. He perceived Hinduism as an “oppressive religion” and began contemplating conversion to other religions.
- In his seminal work, Annihilation of Caste, Ambedkar argued that a truly casteless society could only be realized by dismantling the sanctity of the Shastras and denying their authority.
- He was deeply critical of Hindu religious texts and epics, and penned Riddles in Hinduism during 1954-1955. The posthumous publication of this work sparked both mass demonstrations and counter-demonstrations.
- Ambedkar viewed Christianity as insufficient in addressing injustices. He pointed to the fact that Christianity was unable to end the slavery of African Americans in the United States, necessitating a civil war to grant them freedom.
- Regarding Islam, Ambedkar criticized the religion’s internal distinctions, describing it as “a close corporation” that creates a significant, positive, and alienating distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims.
- Ambedkar opposed the conversion of oppressed classes to Islam or Christianity, arguing that conversion to Islam could pose the danger of Muslim domination, while conversion to Christianity could reinforce British colonial rule in India.
- Initially, Ambedkar considered converting to Sikhism, but abandoned this idea upon discovering that the British government would not guarantee the privileges accorded to untouchables in reserved parliamentary seats.
- On 16 October 1956, just weeks before his death, Ambedkar converted to Buddhism, marking the culmination of his quest for a religion that aligned with his vision for social justice.
