Hindu rite to mark Ambedkar anniversary (Shruti Ganapatye)

Hindu rite to mark Ambedkar anniversary
Apr 21, 2015 - Shruti Ganapatye

mumbai

What might be called as the ‘perfect paradox’, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s 124th birth anniversary year will be celebrated by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) with ‘Samarasata Yagya’ in every districts of Maharashtra to encourage assimilation of dalits with the rest of the society. BJP is also not behind in claiming Dr Ambedkar’s legacy, as the party has decided to hold various programmes throughout the year. “We will organise ‘samarasata yagya’ in every district of the state inviting people from all castes. There will be bhajan, mahaprasad and other rituals performed. This is an effort to eradicate untouchability from the society,” VHP leader Venkatesh Abdeo told The Asian Age.

To a query that Dr Ambedkar condemned the rituals in Hindu religion and fought tooth and nail against it, the VHP leader said it was not true. “Ambedkar was against discrimination based on caste and not against Hindu culture. You (media) always misinterpret our social cause. We are not only holding yagya but conducting other activities also like ‘adopting a dalit family’, ‘one village, one well, one cremation, one temple’ concept,” Mr Abdeo said.

BJP is also going to declare their programmes to mark the 124th year of Dr Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. “We will have a state meeting in Kolhapur next month where our leaders will declare the programmes for Dr Ambedkar’s anniversary celebration,” BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said.

However, the efforts to claim Dr Ambekar’s legacy by the right wing has been termed as ‘ironic’ by Dr Surendra Jondhale, professor of politics in Mumbai University. “Dr Ambedkar opposed, condemned and left Hindu religion. He was ferociously against the rituals in the Hinduism,” Mr Jodhale said.

source URL: http://www.asianage.com/mumbai/hindu-rite-mark-ambedkar-anniversary-201