Role of Buddhism in Ambedkar’s Life and His Strife for Human Dignity and Freedom

There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding Abasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar's decision to convert to Buddhism, which often sparks interest. Ambedkar first rejected other religions and embraced Buddhism; however, he studied, reinterpreted, twenty years before his death, he adopted Neo-Buddhism, also known as the Navayana. After more than 20 years of fighting for fundamental human rights inside the Hindu community, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar decided that the only way to secure the freedom of the Dalits was for them to convert from Hinduism to other religions. He contrasted the futures of the four religions—Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, and Krishna in the Mahabodhi Society magazine in Kolkata. In the philosophy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the idea of human dignity—that is, the right to respect based on one's inherent humanity—is emphasized. His commitment has been to the education, employment, and social justice of the Dalits, who have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of their birth status. Ambedkar was dissatisfied with the Hindu caste system, which was founded on hierarchy, and he thought that the only way to offer the Dalits respect was to eradicate caste. However, Ambedkar's goal of eliminating the caste system was not fulfilled because of the resistance of the influential Hindus. Rather than that, he thought about changing the faith in order to save the Dalit people. Ambedkar made a substantial contribution to the dignity and elevation of Untouchables. He created a number of laws and guidelines to protect the Dalits. He urged Hindu castes to treat Dalits equally, asserting that the fight for human dignity will persist until they do so. He maintained that liberty, equality, and fraternity are prerequisites for a happy existence. He regarded rights as both individual and collective rights, not just those found within the strict parameters of liberal individualism.