Navayana
Navayana it means the new wheel for revolutionary religion for Dalit Community. Dr. Ambedkar our leader embraced Buddhism with nearly 7 lach of people in Nagpur on 16th Oct. 1956. He contributed the philosophy of Navayana to the community people and he declared himself that I was born as a Hindu but I don’t want to die as a Hindu. This slogan created lot of awareness among the community people and till now many people are embrassing Buddhism and proving their legal identity for come out from the clutches of caste system, religious hierarchy. Dr. Ambedkar’s version on Buddhism only we call it as Navayana, we practiced the priniciples and philosophy what he contributed to the community. For this reason every month we are gathering at the time full moon day and talk about the Philisophy of Buddhism, Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts. The main outcome of this event is to create the opportunity for the community people for them to gather in one place. A special speech is delivered about Dr. Ambedkar, Buddhism and the values of liberation theology. We invite the community people, Dalit leaders, youth, women, children for this event. At the end of the discussion session for our clarity, we practice yoga, meditation for the community people inner spirit, physical development. The members give their small contribution on their birthday and we make greetings on this special event. We distribute dresses to them and arrange special food to every one. Through this cultural practices we developed the Dalit identity, redeem their cultural practices what they practiced earlier.
- 7 July 2009: Bothi Cultural centre, Villianur near Ariyapalayam.
