This is with ref. to ” Religion does not unify people” (DV Aug. 16, 1997 p.10) which is part of the ongoing Debate on “Caste Identity”. But the Editor did not give his views opt this important subject. The book, Why Go for Conversion? (DSA) itself is a perfect answer to this article. We need a debate on this subject also like the one on “Caste identity”. Every caste wants development, progress and prosperity. But the Vaidik’s blocked all these to SC/ST/BCs.
To kill the BSO, strengthening every caste is one of the strategies. It is a sure weapon to fight the BSO. So, strengthening each Jati is 100% correct.
But at the same time a separate “fate identity” is also 100% bad. Separate caste identity will put each caste in each cage like the animals in the zoo. Strong caste identity will not allow one caste to marry with the other caste or mix or help each other. We will become like animals. One Jati will remain aloof from other Antifever. I each and every man lives, struggles and dies only lor his own Jati, it will lead to a rule of the jungle.
Buddhism not a religion: What then is the unifying force? How to bind these different identities jets for their collective salvation?
Babasaheb not only gave us a strategy but also g unifying force, a way of living, and that is Dhamma. (people wrongly call it a religion). Buddhism is not only a religion but a cultural revolution which we need to kill the BSO.
If Buddhism can create understanding, harmony, justice, love, equality, liberty, fraternity between different jets, what better type of “unity” we want? Unity will come through co-operation with each other. The latest Dalit massacre in Bombay is the best evidence of Dalit unity.
Babasaheb never wanted a Jati-based society. He wanted an ideal society based on equality, fraternity and liberty. For that he gave us Buddhism. Buddhism is a honeymoon between different Jati’s. It creates understanding and harmony so that every caste would keep its doors open to marry with the other caste. Only Buddhism can do this.
