We extend our hearty good wishes to the Dalits of Meenakshipuram for quitting Hinduism and to some Bangalore city Dalits for announcing their decision to quit Hinduism in August. We also congratulate S.M. Siddiah, Ex-M.P. for embracing Christianity with all his relatives and friends at Mysore.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar said: “I have therefore no hesitation in saying that such a religion (Hinduism) must be destroyed and I say there is nothing irreligious in working for the destruction of such a religion.” (Annihilation of Caste-page 98).
It is the considered opinion of Dr. Ambedkar and many others that Hinduism is the root cause of the Indian social stagnation and economic ruin. After 20 years of thinking on this problem Dr. Ambedkar finally quit Hinduism and embraced Buddhism, lakhs of people followed him. Today those who got converted either to Buddhism, Christianity, Islam or Sikhism feel socially liberated.
They have escaped the stigma of untouchability. Some writers in Karnataka say that Dr. Ambedkar should have preferred Islam instead of Buddhism. But what we say is that, let us first QUIT Hinduism and thereby become human beings. Later we can decide which religion to seek conversion because as long as we remain in Hinduism, we cannot escape the stigma of untouchability. The untouchables must know that they have no right to criticise the caste system and complain against the atrocities committed on them by the caste Hindus as long as they themselves remain as Hindus.
Either we have to quit Hinduism, become human beings and regain self-respect or else we have to remain under Hinduism and get kicked, killed, burnt and raped by the upper castes.
The untouchables must also know that kicking, killing, burning and raping of untouchables are sanctioned by the Hindu dharma sastras. If caste Hindus are committing the atrocities against us, it is because the sastras have told them to do so. How can we also subscribe to the same dharma sastra and pray to the same Brahmin gods, go to the same temples, worship the same Brahmin gods in our houses? We must decide early whether we should remain as slaves within Hinduism or get out of it and become human beings.
While congratulating Dalits of Meenakshipuram for taking this bold step, we call upon the Dalits all over India to organise “Quit Hinduism” conferences on Aug. 15, Independence Day. The educated Dalits should lead the Quit Hinduism Movement. Go ahead.
