Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, An Overview 

*1891 - 1956

*Born into the very lowest stratum of Indian Hindu society as an "Untouchable" or Dalit

*A contemporary of Gandhi

*Active participant in the non-violent movement for Indian Independence from the British

*Questioned the legitimacy of a caste system in a democracy

*Worked for justice and freedom for his people

*Faced harassment and abuse, as an "Untouchable"

*Converted to Buddhism in 1956 in search of dignity, hope, and a path to self-improvement

*Helped spark a Buddhist revival in India, with many different castes and communities showing interest in Buddhism as a means of transforming society 

SOURCES: “Ambedkar and Buddhism” by Sangharakshita published by Windhorse, 1986; Christopher Queen’s article “The Great Conversion: Dr. Ambedkar and the Buddhist Revival in India” (page 63) Tricycle Magazine, Spring 1993

Did you know there is a  connection between Hungarian Gypsies, the Indian Dalit Buddhist community, and the work of Dr. Ambedkar? 

Read more about THE JAI BHIM NETWORK and at The AMBEDKAR HIGH SCHOOL in northeast Hugary.