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Rohith Vemula’s Mother Radhika & Brother Raja Convert to Buddhism

“We have decided to convert to honour his memory and set an example for Dalits across India,” Rohith’s mother said.

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The family of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula, whose suicide at Hyderabad Central University in January led to a massive protest, converted to Buddhism on Thursday. The ceremony was held at noon at Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar.

Thursday marks the 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar, the Dalit icon and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.

Rohith’s mother and brother will be given “deeksha” by Buddhist monks. We have organised the deeksha ceremony as the family approached us.
Prakash Ambedkar, Former MP

Rohith’s younger brother Raja Vemula said, “It is true that we are going to embrace Buddhism. We are on the way to Mumbai.”

“We have decided to convert to honour his memory and set an example for Dalits across India,” Rohith’s mother said.
Rohith Vemula’s mother Radhika Vemula and his brother Raja Vemula.(Photo: PTI)
My brother wanted to be a Buddhist, he tried to take up Buddhism but couldn’t make it. Even we also liked Buddhism and its teachings, so we are accepting Buddhism.
Raja Vemula, Rohith Vemula’s brother
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Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Radhika Vemula said,

When Rohith was alive, I didn’t take his talk about Buddhism very seriously. But now I understand the importance of what he was trying to say. He was more enlightened than all of us. We have decided to convert not just to honour his memory but also to set an example for Dalits across the country.

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Topics:  Dalit   Rohith Vemula   Radhika Vemula 

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