Seventy years ago, on October 14, 1956—a day that coincided with Dussehra—Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, along with millions of his followers, embraced Buddhism at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur. This epoch-making event, known as Dhammachakra Pravartan Diwas, remains one of the most significant moments in India's modern history, a day that fundamentally altered the social and cultural landscape of the nation.
While many commemorate this occasion on October 14, it is crucial to understand that Baba Saheb did not choose this date for any inherent significance of the day itself. He chose it because it was Dussehra—known in Buddhist tradition as Asoka Vijayadashami, marking Emperor Asoka's embrace of Buddhism following his momentous victory in the Kalinga war (circa 263–260 BCE). The historicity of Ambedkar's conversion is thus deeply intertwined with this ancient legacy.
A Tale of Rise and Decline
Buddhism witnessed historic growth during and after Asoka's reign, spreading across Asia—to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, and beyond. These nations prospered with Buddhist values at their core. However, in India, the brahmanical system with its hierarchical and superstitious value system targeted Buddhism and eventually caused its disappearance from the land of its birth. Our Buddhist heritage was systematically attacked and destroyed. After the 11th century, Buddhism saw a continued and precipitous decline in India.
The Revivalists
In the 19th century, Sri Lankan Bhikkhu Anagarika Dharmapala brought Buddhism back into mainstream discourse, fighting for the rights of Buddhists and their holiest shrines. Unfortunately, his efforts remained largely confined to the revival of historical places and monuments, with limited influence among the masses. Rahul Sankrityayan too brought many crucial historical Buddhist texts from Tibet to India—yet many of these documents now lie neglected and uncared for in the Khuda Bakhsh Library in Patna.
It was only Baba Saheb Ambedkar who revived Buddhism as a liberation and revolutionary philosophy in India. We all feel immensely grateful to him for this gift.
The Revolution Begins
The Dhamma Chakra Pravartan that began in 1956 resulted in profound changes among his followers, particularly those who embraced Buddhism. Every year since, the celebrations have grown grander. It is not merely a celebration at Deekshabhoomi but the revival of Buddhism as India's primary culture.
Nagpur today looks more Buddhist than any other place in India. A visit to Deekshabhoomi brings immense pride to all of us who have witnessed this place evolve. Millions of people visit Deekshabhoomi for these celebrations over a couple of days. One can only feel the enormous impact Baba Saheb Ambedkar made in the life of the common person when you see those old faces—with a twinkle in their eyes and deep respect for Baba Saheb.
A Cultural Renaissance
Embracing Buddhism was the most important part of Dr. Ambedkar's life. He realized that India's crisis would not be resolved merely by political empowerment; the nation needed a cultural renaissance and required 'Dhamma' that speaks of rationality and humanism. For him, religion was meant to respond to people's needs, not the other way around. He believed that the philosophy of religion is to bring out the best in human beings and work for their welfare. Yet today, we see people being made to believe the opposite—essentially, to die for the cause of religion. The philosophy of religion must be for human welfare, not to protect some 'unknown' power.
Baba Saheb's Buddhism—which he termed 'Navayana'—is actually the bloodless cultural revolution in India. It has given people an identity and a philosophy of life that helps them think for themselves and care for other human beings in distress.
A Celebration Unlike Any Other
Compare the Deekshabhoomi celebrations with any other event, and you will realize the revolution Baba Saheb brought to India. The celebrations at Deekshabhoomi are not merely a religious event but a cultural gathering where people speak, share ideas, and renew their commitments. The number of books sold at Deekshabhoomi would actually exceed what we see at the World Book Fair in Delhi—and the difference is widening.
Every year, the World Book Fair in Delhi deteriorates, with the only visible authors being astrologers and godmen with big stalls. You don't find enough space for reasonable discussions. Look at Deekshabhoomi, and you will find numerous books on history, society, and countless other subjects. It is not a book fair, yet you will find better books here compared to book fairs that are turning into events and shows where sensational literature sells in large numbers rather than genuinely good work.
The Mission Ambedkar
The mission of Ambedkar is to make India an enlightened India—a Prabuddha Bharat where each one of us receives quality education that ignites curiosity in students, helps them understand reason, and instills faith in humanism.
Currently, our education system is destroyed, with students being converted into dumb but arrogant individuals who must follow the path of 'Gurus' whether right or wrong, without applying their minds. Hatred is being encouraged and promoted. Baba Saheb spoke of Equality, Liberty, and Fraternity as the foundation of his Navayana revolution. India needs this more than ever.
Proudly, Nagpur's Buddhist revolution is far bigger than any event in India.
Let us celebrate #DhammachakrapravartanDiwas and #Asokavijayadashami, remember the contribution of #BabasahebAmbedkar, and ensure that events at #Deekshabhoomi become bigger and more vibrant every year.
#JaiBhim #NamoBuddhaya
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*Human rights defender
October 20, 2026
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