[ZESTCaste] My remarks on Dalits misinterpreted : Pejawar seer

http://thecanaratimes.com/epaper/index.php/archives/10936

My remarks on Dalits misinterpreted : Pejawar seer

Posted on Jun 20th, 2011 and filed under General.

UDUPI : Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt has said that the Dalit

leaders have misinterpreted his statement on the conversion of Dalits
into Buddhism. In a

press communiqué, the Pejawar seer has said he was surprised over the
protests staged by

Dalit organizations against him. "As per the Constitution, every
individual has the right

to embrace any religion of his choice. Accordingly, even Dalits have
the right to embrace

Buddhism," the seer said.

Continuing, he said " I do not question this right of theirs. But,
every individiaul has the

right to give some suggestions to others. I have only advised the
Dalits. It is left for

them to either accept or reject it. There is nothing unconstitutional
in my statement, I

have only told the truth which is in the interests of the Dalit community."

" The Dalits in every colony I have visited, worship Hindu Gods and
Goddesses and

there is no doubt that they are Hindus. What is wrong in giving them a
special Bhakti

Deekshe of Hindu Dharma ?," the seer has questioned adding this would
be conducive to

eradication of untouchability.

He further said " I have not told anywhere that caste is the soul of
Hindu Dharma. By

realizing the fact that in the present social and political scenario,
the caste system cannot

be eradicated, let us unitedly strive to eradicate untouchability and
bring about social

equality." Continuing he said, "Let us not delay the task of
eradication of untouchability

by linking untouchability eradication and caste system eradication.
This would not solve

the problem, Instead let us lay due emphasis to eradication of
untouchability and work

towards that direction."

The seer has also requested the Dalits to understand his concerted
efforts towards

eradication of untouchability and co-operate in his endeavor.

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