Voice of Equality

Taran and his family explore Deekshabhoomi, the place where Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism. Taran learns about the struggles of the Dalit community and Dr. Ambedkar's fight for equal rights. His parents explain that religion is just a way of life and people misuse it to serve their own interests. Taran concludes that Dr. Ambedkar was happy with the Indian Constitution he gave us. He then looks forward to trying the famous orange burfis.

“Appa, it’s 40°C. Why are we wandering outdoors?” Taran and his parents were in a rickshaw in Nagpur.

“Well, my father always told me that every place has something interesting to offer. You just have to read up a little,” smiled Appa, undeterred by the hot day.

Taran got down and looked at the structure beyond the gates. “What’s a stupa doing in Nagpur?” He had seen the great stupa in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, which had been commissioned by Emperor Ashoka. “Did Emperor Ashoka build a stupa here as well? But this looks new!”

“Good observation, Taran the Traveller! This structure is new and was built in 2001. This is Deekshabhoomi; the place where Dr. D.R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with thousands of his followers in 1956.”

“Wow!” said Taran, gingerly taking off his shoes as close to the entrance of the stupa as possible.

“I know who Dr. Ambedkar is!” he whispered excitedly as they entered. “He is the father of our Indian Constitution. I read it in our civics textbook.”

Amma signalled him to be quiet and pointed to the photographs placed around the inner sanctum. It displayed the life of Dr. Ambedbar. They looked around. There were some monks sitting under the pillars meditating.