Deeksha Bhoomi, Nagpur

On October 14, 1956, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and his wife Savitribai embraced Buddhism along with lakhs of followers on an open ground in Nagpur, Maharashtra.  This open ground came to be known as Deekshabhoomi (literal translation is the land where religion is embraced) and it has what is said to be one of the largest hollow domed Stupas in the world. The place attracts thousands of followers, students and scholars of Buddhism. When I visited this historical place, there was a photo exhibition depicting the events around the time of the mass conversion. What struck me was that firstly, it was one of the largest voluntary mass conversions to have happened anywhere in the world and secondly, Dr. Ambedkar passed away within a couple of months after this ceremony.  

Inside the quiet Stupa, standing peacefully in front of Ambedkar’s picture, my head naturally bowed to the great man who remains a guiding light of hope and inspiration to millions of Indians. Standing erect outside the Stupa, the Bodhi tree not only protects the visitors from the blazing hot Nagpur sun, but with its spreading branches it seems to be showering blessings on all those coming under its shade while on their path to liberation.