Agencies / Surat
As many as 432 Hindus have embraced Buddhism here Saturday. Prayers were conducted during the process of conversion. The move came after these people faced disrespect and suppression in Hinduism. They had applied for changing their religion five years back in the Collector Office but the process was delayed. However, they have successfully converted into Buddhism after taking all permissions.
“Today 432 people changed their religion from Hinduism. The reason for embracing Buddhism is because we did get respect in Hindu religion. Buddhism is a scientific religion and a religion where everyone gets respect so that is why we are embracing it,” said one of the organizer.
Chief income tax commissioner Subacchan Ramsaheb, collector Dr Dhaval Patel and other senior officials attended the ‘diksha’ programme at Mangal Pandey Community Hall, Godadara, where 432 people from 125 families were given their certificates. They are residents of areas such as Bhathena, Dindoli, Limbayat-Nilgiri, Mandarwaja, Parvat and Uttran Power House in the city.
B D DAS Surat covener advocate Parikshit Rathore said that 432 people had completed lengthy legal formalities for conversion to Buddhism. The legal process of conversion was completed in five years and the Surat district collector gave his approval for change of religion. Collector Dr. Dhawal Patel said over 500 people had applied for conversion during last five years.
238 people had converted 5 years back in Rajkot
Five years ago, about 238 people had converted to Buddhism from Hinduism in Rajkot. Some time back, nearly one lakh people had gathered in Junagadh for conversion but could not convert as they did not have the necessary legal permission from the authorities.