The atrophy of the neo-Buddhist movement in India

• Ambedkar chose Buddhism after examining various religions to understand the suitability of each to liberate socially marginalised communities from the exploitative caste order.
• He found that Buddhism is rooted in India's civilization, supplements modern ethical values and is averse to social hierarchies and patriarchal domination.

Neo Buddhism

• Neo-Buddhism was proposed as a mass movement that would elevate former 'Untouchables’ and help them achieve self-respect.
• He hoped that Buddhist principles would mobilise them into a robust community to battle the ruling Brahmanical elites

Struggles of neo-Buddhism

• Emerged as a maverick phenomenon that offered strong psychological solace to the struggling Dalit masses.
• Ideological challenge against the Hindu social order has not been taken seriously, and even within the Dalit community, conversion to Buddhism is not perceived as a suitable path to achieve social emancipation.
• The neo-Buddhists have established social and educational institutions, initiated cultural movements, and organised popular public festivals to make Buddhism a visible force in Maharashtra's public sphere.
• Importantly, India's neighbouring Buddhist countries also have not identified neo-Buddhists as significant partners in their theological engagements.
• Several Buddhist countries have built their own pagodas and temples in Bodh Gaya and are more concerned with adding new sites in India's Buddhist Circuit.

Appropriation by the right wing

• In overseas diplomatic gatherings, The prime minister has frequently invoked India's ancient Buddhist identity, especially in China, Nepal, Myanmar and Japan.
• Effort to emphasise shared Buddhist heritage with these countries.
• He also visited Deekshabhoomi in 2017, paid rich tributes to Ambedkar and announced multiple developmental projects.

Conclusion

• Within the Hindutva discourse, Buddhism has been appropriated as an integral part of greater 'Indic Civilization' and the Buddhist conversion movement has not been seen as antithetical to the Hindu cultural pantheon.