Construct Buddha Vihara again: Ahmedabad Dalits

Dalits from the city will protest outside Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Tuesday demanding reconstruction of Buddha Vihara in Gautamnagar area of Kagdapith.

The Vihara was razed by the civic body on March 19. AMC has refused all requests by the community to construct the structure again, leading to the agitation planned for Tuesday.

Before demolition of the Buddhist structure in Kagdapith, Ahmedabad had seven Buddha Viharas in the city. "The statues of Lord Buddha and BR Ambedkar from the Vihara have been seized by the AMC and kept in their godown," said a local leader, Bapu Ingle. 

According to Ingle, Dalits living in Kagdapith were given money to vacate their houses for a mall which is to be constructed in the area. It was promised that the Vihara will not be brought down. "But it was bulldozed in March," said Ingle.

Dalits are demanding a plot for a new Buddha Vihara or reconstruction at the same location. "We want the Vihara to be constructed as soon as possible as it is of historical significance to us," said Ingle. The Vihara was in existence for 50 years before being demolished in March.

Congress leader and councillor Mangal Surajkar said that Dalits have been cheated as they are even deprived of worshipping their lord. "We have approached the AMC, but so far nothing had happened," he said.

The other Buddha Viharas in the city are located at Bapunagar, Bhaipura, Chandkheda, Premnagar in Memco, Gomtipur and Kankaria. "All Buddhist Dalits worship at these Viharas," said Dalit leader Ashok Bhati.