14 October 1956. The newly independent Indian republic witnessed an extraordinary event. Close to half a million Indians converted to a new religion—Navayana Buddhism—led by its founder, the leader they called Babasaheb, Dr Bhimrao
Ambedkar
. Born a Mahar, a caste considered “untouchable” because of its hereditary occupations, Ambedkar knew intimately the stigma attached to work associated with animal carcasses and bodily remains.
This stigma clung to the entire community, even to those who had broken free of traditional occupations and pursued careers in the military or government service.
