As a conscious citizen, it is important to address the two major incidents that took place on the same day 14th April, 2023 . The first incident involved Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressing a gathering of 15,000 swayamsevaks in Ahmedabad, emphasizing the need for collective effort in making India a great nation. The second incident occurred in Gandhinagar, where 10,000 people converted to Buddhism, highlighting the persistent issue of untouchability and discrimination in our society.

In his speech, Mohan Bhagwat stressed the importance of unity, stating that no single person or political party can make a country great. He also pointed out that all Indians have the same DNA and that ‘Hindu’ and ‘Indian’ are synonymous terms. This statement, although intended to promote unity, may appear conflicting when juxtaposed with the second incident in Gandhinagar, where thousands of people, primarily from marginalized communities, converted to Buddhism as a response to continued discrimination and untouchability.

In the context of the second incident, the role of political parties has also been brought to light. The ruling BJP party, through its senior Dalit leader and Garhda MLA, Mahant Shambhuprasad Tundia, condemned the organizers of the event for spreading what they considered to be false information and pursuing their own agenda. However, the mass conversion to Buddhism underscores the need for political parties to work towards addressing the deep-rooted issues of discrimination, untouchability, and social inequality in our society.

As conscious citizens, we must take it upon ourselves to foster respect and equal rights for every member of our society, regardless of their caste or background.We can initiate change by starting at home and treating everyone with dignity and respect. By inviting people from marginalized communities to our homes for dinner and sharing meals together, we can break down barriers and promote social cohesion. Offering water to those collecting garbage or working as domestic help, and sharing sweets with their families during festive occasions are small but powerful gestures that can help build an environment of inclusivity and understanding. By taking these steps, we can contribute to the eradication of untouchability and work towards a more united and harmonious India.