Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations UK honours the legacy of Emperor Ashoka and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Ambedkar Centre, Southall

The Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations UK (FABO UK) hosted a historic and spiritually resonant celebration of Ashoka Vijay Dashmi and Dhamma Chakkra Parivartan Divas at the Ambedkar Centre, Southall, Middlesex. The joint observance — themed “Two great occasions to remember the journey of compassion and wisdom” — commemorated Emperor Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism after the Kalinga War and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism in 1956, which marked a new dawn of equality and social transformation in India.

The evening drew together Ambedkarite leaders, scholars, community organisers, and professionals from across the UK and Europe. The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Jagdish Gaware, Vice President of FABO UK, and presided over by Chief Guest Dr. K.P. Singh, Chairman of Petra Group (Dubai) and former Dean of Lord Buddha University.

Among the eminent attendees were Mr. M.S. Bahal, International Coordinator of BAMCEF; Dr. Ashok Kumar Kureel, Surgeon from the Republic of Ireland; Prof. Dr. Suraj Yengde, Vijay Khutan, Dr. Arvind Kumar, and Shailesh Kumar. The dignitaries reflected on the global relevance of Buddhist values, Ambedkarite philosophy, and the continuing struggle for equality in the modern age.

The ceremony began with Buddhist prayers led by C. Gautam, followed by the lighting of candles and the recitation of the Bhim Sankalp by Dr. Rakshita Dhar, who led the gathering in reaffirming their moral and social commitment to Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals.

“I am enjoying the right to live as a human being — this is the blessing of Babasaheb,” she said. “It is my duty to strengthen and protect his movement. I resolve to contribute my income, time, and knowledge selflessly to society, to study and practice the Dhamma, and to uphold unity, equality, and brotherhood.”

The solemn pledge concluded with the chorus of “Namo Buddhaye” and “Jai Bhim”, uniting the audience in shared reverence.