Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at Yeola Conference (13 October 1935): A Turning Point in Indian History
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at Yeola Conference (13 October 1935): A Turning Point in Indian History
On 13 October 1935, the small town of Yeola in Nasik district, Maharashtra, became the stage for one of the most revolutionary declarations in Indian history. At the Yeola Conference, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar delivered a historic speech that shook the foundations of the caste system. It was here that he famously declared Yeola Conference 1935
“I was born a Hindu, but I will not die a Hindu.”
This statement was not only a personal vow but also a clarion call for millions of oppressed people in India. The Yeola Conference marked the beginning of a new social and spiritual journey that ultimately led to the mass conversion to Buddhism at Nagpur in 1956.
Background of the Yeola Conference
The 1930s were a turbulent time for Indian society. The caste system, untouchability, and social exclusion were deeply entrenched. Despite constitutional reforms, Dalits (then called “Depressed Classes”) continued to face humiliation in every sphere of life.
Also Read
Ashoka Vijayadashami: The Festival of Dharma, Victory & Inner Revolution
Samrat Ashok : महान मौर्य सम्राट का जीवन, युद्ध और बौद्ध धर्म की ओर यात्रा
Dalai Lama’s Successor: The Battle Between Buddhist Tradition and China’s Political Ambitions”
The Dhamma Policy of Ashoka: Lessons for Modern Governance
- In 1930, Ambedkar had already challenged caste discrimination at the Round Table Conferences in London.
- In 1932, the Poona Pact was signed under pressure from Mahatma Gandhi, which denied separate electorates to Dalits but promised reserved seats in legislatures.
By 1935, Ambedkar had realized that caste reform within Hinduism was impossible. His growing disillusionment with Hindu social order prepared the ground for the Yeola declaration.
The Historic Day: 13 October 1935
At Yeola, a massive conference was organized where thousands of people from Maharashtra and neighboring regions gathered to hear Dr. Ambedkar.
Ambedkar’s Speech
Ambedkar’s address was fiery, uncompromising, and revolutionary. He openly declared:
- Hinduism is a religion of inequality, which gives no dignity to the Depressed Classes.
- He could no longer remain in a faith that denied him and his community their basic human rights.
- He resolved to leave Hinduism and urged his followers to be ready for a new path.
His famous words, “I was born a Hindu, but I will not die a Hindu,” became the central message of the conference.
Also Read
Ashoka Vijayadashami: The Festival of Dharma, Victory & Inner Revolution
Samrat Ashok : महान मौर्य सम्राट का जीवन, युद्ध और बौद्ध धर्म की ओर यात्रा
Dalai Lama’s Successor: The Battle Between Buddhist Tradition and China’s Political Ambitions”
The Dhamma Policy of Ashoka: Lessons for Modern Governance
Main Points of the Program
During the Yeola Conference, the following resolutions and discussions took place:
- Renunciation of Hinduism – Ambedkar’s declaration that Dalits must look beyond Hinduism for liberation.
- Search for a New Religion – Ambedkar emphasized that the oppressed must choose a religion that promotes equality, dignity, and fraternity.
- Unity and Organization – He urged the Dalit community to remain united and prepare themselves mentally, socially, and spiritually for the coming transformation.
- Social Awakening – Leaders present highlighted the need for education, organization, and self-respect movements.
Impact of the Yeola Declaration
The Yeola Conference of 1935 was a watershed moment in modern India:
- Shock to Hindu Orthodoxy: The upper-caste Hindu leaders were shaken, as this was the first time a prominent leader had openly rejected Hinduism.
- Hope for the Oppressed: Millions of Dalits saw a ray of hope in Ambedkar’s leadership and the possibility of a life beyond caste humiliation.
- Beginning of a Journey: This marked the starting point of Ambedkar’s search for a new religion, which eventually led him to embrace Buddhism.
Ambedkar’s Search for a New Religion
After Yeola, Ambedkar studied several world religions including Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism. He carefully analyzed which faith could provide liberty, equality, and fraternity to his people.
By 1956, after two decades of research and preparation, Ambedkar chose Buddhism as the path for liberation and led the historic mass conversion at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur on 14 October 1956, fulfilling the vow he had made at Yeola.
Why Yeola is Remembered as a Turning Point
- It was the first public rejection of Hinduism by a mass leader.
- It marked the shift of Dalit politics from reform within Hinduism to complete religious transformation.
- It inspired generations to think of dignity beyond caste identity.
- It directly influenced the Buddhist revival in modern India.
Legacy of Yeola Conference
Even today, the Yeola Declaration of 1935 is remembered as a revolutionary milestone:
- It gave the oppressed classes a vision of dignity.
- It strengthened the resolve to fight untouchability and inequality.
- It paved the way for the largest mass religious conversion in world history.
The conference is not just about religion; it is about the assertion of self-respect, equality, and justice.
Conclusion
Also Read
Ashoka Vijayadashami: The Festival of Dharma, Victory & Inner Revolution
Samrat Ashok : महान मौर्य सम्राट का जीवन, युद्ध और बौद्ध धर्म की ओर यात्रा
Dalai Lama’s Successor: The Battle Between Buddhist Tradition and China’s Political Ambitions”
The Dhamma Policy of Ashoka: Lessons for Modern Governance
The Yeola Conference of 13 October 1935 was not merely an event—it was a declaration of war against caste oppression. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s historic words, “I will not die a Hindu,” continue to echo across generations.
Yeola was the beginning of a journey that culminated in the Buddhist revival at Nagpur in 1956. It remains a powerful reminder that true liberation lies not in reforming oppression but in breaking free from it.
On this day, we remember Ambedkar’s courage, his vision, and his uncompromising stand for human dignity.
Yeola Conference 1935, Ambedkar Yeola speech, Dr. Ambedkar I will not die a Hindu, Ambedkar declaration 1935, Yeola turning point Ambedkar, Ambedkar Buddhism decision, Yeola history Ambedkar
#YeolaConference, #Ambedkar, #13October1935, #AmbedkarSpeech, #BuddhistRevival, #AmbedkariteHistory, #SocialJustice, #IWillNotDieAHindu, #DalitHistory, #Equality
Note:
Jai Bhim! Namo Buddhay! Friends, welcome to Nagvanshingo. If you find any information on our page incorrect or if you would like to share any! additional! information! with us, please contact us at nagbbs50@gmail.com