Dalits who converted to Buddhism oppose Bill G T Sathish DECEMBER 28, 2021 https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/dalits-who-converted-to-buddhism-oppose-bill/article38051705.ece
In recent years, many families in Hassan district have converted to Buddhism. Swamy Nittur, among the first to get converted in Nittur in Hassan taluk in 2014, told The Hindu that conversions took place as Dalits were fed up with caste-based atrocities.
They said that conversion brought changes in the lives of Dalit families. “Religious conversion and the teachings of B.R. Ambedkar influenced our thoughts and acts,” said Thotesh Nittur. These families in the village celebrate Buddha Poornima, Ambedkar Jayanti, and hold prayer meetings regularly at the Buddha Vihara.
Instead of this Bill, the families said, the State Government should take measures to stop atrocities against Dalits.