Rohith Vemula’s brother, mother embrace Buddhism

The mother and brother of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula, who committed suicide at Hyderabad Central University in January, converted to Buddhism on Thursday.

Today is the 125th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Dalit icon and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.

Rohith’s mother and brother were given “deeksha” by Buddhist monks at Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar here.

Talking to news agency ANI, Rohith Vemula’s brother said his brother also wanted to be a Buddhist and he tried to take it up too, but couldn’t make it.

“Even we also liked Buddhism and its teachings, so we are accepting Buddhism,” added Vemula’s brother.

Rohith Vemula’s suicide had created firestorm across the country.