Conversion for Dignity

From the BBC, a story of mass conversions by Dalits (the 'untouchables' of the Hindu caste system) to Jainism, Buddhism, and even Christianity - in order to escape the prejudice, discrimination, and injustices they face as Hindus. The ceremonial conversions mark the 50th anniversary of the adoption of Buddhism by the scholar Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the first prominent Dalit to urge low-caste Indians to embrace Buddhism.

But - in a clear demonstration of the ties between religion and politics:

Several states governed by the Hindu nationalist party, the BJP, have introduced laws to make such conversions more difficult.

The states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have all passed laws restricting conversions.

Gujarat has reclassified Buddhism and Jainism as branches of the Hindu religion, in an attempt to prevent conversions away from Hinduism eroding the BJP's bedrock support.

Ah. Of course.

Rather than do something about the insupportable practices of Hinduism, just make it harder to convert.

At least they haven't made it a capital crime - like the Abrahamic religions did (and Islam still does).

Small mercies...