Laxman Mane, an iconic representative of the VJNT communities, activist and Padma Shri awardee, visited Manuski Centre and met the Jambudvipa team. We exchanged thoughts on the current contexts of the Ambedkarite movement, the history and present predicament of the VJNT communities, and what was necessary for them to make progress. He showed us that many of the practices of these communities were basic Buddhist practices, indicating that they had been Buddhist in the past. He agreed to our request to give a zoom lecture to our all India network.
The ensuing discussions took three directions:
- Make a National level Youth Association who will be dedicated for Prabuddha Bharat Mission.
- Awareness raising of VJNT communities in the states bordering Maharashtra.
- Thoughts on the reformation of the Criminal Act 1871, which shades certain communities as criminals by birth.
Further meetings will be conducted to take these forward.