Ambedkar’s shift to Buddhism was more than a religious change — it was a social and political statement. He had tried working within Hinduism to bring reform, but the caste system was just too deeply rooted. After decades of fighting discrimination and seeing no real structural change, he gave up on Hinduism completely.

He chose Buddhism because it offered a path rooted in reason, compassion, and equality — everything he felt was missing in caste-based Hindu society. After his conversion, he was very clear: he didn’t want his followers to look back. Hinduism, to him, had nothing more to offer once he walked away.