Marking the change of faith, the Dalits were administered the oath by Bante Bodhi Dhama, a Buddhist monk from Japan.

Preceding the ceremony, "Buddha Dharma Deeksha Pratigne", a huge procession led by more than 500 monks, was taken out through the city streets.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge and former Union Minister Srinivas Prasad addressed the gathering.

Bante Bodhi Dhama said Buddhism safeguarded the interests and well-being of all human beings without any discrimination. There was no room for superstitions in Buddhism.

Over 3000 Dalits embrace Buddhism