Social Transformation of Dalit Converts in Chembur: An Exploration of Identity,Social Relations and Community Development

Abstract

This article delves into the social transformation experienced by Dalit converts in Chembur, with a focus on identity formation, reshaping social relations, and fostering community development. Grounded in the historical context of Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s momentous conversion to Buddhism in 1956, the study examines the multidimensional impact of this conversion on the lives of Dalit individuals, particularly women. By employing qualitative research methods, including case studies and in-depth interviews, the article illuminates the nuanced ways in which higher education, combined with Buddhist ideals, engenders transformative changes in the societal fabric. Through an exploration of the public sphere, social network dynamics and the restructuring of social relations, this research offers insights into the qualitative dimensions of the development experienced by the marginalized masses and their potential implications for policy formulation.