Monk, who initiated Ambedkar to Buddhism, dies at 90

Buddhist monk Pragyanand, who taught and initiated Dalit icon Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar to Buddhism, died on Thursday here at the age of 90.

He was admitted to the Lucknow's King George Medical University (KGMU) Trauma Center on Sunday after he complained of breathlessness and chest pain.

He came to India in 1942, and later, on April 14, 1956, he initiated Dr Ambedkar to Buddhism along with seven other disciples.

Born in Sri Lanka, Pragyanand was the seniormost priest at Baudh Vihar Mandir here.