Mumbai: The family of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula, whose suicide at Hyderbad Central University in January created a firestorm of protest, converted to Buddhism here today.

Today is the 125th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, the Dalit icon and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.

 The mother of Rohit Vemula, Radhika Vemula (R) walks alongside students and activists during a protest in New Delhi on February 23, 2016. PIC/AFP.

Rohith's mother and brother were given "deeksha" by Buddhist monks.

The ceremony was held at Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar

"We organised the deeksha ceremony as the family approached us," Prakash Ambedkar,  grandson of BR Ambedkar said.