Hundreds of Dalits are planning to convert to Buddhism at Chettipulam village, near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district, on December 6, the death anniversary of Ambedkar.

A year ago, Chettipulam village shot into limelight on October 27, 2009 when the District Collector C. Munianathan led Dalits into Ekambareshwarar temple at the village putting an end to the alleged discrimination and law and order problems in the village.

In September 2009, the CPM had alleged that the Dalits were not being allowed entry into the temple by villagers. Enraged over this, CPM organized temple entry agitations twice on September 30, 2009 and October 14, 2009.

On September 30, 2009, the temple remained closed. The village witnessed violence, lathicharge and police firing, when the vehicles in which dalits, accompanied by police and revenue officials, were proceeding to the temple, were attacked by a mob.

Finally District collector Munianathan on October 27 successfully led the Dalits into the temple putting an end to discrimination.