Kolkata – A Lost Glory of Dalits of Doaba

 

 Kolkata – A Lost Glory of Dalits of Doaba

I visited Kolkata last week from August 26 to September 2. It was my third short visits to the City of Joy – first two in 1990-91 and 1999-2000 in the call of my diplomatic duties – Meetings with the Kolkata High Court in connection with a rented property dispute pertaining to Romania and second accompanying the PM of Tukie (Turkey), Bulent Ecevit to Vishav Bharti University at Shanti Niketan in Kolkata for an Honorary Degree to honour him for his

At Kolkata in 1989-90

translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s book Gitanjali into Turkish language respectively. The third visit, a bit longer, was a family visit to meet my aging relations, Bhua and Fufad, Jai Kaur and Som Dutt of village Sikandarpur (Alawalpur) in Jalandhar. They have made Kolkata as their home for the last about 7 decades. Their family was engaged in leather business. It is a co-incident only that, I have had more connections with Kolkata as my grand-father; Rulda Ram also went to Kolkata for his bread and butter but returned back in mid 1950s. I recall seeing him in a Tonga (Horse-cart) on his return journey from the Jalandhar Railway Station to our home in Bootan Mandi, then a slum area in the out skirts of the town. Second, Vidya my wife, who is no more with us, now, was the daughter of Dhanna Ram of village Nawan Pind Jattan near Nakodar in Jalandhar. Dhanna Ram his immediate family were engaged in leather tanning business in Kolkata. The second purpose was to see and study the life and work of dalits of Doaba region of Punjab who were doing leather business in Kolkata (Calcutta) for generations and contributed to the socio-economic life not only of the area called – Bridge No.4 – Tiljala Road (now named as Guru Ravidass Sarani); a slum area of the Town of Joy then called Calcutta (Kolkata) – but also their homes back in districts of Doaba region of Punjab. It was a fairly pleasant journey from Jalandhar to Guru Ramdass International Airport in Amritsar (Raja Sansi Airport) by road and by Indigo flight to Netaji Subhash Chndra Bose International Airport (Dum-dum Airport). I stayed with my Fufad ji,  Som Dutt in their modest flatted accommodation at Kutsia Road (off Picnic Garden Road) which was not far off from the ‘nerve center of dalit presence in Kolkata’ at Guru Ravidass Sarani. I was informed that then CM of West Bengal Siddhrath Shankar Ray named Tiljala Road as Guru Ravidass Sarani on the suggestion of one of the brothers of my Fufaji (Uncle), Hazari Ram, a social activist of the community and his associates. Hazari Ram enjoyed good standing and rapport with the then Congress leadership of the city. It was one of my wishes to visit the place with a curiosity to learn more about the Karambhoomi (place of work and action) of dalit. According, I along with my Fufaji visited Guru Ravidass Gurudawara and related places on August 27 – a big gated park in front of the Gurudawara and adjacent plot being developed and contructed to accommodate more people on the celebrations of Guru Ravidass Jayanti and other big functions. The site, earmarked and dedicated by the state government of CM Mamta Banerji, is being developed with official patronage. The Gurudawara is a historical site which was built and dedicated to the community in 1939 by the migrant business community from Punjab. We paid obeisance to the great Guru Ravidass and joined the Aarti conducted by the Bhai (Priest) of the holy site. Later we met President of the Managing Committee, Narinder Chauhan and others, second and third

generation of the Punjabi migrants. During the cursory exchanges, I was told that dalits of Doaba region of Punjab came to Kolkata in 1920s with the Muslim (Khoja) leather businessmen from Peshawar (now in Pakistan) to make Peshori sandals. Later some more enterprising dalits from Punjab came to Kolkata to meet the increasing demands of the British army for boots and other leather products during the World War - II and also to meet the demands of leather to be used in the jute mills. Early migrants to Kolkata for greener pastures included many enterprising people of Doaba region particularly belonging to the villages of Jalandhar who were already engaged in leather business with the Khojas (Muslims) who migrated to Pakistan in the wake of partition of India. Many somewhat well to do, comparatively, from my native place, Bootan Mandi, namely; Nanda, Chanda and Jhanda, the three brothers of the known family of Seth Sunder Dass as told by my friend Manohar Mahey and Shama Sheenmar and many of his clan like Mali Ram of village Parsrampur, as told by my yet another friend, Prem Shant were the early birds to establish businesses in Kolkata. Yet another high profile family of Bootan Mandi who not only made their mark in business but also in politics and community matters was that of Seth Kishan Dass and his brother Seth Adhyatam. These Punjabi settlers in Kolkata played a historic role in the politics of India on one hand and contributed a great deal to India’s ‘Tryst with Destiny’ by electing Babasaheb Ambedkar to the Constituent

Assembly in 1946 in cooperation with Joginder Nath Mandal, a prominent dalit leader of Bengal. If it was not done against all odds and hurdles created by the Congress Party and the Manuwadis of Hindu Maha Sabha and other hard core elements in the caste ridden Hindu society, the constitutional history of India and subsequent political developments would have been different.  I vividly recall reading the sterling role played by Seth Kishan Dass supported by the daredevil personalities like Baba Budh Singh of Village Tallan in Jalandhar among others. They rightly and aptly resorted to the Chanakya dictum of – Sam Dam Dand Bhed – to achieve their challenging goal to send Babasaheb Ambedkar to the Constituent Assembly amidst fierce opposition of the Manuwadis. The rest is history. With a view to keep this narration brief, I will skip many more names and details and come to the crux of the mater as to why I termed Kolkata – a lost glory of dalits of Doaba?

With this background, I hesitatingly intend to say, after visiting and interacting with the heirs of the motely crowd of Dalits who made a mark in Kolkata, a far off place from Jalandhar who could not rise up to the challenge to hold and maintain the glory which their forefathers created for them. It is a matter of regret and remorse. My off the calf observation in this regard is that our forefathers, the so called cream or elite of the community who could make money out of the hellish and dirty occupation of manual leather tanning, did not educate and prepare their off-spring to meet the challenges of the fast changing economic and socio-political scenario. In their false and narrow perception of good life, they wined and dined in their own rustic and traditional way after a day’s hard work in Kolkata and purchased agricultural and residential properties back home in Punjab. I vividly recall and I mentioned it in my brief speech at the Kolkata Gurudawara that they intended to impress their extended families and relations back home with good white kurtas and dhotis (attire) with chains and bracelets of gold and gold rings adorning their hands. The country made booze and mutton curries were fixed on the menu of their meals. Some of them including Seth Kishan Dass decided to come back and picked up the threads to lead a comfortable life and established their business back home in Bootan Mandi. But the uneducated lot had no wherewithal as to but to do in the fast changing business requirements. Some of them sent their sons to USA, Canada, UK and other developed countries and married off their daughters with their counterparts and relations in the developed countries as a last ditch effort to salvage the declining fortunes. Some of the families diversified their work but remained entrenched in and around their work place around Bridge No.4; a

slum area of the city. They, namely; Narinder Chauhan, Vijay Madara, Suresh Kakoo among others, are holding the fort which was once the citadel of dalit assertion – I termed the situation as ‘Kolkata: a Lost Glory of Dalits of Doaba’. I conveyed my feelings with a heavy heart to the audient at the Gurudawara function to honour me. The Chamar Seths of Kolkata did a wonderful job in making a break-through for socio-economic empowerment in the 1940s, earned name and fame back home in Punjab but, unfortunayely, they could not diversify and change to adjust to the changing business scenario. The major contributing factor in this set-back, to my mind, was that they did not educate and prepare the younger generation to meet the challenges of the future. I am reminded a poetic line of Allma Iqbal –

Jo Ashiana Shakhe Nazuk Pe Banega; Napayedar Hoga

As I said the visit was partly emotional re-bonding and partly leisure. My son Rupesh suggested that I must visit the famous China Town to relish the authentic Chinese meal which I did, courtesy; Suresh Kakoo, a duty-bound nephew of Fufad Som Dutt. The food at Restaurant Golden Joy, particularly the stirred fry garlic prawns was really good.  Kakoo who is a good cook himself, knowing my taste

for prawns, made a wonderful dish of prawns at home at a sumptuous dinner at their residence near the Guru Ravidass Gurudawara itself. I could also enjoy good mutton biryani and mutton korma at home ordered from good local eateries. I was interested
n tasting and bringing as a souvenir some local Bengali alcoholic beverage like Feni of Goa but could not get it. All said and done, It was a good emotional, educative and enjoyable visit which gave me a chance to visit the once – Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna – Bridge No. 4 – Tilzila Road. We need to learn from history.

Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya – Management Issue - A Layman’s Thoughts

 Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya – Management Issue - A Layman’s Thoughts

Bodh Gaya is the site where Gautama the Buddha attained enlightenment and is considered one of the most sacred places for Buddhists throughout the world. At the site, a shrine was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC and the current structure

dates back to the Gupta period of the 6^th century. The temple was restored in the 1880s and a Hindu monastery (Bodh Gaya Math) was established by the Hindus (Mahant Ghamandi Giri) in 16^th century. Ever since, Hindus continue to control the temple.

With this historical background drawn from the social media, I come to the recent happenings and the current position on the management, control and up keep of the most important shrine of Buddhists which has already been adopted as Heritage site by the UNESCO. After independence, the Bodh Gaya Temple is managed and controlled under the provisions of Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949. Accordingly, the BGTA of 1949 established a Committee to manage the temple, comprising four Buddhists and four Hindus, with the District Magistrate as the Ex-officio Chairman. Buddhist stakeholders feel the Hindu majority on the committee, especially the Hindu Chairman, is unfair and want greater control over the temple's management in line with the shrines of other faiths; particularly that of minorities. CM Lalu Prasad Yadav’s government in Bihar tried to repeal/amend the 1949 act with a view to bring about reform and streamline management of the temple but could not succeed.

Buddhists of both India and abroad have been demanding the control of the temple in accordance with the laws of the land and religious morality with regard to the running and upkeep of the historical site pertaining to Buddhism. On the other hand, vested interests are negating the demand of Buddhists and are fighting tooth and nail to

retain the control of the shrine. While, the matter is sub-judice in the courts, Buddhist stakeholders headed by All India Buddhist Forum have come to the streets with public protests demanding repeal of the 1949 act. India has an estimated 8.4 million Buddhist citizens, according to the country’s last census in 2011. They argue that in recent years, Hindu Priests who enjoy backing of the corridors of power both in Patna ad Delhi, have been performing Hindu rituals that defy the spirit of Buddhism. The protesters point out that the Buddha was opposed to Vedic rituals. All religions in India “take care and manage their own religious sites. The AIBF has support from prominent Buddhist bodies, and has submitted a memorandum to the Bihar government. The Bodh Gaya is one of the four sacred sites of Buddhism; the other three being Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini, Sarnath where he gave his first sermon and Kusinagar where he attained Parinirvana. There is a complete standoff between the Hindu Priests and Buddhist Bhikhus on one side and the protesters and the administration on the other. In the late 19th century, visiting Sri Lankan and Japanese Buddhist monks founded the Maha Bodhi Society to lead a movement to reclaim the site.

As regards the historical background, according to UNESCO, the shrine was largely abandoned between the 13th and 18th centuries, before the British began renovations. But the shrine’s website hosted by the Hindu Management states that a Hindu Priest, Ghamandi Giri, turned up at the temple in 1590 and began living there. He started conducting rituals and established the Bodh Gaya Math, a Hindu monastery. Since then, the temple has been controlled by descendants of Giri. In 1903, these efforts led the then-viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, to try to negotiate a deal between the Hindu and Buddhist sides, but he failed. Later, both sides started mobilizing political support and eventually India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Bihar government pushed through the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949. The law transferred the temple’s management from the head of the Bodh Gaya Math to the 8 member committee, which is now headed by a ninth member, the district magistrate — the top bureaucrat in charge of the district.

Swami Vivekananda Giri, the Hindu priest who currently looks after the Bodh Gaya Math, is unfazed by the protests, describing the agitations as “politically motivated” — with an eye on Bihar’s state legislature elections later this year. He added, “Our Math’s teachings treat Lord Buddha as the ninth reincarnation of [Hindu] Lord Vishnu and we consider Buddhists our brothers,” Giri told Al Jazeera. “For years, we have hosted Buddhist devotees, from other countries as well, and never disallowed them from praying on the premises.” Giri said that the Hindu side has been “generous in allowing four seats to Buddhists in the management committee”. He further said, “If you repeal the Act, then the temple will solely belong to the Hindu side because we owned it before the Act and the independence [of India],” Giri said, taking a dig at the protesters. “When the Buddhists abandoned it after the invasion of Muslim rulers, we preserved and took care of the temple. Yet we never treated Buddhist visitors as ‘others’.”

I am no authority on the subject. My immediate motivation to write on the issue emanated from my informal and friendly association with some of the neo-Buddhists and followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar in and around Jalandhar. These friends belonging to several Buddha Viharas and Ambedkarite outfits are actively

involved in the agitation to free the Maha Boddhi Temple from the allegedly illegal and immoral control of the Hindu Priests. The demand of Buddhists seems to be genuine and valid; prima facie, keeping with the laws of the land providing religious freedom to minorities and upkeep of their religious places. Why Buddhists are being deprived of their rightful claims on the holy shrine in Bodh-Gaya? The arguments given by the head priest of the Bodh Gaya Math appears fallacious and capricious. It is total hypocrisy to term Gautama the Buddha as the 9^th incarnation (Avtar) of Vishnu. Why Hindu rituals should be performed in the Buddhist Vihara? Will they allow others to do the same in the Hindu Temples? The Hindu side tended to take shelter under the Places of Worship Act of 1991 which aimed to maintain the religious character of places of worship as of 1947. It further complicated the issue. Why these double standard? On one side the Hindu zealots demand to repeal the 1991 act to pursue and carry forward their agenda to claim and gain control of various Masjids and Churches and on the other hand reject the demand of Buddhists to hand them over the control of Maha Bodhi Temple – good example of the old mischievous dictum - ‘Heads I win and Tails you lose’. It seems that it is total high-handedness of the hard-core Hindus. Buddhists are the rightful owners of Maha-Bodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.

'इक़बाल ' बड़ा उपदेशक है - मन बातों में मोह लेता है 

गुफ़्तार का ये ग़ाज़ी तो बना किरदार का ग़ाज़ी बन न सका 

('Iqbal' is a good preacher, fascinates the heart in moments

He did become hero in talk, but one in deeds he could not be.)
                                                          

 

                                                       

 

 

 

International Day of Equality – Honouring Babasaheb Ambedkar

 

International Day of Equality – Honouring Babasaheb Ambedkar

 An Open Letter to High Dignitaries of Ruling Elite of India

August 17, 2025

 Dear Sirs,

I have been writing about the April 14, birthday of Babasaheb B. R. Ambedkar as International Day of Equality for the last ten years since June, 2015. My last blog on the subject may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2025/06/in-pursuance-of-proposal-on.html

The proposal is resting with the GOI – MEA and PMO in spite of utmost efforts and repeated reminders both in India and abroad. But nothing has moved, unfortunately. Besides, GOI, it has been tried to engage with RSS and also the BJP at the highest level with regard to the matter both directly and also through the SC Ministers in the

government namely; Thavar Chand Gehlot, Varinder Kumar, Ram Vilas Paswan, Chirag Paswan, Ramdass Athawale among others. With regard to the proposal, we roped in Forum of SC and ST Parliamentarians through its President, Charanjit Singh Atwal and in turn they tried to sensitize and engage Mahamahim Ram Nath Kovind, President of India and Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi through Memorandums on the subject which was submitted to these high dignitaries. Outside the country, the stake holder, organizations of followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar namely; Chetna Association of Canada, Federation of Ambedkar and Buddhist Organizations (FABO) of UK, Ambedkar Times Group of Publications of USA among others supported the proposal and approached the GOI both directly and through the Indian diplomatic missions in these countries on one hand and on the other persuaded and motivated the local authorities in their respective places to honour the Indian icon, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. I write this with a mixed feeling of remorse and gratification – Remorse because my own government that is GOI is blissfully silent on the proposal in spite of the fact all the leaders fall on each other to own Ambedkar and his legacy when it comes to encash on the Vote Bank said to be belonging to the him in one way or the other – Gratification because of the ground reality that in the foreign lands, thanks to the followers of Ambedkar living abroad, the local administrations at the city and provincial levels in several

places In Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia among others, have proclaimed April 14 as ‘Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Day of Equality’. Is it not a matter of hypocrisy and shame for us in India? Yes, it is. We have been keeping the issue apolitical deliberately because International Day of Equality is not a partisan matter. Moreover, we are not oblivious of the fact that only the party in power in this case, BJP and its leadership, can take this proposal to the UN through diplomatic channels. We are open to listen from the ruling dispensation as to whether the proposal does not fit into the policy framework of India’s Soft and Cultural Diplomacy? Does the proposal not fit into the UN’s aims and objectives to establish ‘Equitable World Order? Whether Babasaheb Ambedkar’s personality and work do not deserve such recognition? It is not understandable why the GOI is sitting tight for the last ten years? Why the SC and ST Ministers are so helpless that they do not come forward to support the proposal to honour one of the greatest sons of India. My gut feelings tell me that people are getting restive and one day may burst to give vent to their pent up emotions in a democratic way as the true followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar. GOI and its leadership must see the writings on the wall. Ambedkar cannot be ignored for long. Anybody would ignore him at his own peril.

The time is of essence. Why I choose to write now, a month before the next UNGA to be held towards the second half of September, 2025. It has already been announced that PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the UNGA like he did many a times before also.

He may take advantage and raise the proposal on International Day of Equality in his address at the UNGA appropriately. It will be a befitting tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar through the Soft and Cultural Diplomacy of India.

With this open letter detailing the facts of the matter, I take this opportunity to urge the GOI – PM Narendra Modi, EAM S. Jaishankar and others and also leaders of Socio-Political outfits namely; RSS Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagwat, BJP President, J. P. Nadda, inter alia, to kindly consider, support and decide to declare April 14 as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN.

Ek Tarze Tugafil Hai; So Weh Unko Mubarak,

Ek Arje Tammana Hai, Who Hum Karte Range.

With regards and assurances of highest consideration,

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

Ambassador – IFS (Retired)

Telephone - 9988510940

 

To –

Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi, South Block, New Delhi

 

Copy to - EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar, BJP President J.P. Nadda, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, Minister Dr. Varindra Kumar, Minister Chirag Paswan, Principal Secretary to PM, Director of EAMO, PR of India to UN, PMI New York

 

 

Azadi Mubarak – Greetings on the Independence Day

 

Azadi Mubarak – Greetings on the Independence Day

August 15, National Festival the Independence Day of India is being celebrated as usual with great pomp and show and rightly so. India has come a long way since independence in August 1947 and becoming a Republic in January, 1950. India is the biggest functional democracy in the world, there is no two opinions on this.  India is the

world’s 4^th largest economy which is also one of fastest growing economies. Demographically, India is one of the youngest nations. With this, India is one of the dignified and respected countries in the comity of nations. These positive trends notwithstanding, it is also true that India is still a poor developing country. With a view to ward off hunger, according to official admission, more than 85 crores of the population of more than 140 crores is fed by the state. Income disparities are increasing; rich is getting richer and poor is getting poorer. The core sectors of social cover; health and education has not been given due attention as pointed out by RSS Chief, Mohan Bhagwat the other day. Democratic edifice of the country is increasingly getting under threat by the every passing day, if one goes by the allegations of the opposition both in the parliament and outside. Communal harmony is hard hit for which the blame game is resorted to quite often. The main stream of the society is still having the hangover of oppressive Manuwad, unfortunately. Constitutional institutions like the Election Commission, Judiciary among others and also outfits like IB, CBI, ED etc. are alleged being undermined systematically. These are some of the issues and aspects of the governance which undermine the national interests. We are still to go a long way to reach. Going by the positive aspects of our journey, we have reached, perhaps, but definitely we need to sit, think and ready ourselves to reach to complete out ‘tryst with destiny’ as professed by PM Jawaharlal Nehru.

PM Narendra Modi will address the nation from the traditional ramparts of the Red Fort in the morning of August 15 in his 12^th year of being at the helm of the national destiny. As usual, it will be a high-bolt delivery listing the glory and achievements at home and also self-pat on the back for India’s rising profile in the world affairs particularly with reference to Operation Sindoor, inter alia. There is

no harm in stock taking exercise as the Pradhan Sewak of the country and PM of ‘we the people of India. Apart from listing the achievements and successes, the occasion should also be availed of to contemplate the tardy implementation of the policies resulting in not fulfilling the promises made to the people of India in a true spirit of democracy. Let us hope that this time at the 79th year of Independence; we listen from the PM as to what ails - the polity, economy and society of Bharat and what the way out is to move forward. My wishful thinking about these matters –

·      Address the trust deficit between the ruling dispensation and opposition – It seems that we reached a dead-end in this regard which is not a good trend for a healthy democratic set up. Political consultation, deliberations and discourse both in and outside the parliament should be encouraged instead of resorting to mud-slinging, un-substituted allegations. Criticism and disagreements should not be considered ‘Deshdiroh’ – unpatriotic.

·      Address the declining status and prestige of Constitutional institutions – This very dangerous malice has increasing crept in our functioning, a very negation of democracy which is based on checks and balances. The dictum of checks and balances gets compromised, if the Constitutional and statutory authorities like the Election Commission, CAG, CBI, ED, National SC Commission among others start working as government departments.

·      Address the issue of wide spread corruption – One may or may not admit, corruption is one of the main ills of our polity and governance which is eating the vitals of the country and the society at large. In spite of all claims of zero tolerance towards corruption, it is prevailing and getting accepted as a norm increasingly. Corruption at the low levels is all the more irksome and bothering. I have seen in Japan and Sweden, governments often fell because of corruption but in the general public at the functional levels, people didn’t know what corruption was? The situation is the other way round in our Bharat.

·      Consensus on issues of national security, integrity and sovereignty – Of late, it has been observed that our political leadership has tended to forget some basic needs of the lofty agenda of ‘India first and India last’ as visualized by our fore-fathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar. Policy disagreements notwithstanding, the ruling party and the opposition must pay a bit more attention and consideration to these aspects to meet the challenges to the national security and integrity to safe guard sovereignty of our country.

·      Communal harmony amidst socio-cultural diversity – If the socio-cultural fabric of the country gets affected by the communal overtones of the two major communities that is Hindus and Muslims things will go wrong for the country. Secular credentials of the country should be maintained and protected by all means shedding the unnecessary controversy whether the word secular should be deleted or retained in the preamble of the constitution of India. India should remain a secular country with diverse socio-cultural underpinning. PM Narendra Modi’s slogan – Sab Ka Vikas, Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Paryas, Sab Ka Vishvas is the only mantra to transform India into Bharat.

·      Strengthen Affirmative Action for Equality – The curse of caste is one of the biggest challenges to the social structures of the country. Despite reservations and other affirmative actions to uplift and empower the weaker sections of the society, nothing much has changed. The government policies are not implemented honestly. The social outfits like RSS and SGPC among others should undertake to address the malice of caste head on. I fully endorse the lofty agenda of Samrasta of RSS. But there is a need to take out on the ground from the cosy air-conditioned rooms by shedding the garb of Manuwadi approaches. India cannot become a Viksat Bharat by 2047, as visualized by PM Narendra Modi, if dalits and adivasis are not integrated to the main stream of the society.

 

I have listed these points and my thoughts of the cuff not as any criticism but as a concerned and interested stake holder in the development of our country and transformation of the society to meet the challenges of the future. It will be in order, if I recall the warnings of Babasaheb Ambedkar, one of the biggest sons of the contemporary India which he gave to the nation at the dawn of independence on November 25, 1949 in the Constituent Assembly before the Constitution of India was finally enacted and adopted by ‘We the people of India’. These visionary assertions of the great leader are as relevant today as these were then in 1949 –

-       give up unconstitutional methods (Grammar of Anarchy) to achieve socio-economic objectives

-       avoid hero-worship as it leads to dictatorship

-       work towards a social not just a political – democracy

-       avoid giving preference to personal castes and creeds  above the national creed/interest

With these thoughts of a lay man, I conclude this piece with Greetings to all my fellow citizens on the Independence of India, August 15 -

चिश्ती ने जिस ज़मीं में पैग़ाम-ए-हक़ सुनाया

नानक ने जिस चमन में वहदत का गीत गाया

मेरा वतन वही है मेरा वतन वही है

सारे जहाँ को जिस ने इल्म ओ हुनर दिया था

मेरा वतन वही है मेरा वतन वही है

जन्नत की ज़िंदगी है जिस की फ़ज़ा में जीना

मेरा वतन वही है मेरा वतन

 

International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples Day – August 9 – Vishav Adivasi Diwas

 

International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples Day – August 9 –  Vishav Adivasi Diwas

August 9, was the International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples Day commonly called International Adivasi Day in India. The day is observed and celebrated throughout the world under the aegis of UN since 1994-95 Obviously, India cannot remain behind in this lofty activity as India has a large population of Adivasies, who are also called Moolnivasies, of

104 million which comes to around 9 % of the total population of India.  The constitution of India recognized the Adivasies as Scheduled Tribes and made all the necessary provisions to protect and safeguard their identity and rights in the diverse social order of India. It is a matter of great satisfaction that the Scheduled Tribes have come a long way in getting integrated with the socio-cultural and politico-economic life the country with the affirmative actions stipulated by the laws of the land. As such, currently, the first citizen of India that is Mahamahim, President of India, Droupadi Murmu is an Adivasi herself along with a couple of Chief Ministers of the Indian States.

Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala in Punjab, an enterprise of the Ministry of Railways, celebrated the Day on August 11 at the sprawling complex of the RCF. It fell on me to be the Chief Speaker at a well hosted function by the Zonal Chapter of All India SC/ST Railway Employees Organisation, courtesy Jit
Singh, a senior executive at the RCF and his colleagues and associates. GM of RCF, S.S. Mishra was the Chief Guest of the function held at the prestigious hall of the RCF, Waris Shah Auditorium, a site in the lush green trees and fully manicured lawns as a flag bearer of the Adivasi’s lofty way of life conforming to the nature and its respect – Jal, Jungle, Jamin. I was told that more than 600 ST employees of the RCF along with their families life in the RCF Township. The cultural programme presented by them really gave a glimpse of the

rich tribal tradition particularly of Jharkhand and Rajasthan. The song and dance sequences presented by the men and women ensembles attired in colourful costumes were soothing not only to the eyes and ears but also the soul. It reminded me of my days in East Africa – The song and dance is in the blood of tribal people. I was personally touched by the traditional tribal welcome accorded to me and the Chief Guest Mishra Sahib amidst the beats of Dhol, honour with traditional Jharkhandi Gamshas and Rajasthani Safaas. Chief Guest Mishra Sahib spoke briefly and expressing happiness to join the function to observe an important Day at the RCF. He duly recognized the positive role of All India SC and ST Railway Employees

Organisation in the functioning and success of RCF. My informal interaction with the hosts, Jit Singh, Ranjit Singh among others gave a constructive and pleasant feedback about the ability and helping approach of GM Mishra Sahib particularly with regard to his always positive respons in listening to his juniors and the supporting staff. As a disciplined diplomat, I went prepared to speak on the occasion, as expected. But the friendly and informal scenario at the function motivated me to deviate from the Talking Notes of my speech. While appreciating the cultural inputs of the local talent, I shared a poetic assertion of Allma Iqbal –

Kuch Baat Hai Ki Hasti Mitti Nahin Hamari

Sadion Raha Hai Dushman Daure Jahan Hamra

I attach herewith as an appendix my Speaking Notes for perusal of my discerning readers. In some of my off the cuff remarks, I said that the tribal icon, Birsa Munda was a hero of the national struggle for freedom and not only a champion of

nature and environment. While recognizing the good and positive role of Mahatma Gandhi and the current agenda of Samrasta of RSS with regard to integrate dalits with the mainstream of the society, I added that more was needed to be done shedding the restraints and constraints of Manuwadi Varan Vivasta and recited yet another Urdu couplet –

Masjid To Baba Di Sab Bhar Mein; Imaan Ki Hararat Walon Ne

Dil Apna Purana Papi Hai Barson Se Namazi Ho Na Saka.

All said and done, it was a wonderful evening which I thoroughly enjoyed in good company and excellent hospitality – home cooked tribal dishes for a good dinner.

With a view to give an over-view of RCF, I quote here some excerpts from the website of RCF for the benefit of my readers -

“RCF is a coach manufacturing unit of Indian Railways established in 1985. The factory is located at a distance of 7 kms. from the historical city of Kapurthala. The integrated township is very well planned and boasts of lush green surroundings. It is considered one of the best residential complexes in the country. RCF is a self-contained unit with its own shopping complex, six schools, banks with ATM facilities and a 76 bedded hospital. Apart from this RCF colony has a beautiful lake complex, a large sports stadium, an 18-hole golf course, Cricket Stadium, synthetic lawn-tennis courts, Astroturf Hockey Stadium, international size swimming pool, skating rink and other sports facilities. RCF has already carved a niche in the industrial scenario of the country at large and Indian Railways, in particular. After turning out its first coach in March 1988, RCF has moved on to become the largest and most modern coach manufacturing unit of Indian Railways. At present more than 46,000 RCF built coaches are traversing the length and breadth of our nation. Every year RCF is adding more than 1500 coaches to this fleet, which includes AC and Non-AC coaches for Broad Gauge. RCF is equipped with a state-of-the art CAD center and CNC machines to undertake design and manufacture of bogies, shells, FRP interiors as per customer requirement.”

On my reporting back to my family, my children and grandchildren were much impressed and wished to visit RCF as a study tour and sightseeing in the coming weeks. I would avail of the generosity of GM Mishra Sahib and others in this regard, in due course.

Appendix –

 International Day of the Word Indigenous People – August 9

·      Thanks - GM of RCF S.S. Mishra, Organizers and hosts – Engineer Jit Singh and others

·      Today we are gathered here to observe and celebrate an important slot on the calendar of the UN and the world at large – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

·      It is observed to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population. This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.

·      December 23rd, 1994 was the day when United Nations General Assembly decided, in its resolution that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People shall be observed on 9 August every year.

·      The theme for World Indigenous Day 2025 is "Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures." This theme highlights the critical need to ensure Indigenous Peoples' rights are protected through the emerging scientific and technological tools like the Artificial Technology.

·      We need indigenous communities for a better world.

·      There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 6 per cent of the world's population, but account for at least 15 per cent of the poorest.

·      The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.

·      Indigenous Peoples in India - In India, there are 705 ethnic groups officially recognized as "Scheduled Tribes". In central India, the Scheduled Tribes are usually referred to as Adivasis, which literally means Indigenous Peoples. India has several laws and constitutional provisions, such as the Fifth Schedule for Central India and the Sixth List for certain areas of northeastern India that recognize the rights of Indigenous Peoples to land and self-government, but their implementation is far from being satisfactory. Indigenous Peoples in India comprise an estimated population of 104 million or 8.6% of the national population.

·      The largest concentrations of Indigenous Peoples are found in the seven northeastern states of India, and the so-called "central tribal belt" that stretches from Rajasthan to West Bengal.

·      We are yet to give due space and weightage to Adivasis and Moolnivasis – in spite of the fact that the first citizen of India, President Droupdi Murmu is an Adivasi herself. Many tribal young men and women excelled in sports and other disciplines.

·      India’s rich cultural diversity is largely shaped by its tribal communities, who have played a crucial role in the nation’s history and development. Every year on November 15th, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated to honor the contributions of these communities, especially in India’s freedom struggle. The day marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a tribal leader and freedom fighter.

·       Several prominent tribal leaders played crucial roles in India's freedom struggle against British rule. Birsa Munda, Rani Gaidinliu, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Sidhu & Kanhu Murmu are among the most well-known figures who led movements to protect tribal rights and land, and to resist colonial oppression. 

·      Several Indian poets have focused on Adivasi (Indigenous) and Mulnivasi (original inhabitants) communities and their culture. Mahadev Toppo, Maroona Murmu, and Jacinta Kerketta are prominent examples. 

·      Main challenges for Indigenous groups in India - While India doesn't have a specific "Indigenous Day" like some other countries, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's work is deeply relevant to the rights and empowerment of Scheduled Tribes (STs). Ambedkar advocated for the social, economic, and political upliftment of STs, ensuring they were included in the constitutional framework and protected from discrimination. 

·      Ambedkar's Contributions to ST Empowerment - Constitutional Safeguards -Legal Protection -Affirmative Action -Awareness and Advocacy - Indigenous Recognition

·      Mahatma Gandhi's views on indigenous peoples, particularly in India, were complex. He saw them as integral to India, "the original inhabitants of the land". However, his approach focused on integrating them into the broader society, sometimes through the "Varna Ashram" system, which has been criticized for potentially undermining their unique cultures. 

·      Role of RSS and other organizations – Conversation to Christianity. Communal scenario in North East, Manipur etc.

·      According to Justice Markandey Katju - Who were the original inhabitants of India? At one time it was believed that the Dravidians were the original inhabitants. However, this view has been considerably modified subsequently, and now the generally accepted belief is that the original inhabitants of India were the pre-Dravidian aborigines i.e. the ancestors of the present tribals or adivasis (Scheduled Tribes).

·      As the great Urdu poet Firaq Gorakhpuri wrote:

“Sar zamin-e-hind par aqwaam-e-alam ke firaq
Kafile guzarte gae Hindustan banta gaya”

 

 “In the land of Hind, the caravans of the peoples of the world kept coming in and India kept getting formed”.

 

Thanks once again.