The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 17

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 17

Punjab Government Action on Hind Samachar Group of Jalandhar – The news of Punjab Government’s action on the Hind Samachar Group of Publications – Punjab Kesari and Jagbani daily newspapers - is currently engaging the public attention in Punjab and beyond. And rightly so as these newspapers have, over the decades, have become staple diet of information and news menu of the public at large in the region. I myself stand for a free and fair media on one

hand and unbridled functioning of the media organs on the other. Obviously, any action on the media by the authorities and political powers on flimsy procedural and logistical grounds should not be permissible. I am confident that the standoff between the media and the government will be called off at the earliest as the matter is already in the court. The Hind Samachar Group and the other media houses of Jalandhar namely; The Veer Partap, The Milap, The Ajit, The Nawan Zamana enjoyed considerable standing not only  Punjab but also the entire North India. Before moving to Delhi in early 1970s for joining the IFS, I grew up in my formative years in Jalandhar by reading Hind Samachar, Punjab Kesari, Jagbani of the celebrated hierarchy of the legendary Lala Jagat Narain, Ramesh Chandra and currently Vijay Chopra, Ashwini Chopra and Avinash Chopra and satiating my hunger of news and information. As of today also Punjab Kesari Hindi and Jagbani Punjabi is a house hold name in Punjab and beyond. A free and fair media is an important pillar called the Fourth Estate of democracy. I wish the Hind Samchar Group all the best wishes in the years to come.

Meri adda ko dabana to khair mumkin hai;

Magar nai awam ki awaj kaum rokega.

 

Bhim Raj Garg – On introduction by our mutual friend, Prem Chumber, Editor-in- Chief of the Ambedkar Times and Desh Doaba and also of Desh Doaba TV Channel of California (USA), Bhim Raj Garg of Chandigarh dropped in and met me at my residence in Jalandhar. It was a rewarding meeting in the chilly morning over a hot cup of black coffee. I found Garg Sahib, 75, a remarkable personality with considerable assets of head and heart particularly

with regard to culture and arts pertaining to Bollywood and Pollywood. No wonder by now, the Punjabi film industry has come a long way to match any of its counterparts in other languages. It has arrived, perhaps, but yet to reach. It would certainly reach given the dedication and contribution of personalities like Bhim Raj Garg. I could notice that Garg Sahib was, apart from his first love of cinema, was interested in matters of interest and concern to the society particularly with reference to the weaker sections. Given my own interest in such matters, we discussed matters of interest and gifted him my latest book; Bootan Mandi- Nerve Centre of Dait Chetna. Later, I saw his interaction at Ambedkar Bhawan in the social media and an interview with Tarsem Badhan of Desh Doaba TV. Incidentally Tarsem Badhan has also been deeply associated with the film industry in yester-years. On further perusal of Bhim Raj Garg’s profile, I was really impressed by his credentials as an intellectual face of cinema and related media as a film historian and content writer. Many research papers and media talks adorn his profile as a positive and educative contribution to his chosen field of intellectual engagement. Garg Sahib is the author of a seminal work; The Illustrated History of Punjabi Cinema among many more publications. With his professional career as a Banker with Reserve Bank for bread brother, he is engaged with the cultural and educative pursuits with zeal. I take this opportunity to wish Bhim Raj Garg all the very best in the years to come.

Abi Uddan Baki Hai; Kai Ashman Baki Hain

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 16

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 16

I was quite regular in writing my blogs but this winter slowed me. It was cold, of course but I felt that age was taking its toll; I turned 75 in December, 2025. Nonetheless, I am back on my feet and thought of picking up the threads to continue with my usual pastime.

Erase caste from mind to end discrimination: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat – Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the all-powerful socio-cultural outfit of not only India but of the world at large said this while addressing a RSS centenary function at Kolkata, as reported in the media. He said that caste discrimination could be eliminated from social practice only if caste was first erased from the mind. It is a very lofty idea; very attractive at its face value. But how

it could happen is a big question mark? It has to be answered in sincerity, if we want to unite the Hindus and take India on rails in its tryst with the journey to become ‘Vishwaguru’ which was also referred to by Mohan Bhagwat Sahib in the same speech. I am reminded of an English saying, ‘one cannot have the cake and eat it too’ – RSS intends to, to my mind, retain the status quo of ‘Manuwad’ and still talks of erasing  caste from the mind. Though I am a votary of RSS concept of ‘Samrasta’ yet I wonder how caste can be erased from the mind, if we continue to practice Manusmriti and Tulsi Ramayan among others which clearly stand for ‘graded inequality and caste based discrimination’. It amounts to creating confusion willfully which is dangerous and must stop. As I mentioned earlier in my blogs as to what RSS must immediately do is – one encourage inter-caste marriages with ‘Dalit Eligibles’ and second, reserved 50% jobs and positions of ‘Dhramacharya’ – Hindu Priests for Dalits after teaching and training them suitably. Only then caste could be erased from the mind in the coming 50 years or so. Otherwise, it is all camouflage.

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

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

 

Unbecoming conduct of the President of a great country; USA – The idiosyncrasies of the President of the USA, Donald Trump gas crossed all limits which may safely be termed as an ‘unbecoming conduct’ of a leader of the stature of the President of a great country. Right from the beginning of his second term about a year ago, he unleashed his ideas which defy all logic and settled principles of international interaction. The most surprising aspect of all this is that the US public which professes to be democratic and humane is

watching this high voltage drama of their President. Trump desired to accommodate Canada as 51st State of the USA apart from absorbing Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, in one way or the other. Unleashed ‘tariff terror’ on countries supposed to USA’s strategic partners like India among others. He commanded that Nobel Prize for Peace should be conferred on him. Following the Indian saying ‘Maan Na Maan Main Tera Mehman’, repeatedly and unabashedly claimed that he stopped the nuclear standoff between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor of India against terrorism of Pakistan. Defying all cannons of diplomacy, attacked Iran and now again threatening Iran of regime change after his uncalled for and dangerous conduct in Venezuela, oil rich neighbor in Latin America. There are many other instances which may be listed to accuse President Trump for willfully defying the international order and also the UN Charter. It is for certain now that the UN has totally outlived its utility and relevance. New structures matching the changed ground realities to monitor and guide the international order are needed; the sooner the better before any other Trump stands up. Before that happens, individual and collective response to President Trump is needed. Rich and developed countries of Europe and Pacific (Australia) and beyond (Canada) along with big and strong countries like Russia, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, Mexico, Turkey (Turkiye)  should stand to oppose President Trump and his Administration.  Regional blocs like Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, Caribbea; inter alia should get united to oppose the nefarious agenda of the self-proclaimed cop of the world. Unfair and discriminatory tariffs should be met with reciprocity. Let the US money and material rest in their own country. We are no more interested in going to the moon but live on this earth with dignity and respect. The ongoing united action and response of Middle East in the case of Iran and Europe in case of case of Greenland has sent a strong message to President Trump, I believe. More needs to be done in the coming days and weeks and years in the long run to bring about peace and prosperity in the world at large. In the emerging situation, my thoughts go to the ‘Gandhian Thought’ on grass root democracy and economic development rather than running after the much flaunted so called modern socio-economic dispensations. 

'ज़फ़र' आदमी उस को न जानिएगा वो हो कैसा ही साहब-ए-फ़हम-ओ-ज़का

जिसे ऐश में याद-ए-ख़ुदा न रही जिसे तैश में ख़ौफ़-ए-ख़ुदा न रहा

 

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 15

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 15

Naman to PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee – Today, December 25, is the birthday of the Statesman PM of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I thought of remembering the great leader in my blog as Naman to the worthy leader with whom I have had the good fortune to work and interact during my diplomatic service. Beyond his qualities of head and heart, I was most impressed by his unpretentious demeanour and

sense of simplicity. My first encounter with Vajpayee Sahib happened in April, 1977 when I escorted him to the Conference Room of the PMO for the first meeting of the Morarji Deai Government as Protocol Officer in PMO/MEA.  My immediate boss, Vimla Sindhi popularly called Behanji, a longtime aide of Nehru/Gandhi family, was known to Vajpayee Sahib. She received him outside the Conference Room and said Sir, shall I salute you with Pranaam or Namskar to register her earlier acquaintances. Vajpayee in his charming response said that ‘Kuch bhi kaho; ashiya hum sab jaante hain’ (You may utter anything, I understand the subtle gesture). Later, I met Vajpayee Sahib, in Peking (Beijing) in China when he visited in 1978-79 as EAM. He came to the Embassy to meet the staff over Tea and Snacks. I was looking after the hospitality part of the function. Offering some Pakoras to him, I said, ‘Sir Garam Garam lijiye’ (Please have some hot ones). He touched the Pakoras and spontaneously retorted ‘Agar yeh garam hai hai to thanda kya hota hai’ (If that was hot then what was cold). We all smiled and took the subtle wit in our stride. I have many more anecdotes to narrate which show his ground to earth wit and wisdom to put juniors like me at ease. I will share those at some other opportunity.PM Vajpayee was a not only a Statesman but also a great human being. Naman to one of my favourite PMs of India, Atal Bihar Vajpayee

Uthaye Kuch Waraq Lale Ne, Kuch Nargis Ne, Kuch Gul Ne
Chaman Mein Har Taraf Bikhri Huwi Hai Dastan Meri
(Some leaves were picked up by the tulip, some by the narcissus, some by the rose
My story is scattered around everywhere in the garden)

Upward Social Mobility – Incidentally, of late, I noticed some trends in the social circles of the marginalized sections of the society generally called Dalits which may be termed as gratifying but on the other hand somewhat worrying to the extent of undesirable. I thought of sharing here my off the cuff thoughts on the emerging social scenario without caring for the fact as to what worth these may carry.

If I go by the social media, it has become normal for the Dalit youth to assert their Dalit Identity – Chamaran, Balmikian Te Mazhvian De Munde – Sons of Chamars, Balmikis and Mazhvi Sikhs in exact retaliation of the so called Jat Pride often repeated by the rustic but well to do Sikhs. My immediate motivation to write on this emanated from some social functions like marriage or any other celebratory occasion and also visible power paraphernalia being subscribed by the spiritual leaders and Deras of the community. On one hand, I feel that the marginalized segments of the society are passing through a phase of ‘Identity Crises’ and on the other a sense ‘empowerment’ coming about slowly but steadily. Of late, it has been observed that marriages and other celebratory occasions are celebrated with much fan fair and show off with elaborated menus for lunches and dinners served with premier scotch whiskies on the beats of dance and songs. Even the Bhog (Antim Ardas) ceremonies on deaths are done with elaborated menus of food. I have observed, during my decades long career in diplomacy when I saw different societies and cultures, that when society opens up with empowerment and economic prosperity and also from the clutches of the ideological governance; vices crept in first before it gets moderated.  The community that is the so called Dalits should not be oblivious of the negative fallout of the ‘upward social mobility’ and try to understand the virtues of balance and sobriety.

Nazren Chahe Aasmaan Per Hon

Magar Paon Zamin Per Rakhiye

 

My Fellow BootanMandian – Ustad Puran Shahkoti

My Fellow BootanMandian – Ustad Puran Shahkoti

Ustad Puran Shah Koti, a legendry Sufi and Folk singer, composer and musician passed away on December 22 at the age of 72. I write this to pay my Naman and Tributes to the Ustad as my fellow BootanMandian. Many people may not know his association and living in the Shanties (Jhuggies) of Marasis (Mirs of the composite culture of Punjab) of Bootan Mandi in Jalandhar, my native place. I vividly recall his father Nanju Ram and Puran visiting houses in the neighbourhood singing folk and Sufi songs and regaling, by the art of Naklan (light hearted narration to make people laugh), the residents around on occasions of ceremony like marriages, birth and other such
celebrations. The then Seths of Bootan Mandi in 1960s would make them sit and enjoy their impromptu songs. Puran Shahkoti became Ustad of Song and Music from this humble origin. It should be a matter of pride not for us, the BootanMandians but also the entire community.  But I am sorry to say that the so called Seths of Bootan Mandi never recognized this ground reality and consciously or sub-consciously refused to own Ustad Puran Shahkoti and Bibi Nooran, yet another Ruby (Hira) of Sufi tradition who also belonged to my native place, Bootan Mandi. The reason is obvious; the graded social inequality against which we shout daily from the roof tops. We shall ponder upon this to set the matter in its right perspective. Before writing this tribute to Ustad Puran Shahkoti, with a view to be correct, I checked he facts from my brother, Paramjit Mahey as he has been involved in the socio-cultural life of Bootan Mandi closely. I wrote about Puran Shah Koti and Bibi Nooran in my blogs earlier too which mat accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2015/11/bootan-mandi-its-artistic-heritage.html

As regards the huge contribution of Ustad Puran Shahkoti to the rich legacy of song and music of Punjab and beyond, I don’t have much to write as I am no expert on the subject. Ustad called himself a ‘nomadic singer’. The renowned singers of Punjab like Hans Raj Hans, Jasbir Jassi and the scion of Puran Shahkoti’s family, Master Salim proudly say and own Puran Shahkoti as their Ustad and Guru and rightly so. It is a matter of satisfaction that the authorities of the time; including Giani Zail Singh among others duly recognized and honoured Ustad Puran Singh and provided them dignified living from the Shanties to Houses in the peripheral localities. Later Ustad Puran Shahkoti was conferred with Padam Shri, one of the highest civilian awards of India by the Mahamahim, President of India some years ago. I close this obituary blog with the Gurvani of Guru Ravidass – Nichon Unch Kare Mera Gobind; Kahu Te Na Dare.

Badi Muskil Se Hota Hai Chaman Mein Didawar Paida

National Conference – Changing Scenario of Punjab due Emigration: Socio-Economic and Cultural perspectives

 

National Conference – Changing Scenario of Punjab due Emigration: Socio-Economic and Cultural perspectives

Institute of Inclusive Policy and Governance (IIPG) associated with Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini hosted a National Conference on Changing Scenario of Punjab due Emigration: Socio-Economic and Cultural perspectives on December 18 at Jalandhar. IIPG is a Think Tank, subscribing to the educational agenda of RSS, to undertake study and research of matters of interest and concern to the country and the society at large particularly with regard to socio-economic and cultural issues. The Conference on Emigration from

Punjab was one such activity after successful conduct of Discussion on Punjab’s Agriculture Draft Policy, 2023 – Inclusive Agriculture Policy Reforms in Punjab: Pathways to Growth, Equity and Sustainability and Punjab’s Health Transformation: From Grain Bowl to Nutritional Bowl for Holistic Well-being.  The printed reports on these two events were formally released at the December 18 function.

It fell on me to be the Chief Guest and Key Note Speaker at the Conference on Emigration from Punjab, an important and topical subject to the socio-economic development of Punjab and  national defense and security matters being a border State with our known bête noire, Pakistan. It was gratifying to note that it was a well arranged one-day function in which cross sections of the

intelligential participated not only as speakers and presenters but also a highly discerning and quality audience. The inaugural session was fully educative, informative and thought provoking.  Dr. Manish Jangid, Coordinating Dirctor of IIPG in his opening remarks mentioned about the purpose and expected outcome of the Conference. Chairman of IIPG, Advocate Baljinder Thakur welcomed the speakers and the audience for gracing the occasion. Thanking the hosts, BJP Leader, Avinash Khanna appreciated the IIPG’s initiative in picking up matters of interest and concern to Punjab and the country and touched upon his own contribution to the issues pertaining to emigration and related matters as an MP. Senior

Journalist and Chief Editor of the Metro Encounter, Rakesh Shantidoot gave an overview of the issue of emigration from Punjab and said it required an urgent and immediate attention as it has direct implications for the development and progress of Punjab. Executive Editor of the Ajit and a renowned columnist, Satnam Manak in his thought provoking remarks touched the historical background of Emigration from Punjab and referring to the current situation said that emigration from Punjab not only had socio-economic implications but also for the defense and security of the country being a border State. Dr. Sonia Chawla an Academic at the Jalandhar NIT touched and rightly so the educative and academic aspect of the issue of emigration and said that with a view to prepare or youth for entering life with all knowledge and know-how we had appropriately incorporated relevant inputs in the syllabus and

curriculum. Taking cue from the eminent speakers who, almost all of them, expressed their worry and concern on the emigration from Punjab in view of its adverse implications not only on the economy but also on the social fabric of the society, I deviated a bit in my Key Note address and said that emigration may not be seen as a problem but as an opportunity. The need of the hour was to streamline the procedure and control the negative fallout both by way of policy framework by the GOI and the State Government and socio-cultural reforms with matching education and training. Punjabi diaspora has been very alive and responsive traditionally and historically for centuries and it has enough sense of belong to their roots in Punjab fully dedicated to the socio-spiritual and socio-economic ethos of the great Gurus. I concluded my remarks with some real life anecdotes as a diplomat by touching the theme - “Emigration from Punjab: Policy Challenges, Gaps and Strategic Interventions.” IIPG Research Scholar, Kuljeet Kaur moderated the session skillfully and professionally.

 

The proceeded with following sessions aptly steered by yet other Research Scholars, Charu Gumber and Dr. Bharti of IIPG. Prominent opinion makers, retired bureaucrats, NRIs, entrepreneurs, intellectuals and academics like Retired IPS Kulwant Singh Heer, NRI Sat Paul of BRHF of UK, Dr. Tabish Hashmi of LPU, Udai
Sood of Pathway Global Alliance, Dr. Suman Preet of Punjabi University Patiala among others spoke on the various aspects of the issue at hand; emigration from Punjab. With a good and pragmatic approach to discuss the matter and listen to the actual players on the ground that is Educational, Travel and Employment Constants called Agents in general parlance were involved in the Conference thoughtfully. They;

Dhiraj Jaswal, Ajay Goel, Sukant Trivedi among others spoke and set the matter in its right perspective with regard to role of such Consultancy outfits as when in trouble both the affected people and the concerned authorities tries to pass the bulk on the so called Agents. The Conference, a good and productive activity, concluded with the concluding remarks of BJP politician and community activist, Rajesh Bagha and Vote of Thanks by Vice President of IIPG, Subodh Verma.

 

Being the Chief Guest and the Key Note Speaker, I decided to sit throughout the Conference. I was again invited to make my remarks, as reward or punishment (most of the speakers tend to leave after their delivery) and I congratulated the IIPG for doing a good job with

regard to topical issue of Emigration from Punjab. The deliberations at the Conference would certainly help in making sound and pragmatic policy in this regard. Just to lift the mood and remind ourselves of the need to transform India to ‘Vikshit Bharat’ I recited a stanza from Allma Iqbal’s poetry:

 

Aa, Ghairiat Ke Parde Ek Baar Phir Utha Dain
Bichron Ko Phir Mila Dain, Naqsh-e-Dooi Mita Dain

(Come, let us lift suspicion’s thick curtains once again,
Unite once more the sundered, wipe clean division’s stain)

 

Sooni Pari Huwi Hai Muddat Se Dil Ki Basti
Aa, Ek Naya Shiwala Iss Dais Mein Bana Dain

(Too long has lain deserted the heart’s warm habitation—
Come, build here in our homeland a new Shivalya)

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 14

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 14

"Hindutva is the soul of India," RSS” -

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale described the concept of Hindutva as the "Soul of Bharat" and said religious conversions can be checked through public awareness, social harmony and strict enforcement of laws, while, speaking in Indore on November 30. It has provoked me to write briefly on the subject; both the issues of Hindu Raj and
Conversion. First, the Hindu Raj – I presume that the RSS leader’s assertions that ‘Hindutva is the soul of India’ is fallacious, if we go by the stipulations of the Constitution of India which terms India that is Bharat a ‘Secular State’ in the Preamble of the Constitution itself. Let us not confuse the people of India by saying things which has no relevance, if we intend to keep India united and secure. There is no other way. What Babasaheb Ambedkar said even before our independence in 1947 is still relevant? He wrote in his book Thoughts on Pakistan,  “If Hindu Raj does become a fact, it will, no doubt, be the greatest calamity for this country. Hinduism is a menace to liberty, equality and fraternity. On that account it is incompatible with democracy. Hindu Raj must be prevented at any cost.”  He was against majoritarianism, which in the Indian context meant unbridled rule of the majority community. We need to take along the minority communities including Dalits on our journey to make India ‘Vikshit Bharat’ as visualized by PM Narendra Modi. Second, Conversion – Hosabole Sahib proposed ‘public awareness campaigns ("Dharm Jagaran"), social harmony initiatives, and stringent enforcement of anti-conversion laws as measures to stop conversions that have "wrong" intentions.’ Yes, conversion with wrong intensions is bad and we need to take social harmony initiatives to integrate the socially weaker sections with the main steam of the society. There cannot be two opinions on this. But do we do enough in this regard? The answer to this is a big NO, to my mind. RSS needs to come out of the lip service and take on the caste system head on. No one wants to change ones religion for the heck of it. One tends to remain what one gets by birth. There is a need to

have inner introspection first and transform the Hindu society to meet the challenges of the years to come. The conversions would automatically stop, to my mind. Let me add that I told this frankly to Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat Sahib in my meetings with him a couple of years ago at Jalandhar and Nagpur. I can’t say that he agreed with me or no but subsequently he honored me with an invitation to be a Guest of Honour at one f the annual rituals at the Headquarters of RSS at Nagpur which I accepted with pleasure. I thank Sarsanghchalak of RSS, Mohan Bhagwat ji for his magnanimity. I am a Hindu by birth and would remain so in spite of many counter thoughts to contend with.

Zara Dekh Uss Ko Jo Kuch Ho Raha Hai, Hone Wala Hai
Dhara Kya Hai Bhala Ehd-e-Kuhan Ki Dastnon Mein

(Pay attention to what is happening and what is going to happen
What good there is in repeating the tales of the old glories?)

Musings - Ambedkar and India’s National Life – Just off the calf it came to mind as how, of late, Babasaheb Ambedkar has stolen the thunder in every important national occasion throughout every successive year; be it PM’s address to the nation from the ramparts of Lal Kila (Red Fort) in August on Independence Day, Diksha Diwas (Embracing of Buddhism) in October, Constitution Day in November, Babasaheb’s Mahapartniban Diwas (Death anniversary in December), Mahamahim Presidents address to the nation on

Republic Day in January, Babasaheb’s Birthday in April, Buddhapurnima in May, inter alia, many more such events. It only shows that how much space Babasaheb Ambedkar and his legacy is occupying in the national life of India and rightly so. India is bound to become ‘Vikshit Bharat’ in the years to come if ‘We the people of India’ adhere to the sage and visionary thinking of the icon and also to the constitutional frame work provided by our forefathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar. A cursory look at some of my engagements on December 6, Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Babasaheb Ambedkar would further justify what I have said – Invitation to Parliament House for Floral Tributes, Participation in the Panel Discussion on Jalandhar Doordarshan, Invitation to the Sardhanjali function at Jalandhar Ambedkar Bhawan. With these musings, I bow in Naman to one of the greatest sons of India.

Badi Mushkil Se Hota Hai Chaman Mein Didwar Paida

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks and Congratulations to GOI – Recognizing the importance of the Constitution Day

 

Thanks and Congratulations to GOI – Recognizing the importance of the Constitution Day

I again write today with regard to the Constitution Day though I wrote day before yesterday on the subject which may be excessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2025/11/constitution-day-november-26.html

I write this with a sense of gratitude to give thanks and congratulate the GOI under the stewardship of PM Narendra Modi for celebrating and observing the Constitution Day with all solemnity and dedication it deserved as our other National Days. My immediate motivation arose from the Social Media reports on all of our diplomatic missions
and posts throughout the world observing the Constitution Day in a befitting manner. It was also a matter of gratification that a statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Father of the Indian Constitution, was also unveiled at the UNESCO Headquarter in Paris (France). I will be

failing in my duty, if I don’t thank the MEA and EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar for taking right initiatives in this regard which would help in promoting India’s Cultural and Soft Diplomacy in the world at large. Though India’s main stream media has duly covered the official functions to observe the Day in which our top leadership including Mahamahim President of India, Vice President, PM, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, CJI, LOPs in the Parliament among others participated in the solemn functions at the Savidhan Bhawan (Parliament House) and Supreme Court of India yet I regret to add the main stream media tended to ignore the events in small and big
towns in the country and abroad, if my cursory observations are correct. On the other hand, it is again a matter of satisfaction, ever since GOI formally started to observe the Constitution Day in 2015; the Constitution Day has attracted the attention of the masses, if I simply go by the Social Media reports on the functions and events throughout India and beyond. It is a good sign as constitutional awareness and knowledge is bound to add to our efforts to strengthen our democratic and secular credentials which are the very edifice of India that is Bharat – Constitutional Governance with Constitutional Morality to make India a Vikshit Bharat in the years to come. I am

confident these developments to keep the Constitution of India at a high pedestal would send a right message to the vested and negative forces within the country that tend to undermine and negate the Constitutional framework of India so laboriously given to us by our forefathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar. I participated in an event to observe the Constitution Day at a befitting function at Jalandhar Ambedkar Bhawan to join my fellow countrymen.

With this I come to another issue which requires immediate attention of PM Narendra Modi and EAM S. Jaishankar; April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as the International Day of Equality under the aegis of UN. It is high time to open the cup-boards of MEA and PMO and consider this proposal which is resting with the GOI since June, 2015. I have been writing and reminding on the subject

regularly but so far GOI is blissfully silent. Many cities and provinces in the USA, Canada, the UK among others have, taking cue from the proposal on International Day of Equality with the help of outfits of Indian diaspora, have proclaimed April 14, birthday of the greatest son of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar, as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality locally.  I take this opportunity again to humbly remind the GOI to wake up and not only honour the Indian icon but also add yet another feather to the Cultural and Soft Diplomacy of India in line with the International Day of Non-violence - October 2, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and International Day of Yoga; Indian Mantra of physical and mental well-being. My last letter in this regard may be perused at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2025/08/international-day-of-equality-honouring.html

I recall a poetic assertion of Alama Iqbal to recognize the rising profile of Babasaheb Ambedkar in view of is increasing space globally –

Uthaye Kuch Waraq Lale Ne, Kuch Nargis Ne, Kuch Gul Ne
Chaman Mein Har Taraf Bikhri Huwi Hai Dastan Meri

(Some leaves were picked up by the tulip, some by the narcissus, some by the rose
My story is scattered around everywhere in the garden)

Urha Li Qumriyon Ne, Tootiyon Ne, Andleebon Ne
Chaman Walon Ne Mil Kar Loot Li Tarz-e-Faghan Meri

(The turtle‐doves, parrots, and nightingales pilfered away
The garden’s denizens jointly robbed away my plaintive way)