the bheem patrika

the bheem patrika is a weekly to which i got regular in my early days as an up coming young man in jalandhar. my parents intoduced me to the weekly, dediated to the dalit society and its affairs. i have no hesitation in saying that it was a good education for me. the editor, shri lahori ram balley, was a much respected community leader. he knew his job well. frankly, shri balley impressed me a lot as a good public speaker and a prolific writer. as and when there was a chance to listen to shri balley in the perpheri of about 10-12 kms, i tried my best to avail of that opportunity. then i moved to delhi and joined indian foreign service in a junior position and slowly, lost touch, particularly when i got posted abroad. but my interest and respect for the bheem patrika and its worthy editor remained.

now last week, i could click and browse the bheem patrika on line, hosted from canada, by the son of shri balley. i am happy. the contents and mission of the weekly has been retained, i think with some effort. the credit goes its able and experienced editor. i will continue my association with the bheem patrika. i knew that shri balley is a thought provoking writer and i am happy to learn that since then he has written a number of books and also translated a few which have been well receieved. i wish the paper and shri lahori ram balley all success in the years to come. let me finish with a couplet:

तू पहले बात फिर बात का अंदाज़ पैदा कर ;
ज़माने मैं फिर तुजे कोई नज़र अंदाज़ कर नहीं सकता .