Protest against
Demolition of Guru Ravidass Mandir at Tughlakabad – An Open Letter to the
Followers of Guru Ravidass Abroad.
Dear Followers of Guru Ravidass living abroad,
I am sorry that I could not write it before. The immediate
reason of writing this is that PM Narendra Modi is currently visiting France
and will also visit UAE and Baharain in conjunction with the visit. I read in
the social media that the followers of Guru Ravidass intend to register their
protest against the demolition of Guru Ravidass Mandir at Tughlakabad in Delhi.
It their democratic right to do so in an orderly fashion and peacefully in
consultation with the local authorities, if the mode of the protest is public.
If they intend to register their protest through the diplomatic or consular
mission of India, they can do so too in liaison and consultation with the
concerned Mission. In fact, there are reports that at many places the followers
of Guru Ravidass abroad have already given vent to their pent up feelings and
rightly so.
I am writing this as a word of caution and advice and also
the procedure to be followed in this regard as one of your fellow followers of
Guru Ravidass with a rich experience as a career diplomat. We are to uphold the
dignity and name of our country while earning our bread and butter abroad as
responsible citizens and followers of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar. At
the same time, you have the right to express your mind in a disciplined and
democratic way on issues of concern and interest. My advice in this regard is
that you should approach the concerned Indian Mission, preferably through one
of your organizations /Associations etc. , and make a request for an audience/meeting
with the PM to register your protest or say your mind. The Indian Mission in
consultation with the concerned, say MEA/PMO, would fix the requested meeting
either with PM or his nominated Minister or high official accompanying the PM.
You can register your protest/point either verbally or in writing as
appropriate. With a view to get public on the action taken in this regard, you
can even go to public media either through a suitable Press Release or through
social media. Your point of view or grievance will reach the dignitary and
other concerned. If you fail to get cooperation or support of the India
Mission, which is unlikely if I go by my own experience, you can think of other
peaceful and constitutional means in consultation with the local law and order
authorities. Nobody should stop you from exercising your democratic right,
least the Indian authorities. We should have faith in our system.
I am sorry to take your time on this routine matter. I have
done so purposely as quite often I get reports and complaints from our people
abroad that nobody listens to us in the Indian Embassy or nobody came out to
meet us when we were demonstrating outside. I tell them the procedure to
follow. I am confident that Indian Missions will listen to them and help them
in conveying their point of view and complaints to the concerned. Going to the
road to register your protest or complaint without informing the concerned
Indian Mission and the local authorities is not only undesirable but also
ill-advised. At these public protests and demonstrations, one should be
peaceful and cultured. Please don’t resort to provocative and derogatory
slogans. The vested interests sitting on the fence are all too eager to exploit
the situation and fire the shot from your shoulder. Be careful and behave like
good Indians as worthy followers of the great Guru Ravidass and the greatest
leader in the contemporary times, Babasaheb Ambedkar.
With regards and all the best wishes for your further success
and prosperity.
One of your own,
(Ramesh Chander)
Ambassador – IFS
(Retired)
Telephone: 9988510940
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