The Bits and Pieces – As I Please

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please

I liked the caption ‘As I Please’ which was generally used by scholar diplomat, Natwar Singh, my favorite writer in his columns. I copied this style often in my blogs. With a view to beat the scorching heat of June which keeps me confined and glued to my computer in my modest study, I have decided to write a weekly blog on current topics of interest which appear in the media under the heading – The Bits and Pieces – As I Please. Here we start, please bear with me.

Hitherto Unknown attribute of Pakistan’s diplomacy and defense prowess – Former Media Advisor to PM Manmohan Singh, Sanjaya Baru in an article in the Tribune under the caption – Time to reassess, size up Pakistan has written and I quote. “The Print’s Swasti Rao, a European diplomat reminded Indians of the many strengths and capabilities of Pakistan’s air force. Apart from its hard power,

Pakistan has always enjoyed the soft power of its elite. In a highly feudal and unequal society, Pakistan’s elites continue to be groomed to interact with confidence and class with their Western interlocutors. India’s new middle class that now populates its politics and diplomacy is no match”.  These assessments by the elite of India tend to underline the defense and security strengths and capabilities of India on one side and our diplomatic take on the Pakistan’s behavior and action. Sanjaya Baru, in his own wisdom, has tried to compare and match the Pakistan’s feudal elite with the middle class of India. I am reminded of the appointment of many high-ups from the Princely States as Ambassadors and High Commissioners by PM Jawaharlal Nehru immediately after our independence in 1947 and in the run up to establish IFS to make and execute diplomacy of India. There is no need of any elite to man our diplomacy as they aid to do in Pakistan. Our middle class diplomats and our diplomatic establishment are fully capable to act and deliver. Frankly speaking, there was no need to send, to my mind, even the much hyped parliamentary delegations to tell and explain our take on the Pakistan’s terror. It should have been left to our diplomats to handle the matter as they are fully competent and able to do and deliver. It could have saved us from the unnecessary and avoidable controversies in India and also saved the public money in the larger interests of the country.

Yet another attribute in the India-US Relations – The cat is out of the bag. The more we talk of the change the things remain the same – from Richard Nixon of 1971 to Donald Trump of 2025. General    has applied salt to the proverbial wounds inflicted by President Trump in his assertions on the question of halting of military actions in the recent skirmishes between India and Pakistan. General Michael Kurilla testifying before a parliamentary committee in Washington termed Pakistan a ‘phenomenal partner’ in counter terrorism and argued in favour of strengthening ties with both India and Pakistan. President trump’s statement equated India with Pakistan and described both Modi and Sharif as "very powerful leaders, very strong leaders, good leaders, smart leaders" and registered his role in the so called ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Earlier President Trump now the Military Brass of the US has equated and hyphenated Pakistan with India. Where do we stand? Let us not waste our time and energy on emotional gestures of ‘Firm handshakes and embraces – Jaffyia Baffian’. At the end of the day no lunch is free in diplomacy. We need to be on our own. There is no other way out. We are to fight our own battle

Chupa Kar Asteen Mein Bijliyan Rakhi Hain Gardoon Ne
Anadil Bagh Ke Ghafil Na Baithen Ashiyon Mein

The sky has kept thunderbolts concealed up its sleeve
Garden’s nightingales should not slumber in their nests

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

Desecration of Ambedkar Statues – Civil Response

 

Desecration of Ambedkar Statues – Civil Response

Babasaheb Ambedkar is a phenomenon which is both easy and hard to understand with the changing political and socio-cultural landscape of the country. On one hand more and more statues/busts/memorials of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar are coming up not only in India but also abroad. It is gratifying to know that many cities and provinces in the UK, the USA and Canada among others have proclaimed April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as Dr.
B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality. During the life time of Babasaheb Ambedkar neither the governments of the day and nor the socio-cultural outfits and their leaderships accepted and accommodated Babasaheb, one of the greatest sons of contemporary India. With the pleasant political fallout of the Constitution of India, thoughtfully made and adopted by our forefathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar himself, the political leadership started to understand the importance of the icon in 1970s onwards. Babu Kanshi Ram dragged Babasaheb Ambedkar from the academic and intellectual realm to the social grassroots of the country. By now Ambedkar has become a much sought after entity not only in the corridors of power but also a ‘not to be ignored’ personality in the socio-political circles of the country. The paradox of the emerging situation is that the upper crust of the caste-ridden society and their political outfits still, it seems, have their reservations in accepting Babasaheb Ambedkar and giving him the space he deserved. That is why I said that it is both easy and difficult to understand the iconic figure, Babasaheb Ambedkar.

My immediate provocation to write emanated from the current news about desecration of the statues of Ambedkar in Punjab. Though this kind of anti-social activities had been taking place in other parts of the country as the
empowerment of dalits, brought out by Babasaheb and the Constitution of India,  is not digestible easily by the Thekedars of the society suffering from Manuwadi thinking yet it is time to study and understand the reasons and motivations of vested interests like Pannus and others to execute their nefarious agenda against India that is Bharat under the guise and pretext of Ambedkar’ Constitution and shatter the social fabric of not only Punjab but beyond.

The recent events of desecration of statues of Ambedkar at various sites in both urban and rural areas of Punjab publically owned by the likes of Pannus and some extremists and separatists belonging to the Sikh community is increasingly becoming worrisome and matter of concern. It must be stopped and checked immediately both by the authorities and also by the socio-cultural outfits like SGPC, RSS, Dera Beas, Dera Ram Rahim Singh, Dera
Nirankar, inter alia and also the civil society at large. Unfortunately, what has been noticed so far is that only dalits and their socio-cultural outfits have been criticizing and challenging the anti-social and anti-national activities and agenda of the vested interests as if Babasaheb belonged to them alone and not to ‘We the people of India’. According to the media reports some dalit activists belonging to SAD (A) and Congress Party and also of BJP have joined the protests with regard to Nangal-Phillour desecration a few days ago.

The political parties who fall on each other to own Ambedkar and his legacy to attract vote banks and the civil society belonging to the so called Swarans (upper castes) should come out and challenge the anti-social and anti-national elements. It is needed not only to maintain the law and order at the affected areas but also to save the socio-political edifice of Bharat. Sitting on the fence and claim Babasaheb for selfish ends is not the answer. As regards the law abiding followers of Babasaheb they have made their resolve public and rightly so in the Punjabi folk lore which is getting viral – Jo Butt Babasaheb Da Todu; ohdian Lattan Todage; Jo Butt Ambedkar Da Todu Ohdian Bahvan Todange – Jo Butt Bhim Rao Da Todu Ohdi Dhaoun Marodange.

I conclude this off the cuff piece with a poetic assertion of Allama Iqbal for the benefit of the Thekedars of the society –

 मस्जिद तो बना दी शब भर में ईमान की हरकत वालों ने
मन अपना पुराना पापी है, बरसों में नमाजी बन ना सका

इकबाल बड़ा उपदेशक है, मन बातों में मोह लेता है
गुफ्तार का ये गाजी तो बना, किरदार का गाजी बन ना सका

In pursuance of the proposal on International Day of Equality

 

In pursuance of the proposal on International Day of Equality

Though I am not fond of too many rituals yet one ritual which I religiously do over the years since June, 2015 is reminding the GOI and other stake holders of the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as International Day of Equality. Keeping in line with the increasing stock of Ambedkar and his Thought, rightly so, the proposal has been taken seriously by the people of foreign countries and has declared the day as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality but GOI is still shying away and keeping quite due to reasons not understandable. Let it be and I do my bit in doing the ritual as usual. I last wrote on the subject in March, 2025 which may be seen at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2025/03/indias-soft-and-cultural-diplomacy.html

Having tried to cajole all the possible centers of powers who can and should help the matter, I thought of writing to the young blood of the NDA Government who, I understand, professes to be an Ambedkarite, Minister Chirag Paswan to fall in the shoes of his worthy father, Ram Vilas Paswan. Ram Vilas Paswan did many positive things to honour Babasaheb, to pay his debt of gratitude,

during his life time which, inter alia, include; Bharat Ratan to Babasaheb, Babasaheb’s statue at Parliament Complex and Holiday on Babasaheb birthday on April 14 among others. It is not a partisan issue. I solicit all round support to the proposal and urge the GOI spearheaded by PM Narendra Modi to understand the importance and sensitivity of the matter. There is writing on the walls of the Indian households which I can read clearly - Nobody can ignore Ambedkar for long.

I append below my humble letter of My 29, 2025 to Hon’ble Minister Chirag Paswan with copies to EAM, Dr. S. Jaishankar and Principal Secretary to PM, Shri P.K. Misra for the benefit of the people t large.

IK Tarze Tagafil Hai So Woh Unko Mubarak

IK Arze Tammana Hai Woh Hum Karte Rahange

 

Text of the letter dated May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Respected Minister Chirag Paswan Sahib,

Though I wrote to you earlier too with regard to the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN yet I don’t know whether you are aware of the matter or no. Since I find and appreciate you and your position that can carry forward the proposal to its logical conclusion being a competent and vocal leader of India who may understand the importance and desirability of the proposal pertaining to Babasaheb Ambedkar. By supporting the proposal you would not only be justifying your position and involvement in the empowerment of the marginalized sections of the society and their icon, Babasaheb but also be doing a bit in following the legacy of your worthy father, Ram Vilas Paswan, an ardent follower of Babasaheb Ambedkar, one of the biggest sons of contemporary India.

The proposal on International Day of Equality is resting with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015 when GOI decided to observe and celebrate the 125^th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar. It was duly acknowledged by the UNEP Division of MEA vide their letter date August , 2015, attached for ready reference. The proposal was taken by the Forum of SC MPs under the leadership of then Punjab Speaker, Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal to PM Narendra Modi in a Memorandum submitted through a delegation, of which your honourable father Ram Vilas Paswan was a member in November, 2015. Accordingly, for the first time, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, April 14, was celebrated at the UN in New York. Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal headed a specially assembled delegation to the celebrations in New York in April, 2016. He raised the matter for the consideration of the international community in his speech which was overwhelmingly supported and endorsed by the UN and other countries. On return Sardar Atwal wrote to PM Modi in May, 2016 and urged him and the GOI to make an official and diplomatic demarche to UN with regard to the proposal on International Day of Equality, attached for ready reference. Since then, I have been following up the matter religiously with the MEA/PMO and others including the high-ups in the BJP and RSS hierarchy. But nothing much has moved visibly except yet another acknowledgement from MEA in   September, 2024, attached for ready reference.

I may add that it is a matter of gratification to note that many states and cities in the USA, the UK, and Canada among others, supporting the proposal, have proclaimed April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as Day of Equality in their respective areas. It could be possible because of whole hearted support and persuasion of the Indian Diasporas and followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar throughout the world.  Why the GOI is blissfully silent on the proposal? It is difficult to understand.

All said and done and to cut the story short, it is my gut feeling that the proposal on International Day of Equality is hanging fire only because of political considerations. So far, I have tried my best to avoid making it an issue of political rivalry and slugfest. My basic arguments in favour of the proposal have been – empowerment of the marginalized sections of the society (dalits and women), strengthening of India’s Soft and Cultural diplomacy like the International Day of Yoga and International Day of Non-violence (October 2, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi) and realization of the lofty ideals of the UN in bring about an Equitable World Order.

Kindly look into these submissions and consider for taking an appropriate view and take up the matter with PM Narendra Modi and other stakeholders in the GOI. I am confident, Sir, you would honour the legacy of your father, Ram Vilas Paswan in getting  due and honourable space to Babasaheb Ambedkar which he deserved in anyway.

With my highest considerations and regards,

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

Shri Chirag Paswan,

Minister for Food Processing,

New Delhi

 

Copy: -

1. Dr. S. Jaishankar, EAM, New Delhi

2. Principal Secretary to PM, New Delhi

 

 

 

Priya Ambedkar – A Tale of Empowerment

 

Priya Ambedkar – A Tale of Empowerment

Priya Ambedkar is one of my fellow BootanMandians who has come a long way to justify her surname ‘Ambedkar’, if I put it in a simple phraseology- A Tale of Empowerment I wrote about her some years

ago in one of my blogs which may be excessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/search?q=priya+ambedkar

Much water has flown in the Beas and the Sutlej in Doaba region of Punjab and the Thames in the UK – overseeing Priya to become a tale of empowerment of the women folk and also of the marginalized segments of the society. Priya is the son (daughter) of the soil of Bootan Mandi in Jalandhar where she spent her formative years and her new home after marriage in the UK. I thought of writing about Priya, though I am not in touch with her except occasional interaction on social media, after watching a documentary on her – An Inspiring Journey of Priya directed by Amar Gholia hosted and posted in the social media. It is a professionally done documentary depicting her early days of struggle in marginalized social and economic circles, her untraditional interests and pursuits of girls of the social milieu to

which she belonged, her joining the NCC and NSS at the HMV in Jalandhar and registering her interest in mountaineering as an adventure sport and later as an amateur mountaineer, are not a small feat. Principal of her college HMV, Dr. Ajay Sareen and her mentors and instructors in NCC, NSS and also in mountaineering strides have given a befitting narration of Priya’s acumen and achievements in the documentary.   It was gratifying to note that Priya has written a book on her life and mountaineering pursuits – The Uddan.  The documentary has not touched the phase of her journey of life after her migration to the UK. I noted from some of her social media posts that after her marriage and shifting to the UK she had been scaling some mountains in Scotland and elsewhere.    While seeing the documentary, I went somewhat nostalgic on two counts – Doordarshan (DD) had made documentaries on my life and struggle two times and hosted it many

a times over the years. It was a satisfying experience. I can well understand the elation of Priya and second my daughter Vaishali in her formative years in mid 1990s did the NCC honours at HMV as a senior cadet of the Air Wing of NCC like Priya. Priya being my fellow BootanMandian, I feel proud of her achievements and empowerment. I take this opportunity to congratulate her and her proud parents, Gurpreet and Ashok Kumar.

I conclude this piece with an Urdu couplet of Nida Fazli:-

koshish bhī kar umiid bhī rakh rāsta bhī chun

phir is ke ba.ad thoḌā muqaddar talāsh kar

 

 

Diplomacy and Politics – Some Random Thoughts

Diplomacy and Politics – Some Random Thoughts

Diplomacy is a process of interaction between nations often involving negotiations and agreements, resorted to achieve political and foreign policy goals of the country. It's closely linked to politics,

as diplomatic actions are frequently guided by broader political objectives and can also shape political outcomes. While diplomacy is a tool within the larger realm of politics, in simple words, it can be put like this -

Interdependence: Diplomacy and politics are intertwined, with each influencing the other. 

Shared Goals: Both diplomacy and politics share the common goal of promoting the interests of a state or group. 

My immediate pretext to write something on the subject is the ongoing controversy and fist-fighting between the opposition parties of India led by Rahul Gandhi of the Congress Party and the BJP and its government at the Center about the role of EAM S. Jaishankar in executing the Operation Sindoor, undertaken to control and neutralize cross border terrorism.

 

It is a sensitive subject and any opinion on it must be weighed well before it is made public. Unfortunately, this fine line or Lakshman Rekha is increasingly being crossed by the politicians and opinion makers including the media. India that is Bharat is a democratic country of standing. It is gratifying to note that, like any civilized and strong country, there is a national consensus on the matters of interest and concern to the country as a whole particularly with regard to the foreign policy responses to safe-guard the sovereignty and integrity of the country.  This national consensus was visible with regard to the Operation Sindoor too, prima facie. But it was a short lived situation and things were back to the square one.

It seems, to my mind, political mistrust and slugfest for brownie points, is increasingly creeping in our polity which is not a healthy attribute of a good democratic set up. It must be understood that foreign policy of a country is nothing but an extended hand of internal policy and standing of the country concerned. The opposition parties have the right to question and criticize the government. The government is required to be answerable and responsible in a prudent manner as possible and feasible to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The exercise is complete – the opposition led by the LOP, Rahul Gandhi has done its job and the government has explained the matter openly and publically.

Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri refuted the assertions of the opposition that EAM Jaishankar had alerted Pakistan in advance before the Indian armed attack on terror infrastructures and facilities on May 7. Foreign Secretary Misri clarified that the DGMO had

informed, the action taken, to his Pakistani counterpart after the attack on the dens of terror inside Pakistan and POK. The Ministry of External Affairs on May 17 rejected Rahul Gandhi’s accusations against EAM Jaishankar claiming that he had informed Pakistan ahead of Operation Sindoor, calling it a “misrepresentation of facts”.

Diplomacy and Politics are the two sides of the same coin. One needs to have a sense of discretion in understanding diplomatic issues. I think, in the given situation, it is only prudent to accept the explanation given by the MEA at its face value. Only time will see and ascertain the voracity of the happenings, in due course. Our

foreign policy machinery is manned by competent and intelligent people. EAM S. Jaishankar is a consummate diplomat himself and is a man of integrity, apart from his appreciable innings in politics. He knows his job well and knows what he is talking about. In these days, it is not possible to hide things for long. Truth would come out in due course. There is no conflict between politics and diplomacy.

Chinese intellectual, Sun Tzu said, “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” Perhaps India taking a que from this has paused the conflict with Pakistan after neutralizing terror machine of Pakistan. The GOI, headed by PM Narendra Modi and fully supported by the opposition in a strong and vibrant democracy, has firm and unwavering political will to face the challenges to its sovereignty and integrity. Strong and trained armed forces of India, fully competent to teach lessons to the enemy, stood behind the political leadership and the people of Bharat. As a practitioner of diplomacy, I conclude this piece with a quote from George F. Kennon, “You have no idea how much it contributes to the general politeness and pleasantness of diplomacy when you have a little quiet armed force in the background” But at the same time, we should not be oblivious of the ground reality asserted by Theodore Roosevelt, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” As usual I take this opportunity to caution and warn our political and diplomatic leaderships with an Urdu couplet –

Chupa Kar Asteen Mein Bijliyan Rakhi Hain Gardoon Ne
Anadil Bagh Ke Ghafil Na Baithen Ashiyon Mein

The sky has kept thunderbolts concealed up its sleeve
Garden’s nightingales should not slumber in their nests

*****

Postscript: In a lighter vein -

i) Failed Marshal in Pakistan has promoted himself as Field Marshal

ii) The gains attained and obtained by the Godi Media and WhatsApp University with great efforts in the Operation Sindoor have been returned by the FS and DGMO

 

 

Phule Movie – A Tale of Empowerment

 

Phule Movie – A Tale of Social Empowerment

I am not a movie buff and as such is not much interested in movies. Some of my friends invited me to come and see the movie at some of the specially screened shows. I could not say no to one such show

with my friend Prem Shant as we happened to be together near the venue of the film show at the GRD Cinemas after a friendly birthday breakfast hosted by one of our common friends, Amarjit Singh. It was a good experience after a long time to see a movie in a theater. Thanks to Prem.

The film Phule aimed to depict a movement in India that called for the creation of a new social order in which no one would be subordinated on the basis of caste and sex. It also picked up the issues of social reform and education to the women folk. These issues are as relevant today as these were before during the times of the hero and heroine of the biopic film on Jyotibarao Phule and Savitribai Phule, a worthy couple and children of the soil of Bharat. The film has also brought out and rightly so yet another aspect of the Indian society, friendship and harmony among the Hindus and Muslims. Joytiba Phule and Savitribai PhuIe were shunted out of the family because their

untraditional behavior and conduct as against the Hindu ethos. It as one of their friends from the Muslim community who not only gave them shelter but also worked with them in the realization of their ideals for social reform and empowerment of dalits and women folk. It is a matter of great  satisfaction that their worthy follower, Babasaheb Ambedkar picked up the threads and carried forward the caravan of the Phule Couple through the Constitution of India and otherwise too.

Jyotirao Phule (1927-1890), was born in Satara District in 1827 to a family that belonged to the Hindu Mali caste, a Shudra in terms of Manuwadi segregation. Jyotiba Phule fought for women's rights. Believing that education was essential to bringing about social change, he established schools for girls and for children of lower castes. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was known for his powerful and impactful slogans that promoted social reform and equality. One of his key slogans was "Education is the key to liberation". Other notable slogans included "Know your rights, stand up for them" and "Do not discriminate based on caste". He also emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation, and slogans like "If someone cooperates, don't turn your back on them" From this, one can easily make out that the Phule Couple was total dedicated to reform the society and empower the women folk and the under-privileged. No wonder, the leaders like Babasaheb Ambedkar and Babu Kanshi Ram chose to follow the footsteps of Savitribai and Jyotiba Phule to emancipate the Indian society.

It was gratifying to note that the special screening of the film was arranged by some Phule-Ambedkar Mission activists led by Paramjit Jassal of Bulanpur among others for the school children of rural based schools. It was a good initiative to educate children and ward

them off the social ills of the society. I was wondering as to why the governments are so oblivious of these needs and exempt such social films from the entertainment tax. Rather the educational administrators should advise all educational institution to arrange shows of the film for the benefit of the young minds, the future of India.

It is a good and motivative movie of about two hours, a worth watching. The Phule film has been directed by a known film maker, Ananth Mahadevan in which the roles of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule have been played by Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha respectively.

Long live Joytiba Phule and Savitribai Phule.

Ambedkar - new Context and right Perspective

 

Ambedkar - new Context and right Perspective

Going by my repeated writings, of late, one may tend to say that I am overwhelmed or abscessed by the phenomena called Ambedkar. Though I personally don’t believe in cults, but with the fast changing

scenario, Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar is increasingly becoming a cult in India but luckily in a positive sense. Let me explain the matter a bit more not as an expert but as a lay man and a humble Amedkarite.

The socio-political scenario in the country is changing fast. Thanks to the Constitution of India given to us by our forefathers led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, rightly called Father of the Constitution. Not very long in the past, the ‘status quoists’ belonging to the mainstream of the society did not take Ambedkar seriously and rather tried their best to undermine and negate him and his legacy. But that was not to be as his personality and legacy was too potent to contend with. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a visionary leader. The socio-political edifice of the country gets its cement and glue from the constitution. I will touch only two aspects or attributes pertaining to the situation as these are currently engaging the attention of the country in one way or the other – Socio-Economic Empowerment of Dalits and Women and Secular and Composite Socio-cultural Society. One may agree or not agree with me but I intend to say my mind.

The affirmative action by the State in empowering the socially marginalized segments of the society generally called Dalits and the women folk have done well as expected and visualized by Babasaheb Ambedkar in the face of opposition by the so called Thekedars of the society particularly professing the rotten Manuwadi thinking. Though establishing a casteless society and bringing about social and economic democracy is the ultimate goal yet we should not ignore the ground realities of caste and religion. The forces of change and transformation are at work and we must encourage them. The recent events and happenings – Operation Sindoor to address the challenge of terrorism resulting in conflict with Pakistan is one such demonstration. Our armed forces hit the infrastructures of terror in Pakistan and POK. The High Tables in New Delhi to brief the media and public were adorned by two worthy ladies of the Brass of the

Armed Forces, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Col. Sofiya Qureshi. Could there be a better example of Women Empowerment? Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Heavens will only be happy to see this scene, two young and gracious ladies sitting and operating in the corridors of power with authority and aplomb. Later it was revealed, though it was not necessary, that one of them, Vyomika Singh belonged to the socially marginalized segments of the society. There is no point, to my mind, in hiding the fact as we still live in a caste ridden society and it will remain so for years to come. It is my humble suggestion to

the GOI to revive and resurrect the Chamar Regiment in the Indian Army with a view to provide much needed pride and confidence among the young Dalits to make and get their due share in the security and defense of the country. It is a well-known and recognized fact that the Sikh Light Infantry of the Indian Army, comprising of Mazhabi and Ravidassia Sikhs, showed its velour and won appreciation as and when given chance to so like the Chamar Regiment in the British colonial days. It would yet be another affirmative action to realize the vision of Ambedkar in uplifting the socially marginalized youth.

There is yet another point to depict Ambedkar in new context and right perspective – elevation of Justice B.R. Gavai, a staunch

Ambedkarite, to the coveted constitutional post to adore the chair of CJI. This empowerment has come by the thoughts and teachings of Gautama the Buddha - Be your own light. The concept of Peace and Fraternity and not Yudha pertained to Buddhist Thought. Here also Ambedkar’s vision comes handy. Babasaheb Ambedkar took the lead to revive Buddhism in India by embracing Buddhism in 1956 and showing path of peace and harmony in the divisive society. Here comes the stage when our socio-cultural outfits like RSS, SGPC among others need to come out and stand to address the issues of caste and women empowerment with serious intent to bring about Samrasta in the society. The sooner the better.

We are yet to go a long way to address these issues to make the society and polity really secular to maintain and preserve our inherit diversity. Babasaheb Ambedkar stipulated India is Bharat to be

Secular State to contain and preserve its unique identity as a multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual society. His views on the rights and duties of minorities are well known and documented. Let there be many more Col. Sofiya Qureshis’ and young Ponywala, Shafeeq Ahmed who challenged the dastardly terrorists in Pahalgam and succumbed to the gun-shots of the enemies of humanity along with his fellow countrymen. There is no place of narrow minded fanatics like Vijay Shahs’.

With this, I think, the time has come to think and adopt the thought of Babasaheb Ambedkar in ts new context and right perspective to carry the caravan forward to make India a developed country by 2047 as visualized by PM Narendra Modi and ‘We the people of India’. I conclude this off the cuff piece with Allma Iqbal’s poetic assertion: 

Hawaida  Aaj Apne Zakhm-e-Pinhan Kar Ke Chorun Ga
Lahoo Ro Ro Ke Mehfil Ko Gulistan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

I will surely exhibit all my hidden wounds today
I will surely change assembly to a garden with blood‐mixed tears

Jalana Hai Mujhe Har Shama-e-Dil Ko Souz-e-Pinhan Se
Teri Tareek Raaton Mein Charaghan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

I have to light every heart’s candle with hidden pathos
I will surely create bright illumination in your darkness

Parona Aik Hi Tasbeeh Mein In Bikhare Danon Ko
Jo Muskhil Hai, To Iss Mushkil Ki Asan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

If stringing these scattered pearls in a single rosary
Is difficult, I will surely make this difficult task easy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Justice of India, Justice B. R. Gavai

 

Chief Justice of India, Justice B. R. Gavai

President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the 52nd Chief Justice of India at a solemn ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Justice Gavai is the second individual from the Dalit community to become the CJI, the first being Justice KG Balakrishnan - the 37th CJI from January 14, 2007 to May 12, 2010. Congratulations to Justice B.R. Gavai and his family including extended family.  I have had opportunities to meet and interact many of the members of the coveted clan – R.S. Gavai, father of Justice B. R.Gavai as an RPI leader during my formative years in Jalandhar, P.G. Gavai, an IAS officer who later became Lt. Governor of Delhi in 1984, Shashi Gavai, my senior colleague in the IFS and my contemporary in the IFS fraternity, Madhu Gavai.

Justice B. R. Gavai has been a part of several important Constitutional and judicial verdicts during his tenures at different Courts. Justice Gavai’s jurisprudence reflected a steadfast commitment to constitutional principles, social justice, and the rule of law as a staunch Ambedkarite.  

It has been my good fortune to meet and host CJI K.G Balakrishanan during his visit to Minsk (Belarus) and CJI R.C. Lahoti in Tokyo

(Japan). I met and interacted with Justice Balakrishnan subsequently in New Delhi with regard to our mutual interest and concern pertaining to the community and the society at large.

Though I have not met Justice B.R. Gavai personally yet somehow I felt like writing to wish him all the best in his great job and coveted position to carry forward the ‘caravan’ of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar by defending and up-holding the lofty ideals of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as watch-dog to safe-guard the lofty ideals of our Constitution as the CJI as visualized by our forefathers headed by Babasaheb Ambedkar

 

Dr. Ambedkar Mission Playway School

 

Dr. Ambedkar Mission Playway School

On May 4, Dr. Ambedkar Mission Playway School at Salwara (Hoshiarpur), celebrated Ambedkar Jyanti as one of their annual events in the successive years. As a humble Ambedkarite and a friend of Prof. Balbinder Kumar, Karta-Dharta (Founder and Managing

Director of the School), it fell on me to be the Chief Guest at the solemn function. These days to functional reasons, I avoid accepting invitations to such functions at far away venues. But I could not say to Balbinder as I respect him for his simplicity and total involvement in the community activities particularly with regard to the Mission of Babasaheb Ambedkar. I roped in my reverential nephew Mahesh as usual to be my Sarthy and hand holder.

We reached the School well before the agreed time and schedule in the morning. But on reaching the venue, to be very frank, I was not much impressed as the School was located in a sub-urban locality in a narrow street and not hosted in any impressive building. There was no much fanfare about the function also. Anyway, I informed Balbinder of our arrival and he came out and conducted us to the function which was still in the making. I humbly told Balbinder that

we were there and he should feel relaxed and prepare for the event. I have written these details purposely as the old saying of “appearances are deceptive” came alive when the function started formally. I used the time at hand to know some details of the School and get related information. It made me comfortable as I felt that we were at the right place with nice people.

Dr.Ambedkar Mission Playway School was stated some two decades ago by Dr. Balbinder Kumar and his sagacious wife Balwinder Kaur as a gesture of paying back to the society and carry forward the mission of Babasaheb. Balwinder and his forefathers, Grandfather, Chaudhary Garib Dass, a staunch supporter and associate of Babu Mangu Ram of Ad-dharam Movement and Father, Babu Darshan Ram, a senior technocrat with the Indian Railways. It was interesting to know that Babu Mangu Ram had visited the site of the School in good old days for his community activities as the locality of Salwara was inhabited mostly by the socially weaker sections of the society.  Both Balbinder and Balwinder are highly qualified and professional educationists; Balbinder, JNU alumni is a teacher at the Regional Campus of Punjab University in Hoshiarpur who has also been posted at The Hague with the International Court of Justice of the UN and his spouse, Madam Balbinder is a teacher at the Jawahar Navodhya Vidyalaya at Kapurthala in Punjab. With these details, one can easily make out the potent force available to run the missionary school named after one of the greatest sons of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar.

It is said that the proof of the pudding lies in its eating. The socio-cultural programme presented by the young kids of the School was the clear mirror to see the image of the school. It comprised of missionary performances of song and dance depicting the thought

and philosophy of Gautama the Buddha and Babasaheb Ambedkar and the rich culture (Virsa) of Punjab laced with Giddha and Bhangra. I will be failing in doing justice if I don’t mention here the good job done by the teachers of the school in this regard. It clearly showed that how much they were devoted and engaged with the School under the stewardship of Prof. Balwinder Kumar and Madam Balwinder Kaur. The audience was mostly the parents of the students of the School apart from the invited guests from the intelligentsia of the community comprising of social activists and professionals from the medical and legal spheres like Thekedar Bhagwan Dass, Inderjitpal Badhan among others. From the brief remarks of the speakers, I could make out as to how much Prof. Balbinder was respected not only for his community work but also for his humility and dedication. In my brief remarks as the Chief Guest, while appreciating the good work being done by the dedicated couple and endorsing the views of one of the speakers about the often repeated, rightly or wrongly, utterances of Babasaheb about ‘educated people of the community failed him’, said that people like Dr. Balbinder Kumar tend to negate this. Let us not harp on this

negative perception. How come educated people of the community negate and ignore Babasaheb Ambedkar, our savior and benefactor? Anybody would do so at one’s own peril. Dr. Balbinder Kumar who himself ably conducted the function was at his best with his relevant and concerned observations with to the mission and thought of Babasaheb and the importance of education in the rightly sought after empowerment of the marginalized segments of the society. It was a rewarding day for me which concluded with piping hot Cholle Puri as lunch.

Considering the total engagement and selfless approach of Prof Balbinder Kumar in doing the community service, I thought of and shared Allma Iqbal’s poetic assertion to recognize and appreciate the good work –

Meeta De Apni Hasti Ko Agar Kuch Martba Chahe;

Ki Dana Khak Mein Milkar Gulo-gulzar Hota Hai.

 

 

India and Pakistan Stand Off – What Next?

 

India and Pakistan Stand Off – What Next?

With the Pahalgam terrorist attack and massacre, India and Pakistan are once again facing each other with a worrisome and dangerous intent. Pakistan has willfully created this mess to address its internal geo-political situation – Baluchistan issue, Relations with Afghanistan and Iran, Integration of J&K with India, Deteriorating situation in POK and fast dwindling socio-economic standing resulting in loosening of army control on the overall administration of the country. With this, obviously, Pakistan has increasing become a hot potato for the international community. There is a saying in

Punjabi ‘Majh Dudh Na Deve Tan Katte Dian Lattan Bhano – If buffalo does not allow milking, punish the Katta (child of Buffalo)’. The armed forces of Pakistan are in a hurry to retrieve their stronghold on Pakistan in one way or the other – either by escalating tensions with India, their traditional foe or preparing for over-throwing of the so-called democratic government like General Zia-ul-Haq and General Parvez Musharaf, the predecessors of General Asif Munir.

With this background, the unfortunate but high provocative happenings of Pahalgam are nothing new but are only a natural corollary of things to come. Obviously, India cannot and will not be oblivious of the emerging scenario to defend and ensure her security and dignity as a responsible country not only towards the 140 crore people of India but also to the world at large. Let us examine and see but could be done to show Pakistan its place – What next? Our aim and objective should be to teach a lesson to the hostile neighbor to end these day to day provocations avoiding the ‘outright war’. It is easy to say than done as we are to deal with a ‘rogue state’ called

Pakistan. Pakistani rulers say Pak Army intends to divert Pak public opinion about the problems of Pakistan both internal and external and also their deteriorating economic situation. India comes handy to carry forward their nefarious designs. On the other hand, India is a democratic country with a clear agenda of development and welfare of its huge population. How shall we deal with this hostile neighbor? It is difficult proposition. India is a peace loving country of Gautama the Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. PM Narendra Modi’s government has been made to do a tight rope walk. But there is no way out. We need to respond not only to save and defend our security and sovereignty but also to address the pent up anger of the people of India. India has enough strength and capacity to defeat Pakistan in a conventional war on ground and a sound diplomatic machinery to face them in the international arena. The only thing which is required today is political will and leadership. The armed forces and the people are in a hurry to do the job and show the enemy its place. No half-hearted approach would work, it

seems. It has to be a well planned and executed ‘Aar-Paar Ki Ladai’ to put it in PM Atal Behari’s words. The GOI is fully mandated to take decision in this regard to teach a lesson to the hostile neighbor. We have full faith in PM Narendra Modi’s government. As of now, GOI has given a clear order and authority to its armed forces and other security agencies to take whatever necessary actions are needed to give a befitting response to Pakistan’s proxy war against India.

What could be our response? Let us see and discuss –

i)               Kinetic action to liberate POK – India will be well within its right to respond and destroy the ‘terror machinery’ in and around POK hosted by Pakistan. Pakistan has already unilaterally suspended the Simla Agreement of 1972. The so called LoC is no more sacrosanct. We would be claiming our own territory illegally occupied by Pakistan.

ii)  Naval blockade of Pakistan – The maritime interests of Pakistan should be hit by tightening the noose in the Arabian Sea. It is needed to hit Pakistan not only economically (trade etc.) but also its energy needs (gas and oil).

iii)          Support liberation and independence of Baluchistan, the only unfinished agenda of partition of 1947. India may engage with Iran and Afghanistan in the surgical strike as both Iran and Afghanistan are equally fed up of the Pakistani hegemony in Baluchistan.

iv)          Engage with international community to ward of the danger of Pakistan becoming another Somalia. The danger of nuclear button going in the hands of terrorists and unbecoming centers of power is real in the emerging situation. The unscrupulous rulers of Pakistan tend to blackmail not only India but also the international community with the threat of ‘nuclear power’. This threat needs to be called immediately and urgently by the so called super powers of the world.

 

All said and done, there cannot be two opinions on the fact that the situation is grim and difficult. India as a peace loving country does not intend to escalate the tensions but India has to defend and guard its security and sovereignty at all costs. One thing is clear and the GOI and ‘We the people of India’ must understand that nobody would help us and we are to do and defend ourselves on our own. Everybody is busy and interested in watching and ensuring one’s own interest. All big and small powers would cry from the roof tops to ‘exercise constraint’. Pakistan is a past master in exploiting the situation and would tend to conveniently walk away. India should not permit it happen, come what may. Pakistan has no capacity and guts to pass the nuclear threshold, if still it opts for self-destruction, let it be. Pakistan shall not be permitted to resort to ‘nuclear blackmail’ and get away. Pakistani bluff has to be called off to live in peace.

India is united and standing with and behind the duly elected and mandated GOI to save and defend the country and peace in the region.

सरफ़रोशी की तमन्ना अब हमारे दिल में है

देखना है ज़ोर कितना बाज़ू-ए-क़ातिल में है

वक़्त आने दे दिखा देंगे तुझे ऐ आसमाँ

हम अभी से क्यूँ बताएँ क्या हमारे दिल में है