The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 11

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 11

October 27, 1951 – Ambedkar Visited Jalandhar

 It was an historic day in the history of Bootan Mandi, my native place in Jalandhar when Babasaheb Ambedkar visited Jalandhar. The day is commemorated with fond memories every successive year at the site where now Ambedkar Bhawan stands at Nakodar Road. Thoughtfully, Ambedkar Bhawan’s Managing Committee observes the day, with a sense of public service, by arranging a Free Medical Camp for the benefit of the residents of the area. This year a Free Eye Checkup and Follow up was hosted in cooperation with National Eye Care Hospital of Dr. Piyush Sood and Bibi Mohinder Rattu of the UK, a staunch Ambedkarite. I myself took advantage and got my eyes checked instantly. It was a matter of satisfaction to note that a large number of men and women visited the camp to their satisfaction. It is an appreciable activity as a tribute to the greatest son of India in the contemporary times, Babasaheb Ambedkar. I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Ambedkar Bhawan Trust and sponsors of the Free Eye Camp, Dr. Piyush Sood and Bibi Mohinder Rattu.

As regards the visit of Babasaheb in 1951, the poetic words of Gurdass Ram Alam starts echoing in my ears which he recited at the mammoth public rally – Bada Shor Painda Gariba De Dere; Aj Kaun Aya Savere Savere. Babasaheb Ambedkar delivered two important speeches during the visit which are still relevant for the polity and society of India that is Bharat – i) While speaking at the Political Rally of All India Scheduled Caste Federation at Bootan Mandi on October 27, he urged the SC communities to stand united

and ‘emphasized the need for the Dalit community to become united and self-reliant, stating that they should not have to depend on his constant presence for their upliftment. He asked the community to stand on their own legs.’ and ii) in his address to the students of Jalandhar D.A.V. College on Parliamentary Democracy in India on October28; while listing the essentials of Parliamentary Democracy he said, “What about free and fair elections? We must not lose sight of the fact that Big Business is trying to play a great part in the political life of this country. The amount that is being contributed to Congress on behalf of Big Business is a very dangerous thing. If moneyed people try to influence the elections by contributing to the election fund of any political party, what will be the result? If the party which they have supported financially comes into power, they will try to extract concessions for themselves either by modifying the present legislation or by influencing the party in power to legislate in such a manner as would be beneficial to their interests. I ask you, gentlemen, whether under these circumstances there is any hope left for the Parliamentary system of Government to do any good to the country. I would like to refer to the Mahabharata. During the battle between the Pandvas and the Kaurvas, Bhishma and Drona were on the side of the Kaurvas. The Pandvas were in the right and the Kaurvas were in the wrong. Bhishma admitted this. When somebody asked Bhishma as to why he was supporting the Kaurvas if he found the Pandvas to be in the right. Bhishma replied in the memorable sentence. I must be loyal to the salt if I eat the food of the Kaurvas. I must take their side even if they might be in the wrong.” Perhaps these visionary thoughts of Babasaheb worked as a guiding force in the Supreme Court’s recent  rejection of the ‘Election Bonds’ scheme of the GOI. Ambedkar is as relevant today as it was before –

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)

 

Quote – Unquote – India & UN

“On October 24, the United Nations reached the milestone of 80 years even as it faces an uphill task in this increasingly difficult world. The core UN Charter blueprint has been eroded, as seen in conflicts raging around the world, writes Bharat H Desai, Professor of international law at the University of Bonn, Germany, in his Op-Ed piece 80 years on, UN remains humanity’s best hope. But without the historic battles fought in the UNGA, the elimination of apartheid and the liberation of colonies would not have been possible, that is why the UN matters, he writes. The founding members of the UN like India, which is aspiring for a rightful seat on the UNSC’s horse-shoe table, must stand by the UN in its hour of existential crisis.”

Chandani Chandel in the Tribune of October 26