Read the writings on the wall – Disappointment among Dalits

 

Read the writings on the wall – Disappointment among Dalits

One may observe that in a short span of a month or so, I have written several blogs on Punjab politics and Dalits and also related issues. Whereas the concerned authorities and agencies are blissfully silent and seems ignorant; it appears that Dalits; followers of Guru Ravidass an Babasaheb Ambedkar are

increasingly getting restive and are completely disappointed, if I go by the comments I got on my blogs. One may also say that I am getting unduly obsessive on these matters as the wheel of time does not stop –

Meri Ada Ko Dabana To Khair Mumkin Hai

Magar Nai Jamani Ki Awaaz Kaun Rokega

 

The ruling elites with whom I tried to interact with a view to reach the corridors of power in Delhi with regard to the two issues of which no one has taken any note of my submissions, it seems. My last blog will give you some detailed information: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2026/07/focus-on-punjab-pm-narendra-modi-comes.html

 

PM Narendra Modi’s visit and speech in Jalandhar on July 17 utterly failed to address the issues. We are at loss to understand the thinking and strategy of the ruling elite with regard to the Dalit constituencies. The spiritual Deras like Sachkhand Dera of Ballan and others are important centers of power, no
doubt, but the enlightened intelligentsia who generally reads me and understand the issues as awakened stakeholders are to finally decide and give much needed direction in the days to come. They are watching the situation and on goings with a quiet interest.  I wrote on the Facebook Handle of PM Narendra Modi where he shared his photos with Sant Niranjan Dass ji of Dera Sachkhand Ballan at the inauguration of train to Kashi Barares at Jalandhar Cantt. Railway Station on July 17: -

“Thanks Hon'ble PM Sahib. You invoked Guru Ravidas:s name thrice in your speech in Jalandhar today but it was short of the crux. The followers of Guru Ravidas and Babasaheb Ambedkar were disappointed. You should have come out of 'sweet nothings' and said something concrete about the 650th Gurpurab of the great Gurus and about the International Day of Equality. It is getting too late. I tried to sensitize the BJP about this. But I don't think they could gather courage to brief about the ground realities. I am sorry to say. Jai Bharat.

 

ਧੰਨਵਾਦ, ਮਾਣਯੋਗ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ। ਅੱਜ ਜਲੰਧਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਪਣੇ ਭਾਸ਼ਣ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਗੁਰੂ ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਤਿੰਨ ਵਾਰ ਲਿਆ, ਪਰ ਗੱਲ ਦੇ ਮੂਲ ਮਸਲੇ ਤੱਕ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ। ਗੁਰੂ ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਜੀ ਅਤੇ ਬਾਬਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਅੰਬੇਡਕਰ ਦੇ ਪੈਰੋਕਾਰ ਨਿਰਾਸ਼ ਹੋਏ ਹਨ।

ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਮਿੱਠੀਆਂ ਗੱਲਾਂ ਤੱਕ ਸੀਮਿਤ ਰਹਿਣ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਮਹਾਨ ਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਦੇ 650ਵੇਂ ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ ਅਤੇ ਅੰਤਰਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਸਮਾਨਤਾ ਦਿਵਸ ਬਾਰੇ ਕੋਈ ਠੋਸ ਐਲਾਨ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਸੀ। ਹੁਣ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਹੀ ਬਹੁਤ ਦੇਰ ਹੋ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ।

ਮੈਂ ਇਸ ਮਾਮਲੇ ਬਾਰੇ ਭਾਜਪਾ ਨੂੰ ਸੰਵੇਦਨਸ਼ੀਲ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੀ, ਪਰ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਨਹੀਂ ਲੱਗਦਾ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਜ਼ਮੀਨੀ ਹਕੀਕਤਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਜਾਣੂ ਕਰਵਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਹਿੰਮਤ ਜੁਟਾ ਸਕੇ। ਇਹ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ ਹੈ।

ਜੈ ਭਾਰਤ।“

  Here I share some assorted comments from my readers and friends (without mentioning their names) from which one may draw one’s own conclusion to read the writings on the wall.

 

-      Sir,
it is against their ideology. How can they do so? If they truly believe in the teachings of Sant Guru Ravidass Ji and in the principles of love for humanity, liberty, equality, and justice, then they must take meaningful and constructive steps for the welfare and upliftment of the community—not merely announce the name of a train after Sant Guru Ravidass Ji.

Our people have long been expecting concrete measures such as better educational opportunities, employment, social justice, protection of constitutional rights, and the development of institutions that genuinely empower the weaker sections of society. Symbolic gestures alone cannot fulfill the aspirations of the community.

-     - Former Ambassador Hon'ble Ramesh Chander ji always remained optimistic about the Prime Minister of India Shri Narinder Modi and the RSS. But they never gave concrete results for the benefits of Scheduled Castes. The request of Shri Ramesh Chander ji endorsed by various Scheduled Caste, Buddhist and many other Dalit Organizations to declare the birthday of Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (14 April) as 'International Day of Equality' is lying in the PMO , in the office of Ministry of External Affairs and Home Affairs since more than 10 years. Shri Ramesh Chander Ji is giving reminders and following up constantly to the concerned authorities. There are currently 131 Members of Parliament (MPs) belonging to SC/ST communities in the Lok Sabha but nobody bothers. We had great hopes that the PM Shri Modi ji will announce and declare the birthday of Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (14 April) as 'International Day of Equality', when he came Jalandhar to inaugurate Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station on 17th July, 2026 but nothing except sweet-nothings. Now this is it, Hope sustains life.

-      Can’t expect anything worthwhile. Let’s keep in mind their approach towards the poor and the downtrodden. Nothing could be expected from the conservative, reactionary , retrograde and unprogressive people. Best wishes, sir.

-      Don't expect anything except promises. You have vast experience of life with these people.

-      A cordial request to SC leaders close to Modi ji: Request Modi to declare Baba Sahib's birthday as 'National Equality Day'.

-      ਭਾਜੀ ਉਹ ਕੰਮ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਣਾ ਕਿਉਕਿ ਸੱਚੇ ਅੰਬੇਡਕਰੀ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਨੰਗਾ ਕਰ ਦੇਣਾ ਮੋਦੀ ਅਤੇ ਇਸਦੇ ਕਾਰਨਾਮੇ। ਇਹ ਤੇ ਅੰਨੇ ਭਗਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇਕ ਟ੍ਰੇਨ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਰੱਖਣ ਚ ਹੀ ਝੋਲੀ ਚ ਪਾ ਕੇ 2027 ਚ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਤੇ ਕਬਜ਼ਾ ਕਰਨਾ। ਜਿਹੜੇ ਡੇਰੇ ਦੀਆ ਮੀਟਿੰਗ ਕਰਵਾ ਰਹੇ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਕਿਸੇ ਘੜੇ ਦੇ ਕੋਲੇ ਹਨ ? ਦੂਜੀ ਗੱਲ ਹੁਣ ਅੰਨੇ ਭਗਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਸ ਅਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਦਿਖਾਈ ਨਹੀਂ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਤੇ ਸਵੇਰੇ ਸ਼ਾਮ ਮੋਦੀ ਨੂੰ ਭੰਡਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਵੀ ਟ੍ਰੇਨ ਦੇ ਬਹਾਨੇ ਨਾਲ ਗੱਡੀ ਚ ਬੈਠ ਕੇ ਫੋਟੋ ਪਾ ਕੇ ਆਪਣਾ ਪਰਚਾਰ ਕਰਦੇ ਨਜ਼ਰ ਆ ਰਹੇ। ਇਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ 2027 ਚ ਜਲਦ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਦਿਖਾਈ ਦੇਣੇ.

-      They are not taking us serious at all. Won't get any substantial benefit except lollypop---

-      Thanks for favour of information and the innate interest taken by you by conveying the much- needed requirement of attaching due importance to our spiritual and international level only revered ICON in the larger interest of the community. It matters little whether your assertion has received the due attention and had the desired effect despite having been brought to the notice of adequately high- level BJP stalwarts closest to the PM...Well done. Highly appreciate your deep concern and consistent stand..

-      Great sir and Hats off to you .You are pride of the community. I pray to God for your long and healthy life.

-      Good. Punjab leadership didn't mention all this. Appreciate your views.

-      ਦਲਿਤ ਹਿੱਤਕਾਰੀ ਕੋਈ ਠੋਸ ਨੀਤੀ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਦ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ ਜੀ

-      Good 👍

-      In BJP, nobody has the courage to say anything to P.M. Your good self is doing a great job to remind the concerned authorities. Thank you very much. Regards

-      Great heartfelt response. One doesn't expect any meaningful response.

-      We should not expect miracle. BJP is concerned with our votes only.. During the last 12 years, no special drive was conducted for the Govt jobs. Rather our rights are being weakened. The Constitution is being followed for election only.. Anyhow this is a govt. of the day, we should hope for the best.

-      Thanks  Ramesh ji, you are doing good job.

-      Not only one day but let all days of the year bring equality on earth.

-      RSS is not programmed to respect anything or anyone that does not fall to their thoughts and machinations. What made you think that they will follow your advice or suggestions?

-       

While more comments are being received, it is becoming all the more evident that the coming scenario will be intensely interesting and decisive with regard to the Dalit vote banks and the Dalit
issues. The concerned authorities sitting in chairs of authority and decision making should not be oblivious of the ground realities. I conclude with an Urdu couplet of Allma Iqbal –

 

Mujhe Raaz-e-Do Alam Dil Ka Aaeena Dikhata Hai
Wohi Kehta Hun Jo Kuch Samne Aankhon Ke Ata Hai
(My heart’s mirror shows me both world’s secrets
I relate exactly what I witness before my eyes)

 

Focus on Punjab - PM Narendra Modi comes again

 

Focus on Punjab - PM Narendra Modi comes again

PM Narendra Modi at Dera SAchkhand Ballan

PM Narendra Modi is coming to Jalandhar again on July 17. One cannot understand the focus of BJP on Punjab in view of the forthcoming elections. “This will be the Prime Minister's second visit to Jalandhar in the past five months. During his previous visit in February, he had visited Dera Sachkhand Ballan to call on the Dera head and Ravidassia leader Sant
Niranjan Das, who has recently been honoured with a Padma Shri.” – it has been reported in the Tribune today, July 15. I thought of revisiting and flagging the issues of interest and concern to Dalits of Punjab and beyond and solicit the kind attention of the Hon’ble PM as, to my mind, Dalits are not pleased with the ‘sweet nothings’ and are eagerly waiting to listen from the horse’s mouth on the two important matters:-

1.  Guru Ravidass’s 650^th Gurpurb in Febraury 2027 – GOI are still to announce the road-map and the details of the celebrations as promised and expected too.

2.  April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of UN. The proposal is resting with GOI (MEA/PMO) since July, 2015.

My recent blog on the subject would provide more details of our submissions:- https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2026/06/letter-to-bjp-president-samrasta-agenda.html

I have been writing and reminding the concerned, both in GOI and the BJP, religiously.  But I regret to add that as of now there is no positive response in this regard. The followers of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar are resting perturbed and restive, in my cursory assessment. The ruling elite would ignore this at its own peril.

Ik Tarje Tugafil Hai; So Weh Unko Mubarak,

IK Arje Tamann Hai; Who Hum Karte Rahenge.

 

 

Emerging Trends in Punjab Politics – Role and Place of Dalits and Backwards

Emerging Trends in Punjab Politics – Role and Place of Dalits and Backwards

Last week on July 4, one of the YouTube News channels; Khabar- National Times hosted a Talk on Punjab politics and role of Dalits with particular reference to BSP in which I along with Dr. Rahul Balley participated. The feedback from my friends motivated me to share my thoughts on the question; Punjab being one of the states of

India where almost 33% population is of Dalits, is there any possibility for the Dalit to grab the reins of power in Chandigarh? My frank and candid and outright answer was big ‘No’ in the prevailing political scenario in Punjab and beyond. I explained and added that, if Dalit political leadership, with support and cooperation of OBCs, change tack and shed their current political affiliations and join hands as a distinct entity, they may aspire to be a ruling class or at least would be able to acquire the position and status of ‘King-makers’ by holding deciding balance in the legislative assembly through democratic means. I will dwell on this theme in this blog.

Religious divide in Punjab - Punjab is the 16th most populous state of India and has a diverse population of many religious denominations. In the census 2011, out of 2.77 Crore population, around 1.6 crores (57.69%) have registered themselves as Sikhs, 1.06 crores (38.49%) as Hindu (including Dalits), 5.35 Lakhs (1.93%) as Muslim and 3.48 lakhs (1.26%) as Christians.

 Demographic advantage of Dalits - Punjab has the highest proportion of Scheduled Castes (Dalits) in India, comprising roughly 31.9% of its population. This demographic position is marked by significant internal diversity, primarily between the landless Mazhabi Sikhs and the Ravidasia/Ad-Dharmi Hindus, who frequently assert distinct social and religious identities distinct from Hindus. The remaining population comprises Jatt Sikhs (20–25%), who dominate agrarian landholding and politics, General category upper-caste Hindus and Sikhs (33%), and Other Backward Classes (20–25%). This structural makeup creates a unique caste divide characterized by several local dimensions. Despite demographic advantage, Dalits face extreme landlessness, owning just around 3% of agricultural land. The state’s powerful Jatt Sikh community largely controls the rural economy and polity. The Dalit divide also intersects with religious affiliations, as a majority of Punjab’s SC population formally identifies itself as Sikhs while a significant portion of urban Dalits remain as Hindu or assert themselves as Ad-Dharmies.The divide is highly localized geographically. The Doaba region (between the Beas and Sutlej rivers) covering districts viz. Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Nawanshahr) has the highest concentration of Dalits (35-40 %+) which has given rise to distinct political and socio-religious movements led by the Ravidassia community.

Religion-wise Population and Percentage in Punjab

#	Religion	Percentage %	Population 2011
1	Sikh	57.69%	16,004,754
2	Hindu	38.49%	10,678,138
3	Muslim	1.93%	535,489
4	Christian	1.26%	348,230
5	Jain	0.16%	45,040
6	Buddhist	0.12%	33,237

Caste wise percentage in Punjab - The caste composition of Punjab shows a diverse social structure across various categories. The General category constitutes about 40-45% of the population, including nearly 25-30% (Sikhs and Hindus both). Scheduled Castes (Dalits) form about 31.9% of the population, comprising groups like Mazhabi Sikhs (10%), the Ramdasia–Ravidassia–Ad-Dharmi (13.1%), Balmiki/Bhangi (3.5%), Bazigar (1.05%), and other communities such as Sansi, Chimba, and Julaha (around 4%). Other Backward Classes (OBCs) account for approximately 15-20% of the population and include communities such as Sainis, Kamboj, Labana, Tarkhan/Ramgarhia, Kumhar, Gujjar, Nai, Teli, Banjara, and others.

Dalit politics in Punjab till Independence in 1947 – Babasaheb Ambedkar’s arrival on the political firmament and emergence of assertive moments like Ad-dhram Mandal of Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia in 1920s set the ball rolling. The developments in the decades of 1930s and later till Independence – Recognition of Ad-dharm in 1931 census, PM Ramsey MacDonald’s Communal Award of 1932 providing Separate Electorates, Poona Pact of 1932 signed between Babasaheb Ambedkar and Caste Hindus led by Mahatma

Gandhi providing for Reservations instead of Separate Electorates, India Act of 1935 and Elections of 1937 and 1945 further set the direction and parameters of Dalit politics with All India SCs Federation (AISCF) of Babasaheb Ambedkar with leaders like Seth Kishan Dass, Charan Dass Nidhadak, Duni Chand Shahpuri, Gopal Singh Khalsa among others, Ad-dharm Mandal of Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia and, of course, the Congress Party with political personalities namely; Prithvi Singh Azad, Master Gurbanta Singh, Chaudhary Sunder Singh, Yashwant Rai, inter alia. It is clear that till independence, the Dalit outfits like AISCF and Ad-dhram Mandal claimed to represent Dalits on one hand and the Congress Party, the main stream of Indian politics, on the other.

Post-Independence scenario – The AISCF merged its identity into RPI, brainchild of Babasaheb Ambedkar formally floated immediately after his demise in 1956. The Ad-dhram Movement fizzled out in spite of the fact that its mentor Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia tried to pick up the threads but could not do much. Congress Party consolidated it hold on the Dalit vote banks under the Punjab leaders; Master Sadhu Ram, Master Gurbanta Singh, Gurmail Singh, Choudhary Chand Ram, Darshan Singh Kaypee owing allegiance to Babu Jagjivan Ram. The Sikhs including SC Sikhs under the umbrella of SAD started making inroads into Dalit strongholds with the support of Ajit Kumar of Ludhiana and Dr. Bhagat Singh among others. RPI with its mass mobilizations made a dent in the first half of 1960s. The Akalis also involved Sikh Dalits; Dhnna Singh Gulson, Basant Khalsa, Harinder Khalsa, Charanjit Singh Atwal etc. in its fold. The Punjabi Suba issue and creation of Haryana changed the scenario – RPI got divided, on the issue of Punjabi Suba,  between the supporters; Piara Ram Dhanowalia,

Lahori Ram Balley

Gurcharan Singh among others and opponents led by Lahori Ram Balley and his associates like Hazara Ram Bodhi etc.  Congress Party consolidated its grip on Dalit vote banks by attracting grass root leaders like Jagat Ram, Ram Rattan, Gurmail Singh, Buta Singh, Piara Ram Dhanowalia, Raj Kumar Verka among others. RPI lost its track and became dormant. Babu Kanshi Ram came on the scene in 1980s and registered its presence with an élan with leaders like Satnam Kainth, Mohan Singh Phalianwala, Avtar Karimpuri, Shingara Ram Shahoongra among others but count not maintain the momentum. Many of its trained cadres and young leaders like Avinash Chander, Pawan Tinu, Baldev Khaira, Sukhjinder Sukhi, Sukhwinder Kotli ditched the BSP and joined other parties. The Sad and BJP attracted these Dalit leaders at

Shingara Ram Shahoongra

the cost of BSP and Congress. The Akalis promoted turncoats like Pawan Tinu, Baldev Khaira, Avinash Chander. While BJP attracted new talent in Vijay Sampla, Swarna Ram, Bhagat Chunni Lal, Som Parkash, Rajesh Bagha, Jagmohan Raju among others and gave them plum positions, Congress Party on the other hand tried to consolidate Dalit support by investing in the families of Master Gurbanta Singh and Buta Singh, Sunder Singh and encouraging freshers like Mohinder singh Kaypee, Charanjit Singh Channi, Sushil Rinku, Raj Kumar Chhabbewal, Surinder Kaur etc. The AAP merged on the political firmament of Punjab in mid 2010s and made a big dent in the Punjab politics. Some new players like Harpal Cheema, Bodh Ram, Mohinder Bhagat among other

Mohinder Bhagat

emerged. Some fence sitters and opportunists due to political machinations and compulsions jumped on the bandwagon of AAP and created avoidable confusion. As a result, by now, no Dalit political leadership in Punjab is in sight which has resulted a big vacuum; detrimental to the interests and concerns of Dalit masses. The situation is so fluid that most of the Dalit leadership does not know what to do and where to go? The spiritual Deras of Dalits have further added to the confusion as to what is their agenda and how to pursue that? The political parties, dominated by the caste Hindus tend to exploit the situation by manipulating the half educated ‘coteries’ controlling the Deras and the Gaddi Nasheens. I am writing this with pain at the back of my mind but somebody has to say the truth. Unfortunately, there is an utter confusion. This confusion suits the ruling elites as it negates the slogan of Babu Kanshi Ram – Vote Hamara Raj Tumhara – Nahin Chalega Nahin Chalega. With this background, I can safely conclude that, in the given situation, Dalits cannot aspire to get their due share in the pie and chairs of authority

Charanjit Sigh Channi

in the corridors of power in Chandigarh. The dalit political outfits like BSP are dormant and there is no hope that they can stand up and claim their share. The other parties are interested in keeping Dalits with them by offering some crumbs and loaves as usual. The demographic dividend is not available to Dalits in spite of the dictum – One Vote – One value.  The system has been manipulated to such an extent that it has negated the vision of our forefathers as stipulated in the Constitution of India. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia and Babu Kanshi Ram, wherever they are, must be sad and worried about the situation.

Can a Dalit political outfit come to power in Punjab? – The answer, straight way, is both ‘No’ and ‘Yes’ to my mind. First ‘No’ – It is because of the factors and scenario explained above that is disunity and division in Dalit communities on the basis of religions and counter currents; among Hindus and Sikhs, the caste system and Manuwadi Vivastha, conversation to Buddhism to follow Babasaheb Ambedkar, under-currents of Ad-dharm and Ravidassia dharm. These are the divisive attributes of the prevailing scenario which suits the ruling elites of Hindus and Sikhs both. With this, they push Dalits to the margins and fringes of the socio-political edifice. The Dalit voice gets diluted on the bases affiliations to political parties controlled and

Sushil Rinku 

run by the caste Hindus and Sikhs.. Dalit representatives, MLAs and MPs, have no say in the legislatures and parliament and also in the corridors of power and decision making fora. It will remain so, to my mind, till the Reservations (Empowerment and Affirmative provisions) remain in place; especially political reservations. Political reservation, to my mind, has outlived its efficacy and utility. It has resulted in creating ‘Stooges – Chamchas’ as termed by Babu Kanshi Ram. It will be good if political reservations are stopped. The real face of the caste ridden society will come to the fore – both Dalits and the Caste Thekedars will know where do we stand. There is every possibility that it might trigger the much needed change and even lead to socio-political democratic revolution. There is no other way out. The second preposition ‘Yes’ – Dalits can grab power through democratic means only on the vision of Babu Kanshi Ram – Vote Hamara – Raj Tumhara; Nahin Chalega - Nahin Chalega and Jis Ki Jitni Sankhiya Bhari – Utni Us Ki Hissedari. It also directly relates to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision as stipulated in the Constitution – One Vote – One Value. It means that Dalits need to unite and stand under the umbrella of their unified political outfit with the support and association of OBCs and minorities like Buddhists and Muslims, Christians and also economically weaker sections of the society; landless laborers in the rural areas. The demographic data given above, on the bases of 2011 census, clearly shows that Dalits and OBCs with minorities like Buddhists, Christians and Muslims form around 50% of the population - (Caste Hindus and Sikhs or General Category – 40-45%; Dalits – 32%; OBCs – 15-20%, Buddhists – 0.12%, Christians – 1.26%  and Muslims – 1,93%. With this, Dalits can form their own government in Punjab or at least, to begin with, acquire deciding position for the formation of any government as a ‘Kingmaker’. Both the scenarios would ensure their due share in the pie and loud and clear voice in the higher echelons of decision making.

What could be done – a prognosis?  - Punjab is the state having large population of Dalits with about 35% and if the OBC population is added it comes to more than 50%. Why should they not aspire to sit on the driving wheel of the state? But the ground reality is that it could not happen so far and would not happen in the near future,

given the socio-political and also economic realities of the society and the polity. Some ‘Out of the box’ thinking and action is needed to set the things in its perspective. Of late, it is gratifying to note that the much needed awareness and awaken on one hand and the requisite socio-political wherewithal with the Dalit communities is fast emerging to address the issues of ‘Partnership – Hissedari’ in power structures as visualized by  Babasaheb Ambedkar and  Babu Kanshi Ram on the other. Punjab may start the process of socio-political transformation or revolution one may like to call. Dalits, OBCs with the minorities in the State should float a political outfit as a counter-weight to the bigger players like Congress, SAD, AAP, and BJP. BSP has already lost its appeal and connect and should be invited to join the proposed new dispensation

. If it is considered to concentrate on Punjab alone, Punjab should be added to the name; for example - Bahujan Samaj of Punjab (BSP) or Federation of Punjab Dalits and OBCs etc. If it is intended to spread the wings of the new outfit to the neighboring states in North India the name could be – Democratic Samta Dal or Samajik Bhaichara Front etc. Anyway, it is not a big issue, it could be decided by the political Pandits of the civil society of  Dalits and OBCs when they join hands as my prognosis assign a definite role to the civil society in this regard.

How shall we go about? – The civil society of Dalits, OBCs, Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists of Punjab should take the lead to bring around the intelligentsia, academics, retired senior bureaucracy, professionals – doctors, Engineers and others, businessmen, socio-political activists. A sort Think Tank - pressure group, core group, caucus should be created formally or informally, to begin with, to prepare a ‘Non-paper’ on the subject which could be circulated among the said civil society. And accordingly, a meeting should be convened to which stakeholder (political players), in addition to the said Think Tank, from various political parties may be invited. It will set the ball rolling and further details and the road map may be chalked out. This is the only way to get our due share and space in the power structures taking advantage of the dictum: One Vote –

One Value otherwise Dalits and OBCs would remain sitting on the margins as the ruling elites tend to continue. All political parties are wooing Dalit vote banks to carry forward their limited and selfish agendas. The hapless Dalit masses attached to the Deras are vulnerable and their soft targets. The Dera leaderships are ill-equipped to understand their machinations. Dalits should not be oblivious of their inherit strength unleashed by the affirmative and empowerment provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India by Babasaheb Ambedkar with great struggle and difficulties. It is time to stand up and march forward. I have taken the liberty of writing this long narration not as a political analyst but as a humble stakeholder in the process as a Dalit.

Mujhe Lorian De Rahen Hain Sabhi,

Kyon Ki Karbat Ley Raha Hai Zamana

 

Thanks - Sense of Gratitude

Thanks - Sense of Gratitude

I have been writing blogs for the last more than 15 years on topics and subjects of interest and concern to the country and the society with special impetus on the issues and matters pertaining to the marginalized sections of the society; the so called Dalits. In the process, I got both bouquets and brickbats in fairly equal measure. I host my blogs on my blog site: diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com and post it on my Facebook handle too. With the courtesy of my media partners – The Asian Independent and the Samaj Weekly of the UK

and The Ambedkar Times of the USA and also some other publications like the Chanan Minara of Jalandhar, my blogs often appear for wider circulation. I also take the liberty of sharing my blogs with my friendly contacts on the WhatApp with the hope to listen from them their views on the matters of interest and concern. Consciously, I have not tried to engage with the main stream print media in spite of the fact that many of my learned friends suggested to do so. Since I write as a layman, with my feet on the ground, on the subjects pertaining to the community, mainstream print media may not be interested because of their editorial constraints and sometimes undesirable bias, I try to contend myself by putting my views and mind in the public domain and wish to invite comments and responses from the discerning readers. I take the liberty of sharing here some of the comments (as it came) of my friendly lot on my latest blog; The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 19 which I posted yesterday, July 2.  I do so with a sense of gratitude and to humbly motivate more of my friends and readers to offer comments; good or bad – support or criticism, on my views for the larger good of the society. I am sorry to say most of us are still confining ourselves to merely; Jai Gurdev – Dhan Gurdev, Jai Bheem - Jai Bharat, Namo-Buddhaye and the signage of folded hands. Let us consider and join hands in establishing a good dialogue, healthy exchanges, discussion, brain-storming on matters of interest and concern to the society – the more the merrier.

·      Toora P. R: Thank you for forwarding to me your well written articles covering lot of subjects relating to dalit communities without any secretariat assistance. You have been asking for various genuine demands and have been approaching concerned authorities of Government authorities through your professionally   acquired skill of writings to hit the bull’s eye for which I really salute you. I hope our other highly educated people in Punjab will try to understand a d admire or convey to you real respect which you genuinely deserve. I am sure your efforts will be recognized one day. My respectful regards to you always.

Toora P. R: To add, I have been sharing your blogs among my friends and colleagues.

·      Sat Paul Virdi - Hello Brother, Very nice, A thoughtful and well-written blog that addresses a very important issue facing our society today. Your analysis is balanced, insightful, and encourages constructive thinking rather than mere celebration. The emphasis on channelizing the awakened energy of the Dalit community through education, leadership, and collective action is truly the need of the hour. I especially appreciate your call for retired bureaucrats, academicians, and professionals to guide the community with their experience and wisdom. Such ideas can inspire meaningful transformation. Congratulations on an excellent and timely write-up.

·      Sat Paul Ahir - Your views and thoughts are always driven by ground level facts and their impact on social and politics health of the Samaj. Very nice. Eye opener. Thanks for sharing with me even.

·      Ronki Ram - Very well written and forcefully articulated!!

·      Roop Lal Roop - ਸਮਾਜ ਹਿਤੈਸ਼ੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰੀ ਦਾ ਅਹਿਸਾਸ ਕਰਵਾਉਂਦਾ ਵਧੀਆ ਆਰਟੀਕਲ

·      Manohar Mahey - Good. I think no coordination in yeomen’s service by the Intellectuals, professional & even social activists. Dalit community at large has developed sense of insecurity & find no way out to progress. I appreciate your efforts.

·      And one more candid comment - Good morning Sir. Sant Niranjan Dass doesn’t need this Padma award; he is above such government awards. Now, he is in the company of hundreds of others persons of many hues who have already been bestowed this honour by various governments. He is the spiritual leader of our community; his aura is bigger than this award. Personally, I feel that there was no need to accept this award. Regards.

 I count on my magnanimous friends for their support and understanding. 

    Zindgi Di Hai Tune; To Jine Ka Hunar Bhi Dena,

Gufftgu Tune Sikhaee Hai; Ab Tak To Mein Gungga Tha,

Ab Mein Bolunga; To Batton Mein Asar Bhi Dena