Ritualistic Reminder – International Day of Equality

A Ritualistic Reminder – International Day of Equality

It is the 11th year of my writing and reminding the GOI and other stake holders on the proposal; April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality since June, 2015. As a ritual, I had been writing
on the subject religiously in September in successive years about the time of the UNGA in New Year as the proposal has to be taken up with the international community through the UN. I did my duty by writing and reminding EAM DR. S. Jaishankar through my personal letter to him which is appended below. I am not aware as to what is stored for us in the days to come but I recall an Urdu couplet which I read recently –

Mere Rehbar Mujhe Gumrah Kar De

Suna Hai Manzil Najdik Aa Rahi Hai

The proposal on the International Day of Equality was made in the run-up to celebrate the 125^th birth anniversary of Babasheb Ambedkar in 2015 to the then EAM Sushma Swaraj which was later presented to PM Narendra Modi by the Forum of Scheduled Caste MPs in November, 2015 in a Memorandum in view of the two props and considerations – One, to honour one of the greatest sons of India in the contemporary times who fight to abolish the graded inequality prevailing in the Indian society and stood for universal

equitable world order and the Second, to promote and demonstrate India’s Soft Power through its Cultural Diplomacy. Though the proposal is still lying on the official desks and cup-boards of the EAMO and PMO yet it has become, over the years, all the more relevant in the current and emerging scenario – Equality and Fraternity in the world in the increasing avenues of conflict and tension which needs to be addressed effectively on one hand and PM Narendra Modi’s agenda of ‘Vikshit Bharat’ of which India’s Soft Power through Cultural Diplomacy is an integral element as pronounced from the rampart of the Red Fort - Lal Qila on August 15.  

It is very difficult to understand as to why GOI is sitting tight on the subject? On follow-up of the proposal by the followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar and supporters of Equality and Fraternity living abroad; particularly in the developed world, the local governments/administrations in several countries like USA, UK, Canada,  among others have declared April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as ‘Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality’ at the province and city levels. It is not that the GOI is not aware of these developments. But

there is something more which is not allowing the leadership of BJP/RSS and their affiliated outfits to consider and take the proposal to the UN through diplomatic channels. Is it not the time for the followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar and the other votaries of ‘Equality and Fraternity’ to urge the GOI to take an early decision in this regard? Any democratic party and its leadership cannot afford to ignore the wishes of the people as people have the instrument of Vote to get things done democratically. My humble submissions in this regard are that it will only be ‘foolhardy’ to ignore and side line the proposal to honour the icon of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar. If we do so still, it will be t our on peril. People are watching.

 

Nahin Minnatkash-e-Taab-e-Shaneedan Dastan Meri
Khamoshi Guftugu Hai, Be-Zubani Hai Zuban Meri

(My story is not indebted to the patience of being heard
My silence is my talk, my speechlessness is my speech)

Appendics – Text of the letter dated September 21 , 2926 addressed to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar

September 21, 2026

Respected Sir,

You may recall that I have been writing to you, off and on, on the proposal ‘April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as the International Day of Equality’ which is resting with the MEA/PMO for the last more than 10 years. My last blog on the subject would provide some more details: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2026/08/indias-soft-power-socio-cultural.html

I know that the proposal requires decision at the highest level before something could be said and done. I thought of approaching you again to catch up with your forthcoming address at the UNGA on September 26.  Kindly look into the matter and facilitate the GOI’s consideration and decision. The proposal, o my mind, exactly conforms to the Hon’ble PM’s vision of taking the ‘Soft Power – Cultural Diplomacy’ of India to further heights.

I am confident, Sir, my humble submissions will find due consideration with you. I really cherish the memories of working under your stewardship.

With personal regards,

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Minter of External Affairs, New Delhi