October 27, 1951 – Ambedkar Visited Bootan Mandi Jalandhar

The Ambedkarites living in and around Bootan Mandi at Jalandhar commemorated the historic visit of Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on October 27 at Ambedkar Bhawan situated at Dr. Ambedkar Marg

(Nakodar Road) where the iconic, Babasaheb addressed a mammoth public rally on October 27, 1951. It is a matter of great pride for us that we the BootanMandians hosted that visit led by our forefathers namely; Seth Kishan Dass, Seth Sunder Dass among others and the youth of that time which included K.C. Sulekh, Pritam Ramdasspuri, Kartara Ram Madhas, inter alia.

I happily joined the function at the Bhawan thoughtfully arranged by Ambedkar Bhawan Trust to commemorate the visit of our icon, Babasaheb. On the occasion, a Free Medical Camp for the benefit and advantage of the residents of the area was arranged with the help of professionally qualified doctors and Medicos led by Dr. Charanjit Singh.  The Chief Guest of the solemn function was a staunch and scholarly Ambedkarite, Dr. Surinder Ajnat. Speaking on the

occasion, Secretary of the Trust, Dr. Gian Kaul gave a brief resume of the visit of Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1951 and a thought provoking address he delivered at the huge public meeting. Dr. Ajnat paid handsome tributes to Babasaheb and recalled his immense contribution to make India a land of democracy in spite of all odds in doing so. President of the Trust, Sohan Lal thanked the guests and the attentive audience and also the Medical Team for joining them in commemorating the historic visit of the Leader. The high-light of the function was the release of the ‘Citation of Honour – Maan Patra’ read by K.C. Sulekh the then General Secretary of the All India Scheduled Caste Federation from the podium of the function on October 27, 1951. It is a rare and historical document. It is a matter

of gratification to know that this document was thoughtfully obtained and preserved by one of my close friends, Ram Lal Dass. At such occasions, Chief Editor of the Desh Doaba and the Ambedkar Times of the US, Prem Chumber always and as usual remain handy to help. Prem Chumber very kindly and thoughtfully got the Citation transcribed into Punjabi and translated into English and published it in his esteemed papers, the mouth-pieces of the legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar and Babu Manguram Mugowalia of the Ad-dharam Mandal. Ambedkar Bhawan Trust with the help its fully involved and dedicated volunteer,  Finance Secretary of the Trust, Baldev Bhardwaj got the Citation of Honour printed and framed and and presented to the Hon’ble Guests and the Doctors who conducted the Free Medical Camp. I take this opportunity to thank K.C. Sulekh Sahib, Ram Lal Dass, Prem Chumber and Ambedkar Bhawan Trust for doing their part in preserving and protecting the history. I am reminded of the poem of Gurdass Ram Alam which he recited at the Public Rally in the presence of Babasaheb on October 27, 1951:

ਬੜਾ ਸ਼ੋਰ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਗਰੀਬ ਦੇ ਡੇਰੇ; ਇਹ ਅਜ ਕੌਣ ਆਯਾ ਸਵੇਰੇ ਸਵੇਰੇ,

ਲੱਖਾਂ ਲੋਗ ਜੁੜ ਬੈਠੇ; ਜਿਸ ਦੇ ਚੁਫੇਰੇ; ਅਜ ਕੌਣ ਆਯਾ ਸਵੇਰੇ ਸਵੇਰੇ.

I close this brief narration with a bit of more information with regard to the visit of Babasaheb Ambedkar to Bootan Mandi in October, 1951. With the visit, the stretch of the Highway – Dr. Ambedkar Marg – Nakodar Road has become ‘Ambedkar Hub’ – Starting from Ambedkar Chowk to Kabir Chowk (Wadala Chowk), it entails important sites and institutions pertaining to Babasaheb namely; The Head-office of the Bheem Patrika (Office and Residence of its Chief Editor Lahori Ram Balley at Abadpura), Ambedkar Bhawan, Chobara of Seth Kishan Dass at Bootan Mandi where Babasaheb visited and had the Punjabi meal of Saag and Makki ki Roti, Ambedkar Municipal Park, Ambedkar Community Center at Sidharath Nagar, Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar Degree College. It goes without saying that these sites occupy an important place on the map of the City of Jalandhar.

Relevance of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Emerging India and the World at large

 

Relevance of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Emerging India and the World at large

With the every passing day, relevance of Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is increasingly gaining strength and currency not only in India but beyond too. The democratic processes in India, of late, has clearly shown that the marginalized segments of the society are getting restive to have their say and share not in the polity alone but

also in the economy and also socio-cultural sphere and rightly so. As visualized by our fore-fathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar, the political democracy established with our constitution in 1950 has to be transformed into social and economic democracy to keep India on track. It is not for nothing that every political formation and socio-cultural outfits is falling on each other to own Babasaheb Ambedkar and his legacy. The dictum of ‘One Vote: One Value’ has started showing its efficacy and setting the trends (Disha and Dasha) for the things to follow in the days to come. Here lies the relevance of Babasaheb Ambedkar. The time is fast approaching when the dalit voters would start asserting a bit more in spite of the fact that the vested interests tend to keep them divided. But my gut feelings tell me that Ambedkar would prevail, as I wrote in one of my recent blogs. It will be difficult to ignore Ambedkar and his legacy anymore.

With this background, I come to the issue dear to my heart – the proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the arrangements of the UN. I would continue to do my bit in this regard. The update in this regard

is that after my approach to President of BJP, J.P. Nadda in August, 2024, my request to the dalit Ministers in the NDA Government on September 18, 2024,  I took the liberty of writing to Sarsnghchalak of RSS, Mohan Bhagwat on October 13, 2024 followed by my letter of October 23, 2024 to CM of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM, Devender Fadnvis and MOS Ramdas Athawale to invoke Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Mararashtra connection. My letter is appended below for perusal. Let us see – Behosh Jo Paden Hain Shyad Une Jaga De.

 

Text of the Letter dated October 23, 2024

October 23, 2024

Respected CM Eknath Shinde ji,

I am a retired career diplomat of the IFS. I thought of inviting your attention to one of the topical matters of concern and interest to ‘We the people of India’ particularly to Maharashtra – proposal on declaring April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. The proposal is resting with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015. We have been reminding the GOI, off and on, since then. Two of my latest letters on the subject addressed to Shri J.P. Nadda, President of BJP and Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of RSS would provide you some more details. I take the liberty of attaching these letters as appendices for your kind perusal.

I would not take much of you time as I know you are extremely busy. The purpose of this letter is to solicit your support to the proposal on International Day of Equality to honour and recognize one of the greatest sons of India in the contemporary times. You very well feel and understand the pulse of the country, especially Maharashtra, Sir.  You would agree that it is time to consider and approve the proposal by the GOI before it gets too late.

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

Hon’ble Shri Eknath Shinde

CM of Maharashtra

Mumbai

 

Copy to –  i) Shri Devnder Fadnvis, Dy. CM of Maharashtra

 ii) Hon’ble MOS Ramdas Athawale

 

 

Appendics I – Letter dated August 27 to Shri JP Nadda

 

August 27, 2024

Respected Shri J.P. Nadda Sahib,

I am taking the liberty of writing to you on an issue of which you may be of aware as I have been writing to you on the subject off and on in the past many years – The proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as the International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN.

The proposal is resting with the MEA/PMO since June, 2015. Ever since, I have been pursuing the matter with all whom I considered could be of help in this regard. My last letter dated September 11, 2023  to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar may be seen at the Annexure to this letter.

I may add that I have consciously been trying to keep this issue apolitical as Babasaheb is a national icon and shall be recognized as such. Since the matter pertains to the GOI under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and the BJP, it would only be appropriate for me to take up the matter with you not only as an important Minister in the GOI but also as President of the BJP as I am confident that after a 10 years stint, NDA government headed by BJP would remain in power in the years to come. My last Blog written in March this year on the subject which would provide a bit more information on the proposal may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/03/it-is-time-to-remind-international-day.html

Though the matter is apolitical, as I said, yet kindly allow me to say my mind. You know that Ambedkar is a phenomenon which would remain firm on the socio-political firmament of the country for a long time to come. The fast changing political scenario on the basis of ‘one vote – one value’ would always be influencing the politics of the country and as such the marginalized sections of the society would tend to have their say. It has been proved in the recent elections. No political outfit can afford to ignore this ground reality. I know for certain that BJP under your stewardship and the GOI under PM Narendra Modi cannot remain oblivious of the coming scenario. Supporting the proposal on International Day of Equality to honour Babasaheb Ambedkar would, obviously result in good dividends not only politically but also strengthen India’s stature in the realm of ‘Socio-cultural – Soft diplomacy’ in the comity of nations in line with International Day of Non-violence and International Day of Yoga.

You would agree, Sir that time is of essence. I urge you to kindly have a fresh look on the proposal and consider the proposal and decide. It would only be appropriate if the proposal on International Day of Equality is taken to the UN through diplomatic channels and EAM/PM may include the matter in their speeches at the forthcoming UNGA in September, 2024.

I am confident, Sir, that my submissions will find due consideration with you.

With personal regards,

 

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

 

Shri J.P.Nadda,

President of BJP

New Delhi

 Copy to:

i.                 Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs

ii.               Shri Varindra Kumar, Minister of Social Justice

iii.              Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing

iv.              Shri Ramdas Athawale, MOS for Social Justice

v.                Principal Secretary to PM. Shri P.K. Mishra

vi.              Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of RSS

 

 

Appendics II – Letter dated  October 13, 2024 to Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat

 

October 13, 2024

Respected Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat Mahodya,

I am one of your followers and well-wishers. You may recall my meetings with you in Jalandhar and Nagpur a couple of years ago.

After listening to your customary annual address on the Vijay Dashami, I take the liberty of congratulating you and the RSS cadres on the auspicious beginning of the Centenary Year of the RSS and wish this unique and un-matched organization engaged in the nation building and reform and well-being of the society at large. I am confident, Sir, the Centenary year of the RSS would further strengthen the resolve of the Swyamsewaks under your stewardship to address the issues of interest and concern to the country; especially of the weaker sections of the society. I fully agree with you that weakness was a crime and even  “Gods did not care for the weak.”

I am a votary of the RSS’s agenda of “Samrasta”. I was happy to listen to your pledge to take up the mission of social unification in the days to come. Here, keeping with your message, I have a humble suggestion to make – The Centenary Year of the esteemed RSS should be dedicated to the ‘Eradication of Caste’ in our society with an added impetus to ‘Integrate the so called dalits’ with the main stream of the society.

I take this opportunity to solicit your kind support to my proposal of declaring April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. The proposal is resting with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015. I have been writing on the subject, off and on, but I could not make my point reach home so far.

I am confident, Sir, my humble submissions would find due consideration at your hands.

With the assurances of my highest consideration,

 

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

Shri Mohan Bhagwat,

Sarsanghchalak of RSS,

Nagpur (Maharastra)

 

 

 

 

Ambedkar Ka Jadu: Sar Chad Kar Bolega - (Ambedkar will Prevail)

 

 Ambedkar Ka Jadu: Sar Chad Kar Bolega - (Ambedkar will Prevail)

We have been struggling to make our point reach home with regard to the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as

International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. The proposal is pending with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015.

We have been pursuing the proposal, as apolitical issue, with the GOI through the good offices of PMO and MEA regularly, keeping other concerned Ministries and offices on the loop. As I wrote many a times before that this proposal is of suggestive and persuasive nature which is expected to be considered within the policy framework and agenda of the Government of the day. We have, consciously, not allowed it to become an issue of agitation. So far so good, as we clearly see that the proposal holds merit – International Day of Equality will tend to strengthen India’s Cultural/Soft Diplomacy on the lines of International Day of Non-violence and International Day of Yoga and it would also meet the GOI’s avowed agenda to honour an recognize the national icons. And also to strengthen the edifice of “affirmative action’ to empower the weaker sections of the society by underlining the dictum of ‘Equality’ in line with the stipulation’s made in the Constitution of India and also in pursuance of the UN Charter to establish a ‘just and equitable world order’.

My gut feeling tells me though lot of water has flown since the proposal was made to EAM Sushma Swaraj in 2015 yet it seems that

we have succeeded in reregistering and revisiting it with EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar in 2024. It has taken a full circle from BJP/RSS leadership to MEA/PMO. The proposal has generated vibrations in the corridors of power in New Delhi. We have got a written response from MEA in this regard.

GOI has to be magnanimous and true to democratic values in taking a right and timely decision to honour one of the greatest sons of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar. The time has come - Ambedkar Ka Jadu: Sar Chad Kar Bolega - (Ambedkar will Prevail).

With a view to provide a bit of more information on the subject for the benefit of “We the people of India”, I list here two of my latest blogs on the issue. I solicit your support.

https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/09/an-open-letter-to-sc-senior-ministers.html

and

https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/08/as-i-please-international-day-of.html

 

 

An Open Letter to SC Senior Ministers in the NDA Cabinet of PM Narendra Modi – International Day of Equality

 

An Open Letter to SC Senior Ministers in the NDA Cabinet of PM Narendra Modi – International Day of Equality

The month of September every year cajoles me to get up and say my mind on the much neglected and marginalized proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as International Day of Equality under the aegis of UN as yearly ritual of UNGA takes place in New Year in the second half of September. From India, either PM or EAM or both generally participate in the  UNGA and address the international community from the high podium of the world body.

Though a long time has passed since the proposal was made in June, 2015 and the GOI is blissfully silent yet my gut feeling tells me that it is increasingly becoming difficult to ignore the greatest son of India Babasaheb Ambedkar. One may or may not like it – Powers in

Delhi would ignore Ambedkar at their own peril. GOI (MEA) has already joined the process by installing and unveiling the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar at  PMI at Geneva, the second most important seat of the UN, dealing with issues of Equality and Human Rights. EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar tweeted in social Media, “Paid my respects to Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar , the architect of the Indian Constitution at India UN at Geneva. Babasaheb’s vision of social justice, Equality and progressive modernity is an inspiration for the world.”  New York would not be far behind, to my mind.

In continuation of my blog on the subject which may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/08/as-i-please-international-day-of.html

 I thought of writing an open letter to the Dalit Ministers in the Cabinet of PM Narendra Modi, seeking and soliciting their understanding and support to the proposal on International Day of Equality. The text of the letter dated September 18, 2024 addressed to Ministers Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chirag Paswan, Dr. Virendra Kumar and Arjun Ram Meghwal is appended below.

Let us hope these dalit Ministers join us and urge the NDA Government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi to wake up and come out of the ‘lip service’ phase and give his due to the greatest icon of contemporary India.

मेरी अदा को दवाना तो खैर मुमकिन है;

मगर नई अवाम की आवाज कौन रोकेगा?

 

Appendix – Text of Letter dated September 18, 2024 to all the SC Senior Ministers

 

September 18, 2024

Subject - An Open Letter to Dalit Ministers in the NDA Government – International Day of Equality

Respected Hon’ble Ministers,

You might have heard of the proposal to declare April 14 (birth day of Babasaheb Ambedkar) as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. The proposal is resting with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015. After its initiation with the then EAM Sushma Swaraj, it reached PM Narendra Modi in November, 2015 in a Memorandum submitted by the Forum of SC MPs and MLAs under the stewardship of the then Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly, Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal with a delegation of all the Ministers in the GOI including Ram Vilas Paswan, Thavar Chand Gehlot, Ramdas Athawale among others. In pursuance of these activities, for the first time, Dr. Ambedkar’s 125^th birth anniversary was celebrated at the UN in New York in April, 2016 with the initiative of the GOI and rightly so. Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal, Head of the Forum of SC MPs, who led the GOI sponsored delegation to participate in the celebrations at the UN mentioned and supported the proposal on International Day of Equality in his address at the UN function. On return, Atwal Sahib submitted his report to PM Narendra Modi in May, 2016 and informed him of his initiative and urged the Hon’ble PM to consider and advise the MEA to take appropriate steps to make a diplomatic demarche to UN on the proposed International Day of Equality. Since then, we have been reminding the powers in Delhi especially; MEA and PMO religiously but, regrettably, nothing much has moved. Meanwhile, with the collaboration and support of some of the Ambedkarite, Ravidassia, Buddhist and other stake holders and outfits abroad, we could succeed in convincing the local authorities. As a result, to our satisfaction, many Cities and Provinces in Canada, US, UK and others have declared April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality. But, surprisingly, GOI is blissfully silent on the proposal to honour one of the greatest sons of India, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

With a view to cut the story short and knowing full well that Hon’ble Ministers have much to do otherwise, I take the liberty of listing here my latest blog on the subject which provide you some more details and information on the proposal on International Day of Equality: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/08/as-i-please-international-day-of.html

You would observe, Sirs that the proposal on International Day of Equality would not only honour the greatest icon of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar but il would further strengthen India’s cultural and soft diplomacy. I will be grateful, therefor, if you spare a few moments out of your busy schedule and read and consider my submissions. Your support in the matter is much needed and earnestly solicited. EAM and PM are going to address the UNGA in the coming days. It is time to urge and alert them to consider and include the proposal on International Day of Equality in their Briefs for their interaction at the UN.

With regards,

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

All the SC  Senior Ministers in the GOI

 

Madan Bolina – An Obituary

 

Madan Bolina – An Obituary

I was shocked to get a message yesterday, September 2, from one of our common friends Roop Lal Roop about the sudden passing away, on August 31, of my school days friend, Madan Bolina, a fine man

with intellectual pursuits of writing Punjabi poetry and reciting it with great passion. I was totally stunned as Madan spoke to me a week ago and shared with me the good news of an addition to their family. He was elated of becoming a grand-father. Madan was still in the state of celebrations but   providence had something else in store.  Here one gets helpless.

We studied together up to Matriculation from Sain Dass School in Basti Nau. Both our families were dependent on small-time leather business in Bootan Mandi though their native place was a flourish village in the vicinity of Rama Mandi on the Hoshiarpur Road, Bolina Doaba. Earlier his father, Joginder Ram was working with Seth Munshi Ram, to whom they were related socially, at Seth ji’s Kohenoor Tanneries in Kanpur in UP. Madan was a handsome and a tall lad with a stylish hairline. One of our school mates and a member of the extended family, Lekh Raj Mahey used to compare, in lighter vein, his hairline with that of Wahida Rehman, a famous actor of Hindi cinema n Bollywood. I joined DAV College, after

Matriculation and Madan some other College in Jalandhar itself. Subsequently, I went to Delhi in the pursuit of earning bread and butter and joined IFS at the lowest rung in early 1970. We met in Delhi in 1971-72 when he came there for his attempt to join Delhi Police. Madan himself recalled it me later on return to Jalandhar on my retirement as it was not registered in my feeble memory. He was nostalgic and appreciative of those good old days spent together in a small one room accommodation. It made me feel good. We lost touch in the pursuit of our respective careers. He joined service in the Defense Audit and Accounts and shifted to his village, Bolina Doaba. On my return to Bootan Mandi in 2011, one day, we bumped into each other at some socio-cultural gathering. He came and introduced himself to me with great humility. Our formative years in school time, sparked into my mind. His humility touched my core and made me feel that he must have had a great regard for me in his heart. We picked up the threads and revived our association particularly with regard to our common interest - his skills of poetry and my simple interest in search of food for thought. We participated in many Mushiaras (Poetry recitation functions), me as a Guest and he as a Poet. Madan was a self-effacing personality but I saw him in his spirits while reciting his good and meaningful poetic compositions on the themes of national pride and subjects relating to the weaker sections of the community and the society at large.

One day, we were going to Adampur for a book release where I was the Guest of Honour at a function organized by Adampur Punjabi Sahayatia Sabha in which Madan to participate and join his colleagues in the Sabha for a Mushiara. Madan impressed me much

with recital of his poem on patriotism targeting Pakistan. On our way back, I asked him, being my fellow BootanMandian, will you like to write some or a write-up for my forthcoming book on Bootan Mandi? He was reluctant initially but on persuasion he agreed to his bit and asked for the theme. I suggested writing on Pritam Ramdasspuri, a talented and acclaimed son of the soil in poetry as Madan had earlier told methat Pritam Ramdasspuri was his literary Guru and one of his mentors. Accordingly, his contribution on Pritam Ramdasspuri adorned my book – Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna which was launched in April, 2024. Madan participated in the function as an honoured guest.

With the demise of Madan Bolina, I have lost a dear friend so suddenly. I take this opportunity to pay my tribute to the memory of Madan and convey heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

बिछड़ा कुछ इस अदा से; की रुत ही बदल गई

इक शख़्स सारे शहर को वीरान कर गया

 

As I Please – International Day of Equality

 

As I Please – International Day of Equality

The last time I wrote in my blog about the subject was March, 2024. We are about to enter September after a couple of days and September has been the month when invariably  thought of reminding the GOI about the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as International Day of Equality as it concerns
the UN. Traditionally, our PM and or EAM will go to New York and address the world from the high podium of the august organization in its annual UNGA. Though much water has flown in the Ganges and the Hudson in New York yet I am not tired as of today. I wrote this time to the President of BJP, J.P. Nadda under endorsement to other dignitaries concerned including EAM and PMO. As of now, I have been consciously trying to keep the proposal apolitical. But perhaps

time has come to underscore its political importance and resultant dividend, if it is accepted and political fallout too, if it is not duly considered and a response not given by the political leadership; particularly that of the ruling elite. People, especially the followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar are keenly and patiently watching the situation. The emerging scenario, in the wake of the recent elections, has clearly shown that the marginalized sections of the society for whom Babasaheb Ambedkar is a national icon, will no longer sit tight and would tend to say their mind in a democratic way. We would ignore Ambedkar at our own peril.

With this background, I share herewith my letter of August 27, 2024 to Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, President of BJP and urge the stake holders in the proposal to come out and support the proposal on International Day of Equality before it gets too late.

IK Tarze Tugafil Hai So Woh Unko Mubarak

IK Arze Tammana Hai Woh Hum Karte Rahenge

Text of my letter of August 27, 2024 –

August 27, 2024

Respected Shri J.P. Nadda Sahib,

I am taking the liberty of writing to you on an issue of which you may be of aware as I have been writing to you on the subject off and on in the past many years – The proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as the International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN.

The proposal is resting with the MEA/PMO since June, 2015. Ever since, I have been pursuing the matter with all whom I considered could be of help in this regard. My last letter dated September 11, 2023  to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar may be seen at the Annexure to this letter.

I may add that I have consciously been trying to keep this issue apolitical as Babasaheb is a national icon and shall be recognized as such. Since the matter pertains to the GOI under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and the BJP, it would only be appropriate for me to take up the matter with you not only as an important Minister in the GOI but also as President of the BJP as I am confident that after a 10 years stint, NDA government headed by BJP would remain in power in the years to come. My last Blog written in March this year on the subject which would provide a bit more information on the proposal may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/03/it-is-time-to-remind-international-day.html

Though the matter is apolitical, as I said, yet kindly allow me to say my mind. You know that Ambedkar is a phenomenon which would remain firm on the socio-political firmament of the country for a long time to come. The fast changing political scenario on the basis of ‘one vote – one value’ would always be influencing the politics of the country and as such the marginalized sections of the society would tend to have their say. It has been proved in the recent elections. No political outfit can afford to ignore this ground reality. I know for certain that BJP under your stewardship and the GOI under PM Narendra Modi cannot remain oblivious of the coming scenario. Supporting the proposal on International Day of Equality to honour Babasaheb Ambedkar would, obviously result in good dividends not only politically but also strengthen India’s stature in the realm of ‘Socio-cultural – Soft diplomacy’ in the comity of nations in line with International Day of Non-violence and International Day of Yoga.

You would agree, Sir that time is of essence. I urge you to kindly have a fresh look on the proposal and consider the proposal and decide. It would only be appropriate if the proposal on International Day of Equality is taken to the UN through diplomatic channels and EAM/PM may include the matter in their speeches at the forthcoming UNGA in September, 2024.

I am confident, Sir, that my submissions will find due consideration with you.

With personal regards,

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander

Shri J.P.Nadda,

President of BJP

New Delhi

 

Copy to:

i.                 Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs

ii.               Shri Varindra Kumar, Minister of Social Justice

iii.              Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing

iv.              Shri Ramdas Athawale, MOS for Social Justice

v.                Principal Secretary to PM. Shri P.K. Mishra

vi.              Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of RSS

 

Annexure – Text of Letter dated September 11, 2023 to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar

 

September 11, 2023

Respected Sir,

First of all, I congratulate you and the GOI on the successful G-20 Meet yet another feather in your hat. I take this opportunity to wish you further success in the days to come.

I am writing this again, Sir, to remind you on the proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality in the ambit of Bharat’s Soft and Cultural Diplomacy. I have been writing to you and other stakeholders in this regard. My last letter dated May 6, 2023 to you in this regard is enclosed for ready reference. Meanwhile, more than 30 organizations pertaining to Babasaheb Ambedkar, Gautam Buddha and Guru Ravidass in the UK submitted a Memorandum to the High Commissioner of India in support of the proposal. I am sure the HC must have forwarded the Memorandum to the MEA. I wrote a blog on this which may be accessed at:- http://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-more-merrier-all-buddhist-and-guru.html

  I also wrote an open letter to the BJP leadership with a view to sensitize them and solicit their understanding and support which may be seen in my blog:- http://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2023/05/an-open-letter-to-bjp-leadership-april.html

You would appreciate that, Sir; International Day of Equality is an important proposal which would tend to strengthen Bharat’s soft diplomacy on one hand and honour one of the greatest sons of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar on the other. The timing of this submission is to catch up with the forthcoming UNGA in the last week of September, 2023. You may like to take advantage of your presence and participation in the UNGA to take up the proposal on International Day of Equality in your address to the international community.

With regards and all the best wishes.

Yours truly

(Ramesh Chander)

Dr. S. Jaishankar,

Minister of External Affairs,

South Block, New Delhi

Copy to:- Shri P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM, PMO, South Block, New Delhi

K. Natwar Singh – A Scholar Diplomat

 

K. Natwar Singh – A Scholar Diplomat

As I Please

Kunwar Natwar Singh (94), a scholar diplomat, passed away on August 10-11, 2024. Being a member of the MEA and the IFS fraternity, I first heard of him in 1974 when I was deployed in the PMO as an Assistant Protocol Officer. Natwar Singh, 1953 batch IFS, was the flamboyant Director attached to PM Indira Gandhi in the PMO in early 1970s. Later in 1982-83, I got a couple of opportunities to meet and interact with him as a Protocol Officer in

the MEA when he was the Secretary General of NAM. Beyond this, I did not have any occasion to work with Natwar Singh in my diplomatic career. But later in the process, I started liking him; particularly on his joining public life in the mid-1980s through his books and articles in the print media. He was a scholar diplomat and an articulate writer. Natwar Singh, immaculately dressed diplomat with a charming personality, was a much sought after personality not only as a diplomat but in intellectual and literary circles. Later on joining politics, he adorned many coveted positions including that of EAM in various governments. While in the IFS, he was close to PM Indira Gandhi and later in public life remained in the inner circles of PM Rajiv Gandhi, PM Manmohan Singh, Congress Party President, Sonia Gandhi among others. Later sometimes in mid- 2010s, he fell from grace due his involvement in a allegedly corruption case in the ‘Oil for Food’ programme for Iraq as EAM in PM Manmohan Singh government. He was unceremoniously removed as EAM which resulted in “K. Natwar Singh, 93, diplomat and Congress loyalist who turned persona non grata, dies” as storied by The Tribune on August 11. People in politics, sometimes, have to adjust with strange bed-fellows. Natwar Singh was no exception. He tried to be close to BJP and even joined for a while, BSP in late 2010s. His social background obviously helped him at the ladder to elevate himself. He was the scion of the royal family of Bharatpur and was married to the sister of Rani Sahiba Parneet Kaur of Patiala, the wife of CM of Punjab Captain Amrinder Singh.

As I said that I liked his books detailing his experiences in China and Africa and also Pakistan. His columns under the banner “As I

Please” motivated me to write blogs under the same heading ‘As I Please’ and ‘The Bits and Pieces’. I also wrote about his autobiography ‘One life is not enough’ which may be seen at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/search?q=One+Life+is+not+enough

With this, I pay my tributes to Kunwar Natwar Singh, a ‘seasoned diplomat and erudite politician’ and also a ‘prolific writer’ and close here with heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Badi Muskil Se Hota Hai; Chaman Mein Didawr Paida