The Centenary Year of Ad-dharm Mandal (1926-2026)

 

The Centenary Year of Ad-dharm Mandal (1926-2026)

The Ad-dharm Mandal, which later was turned into a Movement, was floated and established on June 11-12, 1926 at the village Mugowal in Tehsil Garhshankar of District Hoshiarpur of the Doaba region of Punjab, of its founder Gadri Baba Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia. It was the churn of events and socio-political scenario exciting at the times in the 1920s which motivated and cajoled the

Gadarite Baba and his associates to come forward and lead the depressed and oppressed segments of the society from the front. One can imagine, it can’t be a coincident that the RSS was formally formed in October, 1926, a few months after the formation of the Ad-dharm Mandal and launch of Samata Sainik Dal by Babasaheb Ambedkar around the same time. It only registers, to my mind, the vision of the founders of Ad-dharm Mandal led by Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia. It is a matter great pride and satisfaction for me that two of my fellow BootaMandians; Seth Kishan Dass and Seth Sunder Dass were actively associated with the formation of Ad-dharm Mandal and remained with it in its struggle to get a distinct identity to the socially and economically marginalized sections of the society in the run up to India’s freedom from the British in 1947. The Ad Dharm Mandal was a pioneering socio-religious and political movement aimed at establishing an independent, distinct identity for Dalits (Mulnivasis), it successfully mobilized the community, instilled self-respect, and campaigned for land and political rights of the oppressed and depressed sections of the society which are called SCs or Dalis in the current parlance. As its core ideology; it sought to liberate "untouchables" from the caste-based Hindu social order by framing Dalits as the original inhabitants (Mulnivasis) of the region with their own rich history and culture. The movement provided Dalits with their own distinct religious symbols, prayers, and greetings (such as Jai Guru Dev). Denting the political scene, it registered over half a million followers in the 1931 census and won 7 out of 8 reserved seats in the 1937 Punjab Legislative Assembly elections. With the cooperation of Seth Kishan Dass and Seth Sunder Dass of Bootan Mandi among others, the Head Office of Ad-dharam Mandal was first located at Bootan Mandi (as stated in the Google search) which was later shifted permanently to Kishanpura  (a locality near the Jalandhar Railway Station) which now houses Guru Ravidass Senior Secondary School run by the family of Master Gurbanta Singh, a Congress Party leader and associate of Babu Mabu Ram Mugowalia in the early years of Ad-dharm Mandal’s establishment in 1926.  Babu Mangu Ram worked closely with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, sending telegrams to support him during the Round Table Conferences in London as leader of the depressed classes as against the claims of Mahatma Gandhi. Many people may not know that Sant Sarwan Dass of Dera Sachkhand Ballan, a prominent dera of the community, was an ardent supporter of Ad-dharm Mandal who closely worked with Babu Mangu Ram and Babasaheb Ambedkar with regard to the community matters.The movement revolutionized the social fabric of Punjab's Doaba region and beyond by securing basic human rights, demanding fair wages, and ending practices like forced, unpaid labor (Begar). The Memorandum submitted by Ad-Dharam Mandal on October 12, 1929 to His Excellency Sir Geoffrey Fitz Hervey De Montmorency, the then Governor of Punjab was the first attempt for the amelioration of the lot of down trodden Community and has been rightly hailed as the "Manga Carta" in the historic struggle for eradication of untouchability and inequality. Justice Ishar Dass Pawar, a close associate of Babu Mango Ram and the intellectual face of Ad-dharm Mandal rightly wrote, “Babu Mangu Ram will be long remembers as the devoted pioneer in the crusade against social and political injustice. He fought relentlessly even in the face of crippling heavy odds for the achievements of the goal. Whatever rights we have been able to snatch so far is entirely due to these great men. There is needed to look back lest we should forget our benefactors-the brave soldiers who fought our battles.” Babu Mangu Ram was a visionary leader. He took into confidence his colleagues, Gadarite Babas, and started the struggle to uplift his brethren with their blessings as stated by one of the staunch supporters of the Movement, G.S.Bal, ”Babu M.R. Mugowalia wrote to the Ghadar Party headquarters in San Fransisco about the difficult conditions of the Untouchables in India. He wrote them that their freedom was more important to him than Indian freedom. According to Babu Mugowalia, leaders of the Ghadar Party then disengaged him to work with Scheduled castes (Untouchables), and wrote him that they would support him in his tasks. Thus, in a new context, the old revolutionary from Fresno continued the Ghadar spirit. This clearly shows that even Ghadarites had realized the need to awaken these slaves of Indian Society, the then untouchables.” Considering the importance and relevance of Ad-dhram Movement, many intellectuals and scholars like Mark Juergensmeyer, Gail Omvelt

among others have written about the sterling role of the Ad-dhram  and Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia Movement for the benefit of the students f history and Dalit movements. Prof Ronki Ram has rightly said, “Like all other integral segments of the syncretic Punjabi qaum, the Punjabi SCs are well known for their valour in the missions of the Khalsa armies of Guru Gobind Singh against regimes of injustice and social oppression. The desire for a life of dignity prompted them in the second half of 1920s, to organize themselves under the Ad Dharm movement, the maiden movement of the Untouchables in pre-Partition Punjab, launched 11-12 June 1926. The Ad Dharm movement ran parallel to but independent of various other contemporary Adi movements that emerged in the rest of India.” The role and contribution of the Ad-dham Movement and its founder, Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia in socio-political reforms of India has been fairly recorded by the historians and scholars and rightly so.

All said, it is a matter of regret to note that Dalits particularly of Punjab and more pertinently of the Doaba region have forgotten, it seems, the important milestone in the history of Dalit Movements in India; the Centenary Year of the Ad-dhram Mandal. Babasaheb Ambedkr himself said that those who forget their history cannot make history. I have not noticed much activity except the planned celebrations and commemorations at Khuralgarh Sahib in Hoshiarpur by the All India Ad-dharm Movement on June 11-12, 2026. I have also glanced through a book by Dr. Gurmeet Kallarmajri – Gadri Baba Mangu Ram Mugowalia Atey Ad-dhram which has been dedicated to the Centenary Year of Ad-dharm Mandal. Editor in Chief of the Ambedkar Times Group of Publications of USA, Prem

Chumber has been doing a lot to keep the memory of Ad-dhram Maovement and Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia. More should come forward to consolidate and preserve the legacy of the Movement. I conclude it here by thanking All India Ad-dharm Movement for the initiative taken in this regard and also submitting my proposal of claiming and reviving the Headquarters of Ad-dharm Mandal at Mohalla Kishanpura in Jalandhar for consideration and action by All India Ad-dhram Movement and followers of Ad-dhram. The details of the claim may be accessed from my blog of January 23, 2024   given below:

https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/01/call-to-redeem-history-and-glory-of-ad.html

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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Dreams – An Autobiography – Book

My Dreams – An Autobiography – Book

One fine day, some days ago, my friend Harmesh Jassal dropped in and presented me a book of Raj Paul of the UK published and distributed recently by Malind Prakashan, an outfit managed and run by Harmesh Jassal himself. It is a small booklet - My Dreams (Autobiography) of Raj Paul comprising of 72 pages and also some colored photos of Raj Paul’s life and work over the years. Frankly

speaking there is nothing much to write about the book as such but my indulgence in community matters and my pastime of writing blogs made me sit and write about the book Raj Paul of Kartarpur (his native place in Jalandhar) who kept himself associated with the community as a staunch follower of Babasaheb Ambedkar and a devout Buddhist while earning his bread and butter with dignity in the UK. I appreciate Raj Paul’s endeavors as many of our people don’t pay much attention to the things healthy for the mind and soul.

Coming to the narration of the book, the author, Raj Paul himself has given the justification for writing the account of his life and work in the Introduction of the book. Frankly speaking, there is not much write about the book as it is but the sheer grit and dedication of Raj Paul to carry with him the lofty mission of Babasaheb Ambedkar to the UK and keep himself engaged with it for the benefit and advantage of the community motivated me to write about this. Reading the book, I noted that author is the nephew of the then known socio-economic personality of the community in Kartarpur, Tulsi Ram Paul who was duly known and recognized in Bootan Mandi, the nerve center of Dalit consciousness along with yet another, Bhana Ram (Bhana Mantri). Raj Paul has devoted the book

to the details of life and mission of Babasaheb Ambedkar and rightly so. Dalits of the Doaba region of Punjab remained ahead in migration and mobility for greener pastures. Father of the author, Bishan Dass first moved to Singapore as a spring board to land in England in 1957. Raj Paul moved to England in 1961 and spent his young formative years in schools and work places as an apprentice. He got married to one Nashatar Kaur in 1971 who moved to England with her parents as a young lass but never when to school. It gives a glimpse to the socio-cultural life of migrants from Punjab; even in England the parents did not care about the education of their children and remained busy n earning Pounds to send back home and purchase properties. Anyway, it is yet another aspect of life.  It was a matter of satisfaction for Raj Paul that in accordance with his insistence; he was permitted to marry Nashatar Kaur with Buddhist rites and ceremonies. The author engaged himself with Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Committee of Great Britain and became its General Secretary in 1976 and remained at the helm of the esteemed Committee for more than 30 years holding positions of General Secretary and President. It is not a mean achievement and should be recognized as such. Raj Paul played a pivotal role in establishing Buddha Viharas and Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorials both in England and back home in Punjab and beyond. One may easily note from the narration that Raj Paul consciously and diligently developed and nurtured the community relations with our political leadership aligned with Babasaheb Ambedkar like Babu Kanshi Ram and Kumari Mayawati and Lahori Ram Balley, Prakash Ambedkar among others including PM V.P. Singh. Yet another appreciable contribution of Raj Paul is establishment of Dr. Ambedkar Buddhist Resource Center in Hoshiarpur (Punjab) with the active support both, monetary and moral, of his associates; D.R. Jassal and Diwan Singh on the land donated by Gurdial Sandhi and his family. One another good attribute which I have noticed is that Raj Paul and associates motivated ad involved ladies, spearheaded by none else but his wife Nashatar Kaur herself, in community matters including raising of funds. Raj Kumar has, I am happy to note, he has duly recognized and appreciated the support of his wife in his efforts including adoption of girl students for their education back home in Karatarpur. In fact the book has been dedicated to his wife, Nashatar Kaur and rightly so. With this, I think Raj Paul has succeeded in fulfilling his ‘Ambition’ to follow and carry forward the caravan of Dr. Ambedkar as stated in the book. Raj Paul closes the book with an ‘Overview’ which tends to set the things in right perspective.

With this, I take this opportunity to wish Raj Paul all the best in the years to come particular with regard to his substantive contribution to the community and the society at large. Salute to Raj Paul for his zeal in a poetic expression of Allma Iqbal: -

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

 

 

 

 

Deepening West Asia Situation – India’s Preparedness

Deepening West Asia Situation – India’s Preparedness

It is more than 75 days that war between the US, Israel and some countries of West Asia on one side and Iran on the other is going on which has resulted into deep crisis not only in the West Asian region but also the world at large. In spite of the fact, it seems, that both the barring sides are tired and exhausted but still trying to brow beat each other. The so called ‘negotiations’ to end the conflict hosted by Pakistan in cooperation with a few more stake holders has not

succeeded, as expected. Both the US and Iran have hardened their respective positions on major issues – Control and operation of Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear aspirations; inter alia. No early solution is in sight rather the situation has further deteriorated with threats and counter-threats. Due to the fact that the Strait Hormuz is the hub and nerve center of navigational flow of 80% of the energy sources not only of the volatile region but also of the world at large. Any further delay in ending the conflict, obviously, has direct bearing on the smooth flow of trade and energy supplies of oil and gas. The economies of the countries of the region are hard hit which is bound to usher the world into economic depression which also might result into recession worse than that of 1920-30s.

India is hard hit as most of its energy supplies and trade depend not only on smooth functioning of Strait of Hormuz but also peace in the West Asian region as India is a net importer of its energy supplies from the countries like; UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Iran itself. Apart from this, ten million Indians are working in these countries of the West Asian region that remained a perennial source of considerable remittances to their families back home. Besides dependence on energy supplies, India’s food security is also vulnerable as India is a net importer of edible oils and fertilizers for its agricultural sector.

Accordingly, PM Narendra Modi tried to take ‘We the people of India’ into confidence and cautioned and urged them to aware of the ground realities and be ready to face the emerging difficult situation in the wake of prolonged West Asia Crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal — with specific requests spanning fuel, gold, and fertilizers, cooking oil and foreign travel— is being read by many as

a prelude to administered price hikes over the spectrum to address the economic fall out of the crisis. Obviously, GOI cannot afford to be oblivious of the ground realities and must act and set the house in order to face the deepening crisis. I am confident that the people of India would certainly rise to the situation and cooperate and support the measures taken by the GOI, as always. Lal Bahadur Shastri did something similar with food in 1965, asking Indians to voluntarily fast on Monday evenings as the country faced both a war and food crisis. People understood and stood with PM as they felt that it was a genuine approach to meet the challenges of the times. Unfortunately, that sense of concern and trust is missing, it seems. The opposition parties have raised doubts on the policies and approaches of the GOI and raised questions on the practice and perception. It has been alleged that PM Narendra Modi and his associates were more interested in politics rather than addressing the difficulties of the common man. With regard to the energy requirements, Minister Hardeep Puri has assured the people and said, "There is no shortage of any petroleum product in the country. India has 60 days of crude oil, 60 days of LNG and 45 days of LPG reserves available. Amid tensions in West Asia, to ensure uninterrupted supply, India has unprecedentedly increased its daily LPG production (from 35,000 tons to 54,000 tons)" GOI has assured that our food reserves are sufficient and comfortable to live with the crisis. But we need to be ready and prepared to meet the crisis. We need to stand united and political leadership should lead from the front with sincerity.

What should be done? I have a couple of suggestions to make as a concerned and worried citizen of India –

i)               India should leverage its unique position as a trusted partner to all stakeholders—including Iran, Israel, the Gulf nations, and the US—to foster de-escalation, promote diplomatic dialogue, and prioritize the protection of the vast Indian diaspora in the region. Key efforts involve mobilizing the Global South for peace under the aegis of BRICKS of which India holds its rotational Presidency, securing energy supplies, and navigating the crisis to prevent severe economic shocks. 

ii)             The crisis will not end immediately with the cessation of hostilities and end of war. It will take time to bring the situation to normal particularly with regard to our energy supplies as the crucial infrastructures of our suppliers in West Asia have been damaged and destroyed in the war. It will take time to make them functional. Moreover, security situation and diplomatic parameters for interaction are bound to undergo a drastic revision. We need to plan our approaches not only to address the challenges on short term basis but also for long term responses.

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)

iii)          There is an immediate need to fill the trust deficit in our political leadership; both the ruling elite and the opposition. PM Narendra Modi and the others in the ruling dispensation must engage themselves with the opposition leaders with sincerity and respect and shun the temptations to put the ‘personal and political creed above that of the nation’ as warned by Babasaheb Ambedkar. If we ignore these cautions of our forefathers, we would tend to put our progress and development into ‘jeopardy’.

मस्जिद तो बना दी शब भर में ईमाँ की हरारत वालों ने

मन अपना पुराना पापी है बरसों में नमाज़ी बन न सका

इक़बाल बड़ा उपदेशक है, मन बातों में मोह लेता है
गुफ़्तार का ग़ाज़ी बन तो गया, किरदार का ग़ाज़ी बन न सका।

Chan Goryanwala – Bhula Ram: An Obituary

 

Chan Goryanwala – Bhula Ram: An Obituary

A renowned lyricist and a missionary writer, Bhula Ram, famously known as Chann Gorayanwala passed away on May 5-6, 2026 at the ripe age of 97. He was known and recognized for his sterling contribution to Punjabi poetry and song writing by the masses particularly by the Dalit communities as he was a missionary writer

against the social evils like graded inequality, caste system and all sorts of social discriminations prevalent in the country and the society at large. His passing away ends of an era in Punjabi literature, where his words once resonated across generations and cultural platforms. A son of the soil, he was born in Gorayan, a small industrial township in Jalandhar in an ordinary family. Though Chan Goryanwala was an unassuming intellectual yet he earned recognition for his exceptional command over the Punjabi language and his ability to capture human emotions through his lyrics. Chan Gorayanwala wrote more than a dozen books as reported by the Tribune. He was a State Awardee for his excellent contribution to literature and culture of not only Punjab but also throughout India and beyond.

Chan Gorayanwala was fully dedicated to the community who often highlighted themes related to the SC (Scheduled Caste) community, including pride, social issues, and cultural identity of the weaker sections of the society. He was an ardent follower of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar and such he wrote repeatedly on the mission, philosophy and legacy of these icons with a view to empower the marginalized segments of the society. But unfortunately he did not get his due recognition from the Manuwadi mindsets.

Chann Gorayanwala was a Punjabi cinema personality known for acting in films like Balbiro Bhabi and Shinda (1981), and for his work in the music departments of Laajo (1983), Putt Jattan De (1983), and Gabhroo Punjab Da (1986). He is also credited as a lyricist for Sarpanch (1982) and Nimmo (1984), as per the information accessed from the Social Media. His most popular songs include 'Chandigarh rehan waliye, assin pendu nahin dilan de marre' and "Mittran Da Challey Belna" among others.

Bhula Ram – Chan Goryanwala was the Chan (Moon) of the community in real terms. In spite of the fact that he was a well-recognized and successful personality in the literary and film realms, he remained a flag holder and spokesperson of Dalits to carry

forward the caravan of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar throughout his life. I did not know him personally except seeing him once on the stage of Bootan Mandi’s celebrations of Guru Ravidass Jyanti some years ago. The Who’s Who of Punjabi music namely; Narinder Biba, Hans Raj Hans, Surinder Shinda, Sudesh Kumari, among others sang his spiritual and missionary songs which were fully acclaimed by the community. Some of these are –

·      Kanshi Vich Aya Shenshah by Narinder Biba

·      Pehlan Guru Ravidass Nu Dhio; Jado bhi Koi Kam Krna by Hans Raj Hans

·      Tenu Bhim Kahan Jan Rab Kahan by Sudesh Kumari

·      Mein Bhi Hai Khuralgarh Jana Mayen Meriey by Amrita Virk

The Tribune has rightly reported, “Tributes poured in from various sections of society, including writers, artists, and admirers, who remembered him as a humble personality and a guiding force in Punjabi literature. Several literary organisations and cultural bodies expressed condolences, highlighting his lifelong dedication to enriching Punjabi heritage.”

With this, I pay my humble tributes to Bhula Ram – Chan Goryanala and pray for peace to the departed soul. His demise is an irreparable loss not only to the community but also to the society –

Badi Mushkil Se Hota Hai Chaman Mein Didawar Paida

 

 

 

 

Book Launch Function hosted by Adampur Punjabi Sahitya Sabha

 

Book Launch Function hosted by Adampur Punjabi Sahitya Sabha

Punjabi Sahitya Sabha of Adampur, Adampur - a hub of learning and prosperity in Jalandhar – famous for Sat Baba Bhag Singh University, the only rural university in Punjab, Guru Ravidass International Airport (IAF base in the Doaba region) and home of several high ranking bureaucrats, high-ups in the defense forces,

educationists and home of well-to-do NRIs, is a premier literary outfit in the area who has provided a firm and functional platform to the young and old Punjabi literary enthusiasts in and around Jalandhar and also those who live  abroad for their bread and butter but their heart lives back home as sons of the soil. Courtesy and through the kind gesture of my friend, Roop Lal Roop, a renowned educationists, intellectual researcher, a poet and writer himself, I got involved in the literary and cultural activities of Punjabi Sahitya Sabha for the last many years not as an intellectual or a writer but as a student in my second innings of life. This time too, on April 26, the honours fell on me to be the Chief Guest at the book launch function hosted by the Sabha. I have ben joining them in a couple of such activities in the past to my advantage and benefit. I take this opportunity to thank Roop Lal ji and his worthy colleagues and associates at the Sabha for their magnanimity.

This time too, as usual, five books were released written by learned authors living abroad – Canada based Sukhdeep Sandhu Sukhi’s collection of Punjabi folklore (Mahia, Tappe, Bolian, Geet) reflecting the human emotions and ground realities of life – Man De Varke and four books of the UK based well acclaimed spiritual thinker pertaining to thought of Gautama the Buddha and Guru Ravidas,

Kalu Rai Suman – Mukand; Darshan Shastra, Mukand; Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Da – Pra Mano-Vigyan, Mukand; Rag Gaund – Sansar Sukh Shanti and Dhai Aksar Prem Ke. The literary papers on the books read by intellectuals and educationists, Dr. Balwinder Singh,  Prof. Malkit Jaura and Roop Lal Roop gave an over-view of these literary master pieces of Suman Sahib and Sukhi Sahiba really gave an eye view of the subject matter of the books for the layman like me and many more sitting in the quality audience of writers and poets. Sardar Ajit Singh Sunder of Adampur, a renowned pot himself living in the UK, adorned the high-table as the Special Guest at the book launch

function. After the release of the books, as usual, the second phase of the event was an impromptu Mushaira (Kavi Darbar) in which well recognized poets of the area recited their poems, both in Taranum and Kavita Path, helped us to unwind in a sober and pleasant way on the weekend. It would only be appropriate if I mention here some of the Ustad Shyars (Poets) and that of some budding ones – Ashi Ishpuri, Lalli Kartarpuri, Manoj Phagwadbi, Ashok Parmar among others as established Shyars and Sudesh Kumari and Mahesh Chander as the budding flowers of the Chaman of Sahitya.

I, a non-literary one, needed to be grounded among these highly articulate writers and poets. While thanking the hosts led by Roop Lal Roop for repeatedly inviting and honouring me on such occasions said that every time I came here was rewarding not only in learning but also making friends. Some time ago, we launched the books of Gurinder Gill of Malaysia without knowing her but later I

bumped into her at an event at JNU in New Delhi and became friends. Today, I found my fellow alumnus and a classmate at Jalandhar DAV College in 1970, Lashkari Ram, Retired Banker sitting incognito with me on the Head Table. It was a pleasure to revive association with Lashkari Ram. Taking cue from the speakers and poets, I also took the opportunity of reciting poetry of my favourites; Allama Iqbal and Charan Singh Safri. I appreciated, and rightly so,  the yeoman’s service and good job being done by Adampur Punjabi Sahitya Sabha in facilitating the literary activities in the area and serving the Ma Boli, Punjabi in the process. Two of the poets who recited their compositions at the function were kind enough to gift me, as bonus,  their books; Sukhdev Singh Gandwa -  Dharati Punjab Diye, a collection of his poems and Ashok Tandi – Gojlianwala Khu, a collection of stories. I would look forward to such more occasions as a rewarding pastime. I conclude this piece with a poetic assertion of Allma Iqbal which I recited in my brief remarks –

zindagī kuchh aur shai hai 'ilm hai kuchh aur shai

zindagī soz-e-jigar hai 'ilm hai soz-e-dimāġh

ilm meñ daulat bhī hai qudrat bhī hai lazzat bhī hai

ek mushkil hai ki haath aatā nahīñ apnā surāġh

(Tarbiat - a Nazm of Allama Iqbal)

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Day of Equality – Engaging the Indian Diplomacy

 

International Day of Equality – Engaging the Indian Diplomacy

I have been writing in my blogs on the subject – April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, to be declared as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. It is gratifying to note the proposal is slowly attracting support and understanding not only with the GOI but also with the international community. The birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar this year, 2026, again was celebrated at the UN in New York along with all the Indian diplomatic missions abroad. The Government of Canada honoured the Indian icon and declared
his birthday as ‘Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality’ in Canada. I am confident that many more would follow suit in due course. I thought of engaging the Indian diplomatic machinery with the proposal and

wrote a letter to 20 senior Indian Ambassadors/High Commissioners in big countries and likely stake holders considering the size of Indian diaspora in these countries with a view to solicit their understanding and support in carrying forward India’s Soft and Cultural Diplomacy in line with India’s initiatives with regard to International Non-violence Day on October 2, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and International Yoga Day on June 21, 2026. My letter of April 21, 2026 to 20 Ambassadors under intimation to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and Principal Secretary to PM, Shri P.K. Mishra may be seen below.

Text of the Letter dated April 21, 2026 to 20 Heads of Indian Diplomatic Missions

 

April 21, 2026

Your Excellency,

I am one of your retired colleagues of 1984 (YOA) now settled in Jalandhar, my home town. The birthday celebrations of Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar on April 14 by all the diplomatic missions of India have prompted me to write this to some of my colleagues in the IFS fraternity. Kindly excuse my indulgence. You may know that such structured celebrations pertaining to Babasaheb Ambedkar, one of the greatest sons of India in the contemporary times happened for the second time. It was first done in April, 2016, at the solemn occasion of 125^th birth anniversary of the icon.

You may or may not be knowing that in the run up to the 125^th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, I made a proposal in June, 2015 to the then EAM Sushma Swaraj to declare April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. Since then the proposal is resting with the GOI – MEA/PMO. The Forum of SC Parliamentarians, on my submission, took the matter to PM Narendra Modi in November, 2015 in a Memorandum. I have been reminding MEA, PMO and other concerned regularly since then by way of blogs, social media and direct communications. My last blog on the subject would provide you some details of the proposal which may be excessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2026/04/babasaheb-ambedkar-declare-his-birthday.html

You must have read in the media that after many cities, provinces in the USA, Canada, the UK and many others, Canada has declared April 14 as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality this year by an proclamation in this regard. But GOI is sitting tight on the subject which is not understandable. I thought of sharing with Your Excellency with a view to solicit your kind understanding, consideration and all due support to the proposal on International Day of Equality. It will not only honour Babasaheb Ambedkar but also carry forward and strengthen India’s Soft and Cultural Diplomacy.

I am confident, my respected and dear friends, you would kindly consider and lend your due and appropriate support to my submissions. I count on you.

With regards,

 

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

His Excellency P. Harish,

PR of India to the UN,

New York (USA)

 

Sent Separately to –

1.   Ambassador of India to the USA

2.   Ambassador of India to Canada

3.   High Commissioner of India to the UK

4.   Ambassador of India to Germany

5.   Ambassador of India to Austria

6.   High Commissioner of India to Australia

7.   Ambassador India to Italy

8.   Ambassador of India to Sweden

9.   High Commission of India to New Zealand

10.                  Ambassador of India to Japan

11.                  Ambassador of India to Netherland

12.                  Ambassador of India to UAE

13.                  Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia

14.                  Ambassador of India to Bahrain

15.                  Ambassador India to Qatar

16.                  Ambassador of India to France

17.                  Ambassador of India to South Africa

18.                  Ambassador of India to Brazil

19.                  Ambassador of India to Nigeria

 

Copy to –

1.   EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar

2.   Principal Secretary to PM, P.K. Mishra