Dhamma Yatra – Bodhi Tirth Asthan – A Spiritual Travelogue

 

Dhamma Yatra – Bodhi Tirth Asthan – A  Spiritual Travelogue

Dhamma Yatra – Bodhi Tirath Sathan is a small spiritual travelogue of 80 pages pertaining to the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India and beyond written by Bishan Dass Bains of the UK who is an active politician and community activist of the Labour Party and Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Committee of UK. The author, Bishan Dass Bains is a devout Buddhist and a staunch Ambedkarite fully engaged in Municipal matters as a Mayor and Alderman at his second home of choice in the UK. I reviewed his earlier book on social traits - Pride and Prejudice published by Malind Parkashan.

The book starts with Budh Vandhana, Trishna and Panchsheel with explanations by the author for the easy understanding of the common man. The Dhamma Yatra (26 October 2024 – 6 November 2024) was under taken by 12 devout Buddhists living in Europe under the umbrella of Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Committee of the UK to redeem their dream to visit places related to Lord Buddha. The publisher Harmesh Jassal of Malind Parkashan instead writing an

introductory note thoughtfully decided to give some details of Babassaheb Ambedkar’s Dhamma Yatras after his embracing Buddhism on October 14, 1956. The Dhamma Yatra which started on October 26 from Amritsar gives destination wise details of all the important sites related to Thathagat Buddha – Ambedkar Park Luchnow, Jaitvan Sarvsati, Lumbini (Nepal), Kushi Nagar, Vaishali, Kesaria Satupa, Nalanda, Girdhkoot Pahad (Rajgriha), Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Vipasna Golden Pagoda, Kanheri Guffavan, Chaitya Bhoomi, Rajgriha, Diksha Bhomi, Nagalok among others. The Yatris also thoughtfully visited the birth place of Guru Ravidass at Seergovardhanpur at Kashi-Banares. The yatra group later visited Ambedkar Bhawan Jalandhar and paid obeisance at Wolverhampton Buddha Vihar in UK. The author Bishan Dass Bains has shared his sense of satisfaction and spiritual solace with the visit of each site which is quite informative. The book concludes with the thoughts and experiences of some of the Yatris; Tin Chija Lukaian Nahin Ja Sakdian- Sooraj, Chand Te Sach by Devender Chander, Jiwan Di Yadgari Yatra by Jarnail Singh, Shikhyadyak Yatra by Dev Raj Badhan, Jithe Cha Othe Rah by Daulta Balley, Dukh Da Karan Agyan by Raj Kumr Baudh. These brief write ups give an overview of the spiritual travelogue – Boddhi Tirtha Sathan: Dhamma Yatra. The photos, both black and white and colour, add to the presentation of the book for the benefit of the readers. I am reminded of Allma Iqbal’s poetic assertions on Lord Buddha -

Qaum ne paigham-e-Gautam ki zara parwah na ki
Qadar pehchani na apne gohar-e-yak-dana ki

(The nation paid no heed to the message of Gautama, they failed to recognize the value of their unique jewel.)

Brahman sarshaar hai ab tak mae-e-pindaar mein
Shamma-e-Gautam jal rahi hai mehfil-e-aghyar mein

(The Brahmin is still intoxicated with pride, while the light of Gautama [Buddhism] is kept burning in the lands of strangers.)

 

India’s Soft Power – Socio-Cultural Diplomacy

 

India’s Soft Power – Socio-Cultural Diplomacy

India, of late, has acquired its due place and space in the comity of nations with regard to its ‘Soft Power” in the realm of Socio-Cultural contribution towards the new world order. It is a matter of satisfaction for ‘We the people of India’. With a view to promote and propagate ‘Peace and stability’ without resorting to violence, India initiated and declared October 2, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, as International Day of Non-violence under the aegis of the UN in 2007-08. Similarly, on the initiative and lead of India, UN declare in 2014,  June 21 as the International Day of Yoga with regard to the humanities need to have a holistic approach to the health not only of body but also of mind and soul. India is one of the largest contributor of man-power and related paraphernalia to the ‘UN Peacekeeping Forces’ throughout. India always remained eager and ready to contribute its might to face the

challenges of natural calamities like earthquake, tsunami etc. particularly in its neighborhood in South Asia and near abroad in the Asian region. Under the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) has done a good job in sharing socio-cultural values and achievements with the world particularly with the developing countries. India, a large country with 1.4 billion people with a chequred civilizational edifice, is the largest democracy in the world. It has much to share and offer the world to establish an ‘Equitable World Order’ as stipulated in the Charter of the UN.

My immediate motivation to write on the subject emanated from the Independence Day Address of PM Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15. PM in addition to many important points specially narrated the roadmap to our destination of Vikshit Bharat by 2047 termed as ‘Sapta Dhara’ – Seven Pillars of the framework for Vikshit Bharat. One of these Sapta Dhara is ‘Soft

Power’ of India and rightly so. I will dwell on this point in this blog. There is no doubt about it that India has an immense ‘Soft Power’ to strengthen its ‘Socio-cultural diplomacy’ for the greater good of the world at large. India has positively contributed to spread the message of peace and non-violence, holistic approach to ensure good health and many more ways as briefly mentioned in the proceeding narration. I wish to underline and flag yet another preposition to strengthen our ‘Socio-cultural diplomacy’ by pursuing the Sapta Dhara of PM Narendra Modi. Kindly bear with me and read the proposal which commensurate with the ‘Seven Pillars’ of the Hon’ble PM to make India - “Vikshist Bharat”. 

My proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN is resting with the GOI (MEA and PMO) since June, 2015. Since then, much water has flown in the Ganges and the Hudson River in New York but nothing much has moved in the corridors of power in New Delhi in spite of the fact that we have been reminding the GOI (EAM and PM) and also other Ministers in addition to the top hierarchy of RSS and BJP regularly and religiously. Though the ruling elite do not

escape any opportunity to remember Babasaheb Ambedkar, one of the greatest sons of India in the contemporary times, yet it is difficult to understand the silence and blissful ignorance of the GOI, BJP, RSS and other decision makers to consider and accept the proposal on the International Day of Equality. Can anyone in the GOI and RSS/BJP say that the proposal does not conform to the declared goals of Indian Establishment and that of the UN with regard to ‘Equality and the Equitable World Order’? I think the answer is ‘No’. The proposal exactly fits into the professed agenda of India and the world body, UN. It is a matter of satisfaction for me to note that the proposal has been taken seriously by the international community, courtesy the role played by the followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar abroad; my interlocutors. Several States and Cities in Canada, USA, UK and other democratic countries have declared April 14 as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Day of Equality locally. GOI is fully aware of these developments. My last blog on the subject will give some more information on the subject which may be accessed at:- https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2026/04/international-day-of-equality-engaging.html

I conclude this with the hope that the Sapta Dhara – Seven Pillars of PM Narendra Modi, as pronounced from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 would pave the way to clear the proposal on International Day of Equality and GOI makes a diplomatic demarche

to the UN accordingly. It is almost a month to go when PM/EAM would address the UNGA, as usual, in September, 2026. They may consider and include the subject in their address at the UNGA not only to recognize and honour Babasaheb Ambedkar, icon of India and the world at large, for the lofty ideals of equality and fraternity but also to carry forward its ‘Soft Power’ through ‘Socio-cultural diplomacy.

IK Tarze Tugafil Hai; So Weh Unko Mubarak,

Ik ArzeTammana Hai; Who Hum Karte Rahenge

 

Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindostan Hamara – Happy Independence Day

 

Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindostan Hamara – Happy Independence Day

India is celebrating its Independence Day, August 15 today. In the past 79 years, ‘We the people of India’ remained engaged in realizing the pledge taken in the ‘Tryst with destiny’ speech of PM Jawaharlal Nehru delivered at the mid-night hour of August 14, 1947 in which he said, “Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour,

when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment, we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.” Since then, we have come a long way – much has been done but much more remains to be done; perhaps we have arrived but we are still to reach. We shall not be oblivious of these hard ground realities, if we are serious to make India that is Bharat a great nation.

I have no mind to dwell on the data - who did what and who did not do that? It is a useless rhetoric by the political class having vested and selfish agenda.  In the process, many challenges came and were met to keep ourselves on track in accordance with the Constitution of India; one of finest and vibrant document to guide the destiny of Bharat. Thanks to the vision of our forefathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar and others. It has been observed, with the changing socio-

political scenario over the years, perhaps we have reached a stage where it is needed to halt and think how to meet the challenges of the future to keep Bharat on rails – In accordance with the vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar - transform our political democracy into economic and social democracy, Socio-economic policies as State Socialism, Casteless Society, Communal harmony, Constitutional Morality, Gyansheel representatives of ‘We the people of India’, Shed unconstitutional methods to register grievances which lead to ‘Grammar of Anarchy’, establish Secular and Democratic Socialistic State in accordance with the lofty ideals enshrined in the Constitution of India – Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

Jara Dekh Jo Kuch Ho Raha; Hone wala Hai,

Bhala Rakha Kya Hai Ehde Kuhan Ki Dastano Mein

 Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi will address the nation for the 13^th consecutive times on August 15 from the ramparts of the Red Fort with a majestic colourful headgear (Turban) as usual. Let us come out of the usual and repeated rhetoric this year. Much water has flown in the Jamuna River. New realities are appearing on the national canvas – Gen – Z aspirations, Parliamentary logjam, deteriorating communal harmony, religious polarization, trust deficit among the political outfits, dwindling moral values among many

more. Some ‘Out of the box’ approaches are needed to ward of the dangers to our “Tryst with destiny”, if we are serious to keep Bharat on the rails in its journey to make our country a ‘Vikshit Bharat’ in the years to come. In conclusion, to my mind, we must revisit Babasaheb Ambedkar and listen to his warning to save guard our hard earned freedom. He said in the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949, “Will history repeat itself? It is this thought which fills me with anxiety. This anxiety is deepened by the realization of the fact that in addition to our old enemies in the form of castes and creeds we are going to have many political parties with diverse and opposing political creeds. Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place creed above country? I do not know. But this much is certain that if the parties place creed above country, our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever. This eventuality we must all resolutely guard against. We must be determined to defend our independence with the last drop of our blood.”

 

I take this opportunity to wish my fellow countrymen Happy Independence day with the caution to be careful and alert as the inimical forces are actively at work, I believe –

 

Rulata Hai Tera Nazara Ae Hinduston! Mujh Ko
Ke Ibrat Khaiz Hai Tera Fasana Sub Fasanon Mein

(Your spectacle makes me shed tears, O India!
Your tales are admonitory among all the tales)

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)

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 21

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 21

1.   Dr. Such Singh Gill’s Talk on the Indian Economy in the context of Ambedkar’s Economic Thought – A renowned economist, Dr. Such Singh Gill delivered an informal talk at Ambedkar Bhawan Jalandhar on August 9 on the Indian economy with reference to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s economic thought. It was a well-planned and thoughtfully hosted event successively after the thought provoking interaction with Dr. Jag Mohan Singh, a scion of Shaheed Bhagat

Singh’s lineage held a couple of weeks ago. It is an appreciable activity, of late, started by Ambedkar Mission Society under the stewardship of Prof. Balbir Chander.  The session started with observing two minutes silence in the memory of students who committed suicide in the wake of the recent Neet paper leaks. Dr. Kulwant Singh Phull kick started with the function with his fully articulated presentation on the subject. He underlined the fact that the current economic situation in India was worrisome and under stress as the economic administrators did not pay attention to the economic needs of the country as visualized by Babasaheb Ambedkar and his likeminded intellectuals on the important aspects – State Socialism, agrarian reforms (collective farming), social security net, due priority to education, employment, health sectors. Dr. Such Singh Gill in his analytical talk lamented the dilution and erosion of public sector and also did not approve of the post 1991 so called economic reform, liberalization and integration f the economy. He termed the projected economic growth during PM Manmohan Singh’s stint as ‘Jobless Growth’ and post 2014 with PM Narendra Modi at the helm as ‘Job loss Growth’. While highlighting the neglect of education sector by the successive governments, he also did not approve of dismantling and restructuring of the Planning Commission and establishing Niti Aajog. The Executive Editor of the Ajit Group of publication, Satnam Manak also spoke briefly and lauded the initiatives of friends at Ambedkar Bhawan to hold and host such productive interactions for the larger good of the society. The interactive session, followed

by the expert talks, was all the more informative and educative. Prof. Balbir Chander in his brief remarks thanked the quality audience for their patience in listening to the expert talks and informed that they would plan and host such interactions more frequently for the advantage of the community. Charan Dass Sandhu, as usual, managed the show with aplomb as Master of Ceremonies. While sitting in audience, a thought repeatedly came to the back of mind that the talks and subsequent interaction was good and educative but nobody touched the prognosis as the way-out of the mess created by the successive administrations; it may come at some other occasion.  The function concluded with a working lunch of hot Langar.

Har Dardmand Dil Ko Rona Mera Rula De;

Behosh Jo Paden Hain Sayad Une Jagga De

 

2.   Mehfil-e-Maushiki at Jalandhar Virsa Vihar –

While I was still digesting the food for thought relished at the Ambedkar Bhawan in the morning, I joined the Mehfil-e-Maushiki; an evening of Gazals at Virsha Vihar for food of soul; courtesy Sangat Ram, a face of cultural life in and around Jalandhar to unwind and relax. Though generally they start such functions on time and I was there by 5.30 as a disciplined and protocol conscious diplomat but due to some reason or the other they stated quite late. Nevertheless, the evening turned out to be rewarding. My friend Lakhwinder Johal, who was one of Vishesh Mehmans, came early with a renowned cultural personality in the realm of music, Gurdip Singh and I got an opportunity to sit and learn the nuances of music for my own education. A known Gazal Singer of Jalandhar, Seema Bhagat set the ball rolling with her two sobering Gazals. Master Gazal Singer, Sunil Dogra took over and regaled the quality audience with Gazals written by Jaswant Bagla of Australia, Satnam Manak among others. It was a relaxing and enjoyable evening which was graced by Executive Editor of the Ajit Group of Publications, Satnam Manak as a Special Guest along with the Chief Guest of the evening, Chandan Grewal, Chairman of Safai

Sewaks Commission of Punjab and eminent socio-political activists of Jalandhar and beyond.  Cultural Advisor to the Punjab Government, Deepak Bali also graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.  Sangat Ram as usual was the Anchor Par Excellence who kept us attentive with his Shyari and assorted couplets befitting the occasion. Thanks Sangat Ram ji and his associates namely, Ramesh Mudgil and Gurmeet Singh at the Virsa Vihar who always treated me with kindness and magnanimity. I look forward to such occasions in the coming days. I was reminded of the Urdu poem ‘Shivala’ of Allma Iqbal -

Subha Uthke Gayein Mantar Woh Mithe Mithe

Sare Pujarion Ko Maey Peet Ki Pilan Den

Shakti Bhi Shanti Bhi Bhakton Ke Geet Mein Hai

Dharti Ke Wahion Ki Mukti Preet Mein Hai

 

I am not tired as yet – Community (Socially weaker Sections of the society) interests are heavy on my mind

 

I am not tired as yet – Community (Socially weaker Sections of the society) interests are heavy on my mind

I have been writing in my blogs, more frequently these days, on some of the issues in currency pertaining to Dalits with particular reference to BJP’s renewed campaign to lure Dalit Vote Banks in the forthcoming elections in Punjab and UP. Through these blogs and also the social media platforms like; Facebook and WhatsApp and

also verbal communications with all the concerned in the BJP hierarchy and stakeholders in the community, I have tried my best to make my views reach home but, as usual, the ruling elite is blissfully silent for reasons best known to them. But I am not tired as yet and would continue to underline the issues of interest and concern to the weaker segments of the society. My last blog on the subject would throw some more light on the subject: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2026/07/the-650-th-gurpurab-of-guru-ravidass.html

 

BJP has recently revamped its organizational structures in Punjab giving some responsibilities to SCs leaders. I intended to attract their attention to my submissions besides sensitizing the entire leadership of BJP with a view to alert them of the ground realities of the “Vote Banks’ they were trying to lure. Here are my observations on one of the posts in which the newly appointed leaders were being congratulated and felicitated:-

Quote

Congratulations to all of you on your coveted positions in the BJP. I am a faceless play back singer. Please read my blogs and consider the issues raised and highlighted with regard to Dalits in Punjab and beyond. Rinku, Bagha, Angural with whom I generally share my thoughts, know the issues. BJP needs 5-7% votes of Dalits to make a dent in Punjab and beyond. If BJP takes positive view and announce acceptance of these issues, I am confident, they will not be disappointed. The intelligentsia and educated lot among Dalits read and support my views and suggestions. The time is of essence. Hope that you the new elite in the BJP would understand. I will only be happy, if anyone of you wants to discuss and have details in this regard – Ambassador Ramesh Chander, Supporter of Samrasta and an Inclusive and Equitable Social Order.

Unquote

Let me reiterate that I have nothing to do with politics. My only interest, may be to extent of obsession, is to carry forward the agenda of Samrasta and Equitable Social Order as visualized by Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar. With this, I also take this

opportunity to caution the spiritual Deras; particularly Dera Sachkhand Ballan of the community not to fall prey to the ‘Sweet Nothings’ and ‘Lip Service” of the ruling elite and demand substantive and concrete steps with regard to the submissions on the 650^th Gurpurab and April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the ages of UN.

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)

Jalana Hai Mujhe Har Shama-e-Dil Ko Souz-e-Pinhan Se
Teri Tareek Raaton Mein Charaghan Kar Ke Chorun Ga
(I have to light every heart’s candle with hidden pathos
I will surely create bright illumination in your darkness)

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 20

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please – 20

1.   Gen - Z at Jantar Mantar - The Gen - Z protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi have really done some “Jantar Mantar’ to awaken and motivate the Gen – Z, of late. The immediate ammunition to ignite the situation arose from the observations of CJI Surya Kant calling unemployed youth -‘Cockroaches’, as alleged and the ‘Neet Exam’

paper-leaks among others. As such, the protests are being spearheaded by the impromptu cropped up outfit named ‘Cockroach Janta Party (CJI) on one hand and various outfits of students on the other. All details are in the public domain particularly after the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest and the aftermath of it. I wrote a blog on the situation on July 25 which may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2026/07/gandhi-and-ambedkar-come-alive-at.html

Keeping with the democratic norms and socio-political pressure, GOI had to bend with the resignation of Education Minister, Dhramendra Pradhan and accepting other demands of the Gen – Z. Once again, the resilience of the Constitution of India manifested itself; it is matter of gratification to note. The strongest governments are made to bend and listen to the people. A noted scholar Amish Tripathi has rightly said, “Every generation has had its share of protests and Gen Z is no different. Dissent should always remain within the constitutional framework as envisioned by BR Ambedkar.” In an article in the Tribune, an eminent sociologist Surinder Jodhka

summed up the Gen – Z scenario and said, “The way forward lies in making the system transparent and accountable through democratic negotiations with stakeholders, institutions and individuals. Though limited to their immediate concerns, the Gen - Z protests of the summer of 2026 can have far-reaching implications for the idea of the Indian Republic. Over a period of just five weeks, they seem to have brought back the idea of India as imagined by its foundational thinkers: Ambedkar’s constitutionalism, Gandhi’s Sarva Dharma Sambhav and Nehru’s secularism. “ I feel vindicated for my thinking shared in my blog of July 25 – Gandhi and Ambedkar Come Alive.

Wattan Bachane Ka Waqt Hai Yeh;

Makan Bachane Ka Zikar Chodo,

Mere bhi Hathon Mein De Do Parcham;

Mere Bajurgo Hina Se Pehle

 

2.   Dera Sachkhand Ballan – Internal Fissures

The DeraSachkhand Ballan of Jalandhar is the Mecca of Dalits particularlier the followers of Guru Ravidass of India and beyond. Of late, the Deras esteem and prestige touched further heights with the Padma Award to its Head – Gaddi Nasheen, Sant Niranjan Dass, PM
Narendra Modi’s visit to the Dera in February, 2026, PM’s meeting with Sant Niranjan Dass in Jalandhar in July, Sant Niranjan’s blessing to commence BJP’s Samrasta Sankalap Abhian from Seer Goverdhanpur – Kashi on July 29 etc. I last wrote about the Dera not long ago on June 25 which may be seen at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2026/06/dera-sachkhand-ballan-of-jalandhar.html

Notwithstanding all these positive developments, the social media is full of some stories about the internal ramblings in the Dera which is increasingly becoming a cause of concern and worry. On getting the information, as a humble member of the community and a well-wisher of the Dera, I commented on a Facebook post -

Quote -

I don't have the full story and details of the happenings. But one thing is certain that everything is not smooth and well in one of the prominent and important Deras of the community. It is a matter of concern and worry. As far as I know, no such thing happened in Dera Beas, Nirankari Mission, Dera Sacha Sauda Divya Jyoti etc,. It is worrisome that it is happening for the second time in the decade. First same treatment was meted out to Sant Surinder Bawa and he

established his own Dera not far from Ballan. Now it is happening to Sant Mandeep Dass. What will he do, it is too early to say. Ultimately, it might lead to further division and disunity which is not good. Dera Sachkhand Ballan should be transparent and issue an authenticated statement explaining position. It will set the matter in its right perspective and dismiss the rumors and half-truth finding currency in the media. I hope the big-wigs at the Ballan Dera would listen to the conciliatory approaches to arrest the negative fallout of these verbal slings -Ambassador Ramesh Chander - A Humble Well Wisher of the Dera Sachkhand Ballan

Unquote

I tried to reach the Dera and sent my views to Niranjan Cheema, Hardev Dass among other namely; Sat Paul Virdi. Anyway, a few days ago, I heard a video post of the Dera General Secretary, Sat Paul Heera on the Facebook in which he informed that Sant Niranjan Dass has pardoned Sant Mandeep Dass and he would continue to look after the Sirsgarh Dera in Haryana. It was a welcome development.

But later I came to know that it was not to be. Sat Paul Heera withdrew his statement and the situation was back to the square one. The standoff between Dera Ballan and their extended arm, Dera Sirsgarh continues. It is a worrisome situation. I intend to use this platform to urge and request the well-wishers of the Dera Schkhand Ballan to kindly intervene and approach the Gaddi Nasheen Sant Niranjan Dass and others at the Dera to kindly solve the issue with a sense of accommodation and magnanimity before it goes out of hand and harm the interests of the Dera and the community. May Guru Ravidass bless us with ‘Sadbudhi’.

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)

 

 

 

Man Changa To Kathoti Mein Ganga

 

Man Changa To Kathoti Mein Ganga

 In his Bani, Guru Ravidass said – Man Changa To Kathoti Mein Ganga – There is no need to go anywhere for worship or pilgrimage, It can be done while sitting at home, if one is pious and clean from within. These days, social media and political circles in Punjab and UP are over-flowing with Guru Ravidass with regard to his 650th

Gurpurab falling in February, 2027. The year 2026-2027 is dedicated to the great Guru for his sterling contribution to propagate and establish a Casteless Society and Equitable World Order based on the lofty ideals of – Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity to realize his vision of Begumpura Shehar – the City without sorrow and misery. Obviously, the followers of Guru Ravidass and all fair minded people are delighted to celebrate the Gurpurab with all solemnity and reverence and rightly so.

But my immediate motivation to write about this emanates from the ongoing political connotations being imparted to the solemn occasion by the political parties to carry forward their political agenda. BJP has taken the matter to new heights by unleashing its IT machinery and ‘Money Power’ as if they have found a ‘Vote Catching’ net in the

Guru and his legacy. No one should, prima facie, object to it. But the modus oprandi being adopted seems suspect and fishy. I thought of sharing my take on the subject for the benefit of both the political enthusiasts and the followers of Guru Ravidass including the Ravidassia Deras which have been dragged into the machinations of the vested interests.

Guru Ravidass was a non-conformist who did not believe in excessive Hindu rituals as depicted in his Bani and personal conduct. The followers of Guru Ravidass were expecting the ruling elite to announce a roadmap of the celebrations of the great guru in a befitting manner and some of them put forward various suggestions too in this regard. But instead of the GOI announcing something substantive to celebrate the 650th Gurpurab left the initiative to BJP with a view to encash the occsin at the ‘Vote Banks’ to strengthen

their hold in the forthcoming elections in Punjab and UP – Samrasta Sankalap Abhian - Kalsh Yatra etc. With the explicit or hidden  blessings of Dera Sachkhand Ballan, the Abhian started on July 29, 2026 from Seer Goverdhanpur (Kashi-Banaras) and will conclude on February 20, 2027 at Seer Goverdhanpur itself. The whole media is agog with the visuals of mighty CMs and BJP bigwigs carrying Kalshas on their heads and reaching out to the Ravidassia Mandirs/Gurdawaras/Dhams and other public places. I being a proponent of Samrasta myself, I will be failing in my duty, if I don’t share here the negative fallout of the so called Samrasta Sankalap Abhian and the Kalsha Yatra – first, it does not commensurate well with the teachings and philosophy of Guru Ravidass. The Kalsh

Yatras are better taken to Hindu Mandirs and other spiritual destinations and not to Guru Ravidass Mandirs alone as rightly suggested by one of my friends, Manohar Mahey, a prominent community activist and others in an informal brainstorming sitting the other day.  Moreover, the mindset of Ravidassias and the community at large do not conform to the Hindu rituals as a rebellion against the oppressive conduct of the so called Upper castes due to historical background of centuries. One may or may not agree with this but it is the ground reality. The Gen – Z of the Ravidassias is not interested in Samrasta in the caste based hierarchy. They are the claimants of ‘Equality’ as stakeholders with their own identity. The need of the day is that we should reconcile Samrasta with Samanta. The sooner we understand is better. The socio-political leadership of the country

must see the writings on the wall and come up with a concrete roadmap to celebrate the Gurpurab as a befitting tribute to the great Guru. Guru Ravidass Mandir at Tuglakabad in Delhi is an emotive issue for the community and must be resolved to empower the community. The adjoining lands of Seer Goverdhanpur Mandir – birthplace of Guru Ravidass and the lands in the vicinity should be acquired and used to preserve the legacy of the Guru. Some of the other suggestions made and submitted to GOI and BJP are again listed below for ready reference with the hope that these are considered and decided instead of harping on the optics of the ongoing Samrasta Sankalap Abhian before it gets late. - 

The following suggestions may be considered and made with regard to the programme –

· National Function on the Guru Ravidass Jyanti in 2027 at Seer Goverdhanpur, the birth place of the great Guru at Varanasi.

· Functions at important places pertaining to Guru Ravidass and his legacy like – Dera Sachkhand Ballan at Jalandhar and Charan Cho-Ganga at Khuralgarh in Hoshiarpur in Punjab, Guru Ravidass Temple at Tuglakabad in Delhi, Ravidass Chattri at Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, Sarnath/Budh Gaya in Bihar, Ahmedabad in Gujrat, Chennai in Tamil Nadu among others

· Issuing of Commemorative Postal Stamp and Coins.

· Inclusion of Guru’s Vani and socio-cultural message of Guru Ravidass in the syllabus and curricula of Schools and Colleges.

· All Universities should host functions to celebrate the 650th year of Guru’s Parkash Utsav appropriately.

· All schools and colleges should be advised to celebrate the occasion suitably.

· Establish Guru Ravidass Study Chairs at Banaras Hindu University at Varanasi, Guru Nanak Dev University at Amritsar, Panjab University at Chandigarh among others.

· Discussions and Debates on Guru Ravidass on Doordarshan

· Advise and direct all Indian Diplomatic Missions in the countries where members of the Ravidassia community are concentrated like the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Austria, Germany, and Italy among others.

· Special programmes on Guru Ravidass by the socio-cultural outfits like RSS, SGPC, Beas Satsang, Nirankari Satsang, Swaminarayan (Akshardham) among others, Chaitanya Prabhu outfits among others.

Brainstorming on matters of interest and concern

आ ग़ैरियत के पर्दे इक बार फिर उठा दें

बिछड़ों को फिर मिला दें नक़्श-ए-दुई मिटा दें

दुनिया के तीरथों से ऊँचा हो अपना तीरथ

दामान-ए-आसमाँ से इस का कलस मिला दें

हर सुब्ह उठ के गाएँ मंतर वो मीठे मीठे

सारे पुजारियों को मय पीत की पिला दें

शक्ति भी शांति भी भगतों के गीत में है

धरती के बासीयों की मुक्ती प्रीत में है