I again went to
Jalandhar in April. I mostly remained busy in settling down and getting my flat functional and did not try to specially reach out to my friends. The visit coincided with the
Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14.
Bootan Mandi again for almost 5 decades remained the centre for
Ambedkar's mission and philosophy.I recall as a cherished memory when as a student I along with my father participated in the
Jaloos (
Shoba Yatra) to observe the
Jayanti which used to start from the Mandi. I was impressed by the speeches of
Lahori Ram
Balley and others like
Charan Dass Nidhadak and also community songs by
Lal Chand Kamla on the traditional Punjabi music instrument called
Tumbi. The poetic flair and touch was given by
Pritam Ramdaspuri and
Jakhmi Jalandhari on the occasion. I distinctly remember the
Qwali evenings at
Bootan Mandi under the
sarparasthi (
stwerdship ) of
Kartara Ram
Madhas and the nearby
Ambedkar Bhawan. Till the 70's, unfortunately,
Ambedkar did not find favour with common Congressman. He was
considered a political leader of the political outfits opposed to the Congress. The situation changed and rightly so as the mission and work of Dr.
Ambedkar was potent enough to embrace one and all of the oppressed segments of the society. The ground realities of the vote bank politics compelled the Congress and the others like
BJP and
Akalis not to neglect
Ambedkar and
sensivities attached to his name and work. The acceptability of
Ambedkar and his recognition is great and more than ever. It is a matter of great satisfaction. But again the menace of selfish and limited agenda of the self appointed leaders and self seekers was prevailing. The
Shoba Yatra started from
Bootan Mandi was again a divided lot. Others joined on the way. I also participated but with a sense or remorse. The public participation was spontaneous but the political presence and participation was more symbolic and under somewhat compulsion. It was almost lifeless except the sound and fury of the hired
Bandbaza. There was no slogans. There was no song and dance. The only difference from the old days to that of the new was that there were
Langars on the way and on the conclusion of the
Yatra. I think, it demonstrates economic
wellbeing and prosperity of the community. The public meetings took the backstage and one or two meetings on the occasion were poorly attended. There are lessons to learn if we intend to remain in the reckoning. We may ignore
Ambedkar but at our own perils. The leadership is much to be desired. The younger generation particularly the educated shall come forward. There is no other way. Let me close with an Urdu couplet: