Minar-e-Begampura at Khuralgarh Sahib

 

Minar-e-Begampura at Khuralgarh Sahib

I wrote about the Guru Ravidass memorabilia at Khuralgarh Sahib (Village Khurali) in Tehsil Garhshankar of Dstrict Hoshiarpur in Punjab in my blog on April 22, 2016 after the Punjab Government decided and pronounced to build a befitting memorial donated to the great guru and harbinger of equality and justice, Guru Ravidass. I thought of revisiting the issue after seeing a recent report on the PTC Channel in which a dismal state of affairs at the site of Minar-e-Begampura was given as a painful revelation that the memorial was lying as a deserted site and nobody was bothered about it. It is a matter of pity and concern which must be registered with the current

administration and the past and forthcoming governing outfits. It goes without saying that all the political parties and their leaderships are falling on each other to woo the dalit voters, the followers of Guru Ravidass, for grabbing the corridors of power in Chandigarh but are blissfully ignorant of the ground reality and willful and I repeat willful neglect of matters of interest and concern to dalits. This mindset needs further elaboration to put the things in their right perspective.

The memorial, Minar-e-Begampura is a historical site where the great Guru Ravidass stayed and lived for more than 4 years. One of the travel and tour companies to promote the site as a tourist attraction wrote in its brochure -  “Khuralgarh Sahib: Khuralgarh Sahib is one of the most prominent historical places of Guru RaviDas ji  situated at village Kharali, Garhshanker, district Hoshiarpur. Khuralgarh Sahib is revered as this place was visited by Sri Guru Ravidas. As per the legend Guru visited this place after being persuaded by Meera Bai for the upliftment of the weaker section. Guru’s preaching attracted a huge following which upset the local ruler. The Guru was arrested and imprisoned. As punishment HE was ordered to grind the Corn in a local grinding mill known as CHAKKI. Guru, as is believed, sat in a Samadhi and the corn was being grinded by itself. Seeing this, prison guards went and told the Ruler that Guru is no Ordinary Human Being but a divine incarnation. After seeing the miracle of corn coming out of Chakki without any human intervention, The Ruler realized the mistake and set Guru free. Since the area had shortage of water, the ruler requested the Guru to bless the place. It is said that Guru turned a stone in a dry river bed with his left toe thumb and a spring erupted which is presently known as Charan Choh Ganga. Wake up early morning. The guest’s have an option of trekking down to the Ganga or drive through a private jungle. Minar-e-Begampura, a 151 feet high hallmark of Guru Ravidass Memorial is also being constructed here.”With this background, one may say that Minar-e-Begampura would attract the masses as  a ‘Journey of Faith’ to pay obeisance to Guru Ravidass, the proponent of the concept of ‘Begampura Shehar’(city without sorrow) to bring about ‘ Democratic Socialism ‘in India and the world at large.

The site of spiritual interest and importance at Khuralgarh Sahib is a historical place which was blessed and adorned by Guru Ravidass in 1515. Baba Banta Ram Ghera of All India Ad-dharam Mission was instrumental in research and establishment of Guru Ravidass Dharam

Baba Banta Ram Ghera

Asthan and Charan Choh Ganga in the hilly train of Village Kharali. The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Parkash Singh Badal decided to acquire 15 acres of land in between the Dharam Asthan and the Charan Choh Ganga thoughtfully and erect Minar-e-Begampura as a memorial of Guru Ravidass at the estimated cost of about Rs.110 crores. The foundation of the memorial was laid in April, 2016. The Akali-BJP Government started work but was unseated by the Congress Government of Captain Amrinder Singh in March/April, 2017. With regard to the progress of work at Minar-e-Begumpura, I checked the factual position and ground reality from the stake holders like All India Ad-dharam Mandal independent of the media reports and found that PTC report revealed only a ‘half truth’by saying that no work has been done. There may be some political motivation in these reports. The fact, as I came to know, is that about 70% work has been done but it requires completion and further impetus to dedicate the memorial to the public. The earlier the better.

One thing comes to surface. Though all political parties have no other option but to engage with the followers of Guru Ravidass in view of their sizeable vote bank yet most of their promises turnout to be mere ‘lollipops’ to satisfy them. Political will is missing. Mindset to keep dalits on the margins is still at work. Otherwise there is no explanation as to why Minar-e-Begampura could not be completed in five years which was to be finished in 15 months as planned. In the wake of the forthcoming elections in Punjab early next year, all

Sant Satwinder Hira explaining the historical background of the Holy site

political parties and their leaders are visiting the important dalit Deras like Sachkhand Ballan and others. These Deras and spiritual leadership of dalits could play a definite role in getting and securing a due space and place in the emerging political and social equations, if they act wisely. But it is a matter of regret to say, as far as I know, there is hardly any visible ‘Think Tank ‘working behind the Deras to advise and persuade them to work and watch the interests of the community. They tend to get satisfied by ‘loaves and crumbs’ of police escort vehicles and gun-wielding security guards and photo opportunities with political big-wigs. These political vested interests tend to exploit the community by keeping them divided to negate the effect of 35% dalit share in the population of Punjab, the highest in the country. We are to educate ourselves and stand up to meet the challenges ahead. Nobody else would do this for us. If not, these projects like Minar-e-Begampura would remain hanging in the air and we would remain bemoaning and complaining.

हर दर्दमंद दिल को रोना मेरा रुला दे ;

बेहोश जो पड़े हैं शायद उने जगा दे।

A Memorable Trip to Pune

 

A Memorable Trip to Pune

In my last blog, I gave some glimpses of my trip to Pune on August 13-15 and promised to write a detailed report of my memorable trip to Pune. I visited Pune on the kind invitation of Social Studies Foundation (SSF), an newly floated outfit to engage itself in study and research on matters of interest and concern to the ‘discriminated and depressed’ segments of the society and create a ‘positive narrative’ for the empowerment and progress with the motto “Knowledge for Empowerment. It will not be out of place to thank my friend Dr. Varinder Garg of Chandigarh who referred and introduced me to SSF. The main purpose of the visit was to release the special issue – Silent Contributors of Modern India  - of the newly launched mouthpiece of the SSF “The Unheard Voices” and speak on the theme ‘Role and contribution of depressed classes in the freedom struggle and nation building’ to celebrate the 75^th
anniversary of our Independence. I accepted the kind invitation of SSF and reached Pune, a historical and cosmopolitan city of the Peshwas and builders of modern India like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Bal Gangadhar Tilak among others in the morning of August 13.  Jitendra Pawar of SSF, well placed professional and businessman, received me at the airport called Lohagaon, a military airbase also used as a civil airport in the outskirts of Pune, a city of more than 32 lakh habitants, second only to Mumbai in the state of Maharastra.

Jitendra suggested taking a quick breakfast in a 70 years old and famous South Indian restaurant ‘Vaishali’ in the heart of the town before checking into the Hotel Centro nearby. We could get a table in a packed to capacity eatery. The Mysore Masala Dosha with a large coffee was really satisfying. I was all the more happy as Vaishali is

also the name of my daughter. Again on in the morning of August 15, we thought of going to Vaishali for breakfast. But it was not to be as on reaching there, we found that a big crowd of young boys and girls and also families were queuing outside to find a table inside. I was told that it was nothing special and it was the daily scene. I was told that Puneites (Punewalas) love to eat outside and the city was full of small and big eateries. My hosts treated me to special Marathi Thali and special dishes like Masala Bhaat, Puran Poli (Sweet Prantha with added sprinkling of pure ghee, Mutton curry with Bakhadi (millet tandoori roti) among others over several meals. I found that many of the traditional dishes were similar as we have in rural Punjab.  

With a view to use my time profitably while in Pune, I had suggested to my hosts to fix engagements/visits to some of the places/persons I would like to visit along with the main programme of the SSF on August 14 which included; Ambedkar Museum and Memorial, Jyotiba Phule Memorial, Dalit Chamber of Commerce, Aga Khan Palace and my interest injoining them at the Independence Day celebrations etc. My SSF hosts imaginatively could get two important slots for me:-

Visit to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial at the Symbiosis Society – My visit to this important landmark on the map of Pune in the afternoon of August 13 was a rewarding experience. Director of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial, Smt. Sanjivani Majumdar personally received and conducted me to the iconic landmark spread over 2 acres of prime land in the heart of the city. The foundation stone of the memorial was laid on April 14, 1990 by the then CM Sharad Pawar and finally inaugurated on November 26, 1996 by President K.R. Narayanan. The premises is called “Prerana Bhumi” which hosts Museum, Memorial and Library in the name of the greatest son of India, Babasaheb Amedkar at one place with – 280 artifacts, 190 photos and 490 rare books and

manuscripts donated by the wife of Babasaheb, Dr. Maisaheb Savita Ambedkar to the Symbiosis Society for the purpose. I must write that the Museum, Memorial and Library is a befitting tribute to the memory of the great reformer, leader and visionary, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It was a pilgrimage for me to pay obeisance in reverence. I was personally touched by the kind gesture of honour bestowed on me by offering me a Shawal, Babasaheb’s Bust and Mahamanav – a Photo Biography and brief biography of Babasaheb compiled and written by no other but Director Sanjivani Majumdar herself. I will keep and preserve these mementos as a cherished memory of my visit in the years to come. Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Founder and President of Sympoisis and an eminent educationist and also administrator has correctly written in the brochure of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial, “One of the objectives of this museum and memorial is to introduce Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who initiated the movement of social justice and equality in India to the foreigners well as Indian students so as to inspire them when they return to their own home land.”  On my return from Pune, I was further humbled by an e-mail message of Pro Vice Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, Dr. Vidya Yervadekar offering me to join them as visiting faculty at their Symbiosis School of International Studies. Thanks Dr. Vidya Yervadekar.

Independence Day Celebrations at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics – I joined the students and faculty of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics on the 75^th Independence Day Celebrations on August 15, an auspicious and joyous occasion. I did not know that a big honour was to fall on me. On reaching the congregation, after a brief courtesy call on Prof. Rajas Parchure, RBI Professor of Finance of the Institute, Prof. Parchure humbled me a great deal by declaring me as the Guest of Honour on the occasion

and invited me to garland the statue of Gopal Krishna Gokhale and hoist the Tri-colour. Frankly, I and may be my SSF hosts who arranged the visit did not expect this. The solemn ceremony concluded with joint singing of Jana Gana Mana followed by snacks and hot masala tea. Thanks Prof. Rajas Parchure and his colleagues and my SSF hosts, Vijendra Sonawane and Avinash Mulye. It may be appropriate to mention for the benefit of my readers that Pune is the ‘Hub of IT’ after Bangaluru besides esteemed institutions like Pune University, Gokhale Institute, Fergusson College and University, Symbiosis Group of Institutes, Television and Film Institute among others are located in the beautiful city and is rightly called as the ‘Oxford of the East”.  Convener of Samajik Samarashta Chapter of the RSS, Ravendra Kirkole came to my place of stay for a courtesy meeting to welcome me to Pune. It was nice of him. I found Ravendra a calm and quiet personality with easy demeanor.  He compelled me to think that, perhaps, that was the reason why RSS was holding a unique status in the society at large. The Swayamsevaks are fully dedicated and well trained to carry forward their agenda, one may or may not agree with that. Ravendra Kirkole left me impressed with his simplicity. In the evening of August 13, my host Pramod Gosavi took me to the esteemed Pune University’s well kept and maintained campus, a green lung of the city for a quick detour before the dinner to relish Marathi food.

SSF function to release the special issue of the” Unheard Voices” on August 14 –

The SSF function to release the special issue of the Unherad Voices was held on August 14 on the eve of the 75^th anniversary of our Independence Day at a prestigious venue of the auditorium of Deccan Education Society of Pune, an educational wing of the RSS. It was a well arranged programme. One of the Directors of SSF, Pramod Gosavi in his introductory presentation explained the purposes for which the SSSF was launched and added that the outfit would engage and involve the intellectuals and academics to create ‘a positive narrative’ on the role and contribution of our brethren belonging to the depressed and marginalized sections of the society. It will work as a ‘think tank’ in this regard. Dr. Anil Baisane, an eminent historian and academic with more than 75 books
to his credit released the special issue of the Unheard Voices – Silent Contributors of Modern India. Earlier, the Chief Editor of the E-Magazine, Vijendra Sonawane explained the purpose and rationale of starting the Unheard Voices to give impetus to the information needs of the marginalized segments of the society. He informed that the magazine which was formally launched on April 14, 2021 was received well by the discerning readers. Dr. Anil Baisane, while speaking on the theme ‘Role and Contribution of depressed classes in the freedom movement and nation building, gave an excellent and informative analysis from its historical perspective and said that it was unfortunate that the role played by the heroes belonging to the weaker sections of the society did not get any place in the history books and justify his assertion with reference to the role and contribution of Raja Nayak among others. I as the Chair of the Session congratulated the SSF for bringing out the Unheard Voices and its special issue on ‘Silent Contributors of Modern India” the

cover page of which adorns the photos of the contemporary icons of dalit communities in various spheres of life headed by none else but Babasaheb Ambedkar. Referring to the Mooknayak published by Baasaheb Ambedkar himself in the year 1920, I said that the Unheard Voice will try to fill the vacuum in providing much needed voice to voiceless. Speaking on the theme of the talk, I recalled the role of the Veeranganas including Jhalkari Bai, Adviser of Rani Laxmi Bai in the First War of Independence in 1857 and Kuyili, Brave Commander of Velu Nachirar in 1780, Uda Devi, Helen Savitari, Udham Singh, the warriors of Bhima-Koregaon, Chamar Regiment, Virsa Munda among others. The pioneer role of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Gadri Baba Babu Manguram Mugowalia, Joginder Nath Mandal, Babu Jagjivan Ram, D. Sanjivaya, Dadasaheb B.K. Gaikwad, Babu Kanshi Ram, President KR Narayanan, Justice K.G. Balakrishnan cannot be ignored and I added that the history will take note of their role and contribution in the run up to Independence in 1947 from the colonial rule but also in the development and progress of the country. The function, which was steered by Jitendra Pawar as the Master of Ceremonies, was concluded with the vote of thanks by Director of SSF, Hari Sowani. It was a satisfying and fulfilling experience to meet so many of the elite society of Pune at the fnction.

During my to and fro journey to Chandigarh to catch up with Pune, I enjoyed the hospitality of Sushil and Lovely Sheemar, my fellow BootanMandians, at their spacious and elegant villa in the “The Foothills” of Shivalik Range in the New Chandigarh – a serene and peaceful place to live which is the heavenly abode of senior retired and serving IAS, PCS elite and Judges. Both Sushil and Lovely and also their son Akun were totally caring and kind, as always.

 

Glimpses of my short trip to Pune

 

Glimpses of my short trip to Pune

On the invitation of Social Studies Foundation (SSF) of Pune, I visited Pune from August 13-15. It was memorable visit about which I would make a detailed report in due course to share my impressions and reflections on my engagements in Pune, a historic city of the State of Maharashtra. Here I give some of the highlights for the benefit of the readers of the Ambedkar Times as one of the slots in my programme  was the official release of the a special issue of the Unheard Voices a newly launched mouthpiece of the depressed and marginalized sections of the society.

August 13 – Visit to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial hosted at esteemed Symbiosis Society. It is an important landmark on the map of City of Pune.

August 14 – Release of the special issue of the Unheard Voices “Silent Contributors of Modern India”. It was formally released by a renowned researcher and historian Dr. Anil Baisane I presided over the function as

the Chief Guest and spoke on the theme “Role and Contribution of depressed classes in the freedom struggle and nation building”

August 15 – Independence Day Celebrations at the esteemed temple of learning Gokhale Institute of Political Science an Economics. I garlanded the statue

of Gopal Krishan Gokhale founder of the institute and hoisted the tri-colour at a brief but impressive ceremony.

Jinhen Naaz Hai Hind Pe Woh Kahan Hain?

 

Jinhen Naaz Hai Hind Pe Woh Kahan Hain?

We are celebrating the 75^th anniversary of our Independence on

August 15 this year. We the people of India are here – Jinhen Naaz Hai Hind Pe. This poetic expression of Sahir Ludhianvi throws a gauntlet to the people like us and rightly so. Sahir compels us to sit and think to find an answer as to where  we are heading even after the seven long decades of  independence in 1947 and proclaiming to be a Republic in 1950 with the lofty principles of Equality, Liberty, Justice, Fraternity and ensuring the Dignity of an individual , rightly enshrined in our Constitution.

While, I take this opportunity to greet my fellow countrymen on the Independence Day, I would like to make one or two pertinent observations with regard to the trenched caste divide and caste discrimination which is not diminishing in spite of legal framework and often repeated or flouted so called ‘affirmative actions’ by the governments and the Thekedars – conscious keepers of the society. The immediate provocation in this regard is the treatment meted out to the hockey player, Vandana Katariya by the anti social people. The

Vandana Katariya

caste slur as reported in the media, more on social media, are shameful and tend to justify the questions raised by Sahir  many decades ago. Sahir’s question – Jinhen Naaza Hai Hind Pe Woh Kahan Hain? -  cries for an answer. It is not only shameful but also a crime under the law. The whole country should be proud of, and I think it is, Vandana who amply demonstrated her prowess with a hat-trick of goals in the Olympic Games.  It is not only Vandana but many more from the marginalized segments of the society who have done well and brought laurels to our motherland and held the Tri-colour on the high podiums of various international sporting events. We are to go a long way as yet to break this vicious circle of caste based discrimination, if we intend to save India from the uncivilized and inhuman tendencies. Many of us who cry from the house-tops against the ‘affirmative’ provisions of reservations and other ‘empowerment’ measures introduced and undertaken by successive governments must understand the problem in the parlance of the age old traditional saying ‘Jis Ke Paon Na Phati Vivai; Woh Kya Jaane Peed Parai’. It will not be fair if we say nothing has been done to arrest this divisive and inhuman traditional treatment done to the socially weaker sections of the society but much more is needed to be done. Mere lip service in this regard will not do. Mahatma Gandhi ostensibly did his bit but most of the people suffering from the ‘graded inequality’ in the society doubted his sincerity in addressing the problem. It is a matter of regret and concern that no political outfit and political players showed any real concern and priority in this regard. The spiritual and religious leadership of the mainstream of the society is blissfully silent on this important issue. They tended to support and nurture the traditional mindset of ‘caste ridden’ social edifice consciously or otherwise. It is time to revisit the problem afresh and do the needful in the 75^th year of our independence. Let it be very frank and candid, the ruling BJP who claims to represent the mainstream of the society and intends to associate and engage the socially weaker sections of the society give an added impetus to the eradication of caste based social maladies by education and practice. RSS, the biggest social outfit of the world, has given the slogan of ‘Samrasta’ and rightly so but matching efforts and actions are yet to

be seen on ground. RSS and other outfits like SGPC among others should look into this before it is too late. The main stream of the society that is the Hindu majority has a special responsibility to come forward and reform the society as per the needs of the contemporary times. It goes without saying that the problem is unique and difficult but it has to be addressed wholeheartedly, if India wants to remain India. The soon the better.

The problem is real. I recall a story which one of my friends, Hussan Baudh narrated to me some years ago. He was travelling on a train along with some of his friends or colleagues. One of them mentioned about some photos taken the other day and asked how they did like the photos. Another, belonging to the so called upper caste, replied with disdain and utter contempt ‘ Oh Yaar Photo Khaak Ani Thi Woh Saala Chamar Jo Saath Baitha Tha’ (How could the photo be good as that low caste was sitting next to me). Do we have any right to shout from the roof-tops against the Human Rights Activists or organizations like the Amnesty International? Let us first mend our outdated and deplorable mindsets to negate the poetic pick of Sahir Ludhanvi and Allama Iqbal who said long time ago:-

आह! शूद्र के लिए हिंदोस्तां गम खाना है
दर्दे इंसानी से उस बस्ती का दिल बेगाना है

The second observation is to negate Sahir again. Our boys and girls at Tokyo Olympics have made us proud. We the people of India are rejoicing on the excellent fete of our players led by Neeraj Chopra with a GOLD in athletics, Two SILVERs by Mirabai Chanu in

Neeraj Chopra

Weightlifting and Ravi Dahiya in Wrestling, Four BRONZES – one each by our Hockey Team, Bajrang Punia in Wrestling, Lovlina in Boxing and PV Sindhu in Badminton. Our Women’s Hockey Team and many individual players did their best and put up an excellent show – I believe some of them belong to the so called marginalized sections of the society. It gives a big slap on the faces of Casteist and anti social elements in the society. Beware of these snakes. India is a big country. We are to go a long way. Much more is needed to be done to find our due space and place in the comity of nations as a democratic, pluralistic and civilized society. Not only we are to kill the casteist snakes to clean and reform the society but also gear up to appear repeatedly on the high podiums of world events like Olympics. The Hindustan Times of August 9, 2021 has rightly said in an editorial, “Tokyo 2020: A new era begins – India’s success, both visible and invisible can mark the start of a new journey”.

We are determined to negate Sahirs and Iqbals, though they may be correct in their perceptions in a particular context, and are fully ready and geared up to pronounce loudly that  - Hamein Naaz Hai Hind Pe, Hamein Naaz Hai India Pe, Hamein Naaz Hai Bharat Pe.

Jai Hind – Jai Bharat