The Role of Saints in the Empowerment of Scheduled Castes – International Conference

 

The Role of Saints in the Empowerment of Scheduled Castes – International Conference

I participated, as an invited delegate, in the International Conference on “The Role of Saints in the Empowerment of Scheduled Castes” at Ahmedabad on December 21. The Conference was organized and hosted by BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in collaboration with Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya  Bilaspur and Gujarat University Ahmedabad in connection with centenary celebrations of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.  It was a rewarding experience to listen and discuss an important and relevant subject for the socio-economic development of the marginalized sections of the country and the society at large. It was not only a well organized event by the premier academic, educational and research agencies of the country but also the participation in the Conference and their contribution was a sheer delight and thought provoking.  On getting the invitation from Dr. Jyotindra Dave, Director of BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute to participate in the Conference, I wondered as to how come they had picked me up, a non-academic, for this intellectual exercise. Nevertheless, I accepted the kind invitation and appreciated the gesture with pleasure. It was an educative and rewarding experience to participate in the Conference

and interact with some of who’s who of the academic and intellectual circles and also renowned personalities from public and spiritual life namely; Milind Kamle, Tarun Vijay, Bizay Sonkar Shastri, Ravindra Kirkole, Alok Chakarwal, Himanshu Pandya, Guru Prakash Paswan, Ramesh Pandav, Sanjeev Dangi, Jyotitendra Dave and also many of the great Saints of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj outfits. The Press Release on the Conference issued by BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute rightly gave an overview of the proceedings of the Conference, “During the conference, eminent scholars from around the world presented original research that discovered, reflected upon, and recognized the efforts undertaken by India’s great saints to empower scheduled castes. Attending scholars explored the relevance of their research to contemporary social issues and the role of saints in reforming modern society. The conference also highlighted Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s significant contribution to promoting social empowerment and harmony.” It further stated, “The delegates found the conference to be an engaging platform that promoted essential conversations on social empowerment and eliminating social disparities. Attendees also felt the conference encouraged interdisciplinary and diverse perspectives and emphasized the need and means to transcend all forms of social division.”

While presiding over one of the Paper Presentation Sessions of the Conference, I registered my humble presence and said, “I am personally touched and appreciative of the organisers who thought of inviting a non-academic, like me, to this highly academic, intellectual and contemplative event. I am fully conscious of this and would try my best to justify their choice as thinking and alert

observer of contemporary history and my diverse experience as a career diplomat and a social activist. I hope that the intellectual delegates and the discerning audience would bear with me.” and added that as a believer in Guruvani, I will stand to gain from the elite participants as “Tum Chandan Hum Rind Baapre; Sang Tumhare Vasa: Neech Rukh Te Unch Bhao Hain Gandh Suganadh Niwasa” Referring to the theme of the Conference I said in my submissions, “The Saints of ancient and medieval times did their job in reforming the society and empowering the weaker sections of the society including our Matri Shakti. Their contribution in the process is a chequered history and will remain so. Reform and Change is an unending process. The contemporary Saints steped into the shoes of our worthy forefathers – Narayana Guru, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Chatrapati Sahu, Swami Daya Nand, Swami Vivekanand, Rama Krishna Param Hans, and Maharishi Arvindo among others carried the agenda forward in empowering the socially and educationally weaker sections of the society. In this unending process, and rightly so, the next generation of reformists and saviors of the depressed and oppressed segments of the society emerged in the form of modern Saints; Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar, Swaminarayan, Rabindernath Tagore, Achutananda among others to name a few. In the more recent times HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and many more did their best and contributed immensely to the ongoing process of ‘Removing Tears’

of every eye.” Concluding my remarks, I urged the present day players to do more in empowering the marginalized sections of the society and added, “It is a matter of satisfaction that we are on track. We have, perhaps, arrived but we are yet to reach. Our social and cultural organizations like RSS, Bhagwan Swaminarayan Research Institute and SGPC among others are expected to do more in the process of India’s tryst with destiny which we started in 1947. The lofty ideals of our constitution; Equality, Liberty, Justice and Fraternity would be realized only by establishing Casteless Society, Equitable Social Order and Samarasta by carrying forward the agenda of our Holy Saints – Bahujan Hitai:Bahujan Sukhai. Giving my reflections on the deliberations, I noted with gratification that since morning I got a distinct and welcome feeling, by listening to the Saints and the battery of elite participants, that they all equated ‘empowerment’ with ‘Samrasta’ in the society and rightly so, the very need to bring about a ‘just social order’ – Der Ayae -Darust Ayae. I appreciated the views of Tarun Vijay, MP and   National Spokesperson of BJP who candidly said, “India would not be India without Samrasta.” Milind Kamle, Founder of Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry termed himself as a “Sipahi of Samrasta’ and added that ‘economic empowerment’ was as important as social empowerment. I fully endorsed this view and concluded with a poetic recital of Allma Iqbal:

Aao Ghairat Ke Parde Ik Baar Phir Utha Dein
Bichdon Ko Phir Mila Dein Naqsh-E-Dui Mita Den

Sooni Padi Hui Hai Muddat Se Dil Ki Basti
Aa Ik Naya Shiwaala Is Des Mein Bana Den

Dunia Ke Teerthon Se Ooncha Ho Apna Tirath
Daaman-E-Aasman Se Is Ka Kalas Mila Dein

This narration would not be complete if I don’t give briefly my impressions and reflections on the great deliberative event – International Conference on the theme “The Role of Saints in the Empowerment of Scheduled Caste”. Here I go:

·       All the dignitaries, right from the inaugural session to the valedictory session, underlined the importance and relevance of

‘empowering of Scheduled Castes’, and the need of establishing an ‘equitable society’ if India was to become a developed country and the ‘Vishava Guru’ as visualized.

·       It became clear and rightly so that ‘Empowerment’ and ‘Samrasta’ are synonymous and complementary to each other. Empowerment of the weaker sections of the society could be achieved by bring about Samrasta in the society and Empowerment would lead to Samarasta

·       One very important recently emerged trait came to fore in the deliberations. Many of the delegates; particularly MP Tarun Vijay, Guru Prakash Paswan, Milind Kamble and also the Saints of Swaminarayan mission were of the view that the main stream of the society should accept the fact that some ‘deformities’ had cropped in the social structures over the centuries resulting in social inequalities. There was no point in remaining in the ‘denial mode’ and keep on defending the indefensible and justifying the unjust. It was noted with satisfaction that, of late, it was observed that things were changing and well meaning socio-cultural organizations and also spiritual outfits were getting active and engaged in the process. It is a welcome development.

·       Some of the delegates also observed that such deliberations having ‘reform intent’ should be open to all segments of the society as it was seen in the Conference rather than limiting it to the concerned communities. Empowerment of the weaker sections pertained to the entire society at large; particularly the main stream of the society.

·       While listening to the deliberations, I felt that, perhaps, both the socio-cultural and also the spiritual leadership of the country have realized that Samrasta and Empowerment would put the country on rails to move forward to appropriate the lofty ideals of our forefathers like HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj who preached, “No one is great or modest by ones birth or caste. Any ones greatness is measured by ones values and work. Discrimination on the basis of caste is an ill intension born out of one’s ego.”

·       Last but not the least; I was much impressed by the presence of prominent Saints of Swami Narayan organizations in the Conference and their invaluable contribution to the deliberations which were ably steered by Swami Aksharvatsal, a highly revered personality.

I will be failing in my over all impressions and observations, if I don’t mention about the befitting and picturesque venue of the International Conference on the Role of Saints in the Empowerment of Scheduled Castes – Pramukh Swami Maharaj  Nagar – a specially

planned and artistically created complex or township spread over in 600 acres of land in the outskirts of Amedabad in connection with Pramukg Swami Maharaj’s Centenary Celebrations. The Nagar was formally declared open by PM Narendra Modi on December 14 as ‘Pramukh Swami Maharaj Satabdi Mahaotsav (1921-2021) – a befitting and an ‘awe-inspiring’ tribute to the mission and thought of Swaminarayan.

I take this opportunity to wish Happy New Year to all. Let us usher ourselves into fresh optimism in the new year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uniform Civil Code (UCC): A cursory Analysis

 

Uniform Civil Code (UCC): A cursory Analysis    

The issue of UCC is again in the news with a private member’s bill introduced in the Rajya Sabha. With a view to make the things easy to understand for the common man, I thought of sharing a common man’s take on the subject. The bill, inter alia, seeks to “provide for the constitution of the

National Inspection and Investigation Committee for preparation of Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout the territory of India and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto”. The bill was supported by the ruling BJP and opposed by the opposition, as expected, on the respective party lines. UCC repeatedly remained on the agenda of the ruling BJP and other right wing Hindu outfits right from independence in 1947, framing of the constitution and thereafter. As such it remained a controversial issue. BJP and other proponents quote Article 44 of the Constitution which reads, “Shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India” and underline that it was the will of the majority of the constitution makers to have UCC that is why it was stipulated in the constitution under the Directive Principles of State Policy. On the other side the Congress Party and other parties in the opposition argued that time was not ripe to have UCC as it would tend to fragment the social fabric of the country which was   threat due to various factors. The opposition argued and said that the proposed legislation was against the principles enshrined in Article 26B and Article 29(1) of the Constitution, which allow people “to manage its own affairs in matters of religion” and the right to conserve distinct language, script or culture.

The Constituent Assembly discussed and debated the matter extensively and decided to insert the issue of UCC under the Directive Principles of State Policy. The Chief Architect of the Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was, prime facie, in favour of UCC as his personal motivation was to reform the

society of graded inequality of which the socially depressed classes and the women folk were suffering for centuries. He was of the view that the UCC aimed to provide protection to vulnerable sections including women and religious minorities, while also promoting nationalistic fervor through unity. BJP and proponents of UCC often tend to take shelter under Ambedkar while pursuing their agenda in this regard. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a visionary and pragmatic leader and a nationalist to the core. India is a multi-cultural and multi-racial society. The Hindu conservatives were interested in maintaining the Hindu traditions with regard to civil matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance and share of women folk on one hand and the Muslim minority were keen to retain the personal laws like Shariat as India was a secular state which guaranteed religious freedom. Dr. Ambedkar agreed to insert the UCC under the Directive Principles of State Policy, I think, against his own liking. The objective of Article 44 of the Directive Principles in the Indian Constitution was to address the discrimination against vulnerable groups and harmonize diverse cultural groups across the country. Dr. B R Ambedkar, while formulating the Constitution had said that a UCC is desirable but for the moment it should remain voluntary, and thus the Article 35 of the draft Constitution was added as a part of the Directive Principles of the State Policy in part IV of the Constitution of India as Article 44. It was incorporated in the Constitution as an aspect that would be fulfilled when the nation would be ready to accept it and the social acceptance to the UCC could be made. Babasaheb Ambedkar warned and said in the Constituent Assembly, "No one need be apprehensive that if the State has the power, the State will immediately proceed to execute…that power in a manner may be found to be objectionable by the Muslims or by the Christians or by any other community. I think it would be a mad government if it did so." It was a far-sighted and pragmatic approach. We need to build “consensus’ on the issue. The minority communities should also not adopt a hard attitude just for the heck of it as many of the Islamic states have opted for ‘Common Law System and Civil Law Systems. The legal systems of countries all over the world are divided into two categories: common law systems and civil law systems. There are around 150 nations with predominantly civil law systems, compared to approximately 80 countries with common law systems. A Uniform Civil Code means that all sections of the society irrespective of their religion shall be treated equally according to a national civil code, which shall be applicable to all uniformly. They cover areas like- Marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, adoption and succession of the property.

India was not a nation. Under the post independence struggle, we are trying our best to make it a modern nation as a ‘Union of States’ with its diversity and individual freedoms. We are to maintain this under its ‘secular’ identity as many democratic and federal countries like the USA have done. In the United States of America, States are independent legal entities with their own Supreme Courts, which follow their own practices and legal conventions. Even though there are common principles that govern these civil laws in the States in a manner that is universal across the nation.

Ambedkar was not only a constitutional expert but also a great social reformer to make India a cohesive country. In the face of stiff opposition, he was interested in safeguarding the interest of women and depressed classes and proposed changes which later came as Hindu Code Bills - The Hindu code bills were several laws passed in the 1950s that aimed to codify and reform Hindu personal law in India, abolishing religious law in favor of a common law code. Ambedkar even resigned, in 1951, from his coveted position as the Law Minister in the Government of PM Jawaharlal Nehru when PM Nehru could not carry forward the reform agenda of Ambedkar. Nehru could not convince President Rajendra

Prasad who openly opposed the proposed Hindu Code Bills. He said, “My right to examine it (the bill) on its merits, when it is passed by the Parliament, before giving assent to it is there. But if any action of mine at a later stage is likely to cause embarrassment to the Government, I may take such appropriate actions as I may be called upon to avoid such embarrassment consistently with the dictates of my own conscience."

In this background, we need to be balanced and practical in addressing this complex issue as advised by Babasaheb Ambedkar. It is a matter of satisfaction that so far our judiciary has acted pragmatically to reconcile the differences owing to Uniform Criminal Code as against Diversified Civil Code - While the criminal laws in India are uniform and applicable equally on all, no matter what their religious beliefs are, the civil laws are influenced by faith. Swayed by religious texts, the personal laws which come into effect in civil cases have always been implemented according to constitutional norms.

All said and done, I think Uniform Civil Code would be beneficial to the health of the society at large. I quote from an article on the subject which explains the matter further and puts the issue in its perspective, “Since India is an emerging and progressive country, and it is a bit disappointing to hear that we are not bolting our attention to achieve the core purpose of equality and secularism that we have committed to providing to our citizens. India can be a great nation only if the same laws relating to inheritance, marriage, family, land, etc. apply to all citizens, irrespective of caste, creed or community. All Indians will be treated equally in this way. The age-old religious customs and personal laws of our country are usually gender-based.
The Uniform Civil Code is an indication of a progressive modern nation. It is an indication that the nation has moved away from caste politics and religious politics. We as a nation are regularly striving towards the best possible economic growth, it might also be right to say that socially and culturally we have degraded to a new low.
A uniform civil code will help to improve the conditions of women in India. It will help to bring about changes in the age-old traditions that have no relevance in today's modern society, where women should be accorded equal rights and treated fairly. The uniform civil code in India will ensure not division on the basis of religion but unity by creating a sense of nationality.”

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naman to Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar

 

Naman to Babasaheb  B.R. Ambedkar     

Today, December 6, is the Mahaparinirvan Diwas (death anniversary) of the great icon of humanity, Babasaheb B.R.

Ambedkar (April 14, 1891 – December 6, 1956). I wrote on the day several times in my blogs in the successive years to pay my humble tributes to the great leader. Due to busy schedule, I intended to remain silent this year. But today I read something about Babasaheb in the media and I thought of picking up the threads and make some observations as Naman to Babasaheb on his Mahaparinivan Diwas.

PM Narendra Modi, paying Tribute to Babasaheb rightly said, “Remembering the great Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinivan Diwas; his thoughts and ideals continue to give

strength to millions. We are committed to fulfilling the dreams he had for our nation.” It is a befitting tribute to Babasaheb. Yet another interesting aspect, which hither to remained under the carpet, came to light. “B.R. Ambedkar was a lifelong Public Diplomat” – an article appeared on the editorial page of the HindustanTimes on December 6. It has been written by two prominent public personalities; Guru Prakash Paswan and Sudarshan Ramabadran, co-authors of the book ‘Makers of Modern Dalit History’. It must be a well researched book though I am yet to lay my hands on the book. The following quote from the article justifies the title f the article, “Public diplomacy has many definitions but broadly speaking, it means a country communicating its values, culture or policies to a foreign audience. B.R. Ambedkar, an Ambassador of Human Rights epitomized this in many ways. He was a strong global communicator of what plagued India and what India ought to do to overcome its challenges to be a model for the world. He also championed soft power much before the term came into the foreign policy lexicon – never resorting to violence in pursuit of social change nor backing anything that called for violence.” The authors termed Babasaheb as “Ambedkar was an inveterate diplomat.” Some days ago, I also saw a video interview MP Shashi Tharoor on The Wire conducted by Karan Thapar on his recent book ‘Ambedkar: A Life’ in which both Karan Thapar and Shashi Tharoor wondered that how come PM Narendra Modi, who clearly and loudly, considered Ambedkar his icon in the face of perceived perception that BJP and RSS and the Hinduitva leadership in general would be able to stomach ‘candid and assertive’ views of Babasaheb Ambedkar on Hinduism and Hindu traditions like

Varanvibashtha (Caste system). RSS Sanghsanchalak Mohan Bhagwat also in the recent past rightly and publically owned the legacy of Ambedkar with regard to bring about ‘Samrasta’ in the society. I would not go into the details of this and leave the matter here as, I think, it is up to PM Narendra Modi and Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and the hardcore Hindu leadership as to how would they synchronize, assimilate and harmonize their views and position with that of B.R. Ambedkar’s. Followers of Ambedkar and the marginalized segments of the society should be rather happy that the so-called ‘opponents’ of Babasaheb Ambedkar  are voluntarily willing to appropriate him and his legacy for the larger interest of the country and the society at large. It should be appreciated and welcomed, to my mind.

As I said that I did not intend to write a long piece today. I would like to mention about April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as ‘International Day of Equality’ under the aegis of UN; a proposal resting the GOI (MEA) since June, 2015 and earnestly urge PM

Narendra Modi and solicit support of Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat to kindly re-visit the proposal afresh in pursuance of India’s Soft Diplomacy of which B.R. Ambedkar was the early proponent as asserted by Guru Prakash Paswan and Sudharshan Ramabadran. Ambedkar in himself is a potent force which cannot be suppressed for long.

Naman to Babasaheb Ambedkar on his Maha-Parinirvan Diwas

 

G-20 Presidency: A Proud Moment for Indian Diplomacy

 

G-20 Presidency: A Proud Moment for Indian Diplomacy

 The G-20 or Group of Twenty is an intergovernmental forum comprising 20 countries and the European Union. It works to address major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable

development. The members of the G20 are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. The G20 was formed in 1999, in the wake of the Asian financial crisis, to unite finance ministers and central bankers from twenty of the world's largest established and emerging economies. The main purpose of G-20 is to bring together important industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy. The G20 Countries together represent around 90% of global GDP, 80% of global trade, and two thirds of the world’s population. The objectives of the G20 are: a) Policy coordination between its members in order to achieve global economic stability, sustainable growth; b) To promote financial regulations that reduce risks and prevent future financial crises; and c) To create a new international financial architecture.

 India’s participation in the G-20 process stems from the realization that as a major developing economy India has a vital stake in the stability of the international economic and financial system. India has been actively involved in the G20 preparatory process both at the

Sherpas Track and the Financial Track since its inception in 1999. The movement of glory for the Indian diplomacy came at the G-20 Summit held at Bali (Indonesia) on November 26, 2022 when the baton of the next Summit of G-20 to be held in New Delhi was formally passed on PM Narendra Modi by the President of Indonesia. Accepting the great responsibility and honour, PM Narendra Modi, while stating the agenda, said, “. India’s Presidency of G-20 would be “inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented". Earlier the logo and theme of the G-20 Submit to be held under the Presidency of India was released and it was rightly underlined the importance of the G-20 Summit to be held in New Delhi in November, 2023 under challenging times for the world’s emerging economic and security scenario. Indian political and economic leadership and also the diplomatic establishment are fully geared up to host the occasion and realize the professed and proclaimed lofty ideals of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.

India has formally assumed the Presidency of the G-20 on December 1, 2022 with great enthusiasm and earnestness. In a story, the Indian Express rightly termed the occasion as a ‘watershed moment’ and said, “India has formally assumed the presidency of G-20 on December 1 and the Heads of Government Summit has been planned

for the second half of 2023. The G20 summit would be qualitatively different from any of the previous multilateral summits that India has hosted. None of the previous summits had the world’s largest economies assembled in one place nor did they have the entire P-5 (permanent members of the UN Security Council) represented. In that sense, the G-20 summit would be the first of its kind in Indian history.” PM Naendra Modi, in an article on the subject, highlighted the over-all reach of the G-20 and said, “India looks forward to a Presidency of healing, harmony and hope.” A key element of India’s G20 Presidency will be taking the G20 closer to the public and making it truly a ‘People’s G20’. To realize this, Citizen engagement and large scale public participation through various Jan Bhagidari activities are planned throughout the year. It was stated in a Press Release of the Ministry of External Affairs. The Press Release further said, “Drawing inspiration from its G20 Presidency theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ - ‘One Earth One Family One Future’, India will host over 200 meetings in over 50

cities across 32 different work streams, and would have the opportunity to offer G20 delegates and guests a glimpse of India’s rich cultural heritage and provide them with a unique Indian experience.”India has fully risen to the occasion to host the G-20 Summit in association and cooperation of all the members of the august body and stake holders. G-20 Secretariat is fully functional under the stewardship of one of the experienced and competent administrators, Amitabh Kant, as the Sherpa of G-20 - A Sherpa is a guide in the Himalayas, taking mountaineers to the summit. Similarly, #G20 Sherpa spearheads the Presidency to the final Leaders Summit; fully supported and assisted by the finest diplomats of India; Harsh Vardan Shringla, Muktesh Pardeshi, Abhay Kumar  along with their team of young diplomats. The Envoys of the members countries and others concerned were fully briefed of the preparations and nitty gritty of the G-20 Summit in the second half of the year. On December 1, all the important buildings and monuments were fully illuminated with a view to encourage public participation and appreciation of the historic and proud movement of India. EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar underlining the point said, “Given its significance, we would like G20 to be not a Delhi-centric event but one that is celebrated across the width and breadth of the country,”

and added, “The countrywide spread of the event will help Indian citizens to understand that as a result of the G-20, India will be “more world-ready” and the “world more India-ready”. EAM Jaishankar termed G-20 Presidency as “unparalleled, a crucial responsibility” and further said, “This is not a development that should be regarded as one more diplomatic happening. On the contrary, it is a crucial responsibility that is being assumed by India at a very challenging time in world politics and at an inflection point in India’s own history”.

All said and done, G-20 Summit 2023 is proud moment and a timely opportunity to show and register India’s strength as the biggest democracy of the world on one hand and a humane and civilized society standing for ‘peace and equitable world order’ as a responsible member of the comity of nations. With a view to achieve this lofty goal, we need to be strong and resilient at home as a ‘secular, socialist and democratic’ country as stipulated in the Constitution of India. It is said that foreign policy of any country is an extension of its internal situation. India needs to be strong and stable from within. We need to push for ‘political consensus’ across the political spectrum. It is a matter of gratification to note that GOI under PM Narendra Modi has already started the process by calling an all party meeting on the subject – Agaz To Acha Hai; Anjam Bhi Acha Hi Hoga.

मैं नहीं संदेश स्वर्ग का लाया; इस भूतल को ही स्वर्ग बनाने आया

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constitution Day of India, November 26

Constitution Day of India, November 26

Constitution Day of India is observed on November 26, the day the Constitution of India was finally ‘adopted, enacted and given to ourselves in 1949. Much water has flown in the Yamuna ever since the new constitution became operational, 73 years ago, on January

26, 1950; the day is observed and celebrated as the Republic Day of India, an important mile stone in the chequered journey of free India. It is a matter of gratification to note that ever since India has come a long way and has ‘arrived’ definitely but it has still to go a long way to ‘reach’ to redeem the pledge of ‘Tryst with Destiny’ which ‘We the people of India’ took on the mid-night dawn of August 15, 1947. I take this opportunity to greet my fellow citizens of India on the Constitution Day and wish them all success and prosperity in the years to come.

“We describe our Constitution as a “living document”, ready to adapt and respond to changing times. We also call our Constitution a “transformative Constitution”, one that attempts to radically transform our society and the country as a whole to fulfill its vision of a vibrant, modern polity. But how different is the vision of the framers of our Constitution from those in charge of implementing its ideals since the country gained Independence? Is the vision still a dream or a reality? And how do the citizens and the Constitution transform each other?” It is an extract from an invitational letter for a Webinar hosted by the Print on November 24 on the theme “Constitutional Vision: From Framers to Executors” to observe the Constitution Day. I tend to agree with the Print that our constitution is a living document and it is a transformative constitution so laboriously made by our forefathers, the makers of this beautiful document; particularly the chief architect of it, Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar. The three questions raised by the Print are totally relevant which need answers to put the matter in its perspective.

I would humbly try to address the issues not as an expert but as a concerned citizen. First, the constitutional vision: from framers to executors – frankly, prima facie it seems, we have negated the vision of the framers and have failed the constitution. It is my off the cuff observation, if I see the things in totality. It seems in the past 73 years, we have increasingly lost the way. The framers of the constitution visualized India as a democratic, secular and socialist country. But we could not do much in transforming of our political democracy into a social and economic democracy. Our secular credentials are increasing threatened giving way to communal polarization. Over the years, rich is getting richer and poor is getting poorer, undermining the ideal of socialism. Fraternity was thoughtfully added to the known and lofty ideals of ‘Equality, Liberty and Justice’ but sadly again, in the recent years chasm in the various sections of the society has widened. Minorities are feeling threatened. It seems, social and religious animosity, in the society at large, is increasing. It was a short narration on the basic fundamentals of the constitution as stipulated in the very preamble of the constitution. As regards yet another prop of ‘transformative constitution’, I think, here also we have nothing much to feel proud. We could not transform our political democracy into social and economic one, as said earlier. The slogan of ‘Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Vikas and Sab Ka Vishwas’ is yet to be realized. The society is yet to be transformed from ‘graded inequality’ to a ‘casteless society’ to establish an equitable order, the very essence of democracy. Democracy will survive and prosper, if the institutions established under the constitutional framework, in the process, are strengthen. But again, it is felt, it has not happened and has lead us towards ‘Grammar of Anarchy’ and ‘Hero worship giving way to dictatorship’ as warned by Babasaheb Ambedkar in his last speech in the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949.  The ‘majoritarian’ point of view and the ‘personality cult’ are the very negation of democracy. Unfortunately, these tendencies are raising

their head, of late, in the polity of the country which must be arrested forthwith.  The constitutional and statutory positions like President, Governor, Election Commission, Comptroller General of Audit and Accounts, National Commission for SCs among others are increasingly losing their sheen and standing in facing the machinations of the ruling dispensations. It is a matter of concern and worry. The other day, commenting on the Election Commission, the Supreme Court of India termed it as ‘alarming trend’ and said, “This is how the silences of the constitution can be exploited. There is no law, no check. Everyone has used it to their interest… Pick up some one and give him a highly truncated tenure. He is obligated; does your bidding…We are not saying so but it looks like that.” It has been further reported that there is a definite ‘standoff’ between the Government and the Judiciary on the issue. It is a matter of worry that ‘political and constitutional morality’ is missing in implementing the constitution in its ‘letter and spirit’, most of the times by willful design by the vested interests.

All said and done, it is a matter of gratification to note that we are still on track only because of the constitution, in spite of many failures and setbacks, in the process. I would tend to agree that our constitution is a ‘living document’ and if, we the people of India ensure that the governments are made of ‘Gyansheel’ people, the constitution may be saved and defended. Kindly excuse me for repeatedly quoting Babasaheb in explaining the matter as I find him as relevant today as he was before. What is ‘Gyan’ and ‘Sheel’ according to the icon? He said, “If I may use the words of Buddha he said that man requires two things; one is ‘Gyan’ and the other is ‘Sheel’. Gyan without Sheel is very dangerous. It must be accompanied by Sheel by which we mean; character, moral courage, ability to be independent of any kind of temptation, truthful to ones ideals.” Our constitution is a living document; I say so because – In the early years of the Republic of India, it could throw answers to the often raised ‘bogie’ – Who after Nehru? It does not need further elaboration, Our PM passed away abroad and transfer of power back home happened smoothly. In the aftermath of ‘emergency’, declared rightly or wrongly, the strongest PM was unseated by the people and brought in the new dispensation without any difficulty. Two of the leaders, PM Indira Gandhi and Former PM Rajiv Gandhi were eliminated suddenly in violence; nothing happened and smooth switch over took place with due process and procedure. Unwanted and undesirable situations arose, in the wake of violent communal riots, militancy and such other untoward happenings; our

constitution stood the test of times as a ‘living document’. PM Narendra Modi has rightly said, “India's Constitution is not merely a book but is an idea and commitment, and also a symbol of the nation's confidence in its independence. Dwelling on the living nature of the Constitution, he said India has by nature been a free-thinking country, and inertia is not part of our basic nature. "From the formation of the Constituent Assembly to its debates, from the adoption of the Constitution to its present stage, we have consistently seen a dynamic and progressive Constitution. We have argued, raised questions, debated and made changes.”

Finally, if we carefully study and pay heed to the foresighted views and warnings of the father of Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, we can easily make the living document a ‘transformative constitution’ as visualized by our forefathers. He said referring to the newly won independence, “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.”

 While observing the Constitution Day on November 26, again I would like to recall what Babasaheb said on the good or bad

constitution; particularly with reference to the gap between the Framers and Executors. In his speech, Ambedkar cautioned that the working of a Constitution did not depend on the document itself. Ultimately, it depended on those tasked with implementing it. He said, “…however good a Constitution may be, it is sure to turn out bad because those who are called to work it, happen to be a bad lot. However bad a constitution may be, it may turn out to be good if those who are called to work it, happen to be a good lot.”

Greetings on the Constitution Day of India.

 

 

EWS Reservation – A Cursory Analysis

 

EWS Reservation – A Cursory Analysis

The issue of reservation to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of the society was recently in news and generated obvious debate and heat in the corridors of justice and power, news rooms, social outfits etc. It would happen to be, to my mind, a ‘game changer’ issue in the country; particularly with

regard to the socio-economic fabric of the society on one hand and socio-political polarization of the polity on the other in the years to come. My take on the issue is not that of an expert or academic but that of a layman as a concerned common citizen of India that is Bharat.

As we all know for centuries together, all most every avenue and opportunity was reserved for the socially and economically privileged upper crust of the society in the parlance of so called ‘Manuwadi” system. The outcastes (untouchables) and the Shudras (backward castes) were kept at the receiving end both by will and design by the privileged upper castes. Nobody raised any question of merit, poverty, equality and justice, Human considerations, we often tend to quote from our scriptures, were totally missing in dealing with the socially discarded and oppressed masses. The main stream of the society must have some introspection and realize the pain of this historic injustice amounting to dreadful cruelty meted out to the under-privileged. There is no need to go deep into the past and mention about the ‘Eklavyas’ and ‘Shambukas’ of ancient times. Let us come straight to the Bhakti Movement of the 15^th century – Kabir, Ravidass, Chokha Mela, Tuka Ram and the founder of Sikhism the great Guru Nanak came on the scene and stood for the human rights of the underprivileged, the first step to undo the injustice, meted out to the socially neglected and discriminated segments of the society on the basis of caste system ordained by the Chattur Varna of Hindus. The Sikh Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, and the establishment of the Khalsa Panth by the 10^th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh followed by the social reforms of Narayana Guru in South India, Arya Samaj of Swami Daya Nand in North India, inter alia, played appreciable role in leveling the society one way or the other and definitely with some visible success. The situation came to head with the arrival of the likes of Joytiba Phule, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, Bheem Rao Ambedkar among others in the contemporary times in the early 19^th century amidst liberal and democratic approaches of British rulers. Babasaheb Ambedkar underlined and flagged the social depression, oppression and systemic discrimination of depressed classes in the relevant fora including the Round Table Conferences held in London in early 1930s which resulted in the Ramsey MacDonald Communal Award of 1932 granting separate electorates to the depressed classes and recognized their distinct identity from the Hindus. Mahatma Gandhi, other Hindu leaders and the Congress Party

woke up and vehemently opposed the separate electorates to the depressed classes as demanded by Babasaheb Ambedkar and granted in the Communal Award. It was a turning point in the process of rights of the socially marginalized. Ambedkar was holding the fort representing dalits. Mahtma Gandhi resorted to his usual tactic of ‘Satyagraha’ and started his ‘fast unto death’ in Yerawada Jail in Pune (then Poona). Frankly, it was a sheer political blackmail as some political analysts see. The entire Hindu leadership led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress Party came together and appealed to Ambedkar to save the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Being a true nationalist to the core, Babasaheb, reluctantly, succumbed to the tremendous processor and wily designs of Mahatma Gandhi and signed some arrangements under the Poona Pact of 1932 to ensure due representation of dalits not only in the legislatures but also in services and educational institutions which later came to be called ‘Reservations’ first in 1935 and subsequently in the Constitution of India. I took the liberty of giving these details to call the bluff of the so called ‘main stream’ of the Hindu society or the ‘General Category’ who never get tired of shouting from the roof tops that dalits were given ‘Reservation’ by the act of ‘magnanimity’ and their own ‘volition’. Nobody gave Reservations to dalits on a platter. They got these concessions with the relentless struggle of Babasaheb Ambedkar and his associates.

With this background, let us come to the current issue of Reservation to the EWS. The concept of Reservation, as stipulated in the Constitution, recognizes socially and educationally marginalized communities and the facilities and additional weightage to them is given to ‘Empower’ them as an ‘affirmative action’ by the state with a view to built bridges and fill the vacuum for social cohesion and equitable order. Reservations are not given to fill the economic gap for poverty

amelioration. It is a fallacy being spread by the vested interests for electoral gains by polarizing the society – socially depressed Vs socially privileged, a dangerous and mischievous scheme of things. Who does not know that India is a poor country with millions of families living ‘Below Poverty Line (BPL)’? By government’s own admission, more than 80 crorer of our fellow citizens are being fed by the government under various schemes. In this scenario, where is the question of Reservations for the EWS? Moreover, is it not true that most of BPL families belong to Scheduled Castes/Tribes and Muslim communities? There is another lacuna which underlines the illogical approach of the government; the annual income for claiming scholarships by an SC student is two lakh but for the purposes of EWS, the income limit is 8 lakh. This fully justifies the thumb rule “Show me the face and I will show you the rule’. Kindly permit me to make a humble suggestion to empower the so called EWS in the ‘General Category’ that is the socially privileged. There should be at least 75% Reservation for the EWS in all the posts of ‘Safai Karamcharis’ including Gutter and Sewerage cleaners not only for the upper crusts of the caste ridden society but also the OBCs as caste bias and discrimination is also generally practiced by them too. It would be instrumental in bringing about the so called ‘spiritual experience’ to the higher echelons of the society.  Why the ‘spiritual experience’ be reserved only for the dalits?

All said and done, now let us revert to the ground reality. Reservations for the SCs and STs and also the OBCs are not a permanent provision and should not be so. There should be no hesitation in studying, assessing and retaining or modifying or abolishing these provisions with due, free and fair procedure, if required. But the upper castes and privileged or so called ‘General Category’ supported and encouraged by the vested political interests who are only interested in polarizing the society for electoral considerations are not interested in addressing the issue head-on. All political parties and social outfits like RSS and SGPC among others, willingly or otherwise, support reservations and keep on extending these temporary provisions even apart 75 years of independence. It seems there is no ‘political and social will’ to integrate the socially and educationally weaker sections with the main stream of the society to realize the lofty ideals of ‘Equality and Fraternity’ stipulated in the constitution. In this scenario, Reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs will remain as the society at large is still not ready to embrace the marginalized sections of the society because of historical compulsions of Manuwadi social system. It seems that Reservations for the EWS have been introduced by those vested interests who intend to ‘Eat the cake and have it too’. Reservations are not the answer to address poverty and safeguard security and integrity of our country. Nevertheless, I may say with great reluctance, if Executive, Legislature and Judiciary feel in their better consideration that Reservations are the only answer, why don’t

we fix the quota for all on the basis of their share in the demography? As of now, 59.5% are fixed – 27% for OBCs, 15% for SCs, 7.5% for STs and 10% foe EWS of General Category. What wrong has been done by the remaining 40.5%? They should also have their share in the pie. I leave it here as ‘Food for Thought’.

It is a matter of great concern and worry that our judicial system has further compounded the issue; it seems to a layman like me. The Supreme Court in a majority judgment of 3:2 in a 5 judge bench has upheld the Reservation for EWSs. It would further divide the polity and the society. The national parties like BJP and Congress have welcomed the court decision, bereft of political and constitutional morality, just to appease the Hindu main stream of the society. The regional parties like DMK, JDU, RJD among others, representing the lower strata of the society, have opposed the EWS Reservations. In an editorial, the Hindustan Times has rightly said, “With economic anxieties rising, reservations of various kinds are sure to emerge as political levers, straying even further from the lofty equality goals envisioned in the constitution.” Reservations for EWSs are totally unwarranted and unjustifiable and would tend to further fragment the society. Temporary Reservations for the SCs, STs and OBCs would automatically end when a ‘casteless’ society is in place. Nobody is interested in becoming a second class citizen any more by sticking to caste based reservations. But the governments, political parties and the society at large must act to empower the socially and educationally marginalized segments; the so called dalits. The sooner; the better.

I tend to fully agree with the observations of Hon’ble Judges Ravindra Bhat and U.U. Lalit who said in their dissenting notes, “This court has, for the first time in seven decades of the Republic, sanctioned avowedly exclusionary and discriminatory principle.”

 

Police DAV Public School – PDAV – Model-UN (PDAVMUN)

 

Police DAV Public School – PDAV – Model-UN (PDAVMUN)

On November 11, I have had the honour to visit Police DAV Public School at Jalandhar, A Temple of Excellence – one of the best schools in the Doaba region of Punjab. It was one of my earnest

wishes, ever since I came back to my roots in Jalandhar after a long diplomatic career, which was realized and would remain with me as a cherished memory in the coming years. As Mirza Ghalib said ‘Rang layegi Hamari Fakamasti Ek Din’, Principal of the School, Dr. Rashmi Vij, educational and cultural excellence personified, thoughtfully invited me to be the Chief Guest and Key Note Speaker at one of important events of the School – PDAVMUN which I, obviously, accepted with pleasure. I had met Dr. Rashmi Vij and her worthy husband Sunil Vij, a highly placed professional Executive in private sector at a couple of social occasions and briefly interacted with them. As a highly alert and competent educational administrator, Rashmi Vij remembered me and my professional background and provided me an opportunity to further educate myself. Thanks a lot Madam Principal Rashmi Vij.

Let us talk about PDAVMUN. Keeping with its standing, Police DAV Public School regularly hosts this UN motivated and promoted event.  This year was the 4^th Chapter in which more than 400 delegates from about 25 schools in the northern region of India participated in a 3 day conference; the opening plenary session of

which was a befitting kick start of PDAVMUN. The function fully justified which I read in an elegant publication of the School; the Suragini – 25^th Anniversary Edition, a copy of which was kindly gifted to me by Principal Rashmi Vij. British Council in its commendatory recognition rightly described the School as an institution with “an outstanding development of international learning in the curriculum”.  The School has established its contacts and exchanges with many countries like Sweden UK, South Korea, inter alia. On alighting from the car, I could feel the pleasant ambience of the well maintained clean campus and premises of the School. I was received by the Coordinators of PDAVMUN, Balwinder Singh, Manoj Dutta and Seema Sharma,  very courteous and well trained teachers, and ushered me to the elegantly and meaningfully furnished office of Principal Rashmi Vij for a courtesy meeting over tea and refreshments along with other two educational administrators in the DAV fraternity; Principal Anita Nanda of Lala Jagat Narain DAV Memorial School and Principal S.K.  Gautam of Dayanad Model School. The personal touch in hospitality and demeanour of Principal Rashmi Vij was very impressive to register her persona as I had heard about her humane personality otherwise too. One may consider these minor details superfluous but I have no hesitation in saying that Rashmi Vij is not only an acclaimed academic and educational administrator but also a human being par excellence. These qualities of head and heart have made Police DAV Public School one of the premier educational institutions. In her assertions in the Suragini – Changing Societal Perspective Towards School Education: Time To Clean The Lens, she has aptly quoted John Adams, “The purpose of Education is two- fold, one is to teach how to make a living and the other how to live.” Indian education system, to my mind, still needs to go a long way in this regard.

PDAVMUN plenary began with the traditional DAViet drill of Sarswati Vandhana, Lighting of the Lamp followed by the substantive part of the function. Principal Rashmi Vij in her welcome remarks informed that PDAVMUN remained an important event in the calendar of the School which tended to educate and prepare the

young delegates for their much needed international exposure. She was confident that the 4^th Chapter has thoughtfully introduced new aspects like the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Terrorism, and Kashmir issue among others for the benefit of young students. In my key note address without going into the history of the UN said that India being one of the founding member of UNO, even before her independence, has been an active and vocal member of the world body and rightly so. Referring to the sterling contribution of Hansa Mehta, a Gandhian, to the Declaration of Human Rights and Vijay Lakshmi Pandit as President of the UNGA in 1953 and more recently Shashi Tharoor as Assistant Secretary General  said that India was fully involved and integrated with the UN System to execute and carry forward the UN Agenda of – international peace, socio-economic development, equitable world order through the mechanism of UN Millennium Goals and SDGs in keeping with the cardinal dictum of India’s foreign policy inspired by ‘Vashudaiv Kutumbkum’.  Mentioning about the ‘Soft and Cultural Diplomacy’ of India, I informed the young delegates that yet another proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as International Day of

Equality under the aegis of UN was resting with the Government of India and UN Secretariat and solicited all out support to the proposal as it would amount to one more feather in the turban of India in addition to Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, 2^nd October, as International Day of Non-violence and International Yoga Day. Mentioning the appreciable activity of the School in arranging PDAVMUN, I said that UN thoughtfully introduced the programme of M-UN in the year 2000 for ‘educational simulation in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations and the UN’. I added that UN offered many opportunities to work under the System like; UN Career, UN Volunteers, UN Academic Impact to foster the engagement of universities and colleges as stake holders and urged young students to look at these career choices in due course. Commenting on the efficacy and functioning of the UN, I said that with the changed and fast evolving international scenario, UN has lost its steam and required urgent and immediate restructuring and expansion to address the challenges of the future. India being a large country and the largest democracy of the world and also one of fastest growing economies must get due role and space including a permanent seat on the ‘Horse Shoe’ high table at the UN in New York. India fully fits the bill. I also added as a matter of satisfaction that India had arrived with ‘pragmatic and assertive’ foreign policy not only to fully safeguard our national interests but also be a dignified member of the comity of nations for mutually beneficial and accommodative  world order under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and EAM S, Jaishankar.  My concluding shot to caution the delegates was that since, in diplomatic parlance, foreign policy of any country was an extension of its internal strength, we the people of India must insure that India remained on rails for our internal strength and progress as a multi-racial, multi-cultural and inclusive polity and society. The programme was inter-spread by cultural inputs like fusion music, dance and songs by the School Talent. Little Master, Vinay of 2^nd Standard and Sa-Re-Gama fame, stole the show by leading the group song welcoming the Guests. The mock exercise of one of UN Committees staged by the delegates to PDAVMUN was good and duly demonstrated the appreciable efforts of both the trainers and the participating delegates.  The young students of the School, Aryan Kalia and Mohini Khanna acted and performed as the Secretary General and the Director General respectively with confidence. I found both them well groomed and enthusiastic. I am confident the well groomed and educated young talent of the School will bring further laurels to their Alma matter like Hockey Olympian Hardik Singh and Little Master Vinay among others. The function concluded with the Vote of Thanks by the PDAVMUN Coordinator Balwinder Singh and SG Aryan Kalia. This narration will not be complete, if I don’t mention appreciably the good job done by Preeti Khehra and Jaspreet  Boparai as Master of Ceremonies.

M.S. Bhullar, IPS (Retired)

Having just commemorated its 25^th Anniversary, Police DAV Public School has come a long way in establishing itself as one of the leading ‘Centers of Excellence’ in school education in the area under the stewardship of its founding Principal Rashmi Vij and the dream project of a ‘Man of Vision’, M.S. Bhullar, IPS, Founding Chairman

of the school management. It is a matter of gratification to know that Bhullar Sahib is still actively involved in over-seeing the progress of the School. I have had an opportunity to bump into him some months ago at the retirement Reception of one of my friends S.K. Kalia, IPS at the Punjab Golf Club in the neighborhood of Police DAV Public School campus. I found him alert and full of life and still kicking. Along with the academics and educational administrators like Dr. Rashmi Vij and her team, the top brass of Punjab Police from M.S. Bhullar to I.P.S. Sahota, who also is a good friend of mine, remained at the helm and contributed immensely to development and progress of Police DAV Public School at Jalandhar during their respective tenures as the Boss of Jalandhar PAP. Yet another dynamic IPS officer, M.F Farooqui has joined the big league as Chairman of the school management recently. I take this opportunity to wish him and Principal Rashmi Vij all the best for further success of the School in the years to come.