Musings of a Novice

 

Musings of a Novice

I was quite active and communicative through my Blogs, Lectures and Social Interaction to utilize my time positively to live a contented life. But some family diversions, over the last one year, and some unexpected engagements slowed down my writing schedule and I personally realized it. Many of my readers and friends enquired about it with a sense of concern.

Now I think that phase is over and I should be back on my feet to pick up the threads. I am taking a break, to re-charge my batteries, to spend a snowy month in Sweden with my son Naresh. Not that I did not do anything during the last year. In spite of the fact that my wife, Vidya passed away in December, 2023, I could finalize and publish my third book; Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna and launched it in April, 2024. One unexpected assignment fell on me – translation into English language the Granth of Roop Lal Roop ‘Guru Ravidass Pargas Di Khoj’ commissioned by British Ravidass Heritage Foundation (BRHF). It was a difficult but a rewarding experience in view of the fact that I was neither a professional translator nor a scholar of the subject matter of the book. Nevertheless, that job is almost done and I submitted the draft to BRHF for getting it vetted from some expert, if required.  Now, I feel a bit relived with plenty of time to undertake some good work to keep myself busy.

 

Here I list some of the points and my thoughts which I intend to pick and work on them.

·       Pursue the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN.

·       Try and float a ‘Think Tank’ of likeminded and educated friends to pick and brain storm some of the important issues of concern to the community; particularly with regard to the socially weaker segments of the society.

·       Horn my writing skills and write more on matters of current relevance to the polity of India, constitutional developments pertaining to the political and socio-cultural happenings in India, international developments concerning India and the world at large.

 

It may seem as a ‘Utopian’ thinking but there is no harm in dreaming to do something good in a humble way. I would love to listen on my shared ideas from my readers and friends. These musings, I conclude with a quote from Allama Iqbal -

 

Zara Dekh Uss Ko Jo Kuch Ho Raha Hai, Hone Wala Hai
Dhara Kya Hai Bhala Ehd-e-Kuhan Ki Dastnon Mein

Pay attention to what is happening and what is going to happen
What good there is in repeating the tales of the old glories?

Ye Khamoshi Kahan Tak? Lazzat-e-Faryad Paida Kar
Zameen Par Tu Ho Aur Teri Sada Ho Asmanon Mein

How long will you remain silent? Create taste for complaint!
You should be on the earth, so your cries be in the heavens!

 

 

Inter-active Career Counseling at Government Schools in Rural Jalandhar

 

Inter-active Career Counseling at Government Schools in Rural Jalandhar

It is said the fragrance of good things spread around automatically. I experienced this instantly. On invitation, I met and spoke to the young students of Ryan International School on November 6 at an Inter-active Session and wrote about this pleasant experience in my blog which may be accessed at:

https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/11/interactive-session-with-young-students.html

On November 7, I got an unexpected call from one of my acquaintances, Asha Rani, a Lecturer at Government Girls Senior Secondary School of the Village Sarinh in Nakodar (Jalandhar). She wanted to come and meet me with regard to an important educational activity. I agreed to receive her. I was surprised to listen from her that

she was hosting an Inter-active Mass Career Counseling for the three Government Senior Secondary Schools for the young students of 10+2 of the area on November 8, the next day and invited me to the School Event as a lead Speaker. There was hardly any time and I tended to politely decline the invitation. Asha and her husband Sandeep felt dejected but while, appreciating my constraints, said that it was not their fault but that of the chaotic system and added that they had received the formal permission to hold the Mass Career Counseling Session from Chandigarh only today and if they don’t avail of the opportunity, the students would suffer without any fault on their side. Not standing on ceremonies, I accepted and agreed to join them for the benefit of students.

Asha Rani picked me up and drove to the School at Sarinh in the morning of November 8 passing through the village roads, partly pot-holed and partly newly resurfaced. I may say that Sarinh is a kind of ‘Model Village’ in the area. The School, with more than 125 students (Girls), is located and situated in a fairly good building in

the lush green environment. The premises were neat and clean. It was gratifying to note. The School In-charge, Prof. Kanwaljit Singh (in the absence of regular Principal) received us in his modest office. He said while we take tea, the students from other Schools would come and join their host counterparts. I found him slightly ill at ease and rightly so. He was truthful in sharing the real reason for his discomfort. He told that the nominated official to over-see such activities in the DC’s office in Jalandhar had telephoned to say that they would come and join the Counseling Session in the afternoon and directed the School to arrange attendance of 300 students. Obviously, it made no sense. It seemed that they were not interested in the purpose of the Counseling Session meant for the advantage of students but in making a good report on paper for their bosses and make picnic with some of their collaborators from various educational groups and other concerned offices as usual. Prof. Kanwaljit Singh informed them that the Guest Speaker, Ambassador Ramesh Chander, that is

me, was already on the way and they would start the Counseling Session at around 12 noon and requested them to come accordingly, if possible otherwise they can come in the afternoon and do their work. Our informal chit-chat was an eye opener for me with regard to the state of affairs of our educational set and its functioning.  Frankly, I was surprised to get this disturbing information. I may write about this to the concerned authorities appropriately, in due course.

Coming to the Mass Counseling Session, I can say with a sense of satisfaction that in spite of the fact that it was arranged in a hurry yet it was a well-arranged event with an attentive audience of about 50 young participants from the three government schools in the rural area. I was all the more happy to see that it was conducted by the

Coordinator of the Career Counseling chapter of the School, Asha Rani and Teacher- In-charge, Prof Kanwaljit Singh without any fan-fair and without any monetary inputs made by the so called ‘Educational Administrators’ sitting in their cozy offices. All of a sudden, many aspects of our much neglected ‘Educational Edifice’, cress-crossed my mind particularly with regard to the rural governmental schools which generally hosted students belonging the weaker sections of the society. It would only be good, if this question troubled all of us.

Giving my humble social background, I briefed the young audience about my chequred diplomatic career. I tried to make them at ease by saying that I was there not to lecture them but to talk to them informally as one of them. I said that there was no need to talk big

and in a lighter vein quoted a famous saying about diplomats, “a diplomat thinks twice before saying nothing’ and as such would not say much. Before coming to the crux of Career aspects, I advised the young boys and girls in their formative years that the first Mantra to succeed in life was ‘Get Organized’ both at home and in school – listen to your teachers and parents with a sense of belonging and the second was to ‘Be Aware’ of what was happening around. I added that follow the dictum “Take care of small things and big things will take of you.” – read newspapers and listen to news, read and write beyond the bookish syllabus. I gave an over-view of the career choices and said that to my mind, the first consideration should be to get ready and trained to earn ‘bread and butter’ with dignity. The other things would follow. Starting from the supportive services of Clerks, Data Assistants, Police, Agniveers etc. conducted by Staff Selection Commissions after dong 10+2, I briefly touched the State Services like PCS and Allied Services conducted by the State Service Commissions and the Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC for recruitment to coveted careers in IAS, IFS, IPS and other Allied Services. I specially mentioned about the Commissioned and Gazetted positions in the Armed Forces and Para-Military and Security Forces under the banner of CDS, NDA etc.  I was under the impression that most of the things were going over their heads but subsequent inter-action with the young audience turned to be satisfying.

During my inter-action both with the students and the teachers, I felt that non-availability of Science, Medical, Engineering, IT streams and the socio-economic background of the majority of the students in the rural schools was a matter of concern and worry not only to the

students and parents but also to the teachers which might become a cause of ‘Inferiority Complex’ among the students. While appreciating their concern and thinking in this regard, I tried to down-play the issue and added that the job opportunities were wide open to the young school or college Graduates with the subjects in the Humanities (Arts). What would matter and be counted at the end will be ‘Hard Work’ which would fructify into realizing the dreams and fulfilling the aspirations.

I concluded with a Urdu couplet of Allma Iqbal to wish the young boys and girls all the very best in the years to come:

·       Mere allah! burai se bachana mujh ko
nek jo rah ho us rah pe chalana mujh ko

·      Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri
zindagi shama ki surat ho KHudaya meri!

 

 

Interactive Session with Young Students – Ryan International School Jalandhar

 

Interactive Session with Young Students – Ryan International School Jalandhar

In the process of my routine activities to meet and interact with young school children in and around Jalandhar, on an invitation, I visited Ryan International School on November 5 for an Interactive Session with the students of 6^th Grade onwards. There are two

schools of the Ryan Group in Jalandhar; One is located in down-town at Chotti-Baradari and the Second on the out-skirts of Jalandhar near Tajpur (Wonderland Resorts) at Ambedkar Marg (Nakodar Road). The School at Tajpur is spread over many acres of land with an impressive building having all facilities and amenities for good schooling with a futuristic approach in an environment friendly landscape without any hustle and bugle of urbanized life. It was gratifying to visit and see the school where my two grand-daughters; Suhani and Rupal are also studying.

My daughter-in-law, Sulekha accompanied me to the School. We were received by Headmistress of the School, Puja Puri and inducted to her office. Over a hot cup of coffee, we exchanged pleasantries and primary thoughts to know each other a bit more. I found Puja Puri was a simple and dignified educational administrator and a professional academic. I asked Puja ji whether they expected me to

speak on a specific theme. She said that it has been purposely kept as a free-wheeling interaction to motivate the young students. Headmistress Puri led us to the Conference Room on the first floor of the school building through an efficient lift opening in the ‘Corridor of Educational Excellence’ thoughtfully inscribed with the Biblical dictums of ‘Moral and Spiritual Values’ for the benefit of the young students.

The Inter-active Session started with a right note of ‘Prayer to God’ by the well-groomed young Anchor, Atishi with a brief introduction of the Guest that is me, in a businesslike manner. Headmistress, without any speech, welcomed and presented the School Memento and a potted Money Plant to me, a good environmental and green gesture and handed over the mike to me. Thanking the hosts, I started by saying that I was there not to make any speech but to

speak and interact with young students with a view to learn from each other. I informed them that I generally tend to grab such occasions with some selfish intend – such opportunities help me in charging my own batteries by mingling and interacting with the young children around. In the process, I felt that my young audience was comfortable and at ease. It made my job easy. Referring to my career in diplomacy, I gave an overview of a Diplomat/Ambassador and his work, informed them about the Civil Services Examination to join IAS/IFS/IPS and other Services and the role of UPSC in this process. Coming to the schooling and studies, I referred to the Motto of Ryan Group of Schools as stipulated in their Website – KASSM Approach; Knowledge, Attitude, Skill, Social Values and Moral Values and said that it explained all. I advised them that with this Approach, you

need not run after big things and added that you simply take care of small things and big things will take care of you. Referring to the social and moral values, I said that these were more important than bookish knowledge. The big Mantra to succeed in life is to ‘Listen and respect your parents at home and teachers in school’. I spoke about simple and routine aspects of daily life. I felt children were fully attentive and involved. It resulted in a good inter-active exercise with several and diversified questions and remarks by the students – on Diplomacy and IFS, Civil Services, Moral Values, Development and prosperity of India and challenges ahead. With a sense of satisfaction about the interaction, I said that India, a large country with big problems, was on rails. It has come a long way but still we are to go a long way. One of the questions from a student about knowledge and morality really impressed me. It prompted me to invoke our fore-fathers. I asked the audience as to who was the father of our constitution? The spontaneous answer, obviously, was Dr. Ambedkar. On this, I informed them of the assertions of Babasaheb Ambedkar on the subject which I quote here for the benefit of my readers as these were as relevant before as these are today, “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.”

I purposely wrote this blog in a bit detail as I promised to my young audience that I will write and share with them. The other reason for this working at the back of my mind is to initiate and motivate children to write their day to day experiences.

 

 

 

October 27, 1951 – Ambedkar Visited Bootan Mandi Jalandhar

The Ambedkarites living in and around Bootan Mandi at Jalandhar commemorated the historic visit of Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on October 27 at Ambedkar Bhawan situated at Dr. Ambedkar Marg

(Nakodar Road) where the iconic, Babasaheb addressed a mammoth public rally on October 27, 1951. It is a matter of great pride for us that we the BootanMandians hosted that visit led by our forefathers namely; Seth Kishan Dass, Seth Sunder Dass among others and the youth of that time which included K.C. Sulekh, Pritam Ramdasspuri, Kartara Ram Madhas, inter alia.

I happily joined the function at the Bhawan thoughtfully arranged by Ambedkar Bhawan Trust to commemorate the visit of our icon, Babasaheb. On the occasion, a Free Medical Camp for the benefit and advantage of the residents of the area was arranged with the help of professionally qualified doctors and Medicos led by Dr. Charanjit Singh.  The Chief Guest of the solemn function was a staunch and scholarly Ambedkarite, Dr. Surinder Ajnat. Speaking on the

occasion, Secretary of the Trust, Dr. Gian Kaul gave a brief resume of the visit of Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1951 and a thought provoking address he delivered at the huge public meeting. Dr. Ajnat paid handsome tributes to Babasaheb and recalled his immense contribution to make India a land of democracy in spite of all odds in doing so. President of the Trust, Sohan Lal thanked the guests and the attentive audience and also the Medical Team for joining them in commemorating the historic visit of the Leader. The high-light of the function was the release of the ‘Citation of Honour – Maan Patra’ read by K.C. Sulekh the then General Secretary of the All India Scheduled Caste Federation from the podium of the function on October 27, 1951. It is a rare and historical document. It is a matter

of gratification to know that this document was thoughtfully obtained and preserved by one of my close friends, Ram Lal Dass. At such occasions, Chief Editor of the Desh Doaba and the Ambedkar Times of the US, Prem Chumber always and as usual remain handy to help. Prem Chumber very kindly and thoughtfully got the Citation transcribed into Punjabi and translated into English and published it in his esteemed papers, the mouth-pieces of the legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar and Babu Manguram Mugowalia of the Ad-dharam Mandal. Ambedkar Bhawan Trust with the help its fully involved and dedicated volunteer,  Finance Secretary of the Trust, Baldev Bhardwaj got the Citation of Honour printed and framed and and presented to the Hon’ble Guests and the Doctors who conducted the Free Medical Camp. I take this opportunity to thank K.C. Sulekh Sahib, Ram Lal Dass, Prem Chumber and Ambedkar Bhawan Trust for doing their part in preserving and protecting the history. I am reminded of the poem of Gurdass Ram Alam which he recited at the Public Rally in the presence of Babasaheb on October 27, 1951:

ਬੜਾ ਸ਼ੋਰ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਗਰੀਬ ਦੇ ਡੇਰੇ; ਇਹ ਅਜ ਕੌਣ ਆਯਾ ਸਵੇਰੇ ਸਵੇਰੇ,

ਲੱਖਾਂ ਲੋਗ ਜੁੜ ਬੈਠੇ; ਜਿਸ ਦੇ ਚੁਫੇਰੇ; ਅਜ ਕੌਣ ਆਯਾ ਸਵੇਰੇ ਸਵੇਰੇ.

I close this brief narration with a bit of more information with regard to the visit of Babasaheb Ambedkar to Bootan Mandi in October, 1951. With the visit, the stretch of the Highway – Dr. Ambedkar Marg – Nakodar Road has become ‘Ambedkar Hub’ – Starting from Ambedkar Chowk to Kabir Chowk (Wadala Chowk), it entails important sites and institutions pertaining to Babasaheb namely; The Head-office of the Bheem Patrika (Office and Residence of its Chief Editor Lahori Ram Balley at Abadpura), Ambedkar Bhawan, Chobara of Seth Kishan Dass at Bootan Mandi where Babasaheb visited and had the Punjabi meal of Saag and Makki ki Roti, Ambedkar Municipal Park, Ambedkar Community Center at Sidharath Nagar, Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar Degree College. It goes without saying that these sites occupy an important place on the map of the City of Jalandhar.

Relevance of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Emerging India and the World at large

 

Relevance of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Emerging India and the World at large

With the every passing day, relevance of Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is increasingly gaining strength and currency not only in India but beyond too. The democratic processes in India, of late, has clearly shown that the marginalized segments of the society are getting restive to have their say and share not in the polity alone but

also in the economy and also socio-cultural sphere and rightly so. As visualized by our fore-fathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar, the political democracy established with our constitution in 1950 has to be transformed into social and economic democracy to keep India on track. It is not for nothing that every political formation and socio-cultural outfits is falling on each other to own Babasaheb Ambedkar and his legacy. The dictum of ‘One Vote: One Value’ has started showing its efficacy and setting the trends (Disha and Dasha) for the things to follow in the days to come. Here lies the relevance of Babasaheb Ambedkar. The time is fast approaching when the dalit voters would start asserting a bit more in spite of the fact that the vested interests tend to keep them divided. But my gut feelings tell me that Ambedkar would prevail, as I wrote in one of my recent blogs. It will be difficult to ignore Ambedkar and his legacy anymore.

With this background, I come to the issue dear to my heart – the proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the arrangements of the UN. I would continue to do my bit in this regard. The update in this regard

is that after my approach to President of BJP, J.P. Nadda in August, 2024, my request to the dalit Ministers in the NDA Government on September 18, 2024,  I took the liberty of writing to Sarsnghchalak of RSS, Mohan Bhagwat on October 13, 2024 followed by my letter of October 23, 2024 to CM of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM, Devender Fadnvis and MOS Ramdas Athawale to invoke Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Mararashtra connection. My letter is appended below for perusal. Let us see – Behosh Jo Paden Hain Shyad Une Jaga De.

 

Text of the Letter dated October 23, 2024

October 23, 2024

Respected CM Eknath Shinde ji,

I am a retired career diplomat of the IFS. I thought of inviting your attention to one of the topical matters of concern and interest to ‘We the people of India’ particularly to Maharashtra – proposal on declaring April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. The proposal is resting with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015. We have been reminding the GOI, off and on, since then. Two of my latest letters on the subject addressed to Shri J.P. Nadda, President of BJP and Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of RSS would provide you some more details. I take the liberty of attaching these letters as appendices for your kind perusal.

I would not take much of you time as I know you are extremely busy. The purpose of this letter is to solicit your support to the proposal on International Day of Equality to honour and recognize one of the greatest sons of India in the contemporary times. You very well feel and understand the pulse of the country, especially Maharashtra, Sir.  You would agree that it is time to consider and approve the proposal by the GOI before it gets too late.

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

Hon’ble Shri Eknath Shinde

CM of Maharashtra

Mumbai

 

Copy to –  i) Shri Devnder Fadnvis, Dy. CM of Maharashtra

 ii) Hon’ble MOS Ramdas Athawale

 

 

Appendics I – Letter dated August 27 to Shri JP Nadda

 

August 27, 2024

Respected Shri J.P. Nadda Sahib,

I am taking the liberty of writing to you on an issue of which you may be of aware as I have been writing to you on the subject off and on in the past many years – The proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as the International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN.

The proposal is resting with the MEA/PMO since June, 2015. Ever since, I have been pursuing the matter with all whom I considered could be of help in this regard. My last letter dated September 11, 2023  to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar may be seen at the Annexure to this letter.

I may add that I have consciously been trying to keep this issue apolitical as Babasaheb is a national icon and shall be recognized as such. Since the matter pertains to the GOI under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and the BJP, it would only be appropriate for me to take up the matter with you not only as an important Minister in the GOI but also as President of the BJP as I am confident that after a 10 years stint, NDA government headed by BJP would remain in power in the years to come. My last Blog written in March this year on the subject which would provide a bit more information on the proposal may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/03/it-is-time-to-remind-international-day.html

Though the matter is apolitical, as I said, yet kindly allow me to say my mind. You know that Ambedkar is a phenomenon which would remain firm on the socio-political firmament of the country for a long time to come. The fast changing political scenario on the basis of ‘one vote – one value’ would always be influencing the politics of the country and as such the marginalized sections of the society would tend to have their say. It has been proved in the recent elections. No political outfit can afford to ignore this ground reality. I know for certain that BJP under your stewardship and the GOI under PM Narendra Modi cannot remain oblivious of the coming scenario. Supporting the proposal on International Day of Equality to honour Babasaheb Ambedkar would, obviously result in good dividends not only politically but also strengthen India’s stature in the realm of ‘Socio-cultural – Soft diplomacy’ in the comity of nations in line with International Day of Non-violence and International Day of Yoga.

You would agree, Sir that time is of essence. I urge you to kindly have a fresh look on the proposal and consider the proposal and decide. It would only be appropriate if the proposal on International Day of Equality is taken to the UN through diplomatic channels and EAM/PM may include the matter in their speeches at the forthcoming UNGA in September, 2024.

I am confident, Sir, that my submissions will find due consideration with you.

With personal regards,

 

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

 

Shri J.P.Nadda,

President of BJP

New Delhi

 Copy to:

i.                 Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs

ii.               Shri Varindra Kumar, Minister of Social Justice

iii.              Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing

iv.              Shri Ramdas Athawale, MOS for Social Justice

v.                Principal Secretary to PM. Shri P.K. Mishra

vi.              Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of RSS

 

 

Appendics II – Letter dated  October 13, 2024 to Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat

 

October 13, 2024

Respected Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat Mahodya,

I am one of your followers and well-wishers. You may recall my meetings with you in Jalandhar and Nagpur a couple of years ago.

After listening to your customary annual address on the Vijay Dashami, I take the liberty of congratulating you and the RSS cadres on the auspicious beginning of the Centenary Year of the RSS and wish this unique and un-matched organization engaged in the nation building and reform and well-being of the society at large. I am confident, Sir, the Centenary year of the RSS would further strengthen the resolve of the Swyamsewaks under your stewardship to address the issues of interest and concern to the country; especially of the weaker sections of the society. I fully agree with you that weakness was a crime and even  “Gods did not care for the weak.”

I am a votary of the RSS’s agenda of “Samrasta”. I was happy to listen to your pledge to take up the mission of social unification in the days to come. Here, keeping with your message, I have a humble suggestion to make – The Centenary Year of the esteemed RSS should be dedicated to the ‘Eradication of Caste’ in our society with an added impetus to ‘Integrate the so called dalits’ with the main stream of the society.

I take this opportunity to solicit your kind support to my proposal of declaring April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. The proposal is resting with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015. I have been writing on the subject, off and on, but I could not make my point reach home so far.

I am confident, Sir, my humble submissions would find due consideration at your hands.

With the assurances of my highest consideration,

 

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

Shri Mohan Bhagwat,

Sarsanghchalak of RSS,

Nagpur (Maharastra)

 

 

 

 

Ambedkar Ka Jadu: Sar Chad Kar Bolega - (Ambedkar will Prevail)

 

 Ambedkar Ka Jadu: Sar Chad Kar Bolega - (Ambedkar will Prevail)

We have been struggling to make our point reach home with regard to the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as

International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. The proposal is pending with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015.

We have been pursuing the proposal, as apolitical issue, with the GOI through the good offices of PMO and MEA regularly, keeping other concerned Ministries and offices on the loop. As I wrote many a times before that this proposal is of suggestive and persuasive nature which is expected to be considered within the policy framework and agenda of the Government of the day. We have, consciously, not allowed it to become an issue of agitation. So far so good, as we clearly see that the proposal holds merit – International Day of Equality will tend to strengthen India’s Cultural/Soft Diplomacy on the lines of International Day of Non-violence and International Day of Yoga and it would also meet the GOI’s avowed agenda to honour an recognize the national icons. And also to strengthen the edifice of “affirmative action’ to empower the weaker sections of the society by underlining the dictum of ‘Equality’ in line with the stipulation’s made in the Constitution of India and also in pursuance of the UN Charter to establish a ‘just and equitable world order’.

My gut feeling tells me though lot of water has flown since the proposal was made to EAM Sushma Swaraj in 2015 yet it seems that

we have succeeded in reregistering and revisiting it with EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar in 2024. It has taken a full circle from BJP/RSS leadership to MEA/PMO. The proposal has generated vibrations in the corridors of power in New Delhi. We have got a written response from MEA in this regard.

GOI has to be magnanimous and true to democratic values in taking a right and timely decision to honour one of the greatest sons of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar. The time has come - Ambedkar Ka Jadu: Sar Chad Kar Bolega - (Ambedkar will Prevail).

With a view to provide a bit of more information on the subject for the benefit of “We the people of India”, I list here two of my latest blogs on the issue. I solicit your support.

https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/09/an-open-letter-to-sc-senior-ministers.html

and

https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/08/as-i-please-international-day-of.html

 

 

An Open Letter to SC Senior Ministers in the NDA Cabinet of PM Narendra Modi – International Day of Equality

 

An Open Letter to SC Senior Ministers in the NDA Cabinet of PM Narendra Modi – International Day of Equality

The month of September every year cajoles me to get up and say my mind on the much neglected and marginalized proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as International Day of Equality under the aegis of UN as yearly ritual of UNGA takes place in New Year in the second half of September. From India, either PM or EAM or both generally participate in the  UNGA and address the international community from the high podium of the world body.

Though a long time has passed since the proposal was made in June, 2015 and the GOI is blissfully silent yet my gut feeling tells me that it is increasingly becoming difficult to ignore the greatest son of India Babasaheb Ambedkar. One may or may not like it – Powers in

Delhi would ignore Ambedkar at their own peril. GOI (MEA) has already joined the process by installing and unveiling the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar at  PMI at Geneva, the second most important seat of the UN, dealing with issues of Equality and Human Rights. EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar tweeted in social Media, “Paid my respects to Dr.Bhimrao Ambedkar , the architect of the Indian Constitution at India UN at Geneva. Babasaheb’s vision of social justice, Equality and progressive modernity is an inspiration for the world.”  New York would not be far behind, to my mind.

In continuation of my blog on the subject which may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/08/as-i-please-international-day-of.html

 I thought of writing an open letter to the Dalit Ministers in the Cabinet of PM Narendra Modi, seeking and soliciting their understanding and support to the proposal on International Day of Equality. The text of the letter dated September 18, 2024 addressed to Ministers Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chirag Paswan, Dr. Virendra Kumar and Arjun Ram Meghwal is appended below.

Let us hope these dalit Ministers join us and urge the NDA Government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi to wake up and come out of the ‘lip service’ phase and give his due to the greatest icon of contemporary India.

मेरी अदा को दवाना तो खैर मुमकिन है;

मगर नई अवाम की आवाज कौन रोकेगा?

 

Appendix – Text of Letter dated September 18, 2024 to all the SC Senior Ministers

 

September 18, 2024

Subject - An Open Letter to Dalit Ministers in the NDA Government – International Day of Equality

Respected Hon’ble Ministers,

You might have heard of the proposal to declare April 14 (birth day of Babasaheb Ambedkar) as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. The proposal is resting with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015. After its initiation with the then EAM Sushma Swaraj, it reached PM Narendra Modi in November, 2015 in a Memorandum submitted by the Forum of SC MPs and MLAs under the stewardship of the then Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly, Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal with a delegation of all the Ministers in the GOI including Ram Vilas Paswan, Thavar Chand Gehlot, Ramdas Athawale among others. In pursuance of these activities, for the first time, Dr. Ambedkar’s 125^th birth anniversary was celebrated at the UN in New York in April, 2016 with the initiative of the GOI and rightly so. Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal, Head of the Forum of SC MPs, who led the GOI sponsored delegation to participate in the celebrations at the UN mentioned and supported the proposal on International Day of Equality in his address at the UN function. On return, Atwal Sahib submitted his report to PM Narendra Modi in May, 2016 and informed him of his initiative and urged the Hon’ble PM to consider and advise the MEA to take appropriate steps to make a diplomatic demarche to UN on the proposed International Day of Equality. Since then, we have been reminding the powers in Delhi especially; MEA and PMO religiously but, regrettably, nothing much has moved. Meanwhile, with the collaboration and support of some of the Ambedkarite, Ravidassia, Buddhist and other stake holders and outfits abroad, we could succeed in convincing the local authorities. As a result, to our satisfaction, many Cities and Provinces in Canada, US, UK and others have declared April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality. But, surprisingly, GOI is blissfully silent on the proposal to honour one of the greatest sons of India, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

With a view to cut the story short and knowing full well that Hon’ble Ministers have much to do otherwise, I take the liberty of listing here my latest blog on the subject which provide you some more details and information on the proposal on International Day of Equality: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/08/as-i-please-international-day-of.html

You would observe, Sirs that the proposal on International Day of Equality would not only honour the greatest icon of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar but il would further strengthen India’s cultural and soft diplomacy. I will be grateful, therefor, if you spare a few moments out of your busy schedule and read and consider my submissions. Your support in the matter is much needed and earnestly solicited. EAM and PM are going to address the UNGA in the coming days. It is time to urge and alert them to consider and include the proposal on International Day of Equality in their Briefs for their interaction at the UN.

With regards,

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

All the SC  Senior Ministers in the GOI

 

Madan Bolina – An Obituary

 

Madan Bolina – An Obituary

I was shocked to get a message yesterday, September 2, from one of our common friends Roop Lal Roop about the sudden passing away, on August 31, of my school days friend, Madan Bolina, a fine man

with intellectual pursuits of writing Punjabi poetry and reciting it with great passion. I was totally stunned as Madan spoke to me a week ago and shared with me the good news of an addition to their family. He was elated of becoming a grand-father. Madan was still in the state of celebrations but   providence had something else in store.  Here one gets helpless.

We studied together up to Matriculation from Sain Dass School in Basti Nau. Both our families were dependent on small-time leather business in Bootan Mandi though their native place was a flourish village in the vicinity of Rama Mandi on the Hoshiarpur Road, Bolina Doaba. Earlier his father, Joginder Ram was working with Seth Munshi Ram, to whom they were related socially, at Seth ji’s Kohenoor Tanneries in Kanpur in UP. Madan was a handsome and a tall lad with a stylish hairline. One of our school mates and a member of the extended family, Lekh Raj Mahey used to compare, in lighter vein, his hairline with that of Wahida Rehman, a famous actor of Hindi cinema n Bollywood. I joined DAV College, after

Matriculation and Madan some other College in Jalandhar itself. Subsequently, I went to Delhi in the pursuit of earning bread and butter and joined IFS at the lowest rung in early 1970. We met in Delhi in 1971-72 when he came there for his attempt to join Delhi Police. Madan himself recalled it me later on return to Jalandhar on my retirement as it was not registered in my feeble memory. He was nostalgic and appreciative of those good old days spent together in a small one room accommodation. It made me feel good. We lost touch in the pursuit of our respective careers. He joined service in the Defense Audit and Accounts and shifted to his village, Bolina Doaba. On my return to Bootan Mandi in 2011, one day, we bumped into each other at some socio-cultural gathering. He came and introduced himself to me with great humility. Our formative years in school time, sparked into my mind. His humility touched my core and made me feel that he must have had a great regard for me in his heart. We picked up the threads and revived our association particularly with regard to our common interest - his skills of poetry and my simple interest in search of food for thought. We participated in many Mushiaras (Poetry recitation functions), me as a Guest and he as a Poet. Madan was a self-effacing personality but I saw him in his spirits while reciting his good and meaningful poetic compositions on the themes of national pride and subjects relating to the weaker sections of the community and the society at large.

One day, we were going to Adampur for a book release where I was the Guest of Honour at a function organized by Adampur Punjabi Sahayatia Sabha in which Madan to participate and join his colleagues in the Sabha for a Mushiara. Madan impressed me much

with recital of his poem on patriotism targeting Pakistan. On our way back, I asked him, being my fellow BootanMandian, will you like to write some or a write-up for my forthcoming book on Bootan Mandi? He was reluctant initially but on persuasion he agreed to his bit and asked for the theme. I suggested writing on Pritam Ramdasspuri, a talented and acclaimed son of the soil in poetry as Madan had earlier told methat Pritam Ramdasspuri was his literary Guru and one of his mentors. Accordingly, his contribution on Pritam Ramdasspuri adorned my book – Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna which was launched in April, 2024. Madan participated in the function as an honoured guest.

With the demise of Madan Bolina, I have lost a dear friend so suddenly. I take this opportunity to pay my tribute to the memory of Madan and convey heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

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