An Open Letter to the Voters of Jalandhar Parliamentary Constituency

 

An Open Letter to the Voters of Jalandhar Parliamentary Constituency

 

May 31, 2024

Dear fellow voters,

The festival of democracy – Elections, 2024 is about to close tomorrow with the last phase of voting on June 1. The results will come on June 4. It will be known what “We the people of India” have decided and who would rule the country for the coming years.

Recently, I wrote two blogs on the parliamentary elections with regard to Jalandhar where I am a voter and also a couple of issues which are of concern to the majority dalit voters in this reserved constituency. 

First I wrote an open letter to the Candidates and Voters which may be seen at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/an-open-letter-to-candidates-in-lok.html

The focus of the blog to solicit and gather support to an important proposal on April 14, birthday OF Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality. It appears; as usual, nobody has paid any attention to the proposal. We are where we were.

Ik Tarze Tugafil Hai; So Woh Unko Mubarak,

Ik Arze Tamanna Hai; Who Hum Karte Rahenge

 

The second blog was on the Parliamentary seat of Jalandhar and the major players in the arena and three of the major dalit issues which should attract the attention of political outfits and the leadership. It may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/jalandhar-parliamentary-constituency.html

 

 But nothing of that sort could happen. The issues of International Day of Equality and that of the Heritage property of Ad-dharam Mandal in Jalandhar could not elicit any response and reaction. The name of Guru Ravidass was invoked by PM Narendra Modi in his rally or road show in Hoshiarpur not as a serious matter but to pay lip service, I am sorry to add. I again ventured to write today, one day before the elections considering:

Behosh Jo Padain Hain Shyad Une Jaga De

After 75 years of independence, dalit communities are standing on the cross roads even after reservations in the seats of parliament and other elected bodies in the polity of India. Nobody, all political outfits and their leaderships, are just oblivious of the rights and due space to the dalits in the society and polity and also economy of the country. The dalit leadership is sitting on the fringes. They don’t have any voice, unfortunately. It was not the scenario which Babasaheb Ambedkar and other leaders visualized. Let us stand up and think. Let the June 1 elections be a beginning. Just consider the three below listed emotive issues concerning dalit communities and decide who could be the right candidate to deserve our vote, irrespective of party affiliations. The five major nominees have not responded publicly to the three issues personally. I don’t think they have the mind and influence to raise the issues with their leadership. Where do we stand in the given situation? We would ignore these issues at our own peril.

Three issues:

i)                  April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality. My latest blog on the subject gives all the necessary details: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/an-open-letter-to-candidates-in-lok.html

ii)               Guru Ravidass Mandir at Tuglakabad in Delhi. My blog on the subject would give some information on the subject: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2019/08/my-wishful-thinking-guru-ravidass.html

 

iii)            Ad-dharam Mandal Headquarters at Mohala Kishanpura in Jalandhar to be declared a heritage building of the community. Details may accessed from my blog on the subject: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/01/call-to-redeem-history-and-glory-of-ad.html

 

 

Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar watch us. We are to help ourselves and value the right to vote in a democratic setup. The years to come are full of challenges – as Allma Iqbal said:

Chupa Ke Astin Mein Bijalian Rakh Li Hain Gurdu Ne

Anadil Bagh Ke Gafil Na Baithen Ashiano Mein

 

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

 

Jalandhar Parliamentary Constituency – Election 2024

 

Jalandhar Parliamentary Constituency – Election 2024

Since 1952, the first elections of independent India, Jalandhar Parliamentary Constituency had been an important and high-voltage seat. With Amar Nath as a Congress Party MP in 1952, Congress Party retained its hold till 1970s with eminent politicians like Swaran Singh, Maj. General Rajinder Singh Sparrow, Yash, Iqbal Singh Dhillon, Balbir Singh, Rana Gurmeet Singh, Umrao Singh, Mohinder Singh Kaypee, Chaudhary Santokh Singh, Sushil Rinku and stalwarts like Inder Kumar Gujral, Darbara Singh representing diverse political outfits. Political bigwigs of the state like Harkishan Singh Surjit, Varinder, Parkash Singh, Charanjit Singh Atwal, Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, Pawan Tinu,

Balwinder Kumar, Lahori Ram Balley, Sukhwinder Sukhi among others have been in the fray in various elections.  It gave PM Indar Kumar Gujral and SEAM Sardar Swaran Singh, the top most positions in the Indian warrant of precedence. The constituency was made reserved in 2009.

Jalandhar is one of the Lok Sabha constituencies in Punjab having 13 parliamentary seats. The Jalandhar seat has total votes of 16.42 lakh (8.54 male and 7.88 female) and comprises 9 Assembly segments - Phillaur, Nakodar, Shahkot, Kartarpur, Jalandhar (west), Jalandhar (central), Jalandhar (north,) Jalandhar Cantt., Adampur. Traditionally, Congress Party has had the larger share in the cake followed by changed scenario with SAD and BJP registering their presence from mid-1980s. After the emergence of AAP beginning 2017, the kitty got divided between AAP, SAD and Congress Party and in 2022 assembly elections AAP emerged as the major player with 5 followed by Congress Party with 4 seats as MLAs. The Election 2024 for the Lok Sabha has taken a new turn in the prevailing fluid political situation. The Aya Ram Gya Ram phenomena has captured the entire exercise, unfortunately, sending a wrong message; bereft of political polarization on the basis of agenda and ideology, a bane of democracy. In the current election which is to go for vote on June 1 in last of 7 phase elections, the turn-coats have sullied the political waters in the constituency – Congress Party nominee; former CM Charanjit Channi is considered to be an outsider (not belonging to Jalandhar), Sitting MP Sushil Rinku who left Congress in the 2023 bye-election and won as an AAP candidate again shifted sides and joined BJP to be the nominee of BJP, A SAD big-wig, Pawan Tinu switched to AAP and grabbed its nomination, Yet another Congress stalwart; Mohinder Singh Kaypee joined the band-wagon of SAD. BSP nominee; Balwinder Kumar is the only candidate with his original mark as a flag bearer of Babu Kanshi Ram and Mayawati. The political situation in the constituency is really confusing and fluid adding to the difficulties of the voters and making mockery of the entire system.

With this background, I come to some of mine own observations on the elections and the personalities in the fray not as a political analyst but as a humble stake holder and a voter in the constituency. It is not the first time for me to do so as I have been writing on such occasions for the last 10 years or so. I have had occasions and opportunities to meet and interact with almost all nominees of mainstream parties both on social and political milieu. I will limit my comments to five leading candidates – with malice towards none or all to put it lightly.

Charanjit Singh Channi of Congress Party – Channi Sahib is a big-wig of his party but have a heavy baggage of the past. The dalit communities were happy and welcomed him when he was made the first CM of Punjab some two years ago. He could not deliver as expected, if one goes by the video interview of one of the senior most bureaucrats of his time, Tilak Sarangal, now retired. Sarangal

Sahib has given Channi Sahib’s lopsided treatment to the issues of scholarships to SC students, Reservations in promotions of SCs, Grants announced to DeraSchkhand Ballan among others. The video interview was on the facebook and may also be available on other social media organs. In this election, he got the tag of an ‘outsider’ from Khandur Sahib. Though educated yet, it seems, he is surrounded a coterie of   ‘chamchas’ to put it in Babu Kanshi Ram’s phraseology. When Channi Sahib became CM, I ventured to write to him on many subjects and issues of concern and interest to the community formally and also through the social media. I could not get any response. As apolitical man, I once again picked up the threads on coming to know that he has come to Jalandhar and was staying near my native place, Bootan Mandi. I wished to meet him as a gesture of courtesy and sent him a message on WhatsApp. He responded and said, ‘You are welcome. We will meet soon”. I kept him posted with my activities concerning the community and the society at large. But I could not listen from him as of today, May 25. On intimation from the management of Bootan Mandi Guru Ravidass Dham, I went there to welcome Channi Sahib when he came there to pay obeisance on May 22. Dham management gave me a chance to introduce myself and welcome Channi Sahib. But that was not to be as Channi Sahib abruptly decided to get up and leave. Nevertheless, I presented him two of my recently released books; Some Random Thoughts on Babasaheb Ambedkar and His Legacy and Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna. Cutting the story short, I have a distinct feeling that Charanjit Singh Channi is too obsessed with himself.  Nevertheless, I respect him and am open to engage him in matters of interest and concern to the society in all good faith. I wish Channi Sahib all the best.

Sushil Rinku of BJP – Sushil Rinku is one of our family friends of long standing. We often meet at social and community functions without touching political issues. We know each other well, I understand. These friendly bonds amply reflect standing of my brothers Krishan and Paramjit in community circles. I joined them on my return and retirement from diplomatic career and got

introduced friends like Sushil Rinku among others. Sushil is always reverential and respectful to me. He always tend to recognize my presence in all social and community events referring to me as ’Uncle ji or Ambassador Sahib’. Even when he was in Congress party or later in AAP, he invariably referred to my proposal on International Day of Equality in his public discourse and encouraged me. He was the Chief Guest at the release of my first book – The Bits and Pieces: Reminiscences and Reflections of a Novice in 2019 at the 50th anniversary of our marriage. Again just recently in November, 2023, he released my second book – Some Random Thoughts on Babasaheb Ambedkar and His Legacy and took the trouble of coming to our humble home for the honours. At that time, I shared with him at the audience that Sushil would soon be releasing my next book on Bootan Mandi – Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna scheduled to be released in February, 2024 at the Guru Ravidass Gurpurab. But that was not to be as it got delayed on account of untimely and sudden passing away of my wife, Vidya. The book has since been released on April 28 but I did not invite Sushil because of election constraints. In between, Sushil changed track and joined BJP; wrong or right, I would refrain from commenting on his decision. Last week, on his campaign trail, he came to our locality and dutifully came to our home to take our blessings in new Avtar in BJP. With a view to make him at ease, I said in a lighter vein that don’t worry ‘you have become a Musalman now and I was an old one’ referring to my personal equation with RSS leadership with regard to their ‘Samrasta’ plank. He smiled which I could see in his thick mustache. Sushil is an energetic youngman and a politician of his own standing. I wish him all the best.

Pawan Tinu of AAP – Pawan Tinu is an old friend and associates of my brothers. I met him on social occasions on my home leaves while in service as a protégé of Babu Kanshi Ram who later came under the umbrella of SAD to achieve his political ambitions. He is an

educated young politician with grass-root connections. I always found him reverential and respectful. On my return to Jalandhar, if I recall correctly, I supported Pawan by writing a blog as a personal and friendly choice in one of his elections from Adampur.  Politicians are prone to have strange bed-fellows. Let us hope Pawan justifies his decision to change horses mid-stream.  Again, I wish him all the best.

Mohinder Singh Kaypee of SAD – Mohinder Singh Kaypee remained a traditional (Taksali) Congressman following the footsteps of his father, Darshan Singh Kaypee, a down to earth politician and an astute public figure.  He occupied coveted positions in the

Congress Party and the polity as a Sauvé politician. I happened to know Kaypee junior’s father a little bit more and recall one of my longish conversations with him along with Chaudhary Jagjit Singh and Yogendra Makwana on Babu Kanshi Ram at the house of my fellow BootanMandia, Surinder Mahey sometime in 1986-87. On my retirement, I came to know Mohinder Singh and met often on social functions in and around Jalandhar. I found him a gentleman politician but without the earthy sense of Public Relations (PR) like his father. Political frustrations may lead one to unknown paths. Let us see as to how Mohinder Singh Kaypee copes with the situation. I take this opportunity to wish him all the best.

Balwinder Kumar of BSP – I don’t know Balwinder personally and I have never met him. If I recall correctly, some years before, he tersely rather uncouthly commented on one of my Facebook posts on Mahatma Gandhi. I could immediately understand the depth and

mindset of the man. Balwinder Singh. I invited him to speak and discuss the matter with an open mind. There was no response.  Later I came to know Balwinder was a sort of journalist and was decorated with many more academic degrees. He could show his political mettle at the hustings and got more than two lakh votes in the last Lok Sabha elections when BSP was in alliance with SAD. Just in the course of my discourse with one of the BSP insiders in Jalandhar recently, I was told that Balwinder was haughty man (Dhaon Ch Keela) with misplaced self-centered approach My interlocutor also told me that they feared that he might come to some understanding with one of the rich candidates and becomes a dummy as a spoiler on vested and selfish considerations. I don’t know but, it seems, he may succumb to worldly pressure in the given situation. . Nevertheless, I wish him all the best in the days to come.

All said and done, let me come to the political prognosis with regard to the Jalandhar Parliamentary seat:-

-         All the parties and their nominee have made the entire exercise meaningless; bereft of any agenda, programme and issues concerning the voters and the society at large. It is a clash of personalities and interests rather than ideologies.

-         People are confused particularly the dalit voters; major stake holders in this high profile seat. Dalit votes would get divided as all the major candidates belong to Ravidassia or Ad-dharmi segments of the community. It is suits the right wing upper-caste outfits as polarization of upper caste votes would come handy in deciding the outcome.

-         If Balwinder Kumar of BSP could withstand the money and muscle factor, he could be a dark horse in the race subject to the presumption that BSP cadres remain intact and united.

-         The winning or losing margins will not be big. This churning exercise will end in new alignments; all the four bigwigs now representing Congress Party, SAD, AAP and BJP would park themselves afresh in the new emerging  scenario.

 

As I said, this election is a clash of personalities alone and there is hardly any agenda. Here I mention three issues, emotional and psychological, which may tend to make a definite dent in the psyche of Raviassia/Ambedkarite voters. The candidates and their parties may encash them by making their support public in this regard but the time is of essence:-

i)                  April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality. My latest blog on the subject gives all the necessary details: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/an-open-letter-to-candidates-in-lok.html

ii)               Guru Ravidass Mandir at Tuglakabad in Delhi. My blog on the subject would give some information on the subject: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2019/08/my-wishful-thinking-guru-ravidass.html

 

iii)            Ad-dharam Mandal Headquarters at Mohala Kishanpura in Jalandhar to be declared a heritage building of the community. Details may accessed from my blog on the subject: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/01/call-to-redeem-history-and-glory-of-ad.html

 

I was considering to advise the voters of the constituency to avail of the option of NOTA on the EVM in view of the unbecoming conduct (Aya Ram Gya Ram) of candidates from one side to other without any logic but desisted from doing so on the consideration that I am a humble Ambedkarite and should not be seen as a nay-sayer in the festival of democracy. With this I again wish all the candidates in the fray all the very best and conclude this longish piece with a poetic delight of Allma Iqbal:

Hawaida  Aaj Apne Zakhm-e-Pinhan Kar Ke Chorun Ga
Lahoo Ro Ro Ke Mehfil Ko Gulistan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

I will surely exhibit all my hidden wounds today
I will surely change assembly to a garden with blood‐mixed tears

Parona Aik Hi Tasbeeh Mein In Bikhare Danon Ko
Jo Muskhil Hai, To Iss Mushkil Ki Asan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

If stringing these scattered pearls in a single rosary
Is difficult, I will surely make this difficult task easy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna – Just Released book of Ambassador Ramesh Chander

 

Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna – Just Released book of Ambassador Ramesh Chander

Bootan Mandi is a land mark business and residential locality situated at the thoroughfare of Nakodar Road now renamed as  Ambedkar Marg in Jalandhar. It used to be a non-descript slum area till 1970s where leather tanning cottage work and raw leather business were being run by the so-called Chamars in the Hindu caste-hierarchy of yesteryears. The place is now a flourishing residential area and also a good business centre which has, of late

become an avenue of dalit identity hosting the land-marks from Ambedkar chowk to Satguru Kabir Chowk namely; Guru Ravidass Bhawan on Link Road, sprawling Kabir Mandir at Bhargava Camp, Maharish Balmik Mandir at Abadpura, Ambedkar Bhawan at Rameshwar Colony (Bootan Mandi), the site where Babasaheb Ambedkar came and addressed a mamooth rally in October, 1951, Sikh Gurdwara Santpura, Guru Ravidass Chowk, Satguru Guru Ravidass Dham, Seth Kishan Dass’s House where Babasaheb visited and relished the traditional Punjabi meal of Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Roti in 1951, Bibi Malavi Mandir, Swami Lalji Dass Dera, Ambedkar Community Centre, Budh Vihar, Guru Ravidass Mandir in Sidharath Nagar, Ambedkar Park and Ambedkar Degree Collage and Satguru Kabir Chowk (Wadala Chowk).  From this landscape, one can easily make out that Bootan Mandi is rightly called the ‘Rajdhani’ of dalits.

The book of Ambassador Ramesh Chander – Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna, which was released on April 28, 2024 at Ambedkar Bhawan, is dedicated to the centenary year of Bootan Mandi with a view to record the oral history floating here and there and recognize the sterling role played by Bootan Mandi and BootanMandians in making the place as the ‘capital of dalits’ of the region and beyond. Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna

was released by the ‘Nari Shakti of Bootan Mandi’ – IAS Babita Kler, PCS Anupam Kler and supported, in absentia, by Sessions Judge Jaswinder Sheemar and Chief Judicial Magistrate Pushpa Kler and a close friend of the author; Deputy CAG Onkar Nath. The author thoughtfully dedicated the book release function to the cherished memory of his gracious wife, Vidya Chander who had been his support and conscious keeper. Apart from the guests of honour and the author, Dr. Gian Kaul, Retired HOD of Punjabi in DAV College Jalandhar who also very kindly wrote the Foreword of the book, Prof. Balbir Chander, Retired HOD of Political Science of Doaba College Jalandhar, Social and Community Activist, Paramjit Mahey, Social and Community Activist Manohar Lal Mahey, Staunch Ambedkarite belonging to the FABO of UK, Harbans Virdi and Buddhist Scholar and Community Activist, Harmesh Jassal addressed the quality audience at the solemn function which was ably steered by Mahesh Chander. Though the book has been received and appreciated widely has already been liberally presented/distributed to the interested readers

in and around Bootan Mandi and also abroad in the UK, the USA and Canada yet for the benefit of more readers it is made available at Ambedkar Bhawan Jalandhar with Nirmal Benji (Telephone No. 9872359727). It is a matter of satisfaction to note that the book received due and appreciable media coverage both in the print and electronic media locally and beyond with special reports (available on the social media like Youtuble and Facebook done by Onkar Nath for Ground Realities, Tarsem Badhan for Desh Doaba and Dilbagh Salan for TV 22. The Asian Independent and the Samaj Weekly of the UK prominently carried the story on the book.

The book has been divided into three parts – i) From the Pens of the Sons of the Soil: it contains write ups, essays and poems written by some of my fellow BootanMandians namely; Paramjit Mahey, Mahesh Chander, Madan Bolina, Khuswinder Billa and Harmesh Jassal on the various aspects of Bootan Mandi and its role in generating awareness in the dalit communities in the contemporary times. This part of the book is in Punjabi language for the benefit of those who don’t know English - ii) The second part is the Bits and Pieces: it comprises of 51 of my blogs on the role and contribution of Bootan Mandi and Bootan Mandians in carrying the caravan of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar for empowerment of the weaker

sections of the society which made Bootan Mandi the nerve centre of dalit chetna – iii) the third part of the book is the Editors Pick: it contains poems and articles concerning Bootan Mandi like; Bootan Mandi the Ameer Itihas by Parshotam Saroya, poems of Pritam Ramdasspuri and Jai Ram Parwana, Poems and Nazams of two of the missionary poets; Gurdass Ram Alam and Charan Dass Nidhadak. The poems of Pritam Ramdasspuri and Gurdass Ram Alam are the one which were recited by them in honour of Babasaheb Ambedkar during his visit to Bootan Mandi in October, 1951. Apart from these pieces in Punjabi, two items – i) a write-up on the famous poem of Gurdass Ram Alam “Achhoot Da Ilaaz” by Dr. Sarvpriya Raj and ii) the speech of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar delivered at Bootan Mandi on October 27, 1951 have been included. The lines of Charan Dass Nidhadak, about Babasaheb Ambedkar, have been a source of motivation and dedication:

Jatheband Ho Pairan Utte Aap Khadauna Das Giya;

Jhanda Chak Bagawat Da Tu Baghi Hona Das Giya

Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna has been received very well not only in India but abroad too, if one goes by the comments and observations in the social media and informal social discourse. With a view to be fair and transparent, in all good faith, I mention here some of the remarks (unedited) which the book has attracted.  As a diplomat, I would tend to say ‘we agree to disagree’.

 Rahul Balley, Delhi

I received a copy of your book *Bootan Mandi*, a good initiative. Thanks for it. 

I have read Harmesh Jassal article. The pages are attached for your ready reference. What I observed that Mr Harmesh Jassal did not do proper research before writing this piece. Or he attentionally ignored it even knowing the facts. 

I am confident you being an active Dalit must be knowing very well that there is a good amount of literature available in which the name and contributions of Punjab General Secretary and his leading role is already elaborated. His wife and son was in jail during the agitation. 

I believe what ever prejudice one has  against any leader or person, but as a writer one cannot ignore the historical facts. If one does it he cannot be a writer. 

History judges a writer when he writes without prejudice, hatred  or enemity. 

Harmesh Jassal has completely ignored the names of those leaders who were in the leading role of Punjab agitation. He did not mention  at all. 

 Harmesh Jassal even did not mention  the names of villages for example Sofi Pindi or Wariana or many such others from where people participated in Punjab Agitation. 

 

It is an incomplete piece of writing. Hope you will notice it and try to print a Corregendum.

Mind it, this incomplete article will not make dent on Harmesh Jassal as a contributor  since he is not well known  among the so called intellectuals ( your circle)  but definitely it would make dent on your personality being an author  of this book. 

I shall ,however,review this book in the coming issue of  Bheem Patrika.

[07/05, 10:06 am] Ramesh Chander: Dear sir, please see these pages about my father saheb. I feel you have incomplete knowledge about father saheb. It is because of your engagement in the service.  

Hope you do not know these two meetings of Kanshi Ram with Balley saheb.

1. At SSD annual conference in Agra , Kanshi Ram was in the audience,  my father invited him to the stage but he did not come

2. In Karol Bagh, Kanshi Ram and Balley Saheb slept together in one room and discussed politics and other issues relating to Dalits. There were of course ideological differences.  Balley was purely an Ambedkarite and Buddhist and wanted to urge the Dalits to come to politics sans Bramanical ideology. What happened Kanshi Ram shared stages with Murli Manohar and other BJP leaders, even Mayawati became three times CM with the help of BJP. The end result Dalits lost their political grounds . BJP , RSS defame Mayawati by saying that Mayawati is not poor Dalit, she is having crores of rupees( ref news papers) . Not only the BJP/RSS planted or still planting several stories. This kind of politics being played by BSP earned the status of political prostitute( who can be bought and thrown when there is no benefit). Is this beneficial to the Dalit samaj? 

 Today Mayawati is afraid of going against BJP as she knows the party will open file( I am not saying this read article of Rahul Verma of CPR published  recently in HT). In Punjab Mayawati joined hands with SAD , the head of this party burnt the copies of the constitution.All media reports demonstrate that that Mayawati field candidates only to benefit BJP. The majority of the BSP tickets goes to rich, gangsters Muslims not to poor Dalits. Is this how Dalit will gain Raj? This is the difference between Kanshi Ram , Maywati and Balley Saheb. 

3. Despite this, balley saheb openly supported BSP candidate through Press conference( ref local news papers). 

4. The problem is that Balley saheb name is dragged unnecessarily for  social and political benefit,  by so called intellectuals and budding leaders  especially after retirement, in order to establish them in the public  but one cannot change the facts. You might have heard the song , *Jey Public hai ,sab Janti hai , ander kya hai, bahar kya hai*

5. Have you ever wrote or spoke a word against BJP punjab leaders( even Dalit) who openly abused Kanshi Ram in Hoshiarpur? Have you ever raised a voice or has  Mayawati raised when Shivlinga was placed before the statue of Baba Saheb Dr.Ambedkar in Dr Ambedkar Foundation,  Delhi of which you proudly claim a member? 

6.Have you wrote against Arun Shourie or has Mayawati spoke against Arun Shourie when he wrote a book namely " Worshipping a false god" . It was Balley Saheb who wrote a pamphlet *Shourie ka Shor* , this is the differnece between a true Ambedkarite and Buddhist and political opportunistic. 

6.  Balley saheb has gone,  Kanshi Ram has gone but history  will remain there. When an honest intellectual will write he will mention everything.

7. Balley prepared leaders like Prof GC Kaul, Prof Surendra Ajnat  and many others not only in India but also in foreing countries. He was very well transparent, accomodative and magnanimous that is why good people came forward to carry the caravan of Baba Saheb. Yes, he was not for duplicitous people who have only agenda of taking benefit. And I believe a leader must have these qualities  to identify who is a friend or who is a foe of the mission. After gone ,Ambedkar Bhawan, the institute about which you are talking, is still there and would remain there. I am proud my father and other colleges built this. Today it is the only place where activities are taking place and brainstorming.

[07/05, 10:06 am] Ramesh Chander: Thanks Rahul ji. I value your observations on Harmesh Jassal's article and others remarks. My take on the issue is:

1. Authors are responsible for their views as I wrote in the prologue and introductions. 

2. The theme or focus of the book is Bootan Mandi in totalling and not individual incidents like political movements and personalities. 

3. I fully respect and regard Balley Sahib and his sterling role in the community matters as a leader by his own right. 

I will to see your review of the book in the larger interest of the community. 

Regards.

[07/05, 12:33 pm] Ramesh Chander: in reference to point number 2 when he can mention other names that does not amount to totalling. Any how, he is the one who tell publicly that he learnt the nitty gritty of journalism from Balley saheb.

[07/05, 12:33 pm] Ramesh Chander: Thanks. I will share your observations with Harmesh Jassal. 

However, please don't get perturbed on these small points. Balley Sahib was too big a man and that we all know. 

Regards.

[07/05, 12:33 pm] Ramesh Chander: no sir We are his sons, it is our duty to set the historical facts in a right context and content. I do not bother Jassal , I bother about your image. keep in mind we do get easily perturbed .

[07/05, 12:33 pm] Ramesh Chander: Thanks. I respect your emotional outburst. I respect and regard your father as an intellectual man with conviction. I have nothing much to add. 

You may write a piece if you like. I will host in on my Blog with my own comments for the benefit of our readers. 

Regards.

[07/05, 12:33 pm] Ramesh Chander: no need sir we have our own platform,  any how thanks

Sheela Bhatia UK [01/05, 12:51 pm] Sheela: Namaste Ramesh ji. Everything went so well. This big and very first history of Butan Mandi. Keep it up Ramesh ji. Great

[01/05, 8:58 pm] Ramesh Chander: Thanks. When I said 'received well' it did not mean commercially but otherwise. You know our people are yet to learn the importance of these thongs. Nevertheless, I have no regrets as long as my friends like you are supportive of me. I am writing a blog which will cover all details. 

Regards.

[01/05, 9:14 pm] Sheela: This is the only drawback of our cummunity but it's

normal.one has to get up and give them jagrati and you are doing it. Brilliant .But wikipedia of the Bootan Mandi you have established it. That you should be proud of it. Just start thinking of translating them in to their language. That can give them little knowledge 😀😀of course if they want the  knowledge.

[03/05, 1:42 am] Sheela: This is very important and honourable day for you Ramesh ji .I can't thank you enough for The honour  you have given me .With a very nice and

soothing music you have created a wonderful programme. And looking at the   picture of myself with my dear father made me so much emotional. Thank you. Take care and be happy

 

[07/05, 10:52 pm] Sheela: Please Ramesh ji you shouldn't take that much stress out about the book sending .I shall get it eventually. If you take it so seriously quite honest with you that wouldn't make me happy. Please Please take care and don't worry about anything at all. Just enjoy your days.

Ramesh Chander Chandigarh

 Heartiest congratulations and best wishes on this once- in - life time and rare blissful occasion when your uncanny knack to delve deep  ,very well in evidence since early twenties despite humble beginnings, blossoms and flowers into lauching a book ' BOOTAMANDIANS' today with graphic portrayal of events and well- meaning connected people, which might  become a' Beacon of Light'for people with  discerning minds who might become our struggles'flag - bearers and  stand guard against the cultural monster with emotive issues' for our symbolic - only SYMBOLIC in our Punjab -struggle against an order and safeguard the values enshrined in the constituion to safeguard our interests and avoewd objective of ' Equality,Liberty and Fraternity enshrined in our constituion for our upliftment.

    The book ,being third in a row in the past one year ,speaks volumes of your untiring efforts and abiding interest aimed at spotlighting our people's life- long struggle with BOOTAMANDI as having been a nerve centre and hub of people's struggle and awakening  right from the inception of Ad- dharam Mandal in the first quarter of last centuries days right to emergence of reverend Dr  B. R . Ambedkar' s emergence and invaluable contribution for social and economic justice.

    Hopefully, your reflections and thoughts compiled in the book with years of pains- taking efforts and knack for details would further carve out a deep niche for you in the minds of  our prople and ,despite complete' change- over' in the scenario particularly in the recent past , our deprived sections would contnue to look upon the BOOTAMANDIANS with inspiration  for our socio- economic struggle for' equality' and our people's interest would contnue to be uppermost 

Jaswinder Sheemar Hoshiarpur

Commendable intellectual and literary work by writing such an important book on the subject matter Bootan Mansi nerve centre of Dalits. I think in the present era you are the one who selected very appropriate subject matter to pen down its history . I appreciate your literary skills and definitely will read the book. I wanted to part of book launch but due to official restraints couldn’t make it I must congratulate you on your book launch

Gajender Singh

Heartiest congratulations sir, it's wonderful book you release to know more about our community, so proud of you
Arun Kumar FABO UK

Congratulations. We need to preserve our history. We'll done. Keep it up. Congratulations. Our forefathers were not educated and our history was lost. Whatever is available, is written by others. As a result of their contributions and sacrifices, we are able to progress. You are doing a wonderful work to preserve our history. The book Bootan Mandi would be a reference book fir future researchers. Well done.

Sohan Sehjal

Proud moment for all the residents of bootan mandi history should be preserved thanks sir ji

Ambassador V.B. Soni

Great initiative. More such booka should come out. The community's achievements must fund place in the annals of history. Good luck fir the popularity of the book.

Vikram Mehra Chile

Can’t wait to get a hold of the book ! Keep it up uncle ji and I hope you write many more books to create awareness and share ur experiences. Plz take care of ur health.

It was just to give the taste of the dialogue an discourse the book has raised for the benefit of the wider audiences.

As I said in the prologue and introductions to the all the three segments of the contents of the book that there may be many inadvertent shortcomings because of lack of knowledge and information and I would welcome to listen from my readers. It is gratifying to say that many of my friends and readers have been kind to share their thoughts with me informally with regard to the book.

In some cases I found that some of the hard facts and that too important ones were left out by me either due to lack of knowledge and information or due to lapse of memory. After reading the book one of my old friends, Hussan Baudh came and met me to point out some of the lapses. I did not mention about his father, Babu Hazara Ram who was the first government employee from Bootan Mandi and rose to be the first gazetted officer in the Punjab Government as ETO. Hussan also told me that his uncle (Tayaji), Kartara Ram Madhas who found mention in the book was the founding father of the weekly paper Ujala but also its first Editor. Post independent political scene divided Bootan Mandi in two camps; one that of Congress Party led by Seth Sunder Dass and others and second that of Scheduled Caste Federation of Babasaheb Ambedkar led by Seth Kisan Dass. Kartara Ram Madhas contested the 1952 elections as a candidate of the SC Federation against Master Gurbanta Singh of the Congress Party and lost. Adding more, Hussan informed that Darshan Baudhi played a leading role in founding not only the Budh Vihar but also Guru Ravidass Mandir in Sidharar Nagar of Bootan Mandi. Yet another somewhat glaring lapse was pointed out by my friend, Prem Shant; the Punjab Legislative Assembly incident in 1970-71 to imitate Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s bomb incident in the then Punjab Assembly. The incident was a dare-deviltry of some of

the young and enthusiastic BootanMandians namely; Prem Shant, Ram Lal Dass, Ramesh Madhas who could manage to enter Speakers Gallery of the House in Session on the strength of passes issued by the Speaker Darbara Singh himself and Chaudhary Sunder Singh on recommendations of Lahori Ram Balley.  They threw leaflets registering their voice against the anti-dalit policies of the government and raised slogans in the historic style of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Fortunately, the House did not take any harsh view of this and let off these young community activists after some token punishment. Manohar Lal Mahey also spoke to me about some assertions made by one of the contributors in the book, Harmesh Jassal. I told him to bring this to my notice in writing with a view to put the things in perspective as the writers were responsible for their views expressed in their articles.

I would only be happy, if I could elicit more such responses and fill in the inadvertent gaps in the narration of the book.

Dunia Ne Tajarbaat-O-Habadish Ki Sakal Mein

Jo Kuch Mujhe Dia Hai Lauta Raha Hoon Mein

 

An Open Letter to Candidates in the Lok Sabha Election, 2024 – International Day of Equality

 

 

An Open Letter to Candidates in the Lok Sabha Election, 2024 – International Day of Equality

 

Dear Candidates - aspiring MPs and the Voters

You may be aware that I am the initiator of the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as the International Day of Equality to be declared under the aegis of the UN. I made this
proposal to the then EAM Sushma Swaraj in June, 2015 in the run up to celebrate 125^th birth anniversary of one of the greatest sons of India, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as declared and observed by the GOI. Later this proposal was brought to the attention of PM Narendra Modi by the Forum of SC MPs under the stewardship of the then Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly, Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal in a Memorandum submitted to PM Nareandra Modi in November, 2015. Accordingly, for the first time, the birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar was celebrated at the UN in New Year in April, 2016. The proposal

on International Day of Equality was duly made and appreciated at the prestigious function. On return from New York, Speaker Atwal Sahib wrote to PM Narendra Modi and submitted his report informing the Hon’ble PM that the proposal was made and requested the GOI to take it to the UN through diplomatic channels. The rest is history.  Most of the correspondence and related documents are available in my various blogs at: www.diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com and me perused. The proposal is resting in the cup-boards of MEA/PMO since then. I have been making some retrained and constrained noises but could not illicit any response from the MEA/PMO/GOI. The reason for this blissful silence could either be ignorance or arrogance. I am sorry to say.

The positive fallout of the noises, I made was that, by now,  many states and cities in in the US, Canada, the UK among other countries had already declared April 14 as ‘Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of

Equality’ and observe the day officially for the last many years. I will be failing in my duty if I don’t mention my interlocutors and supports abroad like Chetna Association of Canada, Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organizations of the UK and others who supported the proposal on International Day of Equality and interacted with their local counterparts to honour the iconic personality, Babasaheb Ambedkar.

It is surprising that in spite of the fact that all political parties are falling on each other to own Ambedkar but their response to the proposal to honour Babasaheb Ambedkar at the high pedestal of the UN is not getting their attention. With a view to address this lop-sided attitude of the politicians, I thought of addressing this open letter to all the candidates in the ongoing festival of democracy, Lok Sabha Elections, 2024. The response to my latest post on the Facebook has

further provoked my imagination to explore further support to the proposal. I urge all the candidates to kindly consider and support the proposal on April 14 to be declared as International Day of Equality. It will not only honour the greatest votary of equality, Babasaheb Ambedkar but also further strengthen cultural and soft diplomacy of India on the lines of International Day of Non-violence and International Day of Yoga. Before I quote that post, I conclude this with an often repeated poetic assertion –

Har Dardmand Dil Ko Rona Mera Rula De

Behosh Jo Paden Hain Shayad Une Jaga De

I take this opportunity to wish all the candidates in the fray all the best.

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

Ambassador – IFS (Retired)

Jalandhar

 

Text of my Facebook post of May 12, 2024

 

April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality

Since June 2015, proposal on the International Day of Equality is resting with MEA and PMO of the GOI. We have been reminding the GOI on the pending proposal religiously and regularly but GOI has not responded. Why it is so? It is difficult to understand in spite of the fact both the ruling outfits and those of in the opposition are falling on each other to claim and own the legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar. But when it comes to real issues, they get blissfully ignorant and silent.

I have two humble submissions to make in these days of' Festival of Democracy that is Elections:

i) All candidates, particularly dalits and reserved category, should consider and extend their support to the proposal on International Day of Equality.

ii) All well-meaning and concerned voters may ask the candidates when they approach them for votes to support the proposal and qualify to earn their votes.

It is time to assert and demand due and rightful recognition to the greatest son of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar.

 

Some random comments by my friends:

VB SoniGreat suggestion.. I am presently in Boston.wpuld be back just a few days ahead of the elections. If approached by any candiadte I will certainly plug the line. Good luck.

Sita Ram Mahey

Yes we must exert pressure on the candidates to support our rightful demand.I will definitely do it.

Ronki Ram

Definitely, it needs to be taken up at this crucial time of, as you rightly out, the festival of electoral democracy!!

Balbinder Kumar  A very important initiative which is to be done as early as possible. We make a team and exert pressure on every political party. Jai Bhim

Vinod Kaul

Definitely Sir...

Madhu Rachhna  · 

Follow

This needs to be implemented,sir. Great suggestion.

Jai Bhim Jai Bharat

Kashmir SinghI will certainly take it up with the contestants of different parties on reserve seat.

Jai Birdi

Kashmir Singh thank you. Let us also take this to the general seats

because Dr. Ambedkar was a great Nation Builder and worked towards inclusion for all.

Ramesh Chander

Jai Birdi Yes, Ambedkar was not the leader of dalits only. We the People of India proudly own him

Mohit Bhardwaj Salute to you Sir.!

Hussan Lal

Good suggestion and must be followed till it is accepted

Vijay KumarIt is very good idea and suggestion for the community at large ,, we are bound to ensure the dignity of Baba Sahib , which will definitely boost the morale of our community too

Roop Sidhu Great

I fully support it

Mamta Sood

Yes It's a very good decision

It's a real tribute to our BABA SAHIB JI.

Arun Kumar

We are doing whatever we can do. But in India, people are not pushing this agenda. They must ask the candidates for their commitment to this cause.

Ramesh Chander Arun Kumar Thanks. I value your support. Our people don't understand. Even the so called Ambedkarite outfits are not even aware of the issue.

Zile Singh

Only a minuscule percentage of Indian population is in support of this important issue. Not even all Dalits, Tribes and OBCs.

Recently, politics played in Ottawa during Equality Day celebration is very disturbing.

Ramesh Chander Zile Singh thanks Zile Singh ji. We would catch up on phone. I value your support.

Chaman Lal Great initiative, a befitting tribute to Baba Saheb, the great humanist emancipator! I shall make it a point to get in touch with various organisations to strongly take up with their fellows and politicians and push up the issue with them! Thank you!

Col Tilak Raj *It's a praiseworthy suggestion. All candidates contesting Lok Sabha elections must declare in their manifesto that they would do everything possible to achieve this goal.* 

Ramesh Chander Chandigarh – Highly appreciate your enduring efforts in having our only par excellence saviour Dr. Ambedkar’s birthday,April 14, to be declared as International Day of Equality.

Jai Pal Singh Kharar - We will definitely ask this question from the candidates coming for votes.. 

Lekh Raj Nayyar - Full support.

Surinder Bhatti – Sir I really support.

Malkit Singh Beas – Would persue as suggested. Commendable.

Mohit Bhardwaj Advocate – Salute to you Sir.

Madhu Rachana Advocate – Very effective. We are with you, Sir/Ramesh Muley Pune – We support you, Sir earnestly.

Ronki Ram Chandigarh – Definitely, it needs to be taken up 

Tirath Ram – It is a great suggestion to achieve the long pending agenda with GOI.

In addition to this, I have received several message of support and the course of action to carry forward the proposal on International Day of Equality. I think, the candidates in the elections and their political parties would take note of the emerging scenario and respect the wishes of their masters that is “We the people of India”