As I
Please – International Day of Equality
the UN. Traditionally, our PM and or EAM will go to New York and address the world from the high podium of the august organization in its annual UNGA. Though much water has flown in the Ganges and the Hudson in New York yet I am not tired as of today. I wrote this time to the President of BJP, J.P. Nadda under endorsement to other dignitaries concerned including EAM and PMO. As of now, I have been consciously trying to keep the proposal apolitical. But perhaps
time has come to underscore its political importance and resultant dividend, if it is accepted and political fallout too, if it is not duly considered and a response not given by the political leadership; particularly that of the ruling elite. People, especially the followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar are keenly and patiently watching the situation. The emerging scenario, in the wake of the recent elections, has clearly shown that the marginalized sections of the society for whom Babasaheb Ambedkar is a national icon, will no longer sit tight and would tend to say their mind in a democratic way. We would ignore Ambedkar at our own peril.
With this
background, I share herewith my letter of August 27, 2024 to Shri Jagat Prakash
Nadda, President of BJP and urge the stake holders in the proposal to come out
and support the proposal on International Day of Equality before it gets too
late.
IK Arze
Tammana Hai Woh Hum Karte Rahenge
Text of
my letter of August 27, 2024 –
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
Annexure – Text of Letter dated
September 11, 2023 to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar
September 11, 2023
Respected Sir,
First of all, I congratulate you and the GOI on the
successful G-20 Meet yet another feather in your hat. I take this opportunity
to wish you further success in the days to come.
I am writing this again, Sir, to remind you on the proposal
to declare April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as International Day of
Equality in the ambit of Bharat’s Soft and Cultural Diplomacy. I have been
writing to you and other stakeholders in this regard. My last letter dated May
6, 2023 to you in this regard is enclosed for ready reference. Meanwhile, more
than 30 organizations pertaining to Babasaheb Ambedkar, Gautam Buddha and Guru
Ravidass in the UK submitted a Memorandum to the High Commissioner of India in
support of the proposal. I am sure the HC must have forwarded the Memorandum to
the MEA. I wrote a blog on this which may be accessed at:- http://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-more-merrier-all-buddhist-and-guru.html
I also wrote an open
letter to the BJP leadership with a view to sensitize them and solicit their
understanding and support which may be seen in my blog:- http://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2023/05/an-open-letter-to-bjp-leadership-april.html
You would appreciate that, Sir; International Day of Equality
is an important proposal which would tend to strengthen Bharat’s soft diplomacy
on one hand and honour one of the greatest sons of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar on
the other. The timing of this submission is to catch up with the forthcoming
UNGA in the last week of September, 2023. You may like to take advantage of
your presence and participation in the UNGA to take up the proposal on
International Day of Equality in your address to the international community.
With regards and all the best wishes.
Yours truly
(Ramesh Chander)
Dr. S. Jaishankar,
Minister of External Affairs,
South Block, New Delhi
Copy to:- Shri
P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM, PMO, South Block, New Delhi
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