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 It is a rare and historical document.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