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”

 

 

 

Contribution of Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar to Nation Building and Women Empowerment

 

Contribution of Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar to Nation Building and Women Empowerment

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Samaj Sewak Trust of Hisar is bringing out a Souvenir to commemorate the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, one of the greatest sons of India in the contemporary times. It is gratifying to note that the souvenir is dedicated to the theme ‘Contribution of Babasaheb Ambedkar

to nation building and women empowerment. It is an important subject about which our younger generations must be made aware and educated in the larger interest of the country and society. I appreciate and congratulate the Trust for taking the initiative in this regard. Moreover, it will also serve as a befitting tribute to the memory of the great leader, Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Babasaheb Ambedkar was a nationalist of the highest order who always believed in the dictum of ‘India first and India last’. He was a visionary leader. During the freedom struggle, he engaged himself in the nation building by addressing the socio-economic problems of the weaker sections of the society while working and interacting with the British rulers of the time both by way of his intellectual and academic prowess and also in his capacity as a senior functionary in the government side by side of the freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and others. As a profound economist, Dr. Ambedkar was a great economic planner and thinker. As such he contributed immensely to economic edifice of the country namely; Reserve Bank of India, big hydro projects like Damodar Valley, Labour laws to bring about social security elements in labour policies among others even before our independence in 1947. Babasaheb’s biggest contribution towards nation building was his brilliant role and contribution in making the Constitution of India. He is rightly remembered as ‘Father of the Indian Constitution’.

Coming to Dr. Ambedkar’s contribution in emancipation and empowerment of women, it is huge contribution which he made not only through the relevant provisions in the Constitution of India – voting rights through universal franchise, equality before law irrespective of gender etc. Even before the new constitution, Babasaheb as Executive Member of the Viceroy’s Council dealing with Labour, made provisions of maternity leave, regulated working hours, women not going down the coal mines etc. to safeguard the interests of women. In providing equal status to women, Babasaheb Ambedkar faced considerable difficulties and challenges from the Hindu or even Sikh orthodoxy. PM Jawaharlal Nehru though promised all support yet he could not defy the hardcore orthodoxy and shelved the Hindu Code Bill proposed by Babasaheb Ambedkar in the early years of 1950’s to reform the society and finish the uncalled for discrimination against women in the social order of India. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a man of conviction and dignity. He resigned from the Cabinet of PM Nehru and registered his protest for ignoring the rights of women. These efforts of Dr. Ambedkar resulted in the current rightful space and share of women of India in the polity and economy of India and the society at large.

I thought of sharing some of my, of the cuff, thoughts on the subject. With this, I conclude with all best wishes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Samaj Sewak Trust in their worhy efforts to take the ‘Caravan’ of the thought and legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar.

 

My forthcoming book – Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna

 

My forthcoming book – Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna

It is a sort of ‘curtain raiser’ for my forthcoming book – Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna. The book, in commemoration of the centenary year of Bootan Mandi, my native place, is likely to be launched in the second half of April, 2024 in Jalandhar. The

Foreword of the book has been written by Dr. Gian Chand Kaul, an eminent academician and ardent community activists. It has been dedicated to the Fore-fathers of Bootan Mandi: “ Respectfully dedicated to the memory of BootanMandian front runners, Seth Kishan Dass, Seth Khushi Ram, Seth Munshi Ram, Swami Lalji Dass. Bibi Malavi among others who led the ‘Caravan’ and made Bootan Mandi the “Nerve Center of Dalit Consciousness” in Punjab and beyond. Naman to the fore-fathers of my Native Place – Bootan Mandi.”

  The book has been divided into three parts – Part 1 contains articles/poems of some of my fellow BootanMandians like Paramjit Mahey, Harmesh Jassal, Mahesh Chander, Madan Bolina and Khuswinder Billa under the banner: From the Pens of the Sons of the Soil. Part 2 hosts the author’s 51 blogs written over the recent years on varied subjects and themes concerning Bootan Mandi and related

events/matters under the heading; The Bits and pieces. Part 3 under the caption: Editor’s Pick consists of poems on Bootan Mandi like ‘Bootan Mandi the Ameer Itihas’ by Parshotam Saroya, poems od Pritam Ramdasspuri and Gurdas Ram Alam which they recited in October, 1951 on the visit of Babasaheb Ambedkar to Bootan Mandi and poems of Jai Ram Parwana, a native unsung talent. I was impressed by the poem of Charan Dass Nidhadak in my younger days and included it in the pick - Jhanda chuk bagabat da tun baghi hons das gya. It also carries an article by Dr. Sarvpriya on the poem of Gurdas Ram Alam ‘Acchoot Da Iilaz’ and also the speech of Babasaheb Ambedkar which he delivered at Bootan Mandi on October 27, 1951.

This curtain raiser for the formal launch of the Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna will not be complete if I don’t mention about the support of my friends and well support of – Prem Chumber of the Ambedkar Times and the Desh Doaba as media partners and my

some of my fellow BootanMandians namely; Sheela Bhatia, Gurdial Mahey and Ram Murti who encouraged me to pursue my intellectual and community interests. I thank Baldev Bhardwaj of Ambedkar Bhawan Trust who helped in picking up the printer of the book’ Neha Computers and Printers who did a good job,I understand. As it is written in the Prologue of the book, “ The proof of pudding, it is said, lies in its eating. I hope my fellow BootanMandians would appreciate my humble contribution to the said centenary celebrations. As a student of contemporary history, I would love to listen from the readers of the book with a view to further educate myself.”

 ” I leave it here for the readers to decide.

ਮਾਲੀ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਪਾਣੀ ਲਾਉਣਾ ਤੇ ਉਹ ਭਰ ਭਰ ਮਸ਼ਕਾਂ ਲਾਵੇ  

ਮਾਲਿਕ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ  ਫਲ ਫੁਲ ਲਾਉਣਾ ਤੇ ਲਾਵੇ ਯਾਂ ਨਾ ਲਾਵੇ  1

It is time to remind – International Day of Equality

 

It is time to remind – International Day of Equality

I wrote on the proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality in my blog on

September 11, 2023 which may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2023/09/rising-profile-of-bharat-international.html

Nothing much has happened since then and we stand there; where we were with regard to the proposal on International Day of Equality. From day one since June, 2015 when the proposal was made to the EAM Sushma Swaraj, I have tried my every best to avoid becoming this initiative political and partisan as Babasaheb Ambedkar is a national icon, one of the greatest sons of India in the contemporary times. His thought and legacy with regard to equality and fraternity not only in India but the world at large is well respected and recognized in the civilizes societies conforming to the objectives of the UN to bring about a ‘just and equitable world order’.  India is fully committed to these lofty ideals. As such, the proposal on International Day of Equality fully fits in the policy framework of India’s ‘soft and cultural diplomacy’, I believe. It is time for the Government of India to revisit the subject and take an early decision to make a demarche and bring the proposal on the High Table of the UN.

Of late, some of the young politicians and social activists have started taking note of the proposal on International Day of Equality and rightly so though the main stream political parties are still are blissfully ignorant and sitting tight. GOI is absolutely, tight lipped in spite of the fact they don’t leave any opportunity to own Babasaheb Ambedkar for their own motivated agendas. One of my latest

facebook posts of mine would tend to provide the flavor of the changing mood of the public in this regard and here I quote, “Thanks Hon'ble MP Sushil Rinku ji for extending your unconditional and unreserved whole hearted support to the Proposal on declaring April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as the International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. The proposal is resting with the GOI since June, 2015.

You have been mentioning about the proposal at various public occasions which I appreciated very much. But of late you have given it a new dimension by saying that the proposal should become a mass movement by bring it to the public domain by the politicians and followers of Babasaheb. I recall that you expressed yourself fully on November 14, 2023 while releasing my book "Some Random Thoughts on Babasaheb Ambedkar and His Legacy and again asserted it on our Langer Podium of on the Shoba Yatra on February 23 at Jalandhar. It clearly shows that your unstinted and unqualified support and dedication to carry forward the proposal.

I take this opportunity to thank you for this principled approach. I only wish other leaders, irrespective of party affiliations, do the same.”

 

Yes, I think that the time has come to take the proposal on the Day of Equality to the public domain in a vigorous way. The young politico and social activists should take the lead and make it a ‘public movement’. No one should be allowed to exploit and use the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar for their selfish agendas and do nothing to give and get a due share to the greatest son of India in the scheme of the things to come.

While I remind the GOI to revisit the proposal and take it to the UN through diplomatic channels before April 14, 2024 before, to my mind, people get concerned and restive on the studied silence of the ruling elite.