Reservations - A layman’s Point of view

 

Reservations - A layman’s Point of view

The question of Reservations is again in the news with the latest Judgment of the Supreme Court - The Supreme Court ruled that states can now sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to grant quotas within these groups, aiming to better

support more disadvantaged sub-groups. Otherwise also, the issue of reservations has been in focus even in the recently held Lok Sabha elections as it was one of the important issues on which the opposition was cornering the ruling outfits led by BJP. No doubt, it is an important issue but is also equally complicated having direct bearing not only on our polity but also the society. On suggestions of my friends, I decided to write on this subject as a layman and concerned citizen.

Without going deep into the history, my first observation, for the information and benefit of those who somehow feel that Reservations are given to the beneficiaries (oppressed and depressed people) by the magnanimity of the leadership of the high castes of the mainstream of the society. It is totally a wrong notion which shall be shed to begin with. William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in 1882 originally conceived the idea of caste-based reservation system. I start from the contemporary times and these facts are well documented in the pages of history. Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar, Periyar Ramasamy, Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia  among others fought for the rights of the oppressed and depressed classes with the British Rulers tooth and nail. No leader or the party of the upper crust of the society extended any support or raised their voice against the inhuman treatment to the so called dalits at the hands of the so called upper-castes. Things came to head in the Round Table Conferences in London in the early 1930s. Babasaheb Ambedkar represented the depressed people and raised the voice for their socio-political rights. The alarm-bells rang in the Hindu society. The Congress Party led by Mahatma Gandhi and other high caste leaders opposed Ambedkar and his tirade for the rights of the oppressed people. Though they very well understood the concerns of Dr. Ambedkar and others with regard to the oppressed people yet they were more interested in saving the vested interests of the main stream of the society in terms of their Manuwadi mindset. The oppressed classes won the battle under the leadership of Babasaheb Ambedkar and others. PM Ramsey MacDonald’s Communal Award of 1932 gave “Separate Electorate’ to Depressed Classes along with Muslims, Sikhs and other minorities. It amounted to that Depressed Classes were given separate identity outside the fold of Hindus. It was not acceptable to Mahatma Gandhi and other Hindu leaders and Mahatma Gandhi resorted to ‘fast unto death’ in the Yerwada Jail in Pune to undo the Communal Award. The Hindu leaders led by Madan Mohan Malviya and Kasturba Gandhi pleaded, threatened and even blackmailed  Babasaheb Ambedkar on the pretext of ‘Hindu unity, freedom movement, patriotism’ to save the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Babasaheb Ambedkar was not only a nationalist to the core but also a votary of comprehensive and just social order but was dead against the Manuwadi Varan Vivastha as opposed to Mahatma Gandhi who was a staunch supporter of status quo as a hardcore Hindu. Ambedkar relented and negotiated an agreement with Mahatma Gandhi and others to make special provisions for the depressed classes not only in the legislature but also in jobs and

educational institutions to empower the depressed classes. The agreement is called Poona Pact of 1932. This was the first step towards ‘Reservations’ to the depressed people. Instead of the ‘Separate Electorates’ these understandings of the Poona Pact were appropriately incorporated in the India Act of 1935 passed by the British Parliament. Thus the depressed classes became Scheduled Castes and were given Reservations’. Subsequently, on independence in 1947, the Constitution of India made under the stewardship of Babasaheb Ambedkar duly incorporated these ‘Affirmative’ provisions which are called ‘Reservations’. It is clear from these details that ‘Reservations’ to the Scheduled Castes are no ‘alms’ or ‘goodies’ given by anyone in charity but are the enabling provisions to end the subjugation and exploitation of the masses now called ‘Dalits’ in general parlance. As such there should be no heart-burn in the so called ‘General Samaj” in this regard.

The Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were stipulated in the Constitution of India in Articles 15, 16, 17 and 46 providing for the establishment of a society without social injustice, exploitation and where there is equality, and no one is left behind. As such Reservations in the jobs and legislatures with a provision of 15% for SCs and 7.5% for STs were made.  After independence,

initially reservations were provided only for SCs and STs. OBCs were included in the ambit of reservation in 1991 on the recommendations of the Mandal Commission. It may be added quickly, ever since its inception, the so called upper-castes of the Hindu fold called “General Category” have been opposing it on one pretext or the other. It will not be out of context to mention that, unfortunately, the higher echelon of the polity including the Executive, Judiciary, Media etc. has also been non-cooperative and unsupportive of these provisions consciously or sub-consciously in the caste ridden society. They confined themselves only to ‘lip service’ to undo the injustice meted out to dalits. Reservations stayed on the statute book only because of the ‘Parliamentary Democracy’ based on the principle of ‘One Vote – One Value’ and the fundamentals of the Constitution – Equality, Liberty, Justice and Fraternity so thoughtfully visualized and enshrined in the Constitution by our forefathers under the leadership of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Many vested interests intended to abolish or even dilute these provisions over the years but could not succeed. By now, it is fully understood, fortunately, by all the political and socio-cultural outfits of the country that it would not be easy to touch these provisions without bringing the marginalized sections of the society at par with the so called upper crust of the society both socially and economically and also educationally. It has been amply proved and demonstrated in the recently held elections to the Lok Sabha. It is a matter of satisfaction to note that dalits are increasingly becoming aware of their rights. It became possible only through the ‘affirmative action’ under the provisions of Reservations.

Now let us come briefly to the recent judgments and observations of Supreme Court on Quota within Quota and the issue of creamy layer and also the currently live issue of Caste Census (Jatti Jan Ganna). These issues, of course, are very important with regard to the bigger issue of Reservations and Empowerment. I will base my observations in this regard with reference to the views of a legal expert and educationist, Faijan Mustafa who commented on the Supreme Court judgment on Reservation within Reservation, “A closer look demonstrates that our judiciary has not been quite enthusiastic about reservation policies. While there are verdicts that go the other way, several judgments have tried to dilute reservation. The latest judgment is a milestone and consistent with the earlier verdicts.” I would tend to agree with Mustafa Sahib. It is a fact that judicial judgments with regard to Reservations many a times set the clock back and created avoidable confusion. Judiciary not only in India but also in other countries is a not a ‘supernatural organ’ of the state. Judges also belong and live in the society and have the mindset of the mainstream of the society and naturally so. Unfortunately, the general mindset of the society is still ‘Manuwadi’ though we profess ‘Equality, Justice and Fraternity’ in our constitutional arrangements. These contradictions remain and need to be addressed. My brief observations:

Quota within Quota – Reservation within Reservation is a confusing concept with divisive tendencies. It would tend to further fragment the society and take us towards perpetuation of temporary measures of Reservations.  It has a negative orientation and would tend to accept the dogma of ‘graded inequality’ which we intend to do away with. I believe in the RSS’s doctrine of ‘Samrasta’ to establish an inclusive and just society.

Creamy layer among SCs – Again it is a misleading notion. SC remains an SC socially however high he may go in his professional and vocational sphere. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Babu Jagjivan Ram, K.R. Naryanan, Ram Nath Kovind among many more in public life who could reach coveted positions remained dalits in the social hierarchy. It is also equally true for all highly placed civil servants belonging IFS, IAS, IPS and Allied Services. Only the bearer knows where the shoe is pinching. Moreover, the so called creamy layer is fully alive to the ground realities. They are voluntarily opting out of the Reservations as no one wants to remain a ‘second rate’ member of the society. Most of the highly placed officials are not claiming and availing of Reservations for their children. As such the notion of ‘creay layer’ is a misnomer.

Caste Census – Reservations as provided in the Constitution are here to stay for a long time in the given socio-economic and political situation in the country. With a view to make focused and functional policies to empower the Dalits and OBCs, Caste Census and relevant data is needed. There should be no problem in conducting Caste Census. Certain issues cannot be kept under the carpet any longer. Dalits and OBCs are determined to have their share of the cake. But how do we fix that share without the relevant data? The dictum “Jis Ki Jitni Sankhya Bhari; Utni Uski Bhagedari” is gaining strength and rightly so.

Concept of Reservation -Let us elaborate the concept of Reservations a bit more for the benefit of a common man –

·      Different people understand reservation to mean different things. One view of reservation as a generic concept is that reservation is an anti-poverty measure.

·      Reservation implies a separate quota which is reserved for a special category of persons.

·      Reservation was introduced with the aim of advancement and adequate representation of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes.

·      The age-old caste system of India is responsible for the origination of the reservation system in the country.

·      In simple terms, it is about facilitating access to seats in the government jobs, educational institutions, and even legislatures to certain sections of the population.

·      These sections have faced historical injustice due to their caste identity.

·      As a quota based affirmative action, the reservation can also be seen as positive discrimination.

The Way Forward

Someone has rightly said about the Reservation, “A strong political will is indispensable to find equilibrium between justice to the backwards, equity for the forwards and efficiency for the entire system.” How can it be achieved within the constitutional frame work? Here are some of my observations in this regard:-

·      Reservations for SCs and STs shall continue on the basis of their share in the population with a view to bring about a ‘just social order’ and ‘Samrasta’ as conceptualized by RSS. It will only be possible by negating the caste system. RSS should hit the caste system in the head to prove its credentials with regard to ‘Samrasta’ otherwise this concept will remain in the air-conditioned offices and drawing rooms. Hopefully, RSS would rise to the occasion.

·      There shall be an inclusive and comprehensive society led by the ‘Mainstream’ of the society with secular credentials and an agenda of ‘Sab Ka Sath – Sab Ka Vikas. Reservations should be available only to the depressed people in the Hindu fold. Reservation is not a poverty eradication programme. It is a programme of social empowerment of the marginalized segments of the society.

·      India is a rich country inhabited by poor people. There is no justification of Reservations to EWS. The Social Security System should be streamlined and strengthened to take care of the EWS. SCs are not socially sidelined lot but also economically retarded over the centuries.

·      There shall be reservations for SCs and STs in the top positions like Cabinet Secretary and Secretaries in the GOI, Chief Secretaries of the States, Fair representation in Judiciary and autonomous and statuary establishments. The argument or logic of ‘Merit’ and ‘non-availability’ have become outdated and are immoral.

·      The newly introduced category – Lateral Entry – foe recruitment of high level posts of Joint Secretary, Director and Deputy Secretary in the GOI has tended to dilute the Reservation provisions. It should be abolished forthwith or there should be Reservation in recruitment under this Later Entry too.

·      Perhaps, time has come to abolish political reservation (Reserved constituencies) in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. It has out-lived its utility. These reservations have created only ‘Dummies’ or ‘Chamchas’( in the terminology used by Babu Kanshi Ram) in the political leadership of SCs and STs. By abolishing these political reservations, we will know as to where do we (both the upper castes and dalits) stand in an inclusive society. This litmus test would help us in determining as to how long the Reservations would be needed.

 A renowned Columnist, Tavleen Singh has commented on the issue, “Caste-based reservation is a process through which centuries of oppression and subjugation are being sought to be righted at the bare minimum level. Till the day that goal is achieved, it is needed”

I fully agree with Tavleen Singh. It is a matter of gratification to note that all the major political parties stand for reservations, prima facie. In the recently held Lok Sabha Elections, 2024, it became clear. The opposition made it an issue that the BJP, RSS and their supporters intend to abolish Reservations and change the Constitution. It caught the imagination of the masses, particularly the SCs, it seemed. BJP, RSS and others concerned did their best to clear their stand and position on the issues and categorically denied these charges. The top leadership, including PM Narendra Modi, Sarsanghchalak of RSS, Mohan Bhagwat and others came out with clear statements in support of Reservations. We should take their stand on its face value till it is proved otherwise. The ongoing developments in our neighborhood in Bangladesh are a stark reminder to be on our guards. The anti-social, anti-national elements and our enemies around might be sitting in the wings to exploit the situation.  We need to be careful and try our utmost with sincerity to undo and end the socio-economic injustice to the marginalized sections of the society with a view to bring about ‘Samrasta’ in an inclusive society of Bharat. While underlining the caustion, I recall a Urdu couplet of Allama Iqbal:

छुपा कर आस्तीं में बिजलियाँ रक्खी हैं गर्दूं ने

अनादिल बाग़ के ग़ाफ़िल न बैठें आशियानों में

 

Dr. Ram Lal Jassi – An Obituary

 

Dr. Ram Lal Jassi – An Obituary

Dr. Ram Lal Jassi (March, 1940 – July, 2024) passed away on July 31, 2024 after a prolonged health problems. I happen to know Jassi Sahib since long from my young formative years in 1960s. If I recall correctly in the mid-1960s, Ram Lal Jassi, belonging to a poor family of Mohalla Ram Nagar in Jalandhar, became a BAMS doctor, a rare feat in the community. I understand by pursuing his professional career, he started dabbling in community activities and under the influence of Babasaheb Ambedkar and Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia. A tall and slim personality of Dr. Jassi was impressive as a good orator and a dedicated activist. By the time, I left for Delhi in pursuit of my bread and butter in early, 1970; Dr. Jassi became one of my undeclared motivators to learn English as in those days in Jalandhar, apart from Lahori Ram Balley (one of the senior associates and comrades of Dr. Jassi in public life and flag bearers of Babasaheb Ambedkar), Dr. Ram Lal Jassi was the only person in our community, to my mind, who spoke and wrote good English. Given his poor background and ordinary schooling, it was possible only because of his relentless and untiring efforts. I was much impressed.

Dr. Ram Lal Jassi, I understand, remained in public life for almost six decades under varied band-wagons – All India Scheduled Caste Federation, RPI, BSP, SAD, Congress Party among others with Highs and Lows in the process. He tried his luck in politics many a times under the flag of various parties by contesting Municipal and Assembly elections over the years. But could not make it and lost with unbelievably low margins. Dr. Ram Lal Jassi, MLA/Minister, he could not become. It was a pity. My guts tell me that he would have been an excellent and competent person to represent the community as a staunch Ambedkarite. One thing goes to his credit, in spite of his side-tracked political career, in terms of elections and positions, Dr. Jassi remained in the reckoning wherever he stationed himself. It was only because of his down to earth but simple thinking and life style.  He remained a humble but dignified personality throughout.

On my return to Jalandhar after a long diplomatic career, I picked up the threads and revived our contact. We met off and own at Ambedkar Bhawan Jalandhar where he was associated with the outfits like; Ambedkar Bhawan Trust, Ambedkar Mission Society,

Samata Sainik Dal etc. and rightly so. He always treated me with love and affection as a fatherly figure. Every time, he would tell me that he liked my blogs and advised me to share these with him. Yet another thing which I noticed that he would generally tend to speak to me in English. In turn, I always felt good and appreciated his gesture. Jassi sahib was a great man. His demise is a great loss to the community.

 

With heartfelt condolences to Dr. Rahul, worthy son of Dr. Ram Lal Jassi and the bereaved family.

Badi Mushkal Se Hota Hai Chaman Mein Didawar Paida

 

 

Jalandhar to Goa – An Educative Trip

 

Jalandhar to Goa – An Educative Trip

On the gracious insistence of my daughter-in-law and son, Sulekha and Rupesh, I joined them on a trip to Goa along with my lovely grand-daughters, Suhani and Rupal from June 23 to 29. On account of a long diplomatic career, I travelled far and wide to many

Scenic destination - Goa

countries in the world but, it was just co-incidental that I could not travel much in India and as such I did not go to Goa before. It was a pleasurable and also an educative trip. I, just to motivate Suhani and Rupal, tried to cajole them to write briefly about this trip but they are more interested in making Reels and Vlogs rather than putting their thoughts on paper. I thought of bridging the gap as my pastime.

We started from Jalandhar by road in the hot and humid morning at about 10 on June 23 by a taxi. It could have been a pleasant journey but due the farmer’s agitation at the Shambu border of Punjab and Haryana and closing of the highway, it became uncomfortable and long. There was no way-out and we had to take a circuit’s route through Ghanour traversing the small and pot-holed village roads.  It is pity to note that governments are just not alive to address the public inconveniences and grievances on one side and the public is oblivious of their responsibilities to take into account the plight of general public while registering their protests. There is a need to work out a balance to address these issues to make ourselves a ‘civilized’ society, the sooner the better. We reached Delhi in the evening by about 7 and enjoyed the generous hospitality of our close relations, Rajni and Sumit and stayed over-night with them. The June 23 is the birthday of Suhani and the birthday cake was cut to wish
her Happy birthday. The flight Air India Express to Goa on June 24 was on time. Both Rupal and Suhani were excited to see and board the plane though Suhani had been to Minsk (Belarus) to be with us sometime in the summer of 2010 when she was an infant of 1 year.

In the flight to Goa

Some of the services, facilities and amenities at the airport were better than before as it should be. We reached Goa as scheduled in the late afternoon. We were received and picked up by a professional and a courteous driver. But one thing which I could not stomach was that he stopped on the way without even checking with us for fuel in the vehicle. If we want to promote tourism, we need to learn a few things. I was reminded of an incident long back in late 1970s in Hongkong. I called a taxi to pick me up from my hotel and drop me to my appointed destination around 10 in the morning. On the way the driver asked me very politely if he could stop for a minute at a petrol station and explained that if he did not do this now, he would not be able to get petrol for the next two hours.  I said there was no issue and he filled the fuel and thanked me profusely again. When will our service providers get this sense of doing a job with grace? We are still to go a long way.

Goa International Airport falls at a location called Dabolim about 30 kms. from the capital city of Panjim in the South of Goa. We were to stay in the North side. A span bridge, Atal Setu divides the North and South.  The months from March to October are the lean period for tourists because of rains and other climatic conditions. The drive from the airport to hotel was a pleasant experience; green and clean with huge vegetation on both the sides. It was raining. The traffic was comparatively smooth as compared to Jalandhar and other downs of Punjab. One of the visible change which was noticed was that there several small eateries Dhabas) and taverns (Thekas) on the road sides. One funny name attracted my eyes – Urban Turban Theka and Dhaba (most probably run by a Punjabi). Huge bill boards for all

Hotel Lambana Resort

kinds of alcoholic beverages and casinos and also boat trips greet the visitors. We enjoyed the drive and reached our hotel in the down town Calangute – Hotel Lambana Resort – The Naughty Prawn, a catchy name. It was a small place and but clean and hospitable situated on a busy street. We had a quiet evening with famous local drinks called Feni and Goan Port Wine and a usual Punjabi meal.

June 25, we started with a moderate but good breakfast. Rupal and Suhani were excited to enter the swimming pool by the side of the breakfast hall to make fun and enjoy themselves. Rupi jumped into the pool, his favourite pastime in yesteryears, to help and take care of children. The first day of the trip covered touristic places on the North side – Aguada Fort, Aguada Jail and Lower Aguada on the sea side. Aguada For and Jail are historical places of heritage vintage of 17^th century overlooking the Arabian Sea. The architectural excellence of Aguada Fort speaks for itself. We tasted and relished fresh pine-apple, coconut water, and fresh mangoes on the sea side while Suhani, Rupal and Sulekha succumbed to the art of braids in their hairs done by the local ladies. Due to the rainy season and rough seas, fishing and dolphin dance, spice garden etc. was not permitted. Rupal and

Suhani were a bit disappointed.  The next stop was the Calangute Beach. In spite of the off season, it was full of Indian tourist. The site, scenic beauty, was good but was not maintained well; the flip side of Indian tourism. While walking to the beach, we stopped at a government approved liquor shop; a well-stocked outlet of all kinds of alcoholic drinks. It was enticing and we purchased some assorted drinks like Feni, Port Wine, Rums and much more to carry home as souvenirs. I found that Goa was considerably liberal in dealing with alcoholic drinks, beating the double standards and hypocrisy in most of the rest of India. Not only these things were readily available on each nook and corner but were also moderately priced as compared to Punjab. This lopsided policy of the governments and social behavior of the society tend to make and drink spurious drinks but also leads to many social evils and health hazards. We need to make and distribute low alcoholic beers and wines at affordable price and save the common man from taking

At Aguada Fort

un-drinkable water. Before coming to Goa, I had decided in my mind to relish the famous prawns and fish dishes of Goa. We had our lunch

just outside our hotel at a small eatery called Glen’s Corner. Rupesh and I settled for grilled fish and prawns and also curries with chilled beer. It was delicious and cost effective. I decided to go back to my room for afternoon siesta and watching the oath taking by newly elected members of the Lok Sabha. The rest of the family continued their sightseeing in the afternoon trip of North Goa. We had a relaxed evening with drinks in the room and repeat of Goan delicacies of prawns and fish for the dinner in the hotel itself. I found that service staff at the hotel both at the breakfast and dinner was extremely good and responsive.

June 26 was the day for touring South of Goa. Our first stop was the 15^th century church – Basilica of Bom Jesus, a magnificent architect at a hillock. In spite of the rainy season, hordes of tourists were there on a rainy day. One can instantly purchase hats and raincoats at every site at affordable prices outside all these sites for the convenience of visitors. Our next stop was the famous Hindu shrine, Mangeshi

Mangeshi Temple 

Temple in old Goa. The Mangeshi temple is a beautiful temple built in the Goan Hindu style of architecture. We passed through green vegetation on both sides of the road and were reminded of our days in Kandy in Sri Lanka in the second half of 1980s. The temple is located on a hillock. On reaching the site, it started raining heavily. I dropped the idea of going up and decided to sit a small eatery for a cup of tea/coffee. Udupi style tea was served in traditional steel utensils. My companions came back from the temple; it was still raining; just poring, and enjoyed Pav Bhaji and other local snacks. The rain continued to dampen our spirits to carry on. Nevertheless, we went to the Miramar Beach which was almost deserted because of choppy seas with high waves amidst warnings from the Guards. It led us to cancel the next two sites; Miramar Yeti

and the early evening boat cruise. Rupal and Suhani were disappointed. We consoled them with a promise of sumptuous lunch on the way back; passing the Casino Boats, Atal Setu (Suspension bridge) dividing the North and South of Goa. We consulted our

driver for a good lunch on the way. He thoughtfully stopped at yet another Udupi Restaurant (Udupi restaurants serving only vegetarian meals are available readily throughout Goa). We enjoyed Goan style South Indian Thalies  and other dishes picked up by children. On the way we landed at Ora Pronovis – Immaculate Conception Church, a historical place of spiritual importance. On back to the hotel, I saw the parliamentary proceedings and rest of the family explored the nearby shops to pick up Goan cashew nuts (Kajju) and some small souvenirs. We have had a relaxed evening with sumptuous Goan meal with Feni and Port Wine.

At Calangute Beach

Next morning, June 27, we had a breakfast of hot Puri Bhaji followed by a swimming session by Rupal and Rupesh. I retired to the room for watching the Sansad TV and relax. The rest of the family went to nearby market for shopping and exploring the lunch options before we move to airport for our flight back to Delhi. Rupesh suggested trying Kerala style Laccha Parantha with Bhaji at a South Indian Dhaba. It was something new for me but good. Children succumbed to their favourite MaCdoland’s just opposite our hotel. It was time to leave for the airport at around 2 to fly back to Delhi. We reached on time and checked in but the flight was delayed for more than one and a half hour. Waiting at the small airport of Goa was not comfortable. It was all the more irritating that there was no communication from either the airport authorities or Air India Express ground staff. On checking with the Air India Express staff, it was informed that the airport was ‘silent’ zone and as such there were no announcements. On pointing out that why the TV monitors were not giving the correct information and it was still showing the flight was on time. The man on the spot sheepishly tended to avoid

an answer. When will we learn to appreciate the difficulties of the suffering public and the clients? I hope somebody will listen in the run up to professedly becoming a ‘Vishwa Guru’. We reached Delhi past 11 in the night to suffer the unruly and uncivilised behavior of taxi people at the airport. Even the pre-paid taxi could not help as they did not have big taxies. There was no one from the police to deter these taxi touts, regrettably.  Finally we decided to hire an Ola taxi which were located a bit far near the parking area. But the arrangements were smooth and satisfactory, surprisingly. Our hosts, Sumit and Rajni were waiting for a late night dinner. Since it was quite late in the night when we hit our beds, it was decided to postpone our departure the next morning of June 28 to June 29.

It provided me an opportunity to go to my sister Nikki (Kamla) in the nearby locality and enjoy her excellent hospitality at lunch, as usual during such visits. Nikki is an excellent cook of special dishes;

Marriage of Nikki

organic and of medicinal value besides delicious. I spent good time with her with interludes of ‘Gup-Chap’ and ‘Idhar-Udhar ki Baaten’ with regard to our families and day to life.  I can say, as a compliment, Nikki is really good at that. God bless her.

We finally departed Delhi for Jalandhar in the morning of June 29 after a good breakfast. We again faced the problems of diversions due to Kisan Morcha at Shambu border. I wish the governments and the agitators sit together and end these undue sufferings of the public. On the way we stopped at the famous Eagle Resorts at Rajpura for lunch. Eagle, a newly opened good eatery, reminded me of good old days in the late 1960s and early 1970s when I often stopped there for lunch or refreshments on bus journeys to and fro Jalandhar- Delhi. With this, we reached back to Jalandhar in the early hot and sultry evening.

It was a good break for me and educative for children. They were happy. I close this with the hope that children should learn to write, read and learn in the process. The web-site of Goa introduces Goa as: “Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, the 25th state of

Aguada Jail

the Union states of India, was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961. It was a part of Union Territory of Goa, Daman & Diu till 30th May 1987 when it was carved out of form a separate state. Goa covers an area of 3702 square kilometers and comprises two Revenue district viz North Goa and South Goa. Boundaries of Goa State are defined in the North Terekhol river which separates it from Maharashtra, in the East and South by Karnataka State and West by Arabian Sea. Goa lies in Western Coast of India and is 594 Km (by road) away from Mumbai city.”

 

 

Vari Klair – My Fellow BootanMandian

 

Vari Klair – My Fellow BootanMandian

I wrote about many of my fellow BootanMandians in my blogs and recently released my book – Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna. Varun Klair (popularly known as Vari) who also found a mention in book is currently in the news because of his political aspirations as an independent candidate in the bye-election of the Jalandhar West constituency scheduled to be held on July 10.

Vari Klair at Guru Ravidass Dham Bootan Mandi

As apolitical community activist and observer, I thought of writing about Vari as one of my fellow BootanMandians. Vari Klair is a politically and socially alive person as one of the scions of the extended first family of Seth Kishan Dass of Bootan Mandi. It seems Vari Klair is a maverick in the emerging political scenario, if I go by the social media. On the other side, Vari is fully viral and vocal about

his strong and unwavering faith and allegiance to Babasaheb Ambedkar and Babu Kanshi Ram and rightly so to carry forward the mission of these icons of the community and the society at large. We all know that these days ‘money and muscle’ is a much needed asset in the elections. I don’t know whether Vari can afford that. Vari has been a fire-brand community activist; I have observed this over the last decade or so. I saw him agitating for the Ambedkar College in Bootan Mandi. He fought for the post-matric scholarships and degrees of dalit students not only in Jalandhar but beyond too. He has been on the lead for opposing atrocities on dalits and standing for the community issues like Guru Ravidass Tughlakabad issue among others. I only hope he is able to send his point home in Bootan Mandi, the flag bearer of dalit chetna in the region and his native place. Will he fit into the big shoes of Seth Kishan Dass, Avinash Chander and hold the flag of Bootan Mandi high as expected and desired? It is a question, we BootanMandians need to consider and answer. Many of his seniors from Bootan Mandi in the past entered the electoral fray; Kartara Ram Madhas in the first election in 1952 in the ticket of All India Scheduled Caste Federation, Hardev Kaur Shant on the bandwagon of BSP, Seth Sat Paul on the Akali Dal ticket, Surinder Mahey as BJP’s face. BootanMandians are a divided lot, one may observe from

Vari Klair with Chandershekhar Azad

these details. Vari has thrown his hat in the ring as an Independent; a difficult feat in the given political scenario. It seems he intends to make history like ChandershekharAzad. I recognize and appreciate his political acumen.

Though all the major candidates; Sheetal Angural of BJP, Mohinder Bhagat of AAP, Surinder Kaur of Congress Party are well known to me as politicians and community activists of standing yet I thought of writing about Vari Klair, a young new entrant into the electoral politics. I consider political veteran Surinder Kaur also as a fellow BootanMandian who did well in public life. I take this opportunity to wish all the best wishes to all of my friends in the fray. Will Vari Klair be able to uphold the BootanMandian pride as the nerve center of dalit awakening? Will he succeed in redeeming the glory of Bootan Mandi?

अपना मुकद्दर आप बनाते हैं एहले दिल
हम वो नहीं जिन्हे जमाना बना गया

International Day of Yoga – Flagship of India’s Soft Diplomacy

International Day of Yoga – Flagship of India’s Soft Diplomacy

On the initiative of the GOI under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi in 2014, UN declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga for ‘Promotion of global health, harmony and peace. It was an appreciable initiative which was rightly endorsed by the international community under the aegis of the world body, United Nation Organisation (UNO). Yoga, an ancient Indian exercise, is a good idea
of holistic wellness of body and mind. International Day of Yoga gave further strength and impetus to the India’s cultural and soft diplomacy after GOI’s successful action in getting declared October

2, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi as International Day of Non-violence in 2007 under the stewardship of PM Manmohan Singh. The day aimed to spread the message of non-violence through education and public awareness, around the world. It reflected  universal respect for Gandhi and his philosophy India being one of the largest countries in the world and also the biggest democracy with sound credentials of civilizational back-up is much to contribute and offer many more props to the world and rightly so.

‘We the people of India’ proudly own the legacy of Vivekananda, Aurbindo, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Bose among others. The lofty

thoughts of these personalities are as relevant today as these were before, with reference to India’s cultural ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्” – the world is one family, one of the cardinal principles of India’s foreign policy. It goes without saying that India should pay little more attention to this aspect of its cultural and soft diplomacy.

Let me mention about a specific case in this regard – proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality which was made and registered in June, 2015 with the then EAM Sushma Swaraj in the run upto to celebrate the 125^th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, one of the greatest sons of India and an ardent proponent of socio-economic equality in India and the world at large. The proposal was supported by the Forum of Scheduled Caste  MPs and submitted to PM Narendra Modi in November, 2015. Since then, in spite of constant follow up, the proposal is resting with MEA/PMO. My latest blog on the subject would provide more information on the proposal and its status: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/an-open-letter-to-candidates-in-lok.html

While greeting you all on the International Day of Yoga, the flagship of India’s cultural and soft diplomacy, I take this opportunity to solicit your support for the proposal on International Day of Equality.  It exactly fits in the promotional agenda in this regard, to my mind. Moreover, ‘Equality’, with a view to establish, a ‘just and equitable world order’ is the agenda of the UN which India fully supports and rightly so. It is high time for the GOI under the new NDA dispensation to consider and take the proposal to the UN through diplomatic channels. International Day of Equality will not only honour Babasaheb Ambedkar but will also provide a much needed further impetus to the cultural and soft diplomacy of India.

With greetings and all the best for your good health on the International Day of Yoga

 

 

Better Late Than Never – Addressing the dalit Vote Banks

 

Better Late Than Never – Addressing the dalit Vote Banks

In my latest blogs on the just concluded Lok Sabha elections, I invariably raised the issues of naming of Adampur Airport after Guru Ravidass, Guru Ravidass Mandir at Tughlakabas in Delhi and April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as International Day of Equality. These blogs may be perused at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/an-open-letter-to-voters-of-jalandhar.html

https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/jalandhar-parliamentary-constituency.html

One can easily observe that all these three issues are of emotive ones and are of concern and interest to the dalit communities as these entail sense of empowerment in the changing socio-political scenario. These issues directly come under the jurisdiction of the

central government where PM Narendra Modi of BJP adorned the coveted position in the South Block for the last 10 years and again been voted to power as leader of the NDA. I am sorry to say, in spite of repeated efforts and demands, no one paid any attention both in the government and socio-cultural outfits like RSS. Dalit communities are really, it seems, are perturbed with this willful sidelining and even ignoring these issues, if we go by the election results in the Doaba region of Punjab and beyond. The dalit voters are slowly getting aware and concerned. It is time to understand this emerging situation, the sooner the better. PM Narendra Modi tried to placate dalit voters in his eleventh hour rallies in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur and tactfully mentioned about Guru Ravidass and

Adampur Airport and Khuralgarh Sahib etc. . But it was only an election jigjag. There was no mention of Tughlakabad issue and that of International Day of Equality. I think it was a short-sighted approach which backfired. I am confident that the subsequent political analysis (Manthan) would underline these ground realities for the benefit of political players. Babasaheb’s dictum – ‘Educate; Agitate; Organise’ is taking effect slowly but surely; dalits are increasing getting educated and awakened, dalits have definitely started agitating on issues of concern and interest particularly with regard to their due space in the corridors of power and Panchayats of the society. Dalits are on track on the way to get organized. The things are changing and must change. It is getting increasingly clear, fortunately, that people are no more interested in listening ‘goody goody’ and they want real delivery.

My immediate provocation to write again is the letter of BJP Punjab Chapter’s President Sunil Jakhar’s letter of June 14 addressed to PM Narendra Modi on the issues of name of Adampur Airport and rebuilding of the government dazed Guru Ravidass Mandir at

Tughlakabad. I welcome this change of tack at its face value. I thanked Sunil Jakhar Sahib by my letter of June 14 which is texted below. There should be no problem in addressing these issues as these directly fall in the per-view of NDA government headed by PM Narendra Modi. I would only be happy if Jakhar Sahib and other bigwigs in the ruling elite also support the proposal on International Day of Equality to honour one of greatest sons of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar. I am confident that these affirmative actions on the part of the ruling outfits will not go unrewarded as the followers of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar know how to pay the debt of gratitude.

IK Tarze Tugafil Hai; So Weh Unko Mubarak,

IK Arze Tammana Hai; Who hum Karte Rahenge

 

Text of my letter dated June 13, 2024 to BJP President Sunil Jakhar

June 14, 2024

Respected Shri Sunil Jakhar Sahib,

I have just seen your letter of June13 (circulated by Sushil Rinku ji) addressed to the Hon’ble PM regarding naming Adampur Airport in the name of Guru Ravidass and also the issue of Guru Ravidass Mandir at Tughlakabad. I am apolitical votary of ‘Samrasta’, the prop of RSS, as long as they remain sincere to the cause of bring about ‘equitable social order’ in the society.. Many of the BJP/RSS bigwigs in and around Jalandhar and beyond know about this. As such, I have been writing on matters of interest and concern to the dalit communities in my blogs. I list here a couple of these recent blogs for your perusal.

https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/an-open-letter-to-voters-of-jalandhar.html

https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/jalandhar-parliamentary-constituency.html

You would observe that both the issues raised in your letter find mention in these write-ups. There is yet another issue – my proposal which I initiated in June, 2015 – April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality. The proposal is resting in the cup-boards of MEA/PMO since then. Unfortunately, I could not attract due attention to this proposal from the BJP leadership, in spite of my level best in this regard. My latest blog on the subject would provide you more information.

https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/an-open-letter-to-candidates-in-lok.html

You must have observed and realized that BJP fell down to 240 from more than 300 seats in the recent elections. It has been noticed by the political pandits that BJP’s dalit vote share came down by 3% and resulted in the said setback. If the BJP leadership had listened to me particularly on the proposal of International Day of Equality, perhaps the position would have been different and pleasant not only in Punjab but also beyond.

I thought of bringing this to your notice with a view to solicit your kind support. It is still not too late.

With the assurances of my highest consideration,

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

Shri Sunil Jakhar

President of Punjab BJP

 Chandigarh

 

Dance of Democracy – Matured Indian Voters

 

Dance of Democracy – Matured Indian Voters

I wrote about the wonders of Indian democracy a couple of times earlier in my blogs. In the process of getting mature over the years, Indian democracy has further thrown some more wonders in the just concluded Elections 2024. Let us pick up some of them with a view to analysis the resultant outcome; particularly with regard to the weaker sections of the society, minorities and the core values of the Indian constitution – Equality, Liberty, Fraternity and Secularism.

Before I begin, I will register here that it is a matter of gratification that ‘Indian democracy has come of age’. I said many a times in my blogs, discussions, and discourses that ‘India is India only because of its constitution’. It has been amply proved in spite of many jerks and challenges on the journey to ‘tryst with destiny’ as stated by
Jawaharlal Nehru. It has further justified the fears and apprehensions expressed by Babasaheb Ambedkar to safe guard our hard earned independence – hero-worship leading to dictatorship, placing self-interests above the national interests, adopting unconstitutional methods resulting in ‘Grammar of Anarchy’, transforming political democracy into social and economic democracy among others. I would try to list here my personal views on the emerging scenario not as a political analyst or an expert but as an ordinary citizen and humble stakeholder.

The mandate of Elections 2024 is many folds – with political, social, economic and even cultural message to all the political outfits and the incoming rulers of the country. Political: ‘We the people of India that is Bharat’ completely reject and negate dictatorial tendencies in the polity and support democratic discourse and accommodation; Social: We reject the agenda of religious polarization and communalism; Economic: We tend to support democratic socialism over capitalistic hegemony with well-defined and managed social securities and affirmative action to empower and up-lift socially and economically weaker segments of the society; Cultural: We want social harmony with fraternity and brotherhood among people in accordance with secular and inclusive orientation.

The festival of democracy; the Elections 2024 has underlined some of the basic facts and needs to sustain and keep ourselves on track in the journey with the sense that ‘we have come a long way but we are still to go a long way’ – We might have arrived but are still to reach. The drums of the dance of democracy have gone silent. The Aam

Aadami (Common man) has shown the way as Ira Pande wrote in her write up in the Tribune of June 9, “Finally, a salute to the aam aadmi, the common Indian, who is really the hero of this verdict. Overlooked, despised and dismissed as foolish and illiterate, he has more wisdom in his little finger than all those psephologists who only crunched numbers, and those reporters who thought they had the elections on their plate as they ate and chatted with citizens who spoke fluent English or Hindi.” Let us list some of the visible indicators in this regard:-

ü Federal State - India shall remain a ‘Union of States’ as stipulated in the constitution.  People have strengthened regional political outfits like TMC, DMK, TDP, SP, JDU, NCP, Shiv Senas among others in their respective regions. The BJP government of PM Narendra Modi tried to concentrate powers at Delhi. It has backfired. The States of Bharat shall have more autonomy and financial muscle. Our constitution is a unique and wonderful document with provisions to have “federal state with unitary bias”.  The separatist demands of radical elements in Punjab and others in other areas would sub-due in the process.  I would tend to agree with Harcharan Bains who commenting on the radicalism wrote in the Hindustan Times, “Instead of seeing radicalism through an alarmist-nationalist prism, it is better regarded as a sub-conscious call for dignified accommodation through legitimate democratic decentralization.”  India is Bharat and Bharat is India. There is no need to flag these things for narrow politico-communal agenda.

ü Religious polarization – The uncalled for and undesirable attempts to have religious polarization both by the hardcore Hindu majority and also the largest minority of Muslims have further complicated the scene. Though, it seems, people have rejected these efforts yet it has given chance to have yet another kind of polarization – caste based one that is SC, ST and OBC and even

Muslims joining hands against the majority Hindus. The new assertion of Samajwadi Party formulated the social approach as PDA – Pichhde – Dalit – Alapsankhyak  (Backwards, Dalits and Minorities) which make lot of sense.  One of the major failures of our polity has been that we could not have political polarization on the basis of ideology, agenda and programme which has resulted in Aya Ram and Gya Ram syndrome. Politicos tend to shift here and their without any logic just to cater to their selfish interests. It is a negation of democracy. I think, people are not oblivious of these unhealthy trends. Elections results in Faizabad and Jalandhar and else where have registered the resentment of people against religious polarization and shifting political loyalties mid-stream.

ü Reservations – It has been registered beyond doubt that reservation for SCs and STs and also for OBCs is going to stay. No party can stop even dilute these provisions even if they want to do so as their narrow agenda. This is a high point of the dance of democracy as Babu Kanshi Ram said “Vote Hamara Raj Tumara Nahin Chalega”. Dalit voters are becoming aware of the ground

realities. The old order of dalit leaders is fading  out giving way to young brigade of new leaders like Chandershekhar Azad of Nagina, Sanjna Jatav of Bharatpur, Shambhavi Chaudhary of Samastipur among others. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s lofty vision – Educate; Agitate; Organise is taking effect. Dalits are increasingly getting educated. They have started agitating for their due and rightful space in the polity and society. The third prop of the preposition that is ‘Organise’ is yet to come about. Dalit youth need to understand this: Divided we Fall and United we Stand.

ü Constitution – We have a dynamic constitution made under the visionary leadership of Babasaheb Ambedkar and others. It has proved itself over the years – in 1964, it answered the question ‘who after Nehru’; it upheld the system after PM Lal Bahadur Shastri’s sudden death abroad in 1966; it carried the burden of emergency in 1975 imposed by PM Indira Gandhi and smoothly brought in the change through democratic switch over under PM

Morarji Desai; it mandated democratically  Indira Gandhi again in 1980-81; it faced the after-math of mindless violence eliminating to of our PMs – Indira and Rajiv, it witnessed the unfortunate happenings of Blue Star action on Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar and also sad and condemnable happenings  involving the Sikh community in Delhi and other places in 1984 in the wake of assassination of PM Indira Gandhi;  withstood the after math of Mandal Commission among other important and telling events like the Babri Masjid- Ram Janam Bhoomi issue in the process. India faced foreign challenges on and across borders.  We the people of India prevailed as a united India. It could be done only because of the constitution. It is a clear message of the Election 2024, nobody should try to change the constitution and its lofty fundamentals – Equality, Justice, Liberty and Fraternity. Political class must understand this; sooner the better.

ü Coalition Governments – The ground realities of multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural, multi-lingual society have surfaced in the natural process of political evolution. There is nothing to worry about. Fortunately enough for us our fore fathers and

constitution makers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar were not oblivious of these aspects of the polity and society. Our constitutional framework is fully geared to handle and live with the emerging situations. It seems, the days of so called ‘stable governments’ with radical and fundamentalist agenda have gone giving way to ‘functional governments’ with consensual and pragmatic approaches to govern. We need, as Babu Kanshi Ram asserted “Majboor Sarkar not Majboot Sarkar” to carry forward the agenda of the depressed and marginalized segments of the society. There is no difficulty in this as under this premise, Majboor Sarkar means that the vested interests in the system of ‘graded inequality’ should not be given unbridled powers to neglect and ignore the interests of the underdog. Let the coalition governments function with a sense of carrying along all as PM Narendra Modi said “Sab Ka Sath; Sab Ka Vikas; Sab Ka Biswas”. These coalition governments would be an appropriate instrument to carry forward the policy of accommodation with fair play – Jis Ki Jitni Sankhya Bhari Utni Us Ki Hisedari. This approach would end the exploitation and high-handedness of the vested interest.

All said and done, let me conclude this long piece. The coalition government of NDA under the leadership of BJP is being formed in terms of the mandate of the Elections 2024. The dance of democracy will also halt on June 9 with the swearing in of the new government under the stewardship of PM Narendra Modi and the

country will look forward to prepare itself to face the challenges of the future. I only hope that the ruling dispensation has understood the message of the people as PM designate Narendra Modi said at the NDA meeting, “A bahumat (majority) is necessary to run a government. That is the only principle of democracy. But sarvmat (consensus) is very important to run the country. With this I wish all success to NDA – New India; Developed India; Aspiration India as termed by PM designate Narendra Modi. I wish the developed India also remains a democratic India and fraternal (Samras) India to remain on rails in the years to come. We need to contemplate and learn from the poetic assertion of Allma Iqbal to transform our democracy from political democracy to social and economic democracy as visualized by Babasaheb Ambedkar.

मस्जिद तो बना दी शब भर में ईमान की हरारत वालों ने
मन अपना पुराना पापी है, बरसों में नमाजी बनने न सका

(हालांकि मस्जिद मोमिनों ने रातों रात बना दी थी
हमारा दिल बरसों से पुराना पापी है इबादत करने वालों को नहीं बनाया जा सका)

 

इकबाल एक उपदेशक है, मन बातों में मोह लेता है
गुफ्तार का ये गाजी तो बना, किरदार का गाजी न बन सका

(इकबाल एक अच्छा सलाहकार है, पलों में दिल को मोह लेता है
बातों में तो वह हीरो बन गया, लेकिन कामों में वह एक नहीं हो सका।)