THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Issued by: Cllr Rupinder Singh,
Chair, Coventry Equality Group
December 2025
The Coventry Equality Group, under the leadership of Chair, Cllr Rupinder Singh, and Secretary & Founder, Cllr Ram Parkash Lakha OBE, successfully hosted its 2025 Winter Session on Saturday 6 December 2025 at the Ravidassia Community Centre, Jesmond Road, Coventry. The event marked Parinirvana Divas, the anniversary of the passing of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, India’s foremost constitutionalist, economist, jurist, social reformer and global icon of equality.
The session was attended by a wide range of councillors, Equality Group members, leaders from Gurdwaras and Temples across Coventry, community scholars, and residents. The atmosphere was deeply reflective, intellectually stimulating, and warmly unifying.
Councillors in Attendance
Many Coventry City Councillors attended, showing exceptional support for the message of equality and community cohesion:
- Cllr Pat Seaman
- Cllr Christine Thomas
- Cllr Maya Ali
- Cllr Seyi Agboola
- Cllr Amirjit Kaur
- Cllr Ram Lakha OBE (Founder of Coventry Equality Group)
- Cllr Rupinder Singh (Chair, Coventry Equality Group)
Their presence was widely appreciated by community members, reaffirming Coventry’s reputation as a city committed to fairness, dignity and inclusion. It was great to see all the councillors contributed in the discussion segment of the conference.
Dr Ambedkar: A Master-Class Scholar of Equality
Introducing and educating the community about Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s work, ideas, challenges and achievements is one of Coventry Equality Group’s central aims.
Ambedkar’s analysis of inequality remains unsurpassed, and his solutions—rooted in education, legal rights, constitutional morality, social reform and fraternity—remain deeply relevant and powerful today.
From overcoming extreme discrimination to becoming:
- Chair of the Drafting Committee of India’s Constitution
- India’s first Law Minister
- A pioneer of civil liberties, women’s rights and labour protections
- A globally recognised scholar in law, politics, anthropology and economics
Dr Ambedkar’s journey was marked by relentless struggle and immense moral courage.
Keynote speaker Mr Devinder Kumar Chander highlighted how Ambedkar’s peers in early independent India often obstructed his progressive reforms, despite the urgent need to tackle structural inequalities.
Speakers: Deep Reflections on Ambedkar’s Thought and Historical Milestones
Parmjeet Jassal
Parmjeet delivered an insightful talk on Ambedkar’s resignation as India’s first Law Minister, explaining how his landmark proposals—especially the Hindu Code Bill—were blocked repeatedly. Parmjeet emphasised that Ambedkar resigned not out of disappointment alone, but as an act of ethical protest against injustice.
Tejinder Singh
Tejinder highlighted Ambedkar’s argument that democracy requires more than just voting rights. Drawing from Ambedkar’s writings, he remarked that equality requires enforcement, symbolised by Ambedkar’s notion of “a constable for democracy” to safeguard constitutional rights. Tejinder showed how Ambedkar viewed political democracy as contradictory without social and economic equality.
Keynote Speaker: Devinder Kumar Chander
Mr Chander spoke passionately about:
- The difficulties Ambedkar faced in early independent India
- The harsh inequalities present at the time
- The political and social barriers raised even by colleagues
- Ambedkar’s unwavering commitment despite hostility
His detailed analysis captivated the audience.
A Highly Engaging Open Discussion Led by Chair Cllr Rupinder Singh
Chair Cllr Rupinder Singh facilitated the open-floor discussion in an energetic and inclusive manner.
Participants commented that:
- It was “one of the most meaningful discussions ever held in Coventry on Ambedkar’s legacy”
- They would like more discussion-based sessions of this kind
- The format encouraged honest, thoughtful participation
Many attendees expressed that the session had educational, emotional, and inspiring value.
Community Representatives, Faith Leaders & Members Who Contributed
The success of the session was made possible by the collective efforts of numerous valued contributors.
From Shri Guru Ravidass Temple, 19 Jesmond Road
- Ashwani Kumar
- Raj Kumari
- Amrik Singh ji, whose signature tea was enjoyed by all
- Supporting team members who assisted with serving, hospitality, hall arrangements and catering
Their warm seva, coordination and generosity played a major role.
From Shri Guru Ravidass Gurdwara, 475 Foleshill Road
- Mrs Anita Puri, who attended with her team
- They contributed richly to the discussion and networking sessions
Other respected community members
- Gurcharan Rabidas
- Jagjeevan Dass
- Dr Madan Lal
- Mukhtar Singh Mattu
- Jagdish Banga
- Daulta Bali
Their participation strengthened the dialogue and community spirit.
Coventry Equality Group Members – Teamwork at Its Best
A large part of the event’s success came from the outstanding teamwork of Equality Group members:
- Jagpal Singh
- Raghbir Singh (Raghbir Chand)
- Mrs Jassal
- Harshu Saini, who played a key role in creating an attractive setup and ensuring smooth coordination
- Tajinder Singh
- Amirjit Kaur
- Ashoni Kumar
Their dedication to organising, preparing the hall, managing logistics, welcoming attendees, and supporting all aspects of the event—from presentation setup to catering—was widely praised.
Special thanks also go to Jag Pal and Harshu Saini, who handled hall preparation, seating arrangement, and the visual setup with great care and professionalism.
Celebrating Unity, Education & Community Cohesion
The Winter Session exemplified Coventry’s shared commitment to:
- Equality
- Mutual understanding
- Learning from history
- Celebrating community diversity
- Standing against discrimination in all forms
The Coventry Equality Group reaffirmed its ongoing objectives:
- Celebrating Equality Day every 14 April
- Promoting Ambedkar’s message of Educate, Agitate, Organise
- Encouraging unity across faiths and backgrounds
- Advocating for the recognition of International Equality Day
- Strengthening partnerships with temples, Gurdwaras, community groups and civic institutions
Closing Message from the Chair
“Dr Ambedkar showed humanity that equality is a moral duty, not a slogan. His teachings guide us as we build a Coventry rooted in dignity, justice and fraternity. I thank all councillors, faith leaders, members, volunteers and community partners whose contributions made this Winter Session a historic and inspiring event.”
— Cllr Rupinder Singh, Chair, Coventry Equality Group
For Enquiries or Membership
Coventry Equality Group
Chair: Cllr Rupinder Singh
Secretary & Founder: Cllr Ram Parkash Lakha OBE
