THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bedford- On the commemoration of Dr Ambedkar’s 135 birth anniversary, an event was organised on 26 April 2026 by the Ambedkar Mission Society, Bedford (AMS) supported by Guru Ravidass Dass Sabha (SGRS), Bhagwan Valmik Sabha (BVS) and Sant Nirankari Mission, Bedford. A number of community leaders, councillors and Bedford member of parliament were in attendance.
The event began with paying tribute to late Dhanpat Rattu, one of the founder members of AMS by observing two minutes silence. He passed away in November, 2025. Ram Pal Rahi, President of AMS, Arun Kumar, General Secretary and Santosh Dass MBE, President of Anti-Caste Discrimination UK (ACDA), former President of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations, UK (FABO UK) paid tribute to two stalwarts of Ambedkar mission in Bedford, late Dhanpat Rattu and Hukam Chand Mehami recognising their profound contribution to the movement in Bedford and beyond.
In his opening remarks, Ram pal Rahi, expressed his happiness and pride that Bedford is the only town in the UK where all communities come together and pay respect to Babasaheb for the last several years. It reflects that people are beginning to understand and acknowledge his contribution to the society.
Speaking on the equality day, Arun Kumar said that Bedford has become the second town in the UK to declare 14 April, the birth of Dr Ambedkar as equality day. Dr Ambedkar’s legacy of equality and justice is no more limited to one region or country but its significance is global. He felt disappointed as he was expecting from the Bedford Borough Council that the equality day would be observed again this year but it didn’t happen. He hoped that the Councillors would make a note of it and do something in the future.
Highlighting Bedford’s pivotal role, Santosh Dass described the local mission as a vibrant hub of activism, bringing together Ambedkarite, Ravidassia, Valmikis communities in a shared call to outlaw caste discrimination and raising awareness of the life and work of Dr Ambedkar. Reflecting on the intellectual legacy of Dr Ambedkar, Santosh spoke about the richness and enduring relevance of his seminal 1936 text ‘Annihilation of Caste’. She stressed the importance of engaging deeply with his writings, as well as understanding the wide-ranging social, economic, and judicial reforms he championed. She concluded with a powerful call to action: “our movement cannot become a worship of ashes. It must be the preservation of the fire lit by Dr Ambedkar. So don’t stand silent-roar against caste discrimination. Roar against misogyny, Roar against patriarchy. And let that roar be loud enough that no one, anywhere, can ignore it.”
Talking on the legacy of Ambedkar, Mohammad Yesin MP said that Ambedkar was a champion for equality, social justice, and human rights. His work challenged inequality in all forms and continue to inspire movements for fairness and inclusion around the world. His vision of a fair and inclusive society remains as relevant today as ever. He further added that he is committed to outlawing caste discrimination and had supported and spoke in the parliament many times to include caste in the Equality Act 2010. He assured that he would continue to support. He also stated that the government is reviewing the Equality Act 2010 and want to bring some changes.
In his speech, Councillor Henry Van said that he was happy to attend this very significant day. Last year, his party, the Liberal Democrats supported the motion to declare 14 April as a day of equality. That day has gone in his diary and he would make sure that Equality Day is observed every year. As a teacher of British history, he is very much interested in Dr Ambedkar and his works especially ‘Annihilation of Caste’.
Councillor Fauzia Zamir who was one of the champions to move the motion in regard to equality day, spoke on the hard work put up by her team and declare 14 April as equality day. It is good that all communities in Bedford campaigned for this motion together and Bedford Borough Council had to listen to it. She advised community members especially the youngsters to participate in electoral politics.
Councillor Harish Thapar emphasised on Dalit children education. Children from Dalit communities are lagging behind as they are unable to pay fees in private schools. It would be quite helpful if these children are adopted and their education is funded.
Rohin Kalyan and Anu Sahota, both university students, visited Ambedkar Museum last year and were impressed by the life and work of Dr Ambedkar. Rohin mentioned that he was learning more about him. Anu stated that it is vital that youngsters are aware of Dr Ambedkar’s struggle against caste discrimination. His message of ‘educate, organise and agitate’ is the guiding force for the empowerment of the marginalised. She would try to impart this message to youngsters.
Devinder Chander, General Secretary of Dr Ambedkar Buddhist Association, Birmingham and Chief Editor of Samaj Weekly and The Asian Independent, said that equality is not possible without economic and social equality. Today India is being ruled by capitalism and Brahminism, the enemies of equality. Without the annihilation of Brahminism, social equality cannot be achieved.
Jaswinder Kumar, President SGRS, raised his concern about not observing the Equality Day by the Bedford Borough Council. He advised everyone that during the election for Mayor and councillors, a commitment from the candidates to observe equality day every year should be taken. He also wanted that the Council should issue a proclamation on equality day as the Coventry city Council has done.
The event concluded with the vote of thanks from the President, Ram Pal Rahi. In his powerful address, he urged for support to the Bodhgaya Liberation movement to free Bodhgaya temple from the clutches of Hindus. The monks are on agitation for the last two years. He also appealed to the audience for financial help to the Ambedkar Mission Society towards the property AMS has just bought.
Giani Balvir Singh, Harbans Singh, Sucha Bangar and Santosh Nahar entertained the audience with their melodious voice.
Dr N. Sirinivasan, Des Raj Mehmi, Cllr Mohammad Nawaz, Tarlok Gharu, President, BVS, Councillor Ben Folly, Gurdevinder Kumar and Charanjit Chumber also attended and spoke.
Satpal Paul and family provided the refreshments.
