As I Please – International Day of Equality
-RAMESH CHANDER
(THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT, UK)- The last time I wrote in my blog about the subject was March, 2024. We are about to enter September after a couple of days and September has been the month when invariably thought of reminding the GOI about the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as International Day of Equality as it concerns the UN. Traditionally, our PM and or EAM will go to New York and address the world from the high podium of the august organization in its annual UNGA. Though much water has flown in the Ganges and the Hudson in New York yet I am not tired as of today. I wrote this time to the President of BJP, J.P. Nadda under endorsement to 
other dignitaries concerned including EAM and PMO. As of now, I have been consciously trying to keep the proposal apolitical. But perhaps time has come to underscore its political 
importance and resultant dividend, if it is accepted and political fallout too, if it is not duly considered and a response not given by the political leadership; particularly that of the ruling elite. People, especially the followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar are keenly and patiently watching the situation. The emerging scenario, in the wake of the recent elections, has clearly shown that the marginalized sections of the society for whom Babasaheb Ambedkar is a national icon, will no longer sit tight and would tend to say their mind in a democratic way. We would ignore Ambedkar at our own peril.
With this background, I share herewith my letter of August 27, 2024 to Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, President of BJP and urge the stake holders in the proposal to come out and support the proposal on International Day of Equality before it gets too late.
IK Tarze Tugafil Hai So Woh Unko Mubarak
IK Arze Tammana Hai Woh Hum Karte Rahenge
Text of my letter of August 27, 2024 –
August 27, 2024
Respected Shri J.P. Nadda Sahib,
I am taking the liberty of writing to you on an issue of which you may be of aware as I have been writing to you on the subject off and on in the past many years – The proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as the International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN.
The proposal is resting with the MEA/PMO since June, 2015. Ever since, I have been pursuing the matter with all whom I considered could be of help in this regard. My last letter dated September 11, 2023 to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar may be seen at the Annexure to this letter.
I may add that I have consciously been trying to keep this issue apolitical as Babasaheb is a national icon and shall be recognized as such. Since the matter pertains to the GOI under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and the BJP, it would only be appropriate for me to take up the matter with you not only as an important Minister in the GOI but also as President of the BJP as I am confident that after a 10 years stint, NDA government headed by BJP would remain in power in the years to come. My last Blog written in March this year on the subject which would provide a bit more information on the proposal may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/03/it-is-time-to-remind-international-day.html
Though the matter is apolitical, as I said, yet kindly allow me to say my mind. You know that Ambedkar is a phenomenon which would remain firm on the socio-political firmament of the country for a long time to come. The fast changing political scenario on the basis of ‘one vote – one value’ would always be influencing the politics of the country and as such the marginalized sections of the society would tend to have their say. It has been proved in the recent elections. No political outfit can afford to ignore this ground reality. I know for certain that BJP under your stewardship and the GOI under PM Narendra Modi cannot remain oblivious of the coming scenario. Supporting the proposal on International Day of Equality to honour Babasaheb Ambedkar would, obviously result in good dividends not only politically but also strengthen India’s stature in the realm of ‘Socio-cultural – Soft diplomacy’ in the comity of nations in line with International Day of Non-violence and International Day of Yoga.
You would agree, Sir that time is of essence. I urge you to kindly have a fresh look on the proposal and consider the proposal and decide. It would only be appropriate if the proposal on International Day of Equality is taken to the UN through diplomatic channels and EAM/PM may include the matter in their speeches at the forthcoming UNGA in September, 2024.
I am confident, Sir, that my submissions will find due consideration with you.
With personal regards,
Yours truly,
(Ramesh Chander)
Shri J.P.Nadda,
President of BJP
New Delhi
Copy to:
i. Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs
ii. Shri Varindra Kumar, Minister of Social Justice
iii. Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing
iv. Shri Ramdas Athawale, MOS for Social Justice
v. Principal Secretary to PM. Shri P.K. Mishra
vi. Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of RSS
Annexure – Text of Letter dated September 11, 2023 to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar
September 11, 2023
Respected Sir,
First of all, I congratulate you and the GOI on the successful G-20 Meet yet another feather in your hat. I take this opportunity to wish you further success in the days to come.
I am writing this again, Sir, to remind you on the proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality in the ambit of Bharat’s Soft and Cultural Diplomacy. I have been writing to you and other stakeholders in this regard. My last letter dated May 6, 2023 to you in this regard is enclosed for ready reference. Meanwhile, more than 30 organizations pertaining to Babasaheb Ambedkar, Gautam Buddha and Guru Ravidass in the UK submitted a Memorandum to the High Commissioner of India in support of the proposal. I am sure the HC must have forwarded the Memorandum to the MEA. I wrote a blog on this which may be accessed at:- http://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-more-merrier-all-buddhist-and-guru.html
I also wrote an open letter to the BJP leadership with a view to sensitize them and solicit their understanding and support which may be seen in my blog:- http://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2023/05/an-open-letter-to-bjp-leadership-april.html
You would appreciate that, Sir; International Day of Equality is an important proposal which would tend to strengthen Bharat’s soft diplomacy on one hand and honour one of the greatest sons of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar on the other. The timing of this submission is to catch up with the forthcoming UNGA in the last week of September, 2023. You may like to take advantage of your presence and participation in the UNGA to take up the proposal on International Day of Equality in your address to the international community.
With regards and all the best wishes.
Yours truly
(Ramesh Chander)
Dr. S. Jaishankar,
Minister of External Affairs,
South Block, New Delhi
Copy to:- Shri P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM, PMO, South Block, New Delhi
