‘Bootan Mandi: Nerve Centre of Dalit Chetna’ – Just Released book of Ambassador Ramesh Chander
(THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT)- 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 Bootan Mandians 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 YouTube 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 Bootan Mandians 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.
At SSD annual conference in Agra , Kanshi Ram was in the audience, my father invited him to the stage but he did not come
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.
Despite this, balley saheb openly supported BSP candidate through Press conference( ref local news papers).
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*
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.
Balley saheb has gone, Kanshi Ram has gone but history will remain there. When an honest intellectual will write he will mention everything.
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:
Authors are responsible for their views as I wrote in the prologue and introductions.
The theme or focus of the book is Bootan Mandi in totalling and not individual incidents like political movements and personalities.
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 community 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 Sidharath 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 Bootan Mandians 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
दुनिया ने ताजरबात-ओ-हबादिश की सकल में
जो कुछ मुझे दिया है लौटा रहा हूं मैं
