Dr Ambedkar Birth-‘International Day of Equality’
(Arun Kumar)
(Samaj Weekly)- Dr Shashi Tharoor, the renowned author, winner of the Sahitya Academy Award, former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations, former Minister, Government of India and serving member of the Lok Sabha, made a visit to the Ambedkar Museum London on 11 June 2023. He is a great admirer of Dr Ambedkar and has recently authored a book ‘Ambedkar-A life’ in which Dr Ambedkar’s story is described with great lucidity, insight and admiration. A number of academics, students and followers of Dr Ambedkar were present during his visit.
Ms Santosh Dass MBE, President of Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations, UK (FABO UK) welcomed him and showed him around the museum. She had brief discussions with him about the background to the establishment of the museum as well as the campaign against caste discrimination in the UK. She also raised the issue of caste census in India with Dr Tharoor who indicated he had always supported it. Co-authored and coedited book by Santosh Dass ‘Ambedkar in London’ was presented to him courtesy of a copy donated by the Anti- Caste Discrimination Alliance. This book explores the life and time of Dr Ambedkar during his further studies in London at the London School of Economics, Gray’s Inn, his activism during Round Tables Conferences 1931-32 and his visit in 1946 to see Winston Churchill and other British politicians. It also explores his legacy including the Ambedkar movement in the UK, lobbying for the purchasing of the property where Dr Ambedkar lodged during 1921-22 and converting it into an Ambedkar Museum, and the campaign for including caste discrimination as a protected category in the British law.
Arun Kumar, General Secretary of FABO UK presented Dr Tharoor a letter with a request that he to take up with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister of India the issue of declaring 14 April – the birth date of Dr Ambedkar – as International Day of Equality. Arun also requested him to raise the issue in Parliament so that the real intension of government on this issue is made public. Dr Tharoor assured Arun that he would definitely raise this issue as the equality and fraternity both are very dear to him. Today we have the India’s Constitution providing liberty, equality and fraternity but in real sense there is no brotherhood.
C. Gautam, Joint Secretary presented a framed copy of a portrait of Dr Ambedkar – a replica of the painting donated by FABO UK to the Gray’s Inn displayed in the Ambedkar Room there.
In the visitors’ book at the Ambedkar Museum, Dr Throop wrote, “A great privilege to visit the remarkable Ambedkar House, lovingly preserved and curated as a memorial to the great man, with historic photographs, paintings and statues. The House evokes a bygone era and testifies to the vital importance of preserving the tangible legacies of one of the greatest Indians of all times. I hope Ambedkar House serves both a “pilgrimage Centre” and an active site for lively discussions on his life, beliefs and legacy. All the best.”
Ashraf Nehal, scholar, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London organised Dr Tharoor’s visit to the Ambedkar Museum.
