THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Ramesh Chander
The writer is A Retired Career Diplomat.
PM Narendra Modi is coming to Jalandhar again on July 17. One cannot understand the focus of BJP on Punjab in view of the forthcoming elections. “This will be the Prime Minister’s second visit to Jalandhar in the past five months. During his previous visit in February, he had visited Dera Sachkhand Ballan to call on the Dera head and Ravidassia leader Sant Niranjan Das, who has recently been honoured with a Padma Shri.” – it has been reported in the Tribune today, July 15. I thought of revisiting and flagging the issues of interest and concern to Dalits of Punjab and beyond and solicit the kind attention of the Hon’ble PM as, to my mind, Dalits are not pleased with the ‘sweet nothings’ and are eagerly waiting to listen from the horse’s mouth on the two important matters:-
1. Guru Ravidass’s 650th Gurpurb in Febraury 2027 – GOI are still to announce the road-map and the details of the celebrations as promised and expected too.
2. April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of UN. The proposal is resting with GOI (MEA/PMO) since July, 2015.
My recent blog on the subject would provide more details of our submissions:- https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2026/06/letter-to-bjp-president-samrasta-agenda.html
I have been writing and reminding the concerned, both in GOI and the BJP, religiously. But I regret to add that as of now there is no positive response in this regard. The followers of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar are resting perturbed and restive, in my cursory assessment. The ruling elite would ignore this at its own peril.
Ik Tarje Tugafil Hai; So Weh Unko Mubarak,
IK Arje Tamann Hai; Who Hum Karte Rahenge.
