THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Ramesh Chander
The writer is A Retired Career Diplomat.
Though I am not fond of too many rituals yet one ritual which I religiously do over the years since June, 2015 is reminding the GOI and other stake holders of the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as International Day of Equality. Keeping in line with the increasing stock of Ambedkar and his Thought, rightly so, the proposal has been taken seriously by the people of foreign countries and has declared the day as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality but GOI is still shying away and keeping quite due to reasons not understandable. Let it be and I do my bit in doing the ritual as usual. I last wrote on the subject in March, 2025 which may be seen at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2025/03/indias-soft-and-cultural-diplomacy.html
Having tried to cajole all the possible centers of powers who can and should help the matter, I thought of writing to the young blood of the NDA Government who, I understand, professes to be an Ambedkarite, Minister Chirag Paswan to fall in the shoes of his worthy father, Ram Vilas Paswan. Ram Vilas Paswan did many positive things to honour Babasaheb, to pay his debt of gratitude, during his life time which, inter alia, include; Bharat Ratan to Babasaheb, Babasaheb’s statue at Parliament Complex and Holiday on Babasaheb birthday on April 14 among others. It is not a partisan issue. I solicit all round support to the proposal and urge the GOI spearheaded by PM Narendra Modi to understand the importance and sensitivity of the matter. There is writing on the walls of the Indian households which I can read clearly – Nobody can ignore Ambedkar for long.
I append below my humble letter of My 29, 2025 to Hon’ble Minister Chirag Paswan with copies to EAM, Dr. S. Jaishankar and Principal Secretary to PM, Shri P.K. Misra for the benefit of the people t large.
IK Tarze Tagafil Hai So Woh Unko Mubarak
IK Arze Tammana Hai Woh Hum Karte Rahange
Text of the letter dated May 29, 2025
May 29, 2025
Respected Minister Chirag Paswan Sahib,
Though I wrote to you earlier too with regard to the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN yet I don’t know whether you are aware of the matter or no. Since I find and appreciate you and your position that can carry forward the proposal to its logical conclusion being a competent and vocal leader of India who may understand the importance and desirability of the proposal pertaining to Babasaheb Ambedkar. By supporting the proposal you would not only be justifying your position and involvement in the empowerment of the marginalized sections of the society and their icon, Babasaheb but also be doing a bit in following the legacy of your worthy father, Ram Vilas Paswan, an ardent follower of Babasaheb Ambedkar, one of the biggest sons of contemporary India.
The proposal on International Day of Equality is resting with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015 when GOI decided to observe and celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar. It was duly acknowledged by the UNEP Division of MEA vide their letter date August , 2015, attached for ready reference. The proposal was taken by the Forum of SC MPs under the leadership of then Punjab Speaker, Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal to PM Narendra Modi in a Memorandum submitted through a delegation, of which your honourable father Ram Vilas Paswan was a member in November, 2015. Accordingly, for the first time, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, April 14, was celebrated at the UN in New York. Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal headed a specially assembled delegation to the celebrations in New York in April, 2016. He raised the matter for the consideration of the international community in his speech which was overwhelmingly supported and endorsed by the UN and other countries. On return Sardar Atwal wrote to PM Modi in May, 2016 and urged him and the GOI to make an official and diplomatic demarche to UN with regard to the proposal on International Day of Equality, attached for ready reference. Since then, I have been following up the matter religiously with the MEA/PMO and others including the high-ups in the BJP and RSS hierarchy. But nothing much has moved visibly except yet another acknowledgement from MEA in September, 2024, attached for ready reference.
I may add that it is a matter of gratification to note that many states and cities in the USA, the UK, and Canada among others, supporting the proposal, have proclaimed April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as Day of Equality in their respective areas. It could be possible because of whole hearted support and persuasion of the Indian Diasporas and followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar throughout the world. Why the GOI is blissfully silent on the proposal? It is difficult to understand.
All said and done and to cut the story short, it is my gut feeling that the proposal on International Day of Equality is hanging fire only because of political considerations. So far, I have tried my best to avoid making it an issue of political rivalry and slugfest. My basic arguments in favour of the proposal have been – empowerment of the marginalized sections of the society (dalits and women), strengthening of India’s Soft and Cultural diplomacy like the International Day of Yoga and International Day of Non-violence (October 2, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi) and realization of the lofty ideals of the UN in bring about an Equitable World Order.
Kindly look into these submissions and consider for taking an appropriate view and take up the matter with PM Narendra Modi and other stakeholders in the GOI. I am confident, Sir, you would honour the legacy of your father, Ram Vilas Paswan in getting due and honourable space to Babasaheb Ambedkar which he deserved in anyway.
With my highest considerations and regards,
Yours truly,
(Ramesh Chander)
Shri Chirag Paswan,
Minister for Food Processing,
New Delhi
Copy: –
1. Dr. S. Jaishankar, EAM, New Delhi
2. Principal Secretary to PM, New Delhi
