It is time to remind – International Day of Equality
-Ramesh Chander
(Asian Independent)- I wrote on the proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality in my blog on September 11, 2023 which may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2023/09/rising-profile-of-bharat-international.html
Nothing much has happened since then and we stand there; where we were with regard to the proposal on International Day of Equality. From day one since June, 2015 when the proposal was made to the EAM Sushma Swaraj, I have tried my every best to avoid becoming this initiative political and partisan as Babasaheb Ambedkar is a national icon, one of the greatest sons of India in the contemporary times. His thought and legacy with regard to equality and fraternity not only in India but the world at large is well respected and recognized in the civilizes societies conforming to the objectives of the UN to bring about a ‘just and equitable world order’. India is fully committed to these lofty ideals. As such, the proposal on International Day of Equality fully fits in the policy framework of India’s ‘soft and cultural diplomacy’, I believe. It is time for the Government of India to revisit the subject and take an early decision to make a demarche and bring the proposal on the High Table of the UN.
Of late, some of the young politicians and social activists have started taking note of the proposal on International Day of Equality and rightly so though the main stream political parties are still are blissfully ignorant and sitting tight. GOI is absolutely, tight lipped in spite of the fact they don’t leave any opportunity to own Babasaheb Ambedkar for their own motivated agendas. One of my latest facebook posts of mine would tend to provide the flavor of the changing mood of the public in this regard and here I quote, “Thanks Hon’ble MP Sushil Rinku ji for extending your unconditional and unreserved whole hearted support to the Proposal on declaring April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as the International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. The proposal is resting with the GOI since June, 2015.
You have been mentioning about the proposal at various public occasions which I appreciated very much. But of late you have given it a new dimension by saying that the proposal should become a mass movement by bring it to the public domain by the politicians and followers of Babasaheb. I recall that you expressed yourself fully on November 14, 2023 while releasing my book “Some Random Thoughts on Babasaheb Ambedkar and His Legacy and again asserted it on our Langer Podium of on the Shoba Yatra on February 23 at Jalandhar. It clearly shows that your unstinted and unqualified support and dedication to carry forward the proposal.
I take this opportunity to thank you for this principled approach. I only wish other leaders, irrespective of party affiliations, do the same.”
Yes, I think that the time has come to take the proposal on the Day of Equality to the public domain in a vigorous way. The young politico and social activists should take the lead and make it a ‘public movement’. No one should be allowed to exploit and use the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar for their selfish agendas and do nothing to give and get a due share to the greatest son of India in the scheme of the things to come.
While I remind the GOI to revisit the proposal and take it to the UN through diplomatic channels before April 14, 2024 before, to my mind, people get concerned and restive on the studied silence of the ruling elite.
