Ramesh Chander-
THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK- I wrote my last blog on the subject of April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality which may be accessed at: http://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/10/ambedkar-ka-jadu-sar-chad-kar-bolega.html
Since then, nothing much has happened except a brief acknowledgement from the Ministry of External Affairs. But Ambedkar, due to one reason or the other, remained in news; first because of the parliamentary and assembly elections and second in the wake of the 75th anniversary year of the adoption of the Constitution of India on November 26, 1949.
The Government of PM Narendra Modi, thoughtfully, decided to observe Constitution Day in a befitting manner and rightly so. There was an interesting but acrimonious debate on the Constitution of India in both the Houses of Parliament. Obviously, Babasaheb Ambedkar remained in focus of the debate. It became amply clear that the future of emerging India would hover around Ambedkar in the years to come. There is no way out – Ambedkar Ka Jadoo Sar Chadkar Bolega.
An immediate provocation to write again came from the media report in the Tribune about a function arranged by BJP’s dalit face in Punjab, Vijay Sampla as an exercise in damage control on allegedly uncharitable remarks made by Home Minister, Amit Shah on Ambedkar while participating the debate in the Parliament. I quote from the news item, “Tarun Chugh, national general secretary of the BJP, said this while addressing a gathering at a programme titled ”Ambedkar ko Samarpit Modi” organised by the Sampla Foundation today. Chugh said giving a befitting tribute to Ambedkar, the Modi government developed five key sites related to Baba Ambedkar. Dr Ambedkar’s Janma Bhoomi in Mhow, his cremation place Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, Shiksha Bhoomi – place in London where he studied, Deeksha Bhoomi – the place in Nagpur where he embraced Buddhism and Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi – the place in Delhi where he passed away.” The Congress Party has responded with a new slogan to own the legacy of Ambedkar “Jai Bapu – Jai Bhim – Jai Savidhan” The ongoing campaign for Delhi Elections has, as usual, invoked Ambedkar’s name in wooing the dalit vote banks. It is certain that a swing of 2-3% of dalit votes would make or unmake the chances of capturing the reins of power in Delhi. Maybe the ruling BJP may like to take the decision to honour the greatest icon of India to enjoy the resultant dividend at the EVMs in Delhi.
In this background, I take the liberty of reminding the BJP and the Government of PM Narendra Modi on the proposal on declaring April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. It will not only be a good gesture to assuage the ruffled and hurt sentiments of the followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the wake of the alleged uncharitable observations by the top leadership of BJP but also a befitting tribute to the memory of one of the greatest sons of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar in run up to the celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of the Constitution of India of which he was chief architect.
Let us come out of the lip service and do something concrete to realise the lofty ideals of our polity “Equality, Liberty and Fraternity”
Ik Tarze Tagafil Hai, So Woh Unko Mubarak,
Ik Arje Tamana Hai, Woh Hum Karte Rahange.
