“Equality may be a fiction but nonetheless one must accept it as a governing principle.” – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Caste Discrimination: A stumbling block in the development of SCs/STs Women in India >Dr. Saroj Rani, Associate Professor, M.A; PhD Saroj Rani, Associate Professor, M.A; PhD Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian constitution, a true celebrated champion of women emancipation in India saw a dream for gender equality. He laid down the foundation of concrete and sincere efforts by codifying the common Civil Code for Hindus and other sections of Indian society. He stated that women should be given all-round development more importantly social education, their well -being and socio-cultural rights. He emphasized that each and every section of Indian women be given their due share and it is a must to maintain and protect dignity and modesty of women. Dr. Ambedkar tried an adequate inclusion of womens` right in the political vocabulary and constitution such as: Article14 – Equal rights and opportunities in political, economic and social spheres. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the ground of sex. Article 15(3) enables affirmative discrimination in favour of women. Article 39 – Equal means of livelihood and equal pay for equal work. Article 42 – Human conditions of work and maternity relief. Article 51 (A) (C) – Fundamental duties to renounce practices, derogatory to the dignity of women. Article 46 – The state to promote with special care, the educational and economic interests of weaker section of people and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. Article 243D (3), 243T (3) & 243R (4) provides for allocation of seats in the Panchayati Raj System. Several constitutional safeguards and laws in the judicial system for the protection of women are available but the crime rate against SCs/STs women in India has been on the rise. According to Citing data from the National Crime Record Bureau, Ambika Pandit report in the Times of India (Dec 6, 2023), 57,582 cases registered for committing crime against Scheduled Castes (SCs) in 2022(50,900). The data reflects an increase of 13.1% over 2021. Similarly, a total 10,064 cases registered for committing crime against Scheduled Tribes (STs), an increase of 14.3% over 2021(8,802). This article tries to examine the contemporary social, economic and political status of SCs/STs women in India. In rural & urban areas of India, the SCs/STs women are subjected to social segregation and are the victims of the caste system which create barriers in the development of SCs/ STs Women. It is a common feature that the SCs/STs women face abusive and stigmatized language in everyday life. The elite upper caste women do not prefer to interact with their fellow sisters because of the prevalence of the caste system. The SCs/STs women are not invited to participate in cultural and religious functions of the society where mostly they reside. One side, the SCs/STs women are discriminated by the fellow sisters, another side they remain socially backward and submissive due to the prevalence of ‘Patriarchy’. Within the family and their own community, they are subjected to various kinds of social taboos such as inter-caste marriage, regressive Hindu beliefs and norms that constraints their social advancement. Recently, the “Stand Up India Scheme” was launched by the Modi government to facilitate SCs/STs women entrepreneurs. Because of the lack of digital literacy, the SCs/STs women do not get the benefit of such flagship schemes. The system is as complex as the exploitation of sources and resources at the hands of upper caste people is a common feature. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of an independent India, said: “Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar was a symbol of revolt against all oppressive features of Hindu society. His dream of society based on gender equality is yet to be realized and therefore his thoughts are important for the social reconstruction that favors women empowerment”. It is concluded that society`s mental attitude needs to be changed towards SCs/ STs women to empower them socially, economically and politically. Dr Saroj Rani, Associate Professor currently teaching Economics at University of Delhi. हिंदी अनुवाद जातिगत भेदभाव: भारत में अनुसूचित जाति/अनुसूचित जनजाति की महिलाओं के विकास में एक बाधा डॉ. सरोज रानी, एसोसिएट प्रोफेसर, एम.ए., पीएच.डी भारतीय संविधान के मुख्य वास्तुकार, भारत में महिला मुक्ति के सच्चे प्रतिष्ठित चैंपियन डॉ. बी.आर. अम्बेडकर ने लैंगिक समानता के लिए एक सपना देखा था। उन्होंने हिंदुओं और भारतीय समाज के अन्य वर्गों के लिए समान नागरिक संहिता को संहिताबद्ध करके ठोस और ईमानदार प्रयासों की नींव रखी। उन्होंने कहा कि महिलाओं को सर्वांगीण विकास और अधिक महत्वपूर्ण सामाजिक शिक्षा, उनकी भलाई और सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक अधिकार दिए जाने चाहिए। उन्होंने इस बात पर जोर दिया कि भारतीय महिलाओं के प्रत्येक वर्ग को उनका उचित हिस्सा दिया जाना चाहिए और महिलाओं की गरिमा और शील को बनाए रखना और उनकी रक्षा करना जरूरी है। डॉ. अम्बेडकर ने राजनीतिक शब्दावली और संविधान में महिलाओं के अधिकार को पर्याप्त रूप से शामिल करने का प्रयास किया जैसे: अनुच्छेद 14 – राजनीतिक, आर्थिक और सामाजिक क्षेत्रों में समान अधिकार और अवसर। अनुच्छेद 15 लिंग के आधार पर भेदभाव पर रोक लगाता है। अनुच्छेद 15(3) महिलाओं के पक्ष में सकारात्मक भेदभाव को सक्षम बनाता है। अनुच्छेद 39 – आजीविका के समान साधन और समान कार्य के लिए समान वेतन। अनुच्छेद 42 – मानव कार्य की स्थितियाँ और मातृत्व राहत। अनुच्छेद 51 (ए) (सी) – महिलाओं की गरिमा के लिए अपमानजनक प्रथाओं का त्याग करना मौलिक कर्तव्य। अनुच्छेद 46 – राज्य कमजोर वर्ग के लोगों के शैक्षिक और आर्थिक हितों की विशेष देखभाल करेगा और उन्हें सामाजिक अन्याय और सभी प्रकार के शोषण से बचाएगा। अनुच्छेद 243D (3), 243T (3) और 243R (4) पंचायती राज प्रणाली में सीटों के आवंटन का प्रावधान करता है। महिलाओं की सुरक्षा के लिए न्यायिक प्रणाली में कई संवैधानिक सुरक्षा उपाय और कानून उपलब्ध हैं, लेकिन भारत में एससी/एसटी महिलाओं के खिलाफ अपराध दर बढ़ रही है। राष्ट्रीय अपराध रिकॉर्ड ब्यूरो के आंकड़ों का हवाला देते हुए, टाइम्स ऑफ इंडिया में अंबिका पंडित की रिपोर्ट (6 दिसंबर, 2023) के अनुसार, 2022 में अनुसूचित जाति (एससी) के खिलाफ अपराध करने के लिए 57,582 मामले दर्ज किए गए (50,900)। डेटा
In an interview to Bheem Patrika Editor, Dr. Surendra Ajnat*, MA, PhD elaborates
“Equality may be a fiction but nonetheless one must accept it as a governing principle.” – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar In an interview to Bheem Patrika Editor, Dr. Surendra Ajnat*, MA, PhD elaborates: Dr. Rahul Balley with Dr. Surendra Ajnat Q. When did you start writing on Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism? Explain briefly the names and work of dedicated people who devoted their whole life to spread the ideology of Dr. Ambedkar in context of Punjab. How you evaluate their work? A. I started writing on Buddhism and Ambedkarism in early 1970’s. There are many people in Punjab who devoted their lives for Buddhism and Ambedkarism, but the first name that comes to my mind is that of Mr. Lahori Ram Balley (popularly known as Balley in India and abroad) who left no stone unturned for the spread of the duo. He authored books, penned articles in different languages and delivered lectures to propagate Buddhism and Ambedkarism not only in Punjab but also in India and abroad. I must confess here that I was inspired by Mr. Balley. Then there was Mr. Hazara Ram Bodhi. He always devoted his life for the spread of the duo. He sold literature everywhere. Thus, people got books at their doorstep. His bicycle was always full of books mostly written by Mr. Balley. Then there was Mahashay Krishan Kumar Bodhi of Nawanshahr. He was previously an Arya Samajist, but after listening to a speech of Mr. Balley in 1956 became a lifelong Buddhist and Ambedkarite. He raised Ambedkar Bhawan at Nawanshahar where a school is imparting education to boys and girls. All these great men devoted their lives in their own way to the cause of Buddhism and Ambedkarism. We have great respect for their contribution and salute them, though towering personality of Mr. Balley stands above all. Q.Punjab has unique social position in which open chasm among Ambedkarites and Ravidassis is seen. What are the issues you think need to be addressed and how can this widening split be bridged? A. The chasm between the Ravidasis and Ambedkarites seen in Punjab is but natural though both belong to the same social category. Ambedkarites have left their traditional religion and have embraced Buddhism at the behest of Dr. Ambedkar whereas Ravidasis have not abondened their traditional religion. That is the main cause of the chasm: their belief systems and worldviews are opposed to each other; despite caste similarity. But Buddhists and Ambedkarites do not believe in caste, they stand for castelessness. Buddhism and Ambedkarism is an atheistic way of life, while Ravidasis are theists. To bridge the gap many writers try to present guru Ravidas ji as a Buddhist, but that carries no weight. People remain unaffected by such exercises. Both of them- Ambedkarites and Ravidasis- are dalit; but there is no dalitology – dalit ideology – which could solidify the dalits. Consequently, dalits lack unity as dalits. There is no monolithic dalit identity, so to expect unity among dalits is like chasing wild goose. If ever a strong dalit identity emerges and supersedes all other identities then Buddhism and Ambedkarism shall mortally suffer– these identities shall stand overshadowed and face the worst crises of existence. Why do the Buddhists and Ambedkarites not seek the Buddhist and Ambedkarite allies instead of seeking Ravidasis who are of another feather in the first place? Birds of same feather flock together, they say. Q. Despite 33% Dalit population in Punjab, the Dalits are unable to build up a strong political front in Punjab, what hurdles you think are working within the community to stop this? A. Though Dalit population is 33% in Punjab, they fail to build a strong political front – that really pains. But as I have already stated, Dalit are not a monolithic community. They have risen, it seems, above dalithood and are adopting non-dalit political parties. On a reserved seat 4 or 5 dalits fight from different parties. All that shatters the dalit identity badly as acrimony entails. In such a situation building a strong political front of dalits is a herculean task. Q. Caste discrimination is hardly noticed in day- to day life in Punjab but Honor Killing is worse than Caste discrimination. How you examine it? A. ‘Honor Killing’ is the result of very cruel casteist mindset. That perpetuates caste-consciousness through terror. This is a new malady which must be remedied soon. Such barbarous acts are a slur on the civilization. Q. How you evaluate the mushrooming of societies, organizations and Foundations in the name of Dr. Ambedkar and Tathagata Buddha in Punjab? How these institutes can be brought under one umbrella; what are your suggestions? A. That is a very serious situation. In a democracy people are free to make societies or associations, but when the aim is not different, why should there be mushrooming of such organizations? They only create confusion and division in the society. The main cause seems that those who find no place in old organizations, they feel compelled to create new societies and there they become presidents etc. I propose making a federation of all the existing societies/ associations. All may work independently under the umbrella of federation; which would meet from time to time. That would be better for the present. Surendra Ajnat did M.A. in Sanskrit and Hindi respectively. He is a University Gold Medalist and bagged Doctor of Philosophy. He is well versed in scriptures. Dr. Ajnat is a staunch rationalist and atheist. Dr. Ajnat contributes articles to various national and international newspapers, magazines and research journals. Dr. Ajnat is a staunch Ambedkarite and Buddhist and penned down several books on Dr. Ambedkar and Buddhism. Want to be the part of Ambedkarite movement & learn more… Connect with Us Name* Contact No.* Email* Message Submit
Buddhism
Issue: November, 2024 Buddhism Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumoured by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.– Tathagath Gautam Buddha- Buddha’s bone fragments sent from India to Thailand by Bheem Patrika Correspondent Buddha’s bone fragments sent from India to Thailand; sacred relics to be treated as ‘state guest’ Apart from the Kapilavastu relics, the relics of two of Buddha’s disciples, Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana. The culture ministry said the relics will be accorded the dignity of a state guest, with an Indian Air Force aircraft and prayer ceremonies. Six monks will travel with the delegation. The relics will journey to Thailand on February 22, and will be returned to India on March 19. In Thailand, the relics will go through a period of quarantine at the National Museum, Bangkok after which it will be displayed at Bangkok’s Sanam Luang Pavillion for 11 days. After that, the relics will be displayed at Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, and finally at Krabi, with the schedule earmarking 5 days at each of the three venues. Kapilavastu Relics (circa 5th-4th century BC) from Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh.Credit: National Museum, New Delhi (हिन्दी अनुवाद)) बुद्ध की अस्थियों के टुकड़े भारत से थाईलैंड भेजे गएI भारत से थाईलैंड भेजे जाएंगे बुद्ध की अस्थि के टुकड़े पवित्र अवशेषों को ‘राज्य अतिथि’ के रूप में माना जाएगा कपिलवस्तु के अवशेषों के अलावा, बुद्ध के दो शिष्यों, अरहत सारिपुत्र और अरहत मौदगलायन के अवशेष. संस्कृति मंत्रालय ने कहा कि अवशेषों को भारतीय वायु सेना के विमान और प्रार्थना समारोह के साथ एक राज्य अतिथि की गरिमा दी जाएगी। प्रतिनिधिमंडल के साथ छह भिक्षु यात्रा करेंगे. अवशेष 22 फरवरी को थाईलैंड जाएंगे, और 19 मार्च को भारत वापस आ जाएंगे। थाईलैंड में, अवशेष राष्ट्रीय संग्रहालय, बैंकॉक में संगरोध की अवधि से गुजरेंगे जिसके बाद इसे बैंकॉक के सनम लुआंग पैविलियन में प्रदर्शित किया जाएगा। 11 दिन. उसके बाद, अवशेषों को चियांग माई, उबोन रतचथानी और अंत में क्राबी में प्रदर्शित किया जाएगा, जिसमें तीनों स्थानों में से प्रत्येक के लिए 5 दिन निर्धारित किए जाएंगे। (हिंदी अनुवाद श्री बी.आर. भारद्वाज द्वारा) Albert Einstein on Buddhism The religion of the future will be a Cosmic religion…..covering both the natural and the spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense rising from the experimental of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity; Buddhism answer this description. Entrance of Buddha Bhoomi in ordinary homes Rabindranath Tagore talked of Buddhism. For Tagore, the teaching of the Buddha inspired a great sense of universality and were of tremendous relevance to what he saw as the modern malaise of greed, corruption, and wealth. Buddhist stories and themes permeated his writings. This included his popular collection of poem, Katha (1900) and the drama Acalayatan (1912) inspired by the Divyavadana, to his late-period dance dramas, Shapmocan(1931) and Shyama(1939) based on stories from the Mahavasta Avadana . For many Indians, particularly Bengalis, the Tagore were the pride of the land, and when Rabindranath and others talked of Buddhism with either the paintbrush or the pen, the nation listened. Their depictions, literary and visual, were mass produced in their tens of thousands by lithographic printers and then distributed through bazars. Like this, the ancient spaces of Buddha Bhoomi entered ordinary homes and businesses, guiding modern India`s Buddhist place -making. (Douglas Ober (2023), Dust on the Throne: The Search for Buddhism in Modern India, Stanford University Press, Stanford California, p.146. Buddhist Saints and Scholars In the history of Buddhism, after Gautama Buddha, we came to know about prominent Buddhist saints and scholars from South India who devoted their life for the spread of Buddhism. Some of them are listed below: Bodhisena Bodhisena , a venerable monk of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, was the first Indian Buddhist monk to go to Japan and propagate the Buddha-Dhamma there. It is said that a Japanese monk, Tazi-hi-marito had come to India in about 723 AD to learn more about Buddhism. He met Bodhisena , who was a renowned orator , writer an scholar of Buddhism at that time, and they became good friends. Later Bodhisena was invited by Emperor Shomu to Japan. Accordingly, he sailed for Japan via South Sea and reached Japan in 736 AD. Impressed by his knowledge of the teachings of the Buddha, in particular, his understanding of the Buddha-avatansaka -Mahavaipulya-sutra, Emperor Shomu invited Ven Bodhisena to perform the consecration ceremony of the Maha -Vairochana Buddha. Thus, Bodhisena had the honour to act as the officiating Minister at the historic ceremony in 749 AD of the Great Buddha at Nara. Bodhisena passed away in Japan at the age of 57 in 760 A.D. Buddhamitra Buddhamitra was born at Ponparri village of Arantangi taluk of Tanjore district. He was a reputed Tamil teacher and preacher. Buddhamitra was contemporary of the Chola king, Virarajendra, who ruled from 1063-1070. On the request of the Chola King, Buddhamitra wrote a comprehensive Tamil grammer, and named it ‘Virasoliyam’, after his royal patron. Buddhamitra, who was a Mahayana Bhikkhu, not only refer to the Buddha-Dhamma in the concluding verses of the Tamil grammer but also invariably mentions the Buddha and his virtues while giving examples for the purpose of elucidating rhetorical devices. बौद्ध संत और विद्वान हिंदी अनुवाद बौद्ध धर्म के इतिहास में, गौतम बुद्ध के बाद, हमें दक्षिण भारत के प्रमुख बौद्ध संतों और विद्वानों के बारे में पता चला, जिन्होंने बौद्ध धर्म के प्रसार के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित कर दिया। उनमें से कुछ नीचे सूचीबद्ध हैं: बोधिसेना तमिलनाडु में मदुरै के एक
भारतीय संविधान विश्व का अद्वितीय एवं सर्वश्रेष्ठ कानूनी दस्तावेज
“Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise both will wither and die.” – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar भारतीय संविधान विश्व का अद्वितीय एवं सर्वश्रेष्ठ कानूनी दस्तावेज Baldev Raj Bhardwaj अंबेडकर मिशन सोसायटी पंजाब (रजि.) की ओर से 26 जनवरी 1950 को भारत के गणतंत्र दिवस को समर्पित ‘भारतीय संविधान और लोकतंत्र’ विषय पर एक संगोष्ठी का आयोजन बाबा साहेब डॉ. अंबेडकर की चरण स्पर्श भूमि अंबेडकर भवन में किया गया, जिसमें प्रख्यात बुद्धिजीवियों और दर्शकों ने भाग लिया। इस चर्चा में मुख्य वक्ता के रूप में प्रोफेसर बलबीर, सेवानिवृत्त प्रमुख, स्नातकोत्तर राजनीति विज्ञान विभाग, दोआबा कॉलेज जालंधर ने भाग लिया। प्रोफेसर बलबीर ने अपने ज्ञानवर्धक भाषण में कहा कि डाॅ. बीआर अंबेडकर संविधान के मुख्य वास्तुकार हैं और उनके मार्गदर्शन में बनाया गया भारतीय संविधान दुनिया का सबसे अच्छा और व्यापक कानूनी दस्तावेज है। उन्होंने कहा कि इसकी प्रस्तावना भारतीय संविधान की आत्मा है। इसने भारत में समानता, स्वतंत्रता और भाईचारा स्थापित करने का प्रयास किया है। डॉ. अंबेडकर द्वारा भारतीय धर्मतंत्र को संविधानतंत्र में बदलना भारत के संसदीय लोकतंत्र की एक बड़ी उपलब्धि है। प्रोफेसर बलबीर ने कहा कि भारतीय संविधान में निहित मौलिक अधिकार, सभी वयस्क नागरिकों को वोट देने का अधिकार, स्वतंत्र न्यायपालिका, चुनाव आयोग और राजनीति के निदेशक सिद्धांत भारतीय संविधान के महत्वपूर्ण और अमूल्य अंग हैं। उन्होंने चिंता व्यक्त की कि वर्तमान समय में भारत में केवल ध्रुवीकरण के माध्यम से राजनीतिक लोकतंत्र को ही पनपाया जा रहा है। न्यायपालिका और चुनाव आयोग तथा केंद्रीय लोक सेवा आयोग सहित अन्य सरकारी संस्थाओं की स्वतंत्रता को कमजोर करके सामाजिक और आर्थिक स्वतंत्रता को नष्ट किया जा रहा है। सोसायटी के अध्यक्ष श्री सोहन लाल, सेवानिवृत्त डीपीआई (कॉलेजों) ने कहा कि भारत में सही अर्थों में समानता, स्वतंत्रता और न्यायपूर्ण लोकतंत्र की स्थापना के लिए बाबा साहब द्वारा अथक परिश्रम, दृढ़ता और दूरदर्शिता से तैयार किये गये संविधान से भारत में संसदीय लोकतंत्र की स्थापना की नींव रखी गई, लेकिन आज की परिस्थितियों में भारतीय संविधान की मूल भावना का रूपान्तरण हो रहा है। उन्होंने कहा कि सभी भारतीयों को अपने मौलिक अधिकारों को बनाये रखने के लिए भारतीय संविधान की सुरक्षा के प्रति सचेत रहना चाहिए। उन्होंने चर्चा के मुख्य वक्ता प्रोफेसर बलबीर और दर्शकों का धन्यवाद किया और आश्वासन दिया कि अंबेडकर मिशन सोसायटी पंजाब (रजि.) भविष्य में भी संविधान और डॉ. अंबेडकर साहब की विचारधारा के बारे में जागरूकता पैदा करने के लिए ऐसी चर्चा जारी रखने का प्रयास करती रहेगी। सेवानिवृत्त राजदूत रमेश चंद्र ने अपने भाषण में कहा कि हर भारतीय नागरिक का कर्तव्य है कि वह संविधान की रक्षा करे। इस चर्चा में अंबेडकर भवन ट्रस्ट के महासचिव डॉ. जीसी कौल ने भी डॉ. अंबेडकर द्वारा भारतीय संविधान के मुख्य निर्माता के रूप में किये गये योगदान के बारे में दर्शकों के साथ अपने विचार साझा किये। Baldev Raj Bhardwaj इस अवसर पर सोसायटी के महासचिव बलदेव राज भारद्वाज द्वारा प्रस्तुत एवं सर्वसम्मति से पारित दो प्रस्तावों के माध्यम से सरकार से अनुरोध किया गया कि बाबा साहब डाॅ. अंबेडकर द्वारा भारतीय संविधान और संसदीय लोकतंत्र की सफलता के लिए 25 नवंबर 1949 को संविधान सभा की आखिरी बैठक में दिए गए ऐतिहासिक भाषण को स्कूलों और कॉलेजों के पाठ्यक्रम में शामिल किया जाना चाहिए, ताकि भारत की नई पीढ़ी को लोकतंत्र के सच की पूरी तरह से जानकारी हो सके। एक अन्य प्रस्ताव के माध्यम से चुनाव प्रक्रिया में ईवीएम के उपयोग पर प्रतिबंध लगाने की मांग करते हुए भारत में मतपत्र के माध्यम से चुनाव कराकर चुनाव प्रणाली में पारदर्शिता स्थापित करने की पुरजोर मांग की गई। इस चर्चा में चरण दास संधू, परमिंदर सिंह खुट्न, तिलक राज, हरभजन निमता, डाॅ. चरणजीत सिंह, डाॅ. महेंद्र संधू, मलकीत सिंह, बीबी महेंदो रत्तू, परमजीत महे, महेश चंद्र, एडवोकेट यज्ञ दीप, मास्टर जीत राम, सेवा सिंह भट्टी, गुरदयाल जस्सल, शाम लाल, हरि राम ओएसडी, प्रिंसिपल केएस फुल, ललित कंगनीवाल, नरिंदर लेख, अश्वनी कुमार, एडवोकेट राजिंदर आजाद, अमरजीत सांपला, एडवोकेट सुनील कुमार आदि ने भाग लिया। यह जानकारी अंबेडकर मिशन सोसायटी पंजाब (रजि.) के महासचिव बलदेव राज भारद्वाज ने एक प्रेस बयान में दी। Want to be the part of Ambedkarite movement & learn more… Connect with Us Name* Contact No.* Email* Message Submit
What Buddha Said?
Buddhism “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”– Tathagath Gautam Buddha- What Buddha Said ? Noble eightfold path: right view, right aspiration right speech right action right livelihood right effort right mindfulness right concentration Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded. Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways. Everything in moderation, including moderation. Buddha Want to be the part of Ambedkarite movement & learn more… Connect with Us Name* Contact No.* Email* Message Submit
Deaf and Blind Dalit MPs in the Indian Parliament
Editorial in English: Deaf and Blind Dalit MPs in the Indian Parliament Dr. Rahul Kumar Balley, PhD Kursi hai tumhara ye janaza to nahin hai Kuchh kar nahin sakte to uter kyon nahin jaate ! -Irtiza Nishat First of all, I presume that the Dalit MPs have no time to read this article. Secondly if they happen to read this, they would label me as an agent of the Congress or the BJP party. I do not care for these sorts of allegations. I shall always raise the voice of my people whenever I find an opportunity or a platform. I feel that every concerned Dalit should come forward to raise voice of the marginalised Dalits. Dalit Representation in the Parliament It is often seen that the Dalits leaders are allured by political parties either for plum posts or financial rewards. The majority of the Dalit leaders are chosen only to exploit the strength of the Dalits in the Dalit populated constituency. Political parties run by Upper Caste Hindus, generally, do not entertain closely the Dalit leaders unless or until he or she religiously follow their ideology and be ready always for causing callous damage to the interests of the Dalits at large. For Example, Chirag Paswan, a Dalit leader from Bihar went to Vaishno Devi to seek her blessings for his film. Such category of Dalit leaders is suitable to national political parties run by Upper Caste Hindus. Since the BJP backed by RSS came into power at the centre, the party has pruned the strength of the Dalits hence they are under-represented in the Parliament of India. Those who are in the BJP are voiceless, powerless and toothless. They cannot dare to even stand closer to Prime Minister Narender Modi. As per Home Minister Amit shah officials tweet in 2022, 52 Dalits Members of Parliament are in the BJP. Despite this, the Dalit Members of Parliament are unable to raise voice against atrocities being committed by Upper Caste Hindus in every state, district or village. The Dalits are subjected to all kinds of humiliations and insults at the hands of the Upper Caste politicians and administrators. Social discrimination Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr, Bhim Rao Ambedkar, a great son of India, a constitutionalist, a Barrister -at- law, an economist and a sociologist observed that the fight between Dalits and Hindus is social not religious. The oppressed and supressed Dalits are subjected to various kinds of social disabilities. In 1927, Dr. Ambedkar launched Mahad Satyagraha to allow untouchables to use water in a public tank in Mahad, Maharashtra. Dr. Ambedkar was a rebel. Dr. Ambedkar did not bother for any kind of plum post or financial award but kept on fighting the Brahmanical supremacy till his death on 6th December, 1956. After his death, not a single BJP Dalit member of parliament could dare to stand for the rights of the Dalits. In December 2019, a 20-year -old Dalit boy was beaten in Ahmedabad, Gujarat for sporting a moustache. In Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, stones were thrown at a Dalit groom`s wedding. The curse of discrimination has permeated into the educational institutions without impunity. The Dalit students are committing suicides because of antagonistic attitude towards them. Rohith Vemula in 2016 committed suicide in the hostel of University of Hyderabad. The Hindu press planted knowingly several stories and the case was given different colour. Even the Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani said that there is no question of an apology from her government in the suicide case of Rohith Vemula[1]. After the BJP came into power at the centre, the ABVP activists are systematically discouraging the Dalit students by using immoral methods in association with Hindu minded teachers and students. At several places in India, the Dalits burnt the copies of Manu Smriti ( Dr. Ambedkar burnt in on 25th December, 1927) . None of the Dalit MP did so. Untouchability Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar wrote, “To the untouchables Hinduism a veritable chamber of horrors. The sanctity and infallibility of the Vedas, Smritis and Shastras, the Iron of law od caste, the heartless law of karma and the senseless law of status by birth are to the Untouchables veritable instruments of torture which Hinduism has forged against the Untouchable[2]” Untouchability is still practised in both rural and urban India by Upper Castes Hindus. According to former UGC chairman Prof, Sukhadeo Thorat, “The caste system in India involves “rank and gradation,” which make “the rights and privileges of higher castes, become the disabilities of the lower castes, particularly the untouchables.” In Himachal Pradesh, according to one study around 129 types of untouchability practices are prevalent. A case in the state is relevant to mention here. In mid-February, a government -run high school in Kullu district segregated its Dalit students and told them to sit outside in a place used for horses during the telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s ‘Pariksha Par Charcha[3]’. There are hundreds of such cases of untouchability being practiced by the Upper Caste Hindus across the country. The irony is that there are no systematic and collective efforts by Dalit MPs to fight the curse of Untouchability. Poverty Historically, Dalits have remained landless. Jodhka and Gautam on Dalit entrepreneurship for the Social Exclusion reports: “Despite several positive changes, caste continues to play a role in the urban economy, and for the Dalit entrepreneurs (studied) it was almost always negative. Dalits lacked economic resources, but even when they had economic resources, they were crippled by a lack of social resources[1].” Almost 100 million Dalits in India – or one third of their total
Shri L R BALLEY MEMORIAL ACADEMY Ranjeet Kumar Gautam
“Equality may be a fiction but nonetheless one must accept it as a governing principle.” – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar श्री एल. आर. बाली मेमोरियल एकेडमी की आवश्यकता और महत्व रंजीत कुमार गौतम B.A. , M.A. (Political science and International) गौतम बुद्ध विश्वविद्यालय भारतीय संविधान में अनुच्छेद – 21 ( A ) के अनुसार शिक्षा का अधिकार का प्रावधान किया गया है। और भारतीय संविधान में ही अनुच्छेद – 46 के अनुसार यह प्रावधान किया गया है कि राज्य, जनता के दुर्बल वर्गों के विशिष्टत : अनुसूचित जातियों और अनुसूचित जनजातियों के शिक्षा और आर्थिक संबंधी हितों की विशेष सावधानी से अभिवृद्धि करेगा और सामाजिक अन्याय और सभी प्रकार के शोषण से इन वर्गों की सुरक्षा प्रदान करेगा। परंतु उपरोक्त प्रावधानों को कितना जमीनी स्तर पर लागू किया जाता है , यह अपने आप में बहुत बड़ा प्रश्न है। यदि हम हम इसकी वास्तविकताओं पर नजर डालते हैं तो हमें ज्ञात होता है कि सरकारी विद्यालयों में विशेषतः प्राथमिक और माध्यमिक विद्यालयों में समस्त छात्रों को निशुल्क भोजन , निशुल्क कपड़े , निशुल्क किताबें , और निशुल्क बस्ते व दलिया प्रदान किए जाते हैं जो कि ऐसा होना भी चाहिए परन्तु इन विद्यालयों में योग्य अध्यापक होने के बावजूद भी शिक्षा नाम की कोई स्थान नहीं है। जो सरकारी अध्यापक इन सरकारी विद्यालयों में पढ़ाते हैं वे स्वयं अपने बच्चों को इन विद्यालयों में पढ़ाना पसंद नहीं करते। उन सभी अध्यापकों के अधिकतर बच्चे प्राइवेट और मंहगे स्कूल में पढ़ते है। अतः इससे स्पष्ट होता है कि माध्यमिक और पूर्व माध्यमिक विद्यालयों में शिक्षा का स्तर अत्यंत ही खराब है। सबसे महत्वपूर्ण बात यह है कि इन सरकारी विद्यालयों में पढ़ने वाले अधिकतर छात्र – छात्राएं गरीब , दलित और पिछड़े समाज से होते हैं। गरीब और खासकर अधिकतर दलित – पिछड़े संबंधित लोगों के पास इतने पैसे नहीं होते हैं कि वे अपने बच्चों को किसी प्राइवेट और मंहगे विद्यालयों में पढ़ा पाये। ऐसी अवस्था में वे अपने बच्चों को सरकारी विद्यालयों में भेजने हेतु विवश होते हैं। परंतु वहां पर शिक्षा बेहतर ना होने के कारण ये विद्यार्थी विद्यालय जाने के बावजूद भी अशिक्षा के ही शिकार होते हैं। इन्हीं सब बातों को ध्यान में रखते हुए वर्षों तक बाबा साहब अंबेडकर जी के करीबी रहे , महान लेखक और विचारक , अंबेडकरवादी योध्दा , महान समाज सुधारक और आजीवन भीम पत्रिका के संपादक रहे श्री एल. आर. बाली साहब जी के स्मृति में महामानव तथागत बुद्ध और बाबा साहब अंबेडकर जी के विचारधारा पर आधारित गरीब , दलित व पिछड़े समाज से संबंधित छात्रों के लिए ग्राम – महमदपुर सैजनियां , जिला – शाहजहांपुर ( उत्तर प्रदेश ) में हमें श्री एल. आर. बाली मेमोरियल एकेडमी की स्थापना करना पड़ा। हम इस एकेडमी के माध्यम से समाज के कमजोर वर्गों और गरीब छात्रों को निशुल्क रूप से शिक्षित करने का कार्य करेंगे । मेधावी छात्रों को प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं में हिस्सा लेने हेतु प्रोत्साहित करने का कार्य करेंगे। एकेडमिक शिक्षा के साथ-साथ हम इन छात्रों को शारीरिक , नैतिक , बौध्दिक और बुध्दिस्ट और अंबेडकरवादी शिक्षा भी प्रदान करेंगे। जिससे आगे चलकर ये सभी छात्र समाज और इस देश को सही दिशा प्रशस्त करने में अपनी अहम भूमिका का निर्वहन कर सकें। हम इस एकेडमी को प्रतियोगी छात्रों के लिए स्वअध्ययन केंद्र के रूप में तब्दील करेंगे और कुछ कंपटीशन से संबंधित पुस्तकें भी उपलब्ध करवाने का हमारा प्रयास रहेगा। फिलहाल अभी इस एकेडमी में श्री विमलेश कुमार , श्री मिथलेश कुमार , श्री सन्नी कुमार , श्री मनीष कुमार अध्यापन का कर रहे हैं। और श्री राम कुमार , श्री पृथ्वी आनंद , श्री अरविन्द कुमार भारती , श्री विमलेश कुमार और मैं ( रंजीत कुमार गौतम – संस्थापक ) इसके मुख्य कार्यकारिणी सदस्य हैं। 13 मार्च 1927 को बाबा साहब अंबेडकर जी द्वारा स्थापित आल इंडिया समता सैनिक दल ( रजि.) राज्य इकाई उत्तर प्रदेश के द्वारा श्री एल आर बाली मेमोरियल एकेडमी का संचालन किया जाता है। मैं ग्राम महमदपुर सैजनियां के माननीय ग्राम प्रधान का विशेष धन्यवादी हूं जिन्होंने अपने ग्राम पंचायत के बरात घर में इस एकेडमी के संचालन करने हमें अनुमति प्रदान किया। और आल इंडिया समता सैनिक दल (रजि.) के चेयरमैन डॉ. एच. आर. गोयल , जनरल सेक्रेटरी श्री अशोक शेंडे , श्री एल. आर. बाली साहब के सुपुत्र श्री आनंद बाली , इंजी. हरिओम सिंह , श्री विक्रम सिंह , श्री नरेश कुमार व अन्य मिशनरी साथियों का मैं विशेष आभार एवं धन्यवाद व्यक्त करता हूं जिनके आर्थिक सहयोग से इस एकेडमी का संचालन करना संभव हो पाया। इस एकेडमी का आगे भी संचालन होता रहे , इसके लिए भी दान पारमिता की भावना रखने वाले मिशनरी साथियों से मैं मिशनरी साथियों से सहयोग करने हेतु विनम्र निवेदन करता हूं। दिनांक – 26 नवंबर 2023 को संविधान दिवस के पावन अवसर पर मेरे पूज्य अध्यापक श्री सुभाषचन्द्र कुशवाहा जी के करकमलों द्वारा इस एकेडमी अनावरण किया गया। 26 नवंबर 1949 को बाबा साहब अंबेडकर जी ने भारत का संविधान बनाकर देश को समर्पित किया था और उसी दिन अर्थात 26 नवंबर 2023 को श्री एल. आर. बाली मेमोरियल एकेडमी का स्थापना कर मैंने समाज को समर्पित किया , अतः इस बात पर मुझे सदैव गर्व रहेगा। Want to be the part of Ambedkarite movement & learn more… Connect with Us Name* Contact No.* Email* Message Submit
Shri Balley Ji was an institution – Monica Sallan
Edition – November, 2023 Editorial in English: Shri Balley Ji was an institution Monica Sallan With great reverence, Papaji was more than a grandfather to me. Because I lived in Canada I saw him briefly throughout my 40 years of life. He used to visit us on several occasions and I always found him reading books and making notes. Publishing Bheem Patrika was always a priority to him because he believed that he would carry the message of Baba Saheb Dr. B.R.Ambedkar to the people of the world so he did till last breath of his life. When he left the world, the last issue of Bheem Patrika was edited by him and is preserved by us. His thoughts are inspirational. When I grew up I met many people in Canada who proudly tells me that they read books of Balley Saheb. When I hear this I feel myself proud. He wasn’t simply a grandfather that held me in his arms. He wasn’t simply a grandfather that fed me with his hands but he was more than that, If I define his magnetic personality he was my role model. He was an inspiration to me and I wished to be like him. My grandfather was a liberal man who wanted freedom for women, he always wanted that a girl child should gain higher education and rise in life. His motivation pushed to join and finish Master in journalism in Canada, because I wanted to tell stories like him. In 2005, I made my first documentary on the caste system. While I was making this documentary I sought his guidance on several issues. I found him knowledgeable. In my childhood, my parents spoke about the great things that Baba Saheb Dr B.R Ambedkar did for the downtrodden of India and how my grandfather promised to continue the work of Dr Ambedkar, at that time I could not understand fully. Over the years, seeing my grandfather’s dedication to Bheem Patrika and writing over 100s of books, I found that my grandfather kept Dr Ambedkar’s legacy alive . So now it’s our turn to keep his legacy alive. My grandfather was a great orator. I often listen his recorded speeches. I found that there was pin drop silence in the hall. The audience was mesmerized by his motivational speeches. My grandfather and grandmother loved their grandchildren dearly. They always treated their grandchildren like VIPs. I felt like a VIP in their presence whenever I came to India. They were very protective. I found that My grandfather house in Jalandhar was always full with people who used to come to my grandfather to seek his advice on social, religious and political issues. He was a staunch Buddhist. Monica Sallan Grand Daughter from Canada withShri. L. R. Balley Ji He came to Canada and stayed with us, motivated every one in the house to set up Ambedkar centers in Canada. My respected father Mohinder Sallan and my mother Suajta Sallan always helped financially the poor children in India for studies. I am proud of my parents. My grandfather was a humble man. Ambedkar Bhavan in Jalandhar is a sign of that humblness and sincerity to the mission of Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar. We are so proud of being his grandchildren. We will always remember him as being a worldy man with great values. We will miss him dearly. We are grateful that he left behind a great legacy and a treasure of books. When we see his videos supervising the construction of Ramabai Ambedkar Yadgar Hall in Ambedkar Bhawan, Jalandhar at the age of 93 we get motivated. His thoughts will live on forever. My promise to him is to translate his autobiography in English so that the generation that cannot read Hindi or Punjabi can read his amazing stories in English and learn his struggle full life. We are inspired to walk a mile in his footsteps. I am prepared to carry forward the caravan of Baba Saheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the father of Indian Constitution. Want to be the part of Ambedkarite movement & learn more… Connect with Us Name* Contact No.* Email* Message Submit
Why do Dalits dislike Gandhi?
Edition – November, 2023 Editorial in English: Why do Dalits dislike Gandhi? Dr. Rahul Kumar Balley, PhD The fight between Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar (1891-1956) and M.K. Gandhi (1869-1948) is well documented in the chronicles of Indian history. Dr. Ambedkar was a champion of the downtrodden whereas Gandhi was an ardent supporter of Hinduism and promoted all rubbish traditions, rituals of Brahminism. Gandhi believed in the sanctity of Manusmriti that ordains & sanctifies the age-long oppression & exploitation of the Untouchables by Hindus. Gandhi was a hard-core promoter of Manusmriti, Gita, Shankaracharya`s Vedant, Mahabharat, Ramayana and the Puranas. The Ramayana used to be regularly read in Gandhi`s family. A Brahmin called Ladha Maharaj used to read it.[1] According to Dr. Ambedkar, the three authors of the Vedas were buffoons, knaves & demons.[2] Gandhi said that it is foolish to condemn Vyasa for his defense of the caste system.[3] On 25th Dec, 1927, Dr. Ambedkar burnt the ‘Manusmriti’. In an interview with T.V. Parvate in 1938 Dr. Ambedkar said, “The bonefire of Manusmriti was quite intentional, we made a bonefire of it because we view it as a symbol of injustice under which we have been crushed across centuries.”[4] Dr. Ambedkar was an atheist. On 29 Aug,1931 when Gandhi travelled to London, he said to the media, ‘my faith in God, my advisor is God’.[5] Dr. Ambedkar urges on the Mahar community, as a preliminary step towards the change of religion to refrain henceforth from worshiping Hindu deities to put a stop to the observance of Hindu festivals & to put a stop to visiting Hindu holy places.[6] Inter-dining or inter-marriage solution for getting rid of Untouchability was suggested by Dr. Ambedkar. Gandhi has most categorically stated that removal of Untouchability does not mean inter-dinning or inter-marriage between the Hindus and the Untouchables.[7] Gandhi was an ordinary lawyer who never won any legal case for his client whereas Dr. Ambedkar was a Barrister -at -law and won several legal cases for his clients. Dr. Ambedkar fought for social, political and economic rights of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) and saw to it that ‘Reservation’ for the socially and economically backward Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) implemented and safeguarded in the constitution of India. Alone, Dr. Ambedkar won Reservation for the SCs and STs. The fruits of which now the SCs and STs are enjoying. Gandhi opposed separate electorate for the Depressed classes at the Round Table Conference in London. Not only opposed but also declared fast unto death against the Communal Award of his Majesty`s government. Dr. Ambedkar, on humanitarian ground saved Gandhi`s life while agreeing to the ‘Poona Pact’. Gandhi took no interest in Bardoli programme which related to the Untouchables. The Satyagraha at the Kala ram Temple situated in Nasik, a town in the Nasik District of the Bombay Presidency, was organized to establish the rights of the Untouchables to enter Hindu temples. The Satyagraha movement was no doubt independent of the Congress . it was organized by the Untouchables, led by the Untouchables and Financed by the Untouchables. Dr. Ambedkar commented that Gandhi however did not give support to the Satyagraha. Not only did he not give his support, he condemned it in strong terms.[8] Dr. Ambedkar commented that ‘Gandhi’s anti-untouchability campaign is marked by so many twists and turns, inconsistencies and contradictions, attacks and surrenders, advances and retreats’ Gandhi collected 1 crore and 25 lakhs of Swaraj Fund, found that only 48 thousand rupees were allotted to the cause of the untouchables’.[9] Gandhi in his whole life undertook 21 fasts. In these 21 fasts there is not one undertaken for the removal of Untouchability.[10] On Gandhi `s half hearted campaign on Untouchability, Dr. Ambedkar commented sarcastically, “there have been many Mahatmas in India whose sole object was to remove Untouchability to elevate & absorb the Depressed Classes , but every one of them has failed in his mission. Mahatmas have come & Mahatmas have gone. But the Untouchables have remained as Untouchables[11]”. References: [1] Dr. Ambedkar (1978), Writings and Speeches, Government of Maharashtra, vol..9,p.241., [2] Ibid, Vol.4, p.156., [3] Ibid, Vol.I, p, 292., [4] Ibid.Vol.17, part I, p.25., [5] Ibid, Vol.17, part I, p.384., [6] Ibid.Vol.17, part I, p.245., [7] Ibid.Vol.9, p.294., [8] Dr. Ambedkar Writings and Speeches, vol.9, p.247., [9] Ibid.Vol.9, p.254., [10] Ibid.Vol.9, p.254., [11] Ibid.Vol.9,p.315. Dr. Rahul Kumar Balley – Ph.D Gandhi began assaulting Dr. Ambedkar not alone but also with powerful, moneyed Birla family. At that period of time, Birla family was very close to Gandhi. The popular rather one can say securely that all social, economic and political agendas of Gandhi were organized by Birla family. Gandhi was against industrialization and thought machine as an evil thing whereas Dr. Ambedkar was progressive and thought that India can prosper only through industrialization. In Gandhi’s view, “western civilization is the creation of satan”[1]. On one occasion when British came to arrest him at night, they found Gandhi in bed with a girl of eighteen.[2] Girja Kumar commented in his book, “Gandhi had his massage practically naked with young girls as his masseurs”.[3] Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer,PM, of Travancore, told Mountabatton that , “Gandhi was a most dangerous , semi-repressed sex maniac”.[4]. According to Dr. Ambedkar, of all religions in the world it was Hinduism that recognized caste distinctions and Untouchability. Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism on 14th October, 1956 a Nasik, Maharastra, along with million Dalit followers since he strongly believed that the Dalits if remains in the fold of Hinduism, would be persecuted forever. While announcing at Nachidatsu Fuji`s Japanese ( Nipponzon Myohoji) temple in Bombay that , “ he will dedicate the rest of life to the revival and spread of Buddhism( TOI 1Oct,1950; HT , 4May1950). In responding to it Gandhi retorted: “ religion is not like a house or a cloak, which can be changed at will ( the Htavada, 16 October ,1935, in CWMG Vol.68:65).[5] While speaking at the Vesak celebrations in the Maha Bodi Society `s Dharmarajika vihara
Dr. Ambedkar`s Statues Vandalized – Dr. Rahul Kumar
Edition – November, 2023 Dr. Ambedkar`s Statues vandalized and hatred behind it! Dr. Rahul Kumar Balley Since the death of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1956, a wave of hatred among Hindu groups is flourishing. Hindu groups and its leaders claim that ‘Reservation’ for the Scheduled Castes (SCc) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) has pushed back Hindus economically. Reservation for socially and economically SCs/STs was safeguarded by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar that reserved seats for SCs/STs in the government educational institutions and government bodies. Not only this but also, Hindu groups want to perpetuate hatred against Dr. Ambedkar for their own vested interest. The leaders of Hindu groups from, time to time, attack Dr. Ambedkar ideology that talks about casteless society. Dr. Ambedkar`s social philosophy talks about complete annihilation of the caste system. Dr. Ambedkar`s economic philosophy talks about equal opportunity for all irrespective of caste, creed, or color. All these ideals are not acceptable to Hindus groups As a matter of fact, they do not want to establish casteless society. They do not want to share economic development of the country with other backward communities. By erecting Dr. Ambedkar statue, the SCc/STs feel empowered. It is a state of sorry that every time we hear about vandalization of Dr. Ambedkar statue erected by his followers either in the public parks or in the vicinity of residential colonies. Some below quoted incidents recently are few examples. According to Hindustan Times (03.10.2023) Dr. Ambedkar statue was vandalized by miscreants in Begusarai , Bihar. The local police registered a case against unknown people. No culprit yet has been arrested. The protestors were pacified. Deccan Herald (05.07.2023) the vandalization of Dr. Ambedkar statue in Lucknow sparked a row. The local followers of Dr. Ambedkar staged a protest against the incident. Decan Herald (27.06.2023) reports the vandalization of Dr. Ambedkar statue in Bhatla village, Haryana, The policed registered FIR against the culprit but still no arrest. According to media report(Times of India, 20 April,2023), the statue of Dr. Ambedkar was vandalized in Jewar village , Noida. The police could not catch the miscreants till date. The list is very long of such incidents across India. Now the question is who are the people behind it and what is their mentality? What do they gain out of it? What is their politics? Whom they want to please by vandalizing the statue of Dr. Ambedkar? What is the role of the government and the police administration to stop such incidents? All these questions puzzle SCs/ STs across the country. In most of the cases of vandalization of Dr. Ambedkar statue, the media reports and investigations by the police found that the miscreants belongs to the Hindu groups (Bajrang Dal, VHP, and RSS). RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said, “Everyone living in India is Hindu” (Indian Express 15.11.2022). Savarkar`s landmark text, Hindutva: Who is a Hindu ?(1923) describes “ the Buddha – the Dharma – the Sangha .They are all ours.( Douglas Ober(2023 ) Dust on the Throne: the search for Buddhism in modern India, Stanford University Press, Standford , California, p.160) It is unfortunate, RSS has never raised voice against vandalization of Dr. Ambedkar statue. There is no statement issued by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to stop vandalization of Dr. Ambedkar statue. Dr. Rahul Kumar Balley – Ph.D Similarly, no Hindu group ever raise voice against vandalization of Dr. Ambedkar statue. No Bollywood celebrity ever raise such issue whereas they feel proud visiting Hindu temples and Mosque to attract the fans. Indian actors and actresses hardly visit Buddha Vihara barring one or two( Dalia Lama temple). It manifests that hatred against Dr. Ambedkar is embedded in the minds and hearts of Hindus. The leader of Hindu groups does not treat the icons of Dalits respectfully as they treat their own Hindu Gods and Goddesses. This mentality of hatred against Dr. Ambedkar must come to an end. The duality of character would not be tolerated by SCs/ STs. The Government of India or ruling political parties in states and districts must see to it that no statue of Dr. Ambedkar is vandalized. This can be done if the local administration keeps a close watch on miscreant who try to disturb peace and harmony by committing such crimes. The vandalization of Dr. Ambedkar statue smear the image of the country at the international level. It also maligns the image of Hindu groups at the world level. The responsibility also falls on the shoulders of Dalit political leaders who remain silent in the Parliament of India on such issues. On the other hand, all SCs/STs organization in India and abroad must write a letter to Prime Minister and Home Minister and register their complaints and should demand that no person or group should be allowed to vandalize Dr. Ambedkar statue- the father of Indian Constitution. Dr. Ambedkar is a world-renowned personality. The foreign universities feel proud in erecting the statue of Dr. Ambedkar in the premises of the university. Dr. Ambedkar shines like a star in the world because his social, economic philosophy has been accepted by learned professors. Dr. Ambedkar economic thoughts and ideas solve economic woes of the world. Dr. Ambedkar talks about Equality, Liberty and Fraternity which is appealing to the people of the world especially the socially and economically backward communities across the world. Had the constitution of India was implemented honestly by the respective ruling class and ruling parties in India, India would have become Vishaw Guru long time back. Now is the time for Hindu groups to change their hatred mentality against Dr. Ambedkar and stop vandalization of statues and bow their heads respectfully to the father of the Indian Constitution. Rahul Kumar, PhD in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi ( India), is an independent researcher . His area of interest encompasses social & political issues, diplomacy, foreign policy and international relations. The views expressed in this article are personal. Want to be the part of Ambedkarite movement & learn more… Connect with