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.
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