vol- 6 issue- 1 march 16-31, 2014 … march 16-31, 2014.pdf · issue-1 march 16-31, 2014

Editor-in-Chief: Prem Kumar Chumber Contact: 001-916-947-8920 Fax: 916-238-1393 E-mail: [email protected] Editors: Takshila & Kabir Chumber

VOL- 6 ISSUE- 1 March 16-31, 2014 www.ambedkartimes.com www.ambedkartimes.org

Dream Just Became a RealityWhat a greatday we wit-nessed in ourhistory. Newlyrenovated Gu-rughar wasopened on SriGuru RavidassJi Maharaj'sparkash utsav.This Gurughar islarge with as t u n n i n ggrandeur. Soon

as you see this Gurughar, you can'thelp but say WOW.

Ever since the followers of

Satguru Ravidass Ji from Fiji andIndia moved to the Bay Area insixty’s and seventy’s, they wanted aGurughar, a place to worship, to pray,to find serenity, learn few things fromour elders and wise people; listen toGurbani from Giani ji and understandthe message. In Early eighty’s, agroup of very dedicated and devotedpeople from Fiji and India met inSacramento and made the first com-mittee of the founding members.These founding members worked tire-lessly for years to save up somemoney and find a place for the Gu-rughar. They started meeting inShannon Park Dublin on Sundays todo the Shabad Kirtan and some smallreligious functions. Finally in 1985,they purchased an old church build-ing in Pittsburg. This building neededa lot of remodeling work to run it asa Gurughar. Sangat came from Sacra-mento, San Francisco, San Jose andevery city as far as 100 miles radiusto work on the old building. With theirhard work and strong desire theyturned that old building into a beauti-ful Gurughar. Landscaping was donebeautifully. Couple of people drovean hour to come on a weekly basis totake care of the lawns. People usedto stop and admire the landscaping,they thought it was a park.

Sangat started coming to Gu-rughar on every Friday, Saturday andSunday. Some people cooked langarfor Sangat while others worked ondifferent parts of the building. Thework was hard some moments weretense but the whole experience wasvery rewarding. Even though the do-

nations were small but people do-nated money on a regular basis. Mostof us still miss those days.

About 8 years ago, Gurugharcommittee bought the adjacent build-ing which used to be a Gym. We usedto have only a couple of programsevery year in this building becausethis building was large enough to holdthe programs on Gurpurab etc.

The present committee un-dertook the project to turn that oldbuilding into a magnificent Gurughar.Mohinder Banga, President SalinderSingh and Treasurer Gyan Sumantook the leading initiative on this proj-ect. Lekh Raj, Hardial Banga, Santokh

Madhar, RameshChand Ralh, HansRaj, Balbir SinghBagha, BalbirChand Mall, BaljitSingh, Ajay Cha-hal, Karnail Heera,Jagtar Bhatia, Dil-bag Singh, Shinder-pal Narabut and somany other mem-bers started towork on this proj-ect. There werenumerous kids whodid their part.Rakesh Kumar wasone who workedtirelessly withoutmissing a day.Giani Harjinder Singh Rasia motivatedsangat to donate whole heatedly.Groups of committee members wentto different cities to get donations.Shashi Paul, Balbir Bagha, SurinderSingh, Salinder Singh, Nimi Rattu,Harmesh Bangar, Abhishek Narabut,Salinder Singh, Gyan Suman, Har-bans Kalu, Narinder Chahal, GurnamRattu collected funds badly neededto complete the building before theGurupurab.

Mohinder Banga and HardialBanga were at the Gurughar fromdawn to dusk trying to get thestucco, roof and so many otherthings done in addition to a beautifullandscaping in the middle of twobuildings with walk ways , trees andgrass for children to play. There weredays when some of the people wereworking in the rain just to ensure thesafety of the Gurughar.

Finally, the big day arrived.Sangat came to Gurughar on Thurs-day to start cleaning and decoratingthe Gurughar. Sri Akhand path beganon Friday Morning. There was a largegathering on Saturday. There were

few Ragi Jathaswho performed onSatruday. Therewas a group of 25people who did theshabad kirtan col-lectively. GianiSukhdev Singhwas the main or-ganizer of this kir-tan.

RenownedGiani KamaljeetSingh ji (Bilgewale), Giani BaldevSingh ji, Giani Sur-jit Singh JI, GianiAmritpal Singh jiand famous singerS. Anoop Singh

Cheema adorned the occasion withShabad Kirtan along with our HeadGranthi, Giani Harjinder Singh JiRasia.

Sangat came from far ofplaces as far as Fresno, San Jose,Sacramento and San Francisco. Thegathering was record breaking. Ithink there were over 2,500 people atthe Gurughar. Mayor of Pittsburg,Nancy Parent and representatives ofthe Pittsburg Police department par-

ticipated in this big event. They weresurprised and impressed to see thenewly renovated Gurughar.

Our founder member, Shri OmParkash Balley thanked the Sangatand the guests who came to gracethe occasion. Vice President NimiRattu thanked Mohinder Banga ,Salinder Singh and Gyan Suman formaking this project successful. Shesaid " This project could not havebeen completed without the help ofMohinder Banga and Gyan Suman.”Chair person Debho Bains thankedMayor and the Police department.

Chair person Debho Bains,Baksho Jaggi, Balbir Bagha and his

wife Manjit Bagha and few other vol-unteers took charge of the kitchen.Food stalls were outside on thelawns. Kewal Jakhu and Jarnail Singhwere busy with MAKKI DI ROTI andSAAG, it was very popular. India4urestaurnt - Harmesh Lal servedCHAAT, Ram Pal from Mehran restau-rant Served Tikkies and Pakoras,There were Hot Jalebies, courtsey ofGarcha family, Abhishek Narabut andfamily was serving Aloo Tikkie, Paland Dev Narabut Family delightedsangat with Mango Lassi. There wasGol Gappa stall also. Sangat enjoyedthe langar and snacks served to themby sewadars. We started puttingfood stalls about 3 years ago andsince then it has been a growingtrend. Gurpurab concluded with Bhogceremony on Sunday, 2/16/2014.This was a great success for thecommunity. Having such a large andsplendid Gurughar in Pittsburg is amatter of pride for all of us. We arethankful to our committee members,community and sewadars who do-nated money and their time to makethis dream come true. There is moreto be done. Gurughar needs everyoneto come and serve with TAN, MANand DHAN. This is a collective effortand should always be respected andpursued as such.

May WAHEGURU bless theSanagat and sewadars so that theycontinue the spirit of dedication forfuture generation to build Guru-ke-Mahal.

“LONG LIVE THE DIVINEMISSION AND MESSAGE OF SAT-GURU RAVIDASS JI”

Ramesh [email protected]

AMBEDKAR TIMES CONGRATULATES

TO ALL ON SAHIB SHRI KANSHI RAM’S

80th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY (MARCH 15, 2014)

Prem Kumar Chumber Editor: Ambedkartimes.com

www.deshdoaba.comwww.ambedkartimes.com 2V0l-6 Issue-1 March 16-31, 2014

Congratulations on the Auspicious Occasion

January 31, 2014Dear Frients,I extend my best greetings and join with you in cele-brating the 637th anniversary of "Jagat Guru" RavidassJi Maharaj. His philosophy and teachings of equality,tolerance, kindness and universal brotherhood are assignificant today as they were in the days of the BhaktiMovement of the late 1400s. I know that those quali-ties are very important to me, as well as the work thatI do on behalf of all my constituents.

I congratulate, and extend my appreciation, toall who have made this grand celebration possible, ex-pecially the managing committees of Sri Guru RavidassTemples in Rio Linda, Fremont, Pittsburg and Fresno. I commend you all foryour hospitality, your dedication, and for providing a wonderful day for thou-sands of peoples!

May the values of equality, tolerance, kindness and universal broth-erhood be carried forth from the celebration back into each of our respectivecommunities.

Again, many thanks and have a wonderful day!Be well

Ami Bera, Member of Congress

March 9th, 2014

Dear Guests:As a representative from Sacramento, I am writing towish you all the best as you celebrate the birthday ofShri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.

Every year, this celebration draws followers fromthroughout the area to join in on the festivities. I amgrateful to recognize the efforts the community hasmade to promote cultural awareness and strengthen tieswithin the region.

I am very proud to represent Sacramento andthe people who build this city and country. As a guest,you are demonstrating leadership and community engagement. I am confi-dent that you will make the most of this exciting festival to learn, participateand engage in building a better and stronger Sacramento.

Sincerely,

Dr Richard pan

Assembly member, 9th District

On behalf of the Board of Directors I wouldlike to convey congratulations on the auspi-cious occasion of 637th Birthday Anniversaryof Shri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj and 14thAnnual Nagar Kirtan on Sunday the march9th 2014. I would like to thank the commit-tee members and all those individuals whowork hard to make the Nagar Kirtan Safe &successful.

I would also like to thank all Shri Ravi-dass Sabhas and there sangat and speciallywant to thank Committee Members and San-gat of Sikh Temple Rosevielle. Sikh TempleBradshaw Road, Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbarand Guru Nanak Sat Sangat Gurdwara ElsieRd. Who participate in Nagar Kirtan everyyear. Once again congratulations on 637thBirthday Anniversary of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji and 14th Annual Nagar Kirtan.Wahe Guru Ji ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh.

Balbir Singh Kler

Chairman

Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Sacramento

Dear Frients,I am glad to learn that Sri

Ravidass Sabha Sacramento(SGRSS) is celebrating the 637thAnniversary of Sri Ravidass Ji(SGRJ) on Sunday March 09, 2014.On this auspicious occasion and onbehalf of the Dr. Ambedkar Educa-tional Aid Society (AEAS) CaliforniaI would like to take this opportunityto conve congratulations to the ar-dent followers of SGRJ all over theworld. Also, I would like to expressmy appreciation for SGRSS manage-ment committee which, like everyyear, organized the Fourteenth An-nual Parade on March 09, 2014 inconcurrence with the observance ofthis anniversary.

A Proper indicator of eco-nomic prosperity in a particular com-munity is the literacy rate thatcontributes to the healthy develop-ment of a nation. As PresidentObama said in his recent State of theUnion speech on january 28, 2014-“Prosperity is not measured in termsof the money one possesses, ratherin terms of education he/she isequipped with to creat a healthy en-vironment". This is what Dr. BhimRao Ambedkar, Chief Creator of theIndian Constitution, realized in hislife long struggle for equality and lib-eration of underprivileged communi-ties, And perhaps that is why heemphasized so much on education inhis message of "Educate, Agitateand Organize".

The literacy rate of India isstill below the average literacy of theworld despite the improvements ishas made, especially after the inde-pendence in 1947. Moving at thecurrent rate of progress, it may take

a century more to catch up with restof the world. India has the largest il-literate population in the world andmajority of them belong to the un-derprivileged, oppressed & backwardclasses (OBC). This is due to class,caste, gender disparity and discrimi-nation based on the social structureof the nation. Because of these is-sues, including a high poverty rate,many brilliant students of the com-munity drop out and find it difficultto porsue their education. Unlike inAmerica, they are not able to find re-sources to fund their education andeventually end up working as labor-ers with no hope for upward mobility.

"Aap Mukat Mukat kareSansar, Nank Tis Jan Ko sada Na-maskaar", enlighten Sri Guru GranthSahib Ji- means "great are thosepersonalities who liberate others inaddition to himself or herself". Mov-ing forward in compliance with theteachings of SGRJ and as envi-sioned by Dr. Ambedkar, AEAS'smission is, therefore, to help promoteliteracy rate among the underprivi-leged and identified OBC classes.We believe in the equality of educa-tion for all. In the world of NelsonMandela, "Education is the mostpowerful weapon which one can useto change the world". So let us putour diligent efforts together to helpthe less fortunate and move forwardto make this world a better place for all.

Again congratulations to allon Sri Guru Ravidass Ji 637th An-niversary and 14h Annual Parade.

Rakesh Chander, For AEAS

(General Secretary)

By RNC-022014

Dr Ambedkar Educational

Aid Society (AEAS)

History and teaching of

SHRI GURU RAVIDAS JIShri Guru Ravidas Ji was born in the fifteenthcentury at Kanshi (Goverthan Puri) U.P. State inIndia. His birthday comes every year at PuranMashi of the month Magh. His mother namewas Mata Kalsi Ji and father's name was BabaSantokh Dass Ji, who was working as asarpanch in the kingdom of Raja Nagar Mal.Guru Sahib ji Came to this earth at the timewhen social and religious patterns of societywas very distressing. He spear headed the fightagainst man made discrimination based oncaste, colour or creed and preached the loftyideas of Socialism, Secularism, Equality andFraternity.

From the very childhood he was verymuch devoted to worship real God. The high caste Brahmans created somany problems for him and tried their best to restrict Guru Ji to do so,Guru ji had a appear before the King Nagar mal so many times. In the endking was convinced and became follower of Guru Ravidass ji. Guru RaviDass ji Taught the lesson of Unversal Brotherhood, tolerances, message oflove your neighbor which got more importance in today's world.

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PRO

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Shri Guru Ravidass Ji’s 637th birthday & 14th Grand Nagar Kirtan celebrated in Rio Linda (Sacramento)by Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Sacramento (California) & All Sangat on March 9, 2014. All pictures by Prem K. Chumber


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On behalf of Sri Ravidass Supreme Council Guru Ravidass we extend ourheartiest congratulations and sincerest wishes to everyone and the managingcommittees of all Sri Guru Ravidas Sabhas on the auspicious occasion of637th Birth Anniversary of our great Guru Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.

Guru Ji's message clearly demonstrates that human beings becomesgreat not by acquiring material possessions or by a family heritage in whichthey are born but by their individual deeds and spiritual attainments. Throughhis sacred teachings as enshrined in the hold pages of "Shri Guru GranthSahib ji", he awakened the human conscience against inequality, and socialfragmentations of his time based on caste, creed, colour and ancestry affilia-tions.

Our true homage to our great Guru should reflect in our continuousefforts to spread his teachings and follow it to live life with dignity.

NEED FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL: The main mission ofthis organization, that had been duly registered with the Secretary of Stateof California as a religious entity, is to work for unity among all Sri Guru Ravi-

dass Sabhas in USA as a centralized body. It functions under the duly consti-tuted By-laws to foster an environment of awareness, harmony and under-standing for interfaity unity and harmony with no political involvements oraffiliation of any nature. This organization does not work under any Deras andtheir directions. This is a purely religious organization; its members are fol-lowers of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji and preach his teachings. This organization ne-cessiates loyal, dedicated and hard working members in order to achieve itsshort and long term objectives.

Congratulations and best wishes to all once again. Thanks for attend-ing the 14th Nagar Kirtan on Sunday, March 9th 2014 at the SacramentoGurdwara (6221 19th Street Rio Linda, CA 95673) in celebration of this forth-coming 637th birthday anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.Sincerely, O. P. Balley, Balvir Singh Sheemar, Hans Raj Kajla, TavinderKazla, Ajit Ram Banger, Karm Singh Banger, Vinod Kumar, Sonu Ambedker,Palwinder Malhi, Dr. Harmesh Kumar, Santokh Singh, Dayal Ram Narr, MohanLal, Ram Murti Saroya & all Shri Ravidass Guru Ghar Committees of USA.

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Dear Friends,On behalf of the United Awareness Committee of the Ravidassia

Community, we would like to convey congratulations on the auspicious oc-casion of 637th Anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidass ji Maharaj (SGRJ) and Fouteenth Annual Parade sched-uled on Sunday March 09,2014. The annual celebrationof our great Guru has its ownhistoric significance reflectingthe events, struggles andachievements of His life, andconstantly reminding us tolive life in accordance withHis teachings.

Although religion andfaith brings peoples of similarfaith together, it can alsobring with it contempt, mainlybecause of ignorance. A Re-cent study showed that socialhostilities within the communities, religious hostilities, and religions-relatedterrorism are on the rise almost all over the world, except in the UnitedStates. Some countries have even imposed or are imposing legal limits onworship, preaching or religions wear. enforcing individuals to conform to cer-tain norms in order to decrease violence and discrimination against others.

How do we stop these hostilities? Effective implementation of theteachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, interpreted from both spiritual and socialreformist perspectives, is one of the solutions to alleviate these issues. Theseteachings attempt to enlighten us to live with dignity, regardless of nationalorigin, ethnicity, familial status, hereditary occupation and social stratifica-tion of a system. His teachings also challenge the prevalent inequalities in

the system and proclaim for equality, liberty and justice for all. A compre-hensive study of His teachings convey a message of Fundamental HumanRights for all individuals which can be compared with Article ! of the UnitedNations- Universal Declaration of Human Rights that, "all human beings are

born free and equal in dignityand rights. They are endowed with rea-son and conscience andshould act towards one an-other in a spirit of brother-hood.""Naam Tere Ki Jyot Lagai,Bhayo Ujayare BhavanSaglare"..... i.e., "with Thy-name of truthfulness in words,honesty in action, equality-lib-erty and justice for all, under-standing and staying true tothe core values of 'Naam" willeventually make this universe

a better place for everybody", enlightened SGRJ. Even the Lord Buddha named it an eight-fold path to liberate individ-

uals from the sufferings of ignorance. Furthermore, Jo Hum Sahari So MeetHamara directs us to live in harmony with our fellow citizens, regardless ofour background or our origins. Overall, Sri Guru Ravidass Ji teachings speakvolumes of universal brotherhood and promoting equality, love and peace forall to create a healthy environment, an ethically sound community, city orcounty and eventually the whole world.

Congratulations!

United Awareness Committee

of the Ravidassia Community

United Awareness Committeeof the Ravidassia Community

5109 Antler Hollow Place, Antelope, CA 95843

(916) 300-5398

File Photo May 2013

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SAHIB SHRI GURU RAVIDASS JIPrem Kumar Chumber

(Editor: www.ambedkartimes.com)

Satguru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, whose 637th birth

anniversary is being celebrated throughout the

world, was a great saint/Guru of medievalBhakti

movement of North India. He belonged to the

lowest of the low castes in India whose touch

used to be considered polluting to theSavarnas.

He opened a frontal attack against the system

of Untouchability. He rejected the tradition of

Brahmin mediator to reach the Supreme Being.

He also said that one need not to hide his caste

or leave his low profession to reach God. He be-

came a model for his fellow beings to overcome

the hierarchical barriers of Brahminical Social

Order and to establish Begumpura - a state with-

out fear and sorrows. Guru Ravidass elevated

the status of the labor by emphasizing on the

fact that honest labor is empowering. He com-

pletely rejected the concept of living on charity

or miraculous wealth obtained by Paras.

By defeating the famous Kashi Pundits in a

formally organized Shastrartha, Guru Ravidass

proved that merit is not the fiefdom of so called

upper castes alone. Everybody is capable of wor-

shipping Him. The fourfold division of Hindu so-

ciety is a big lie and a trick to make and keep a

large section of the Indian society under the cru-

elty and control of the few in the name of pu-

rity-pollution principle made by the so-called

Brahmins. It is against this very system of reli-

giously sanctified social differentiation that Guru

Ravidass envisioned establishing a state where

there would be no place for untouchability and

social oppression.

For the social transformation of the society,

Guru Ravidass laid emphasis on labor, compas-

sion, virtue, prohibition of alcohol and all bad

deeds. He also reiterated on the urgent need of

remembering the formless God whom he ad-

dressed by varied names.

Some scholars are of the view that Guru

Ravidass did not form an organization nor he

launched any consistent and systematic agita-

tion against the system of untouchability. This is

true. But to raise a loud voice at his times was

no less than a clarion call to dismantle the unjust

system of Brahminical social order. It is also true

that the path told by him has become the bea-

con light for the Dalit movement in the country

and abroad.


Caste and Democracy in India: A Perspective from Below, 2014, Gyan Publications, New Delhi, Author – Prof. Vivek KumarReviewed by: Vinod Arya, Former As-sistant Professor, Central Universityof Bihar, Patna, email – [email protected]

Social scientists have alwaysbeen keen to study the interaction be-tween traditional and modern institu-tions. One such area has been thecorrelation between caste (jati) anddemocracy. The attempts in this con-text have majorly analyzed caste asstructural-functional for society butantithetical for democracy. In thisbackdrop the book “Caste andDemocracy in India: A Perspectivefrom Below” by Prof. Vivek Kumarpresents a critic to the aforesaidmainstream understanding of socialscientists. The author advocates acontradictory understanding and triesto establish that jati is dysfunctionalfor ex-untouchables (Dalits) but func-tional for democracy. The book is acollection of essays; logically dividedinto five thematic modules. At the outset, Kumar elaborates un-derstanding of caste critiquing thepedagogical practices and points outthat inclusion of Dalits into Hindu so-cial order is a social construct and itis for the sake of construction of ma-jority community of Hindus. The au-thor argues that distortedunderstanding of caste and democ-racy and the irrelevance of curricu-lums of social sciences exists due toblack out of life and world views ofDalits including their culture, suffer-ings, discrimination, humiliation andmovements both in ‘book view’ and

‘field view’. Fur-ther, Kumar indi-cates anomalies inthe above men-tioned views. Hehighlights thatwithin the fieldview it has beenfound that individuals and groups aregoverned by different principles in agiven geographical and socio-politicalsituation i.e. caste relations are dy-namic and go through social changeand conflict which is con-trary to normative and pre-scriptive order asmentioned in sacred texts(book view). For holistic un-derstanding of caste systemauthor also presents com-mon threads in Ambedkarand Lohia’s criticism ofcaste system and portraystheir suggestions for its an-nihilation. The book also de-lineates epistemologicalissues of social exclusion and arguesfor an indigenous definition of theterm along with its contextualizationwithin the framework of caste.The second theme of the book high-lights different kinds of political mo-bilization and identifies castemobilization in Uttar Pradesh in theform of caste conventions and forma-tion of single caste based parties. Inthis light of discussion author estab-lishes the perspective from below re-garding the formation of BahujanSamaj Party (BSP) in 1984. He ar-

gues that BSPbrought change insocial structure ofsociety and re-versed the roles forDalits in gover-nance (from higherechelons to pan-

chayat level) under independent Dalitleadership. The book criticizes forma-tions of personality cult in Indian pol-itics and points out at thedemocratization of polity and society

by BSP as it uses themethodology of represen-tation to various castesamong Dalits and bahujanson the basis of their popu-lation. Author highlightsthat BSP’s mobilizationstrategy has transformedthe common history of ex-clusion of Dalit and bahu-jans into capture andsharing of political power.Important role and poten-

tial of youth in India is discussed inthe context of globalization. Authorpoints out the need for an independ-ent agenda for youths so that it cancontribute in nation building. On theother hand book describes differenttypes of construction of personalityamong the Dalit youth in contempo-rary times in Indian society. Fourthpart elaborates democracy as selfrepresentation rather than representa-tion of aspirations. The author pres-ents an account of representation ofmarginalized section in various politi-

cal parties of different ideologies andconcludes the importance of inde-pendent political movement and lead-ership in the same. The bookcriticized ‘saffronization’ as tool ofBrahminism for monopoly over soci-ety. Author also addresses the repre-sentation of Dalits in social sciencesand highlights exclusion of Dalitthoughts, cognitive thinking and theirunderstanding in various disciplineslike economics, political science, so-ciology, history, psychology and literature.

The fifth part relates democ-racy and development and elaboratesthe politics of policy making regardingexcluded groups and inclusion ofmodern ideas. The book also dealswith the structure and mechanism ofcorruption and points out its correla-tion with the institution of caste. Au-thor points out that under the garb ofcivil society movements there flour-ishes a mechanism to create new-elite from the dominant castes of the society.

Acknowledging the diversityin Indian society he points out athegemony of particular groups andexclusion of others on the basis ofthese cultural diversities. In the end,author narrates the silent revolutionof Buddhism which took place in hislife and of many Dalits in the past fewdecades. Kumar concludes that underthe visionary leadership of Ambedkar;Buddhism is seen as the last resort byDalits to enhance their status and esteem.

AMBEDKARTIMES.COM REMEMBERS

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www.ambedkartimes.com , www.ambedkartimes.org, www.deshdoaba.com

SAHIB SHRI KANSHI RAM JI

Sahib Shri Kanshi Ram was born onMarch 15, 1934, in Khawas Pur villageof Ropar District of Punjab. He was theeldest of eight siblings. He belonged tothe Ramdassia (Ad Dharmi) communityof the Scheduled Caste group, which isthe largest group in Punjab. He wasnamed Kanshi because after his birth themidwife placed him in a tray made ofkansa metal. His father owned some landand his uncles were in the armed forces.In Sahib Kanshi Ram's own words, "Iwas born and brought up amongst thosewho sacrificed themselves but never be-trayed the country...” Despite his lowcaste background, he earned a bache-lor’s degree in science from the Govern-ment College at Ropar (Punjab).

His upbringing was modest. Dur-ing his education years there was noth-ing special about him to suggest that hewould mature into great social revolution-ary. It was only after he took up a gov-ernment job in the western Indian stateof Maharashtra that he began to be influ-enced by the writings and life of BabaSahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who voiced theconcerns of India's low caste communityand worked hard throughout his life fortheir empowerment. Soon after his grad-uation, Sahib Shri Kanshi Ram Ji joinedthe research staff of Kirki’s Explosive Re-search and Development Laboratory(ERDL) in Pune 1957. While working inPune, he quit his job after becoming in-volved in the famous Deena Bhan case.

Deena Bhan, a Rajasthani ScheduledCaste employee and senior colleague ofSahib Shri Kanshi Ram Ji was sus-pended. His fault was that he protestedagainst the decision of ERDL manage-ment for the cancellation of holidays forAmbedkar and BuddhaJayantis and their replace-ment by the Tilak Jayantiand one additional holidayfor Diwali. Sahib Shri KanshiRam decided to fight againstsuch a caste ridden and dic-tatorial behavior of the man-agement. The fighter inKanshi Ram got the suspen-sion orders of Deena Bhanrevoked and Ambedkar and BuddhaJayantis holidays were restored.

This was the beginning of thelong battle for the emancipation of theDalits in the country that Sahib Shri Kan-shi Ram had to lead till his last breath.He resigned from his job and totally ded-icated his entire life for the cause of thecommunity. He never married nor visitedhis home since then. His struggle wasnot for the home and family. He deviseda new strategy to regain the lost glory ofthe original (Adi) inhabitants of Bharat.He gave utmost importance to the cul-ture of work and democratic method ofstruggle. He also expanded the circle ofthe Dalits by incorporating other Back-ward Classes and Minorities into it.

He criticized the post-Ambedkar

leadership of Dalits in India. For that hedeclared Poona Pact as the main reason.He said that “Poona Pact made Dalitshelpless. By rejecting separate electorate,Dalits were deprived of their genuine rep-resentation in legislatures. Several and

various kind of Chamchaswere born in the last fiftyyears. As and when India'sso called high caste Hindurulers felt the need of Cham-chas and when the authorityof the upper castes got en-dangered by real and genuineDalit leaders, Chamchaswere brought to the fore inall other fields”.

In his "The Chamcha Age", awell-argued and polemical tirade againstthe pseudo Dalit leaders, Sahib Shri Kan-shi Ram Ji sharpens the contradiction forthe legitimate acquisition of politicalpower by the downtrodden in electoraldemocracy in India. In, the ChamchaAge, "he focused very much on thePoona Pact which was a point of a ratherdecisive Gandhian victory over Dr.Ambedkar after a long duel between thetwo at the Round Table Conference". Inthe mid-1960s, Sahib Shri Kanshi Ram Jibegan to organize Dalit government em-ployees to fight against what he saw asthe deeply entrenched prejudice of highercaste peoples. It was around this timethat he decided that he would not marry

and dedicate his life to the cause of Dalitimprovement. By the mid-1980s, he de-cided play a crucial role in the politics ofthe country.

The result was the formation ofthe BSP (the Common Man's Party) in1984. As a politician, he became verypopular among his people, who found anew hope and vision in his style of func-tioning and sincerity. Suddenly he be-came a national figure. He was a masterstrategist and a meticulous organizer. Heused his strengths to carve out a nichefor Dalits. This was done by deploying anoften combative and aggressive strategy,with virulent attacks on other politicalparties which he claimed only repre-sented the interests of higher caste Hin-dus. He was sharply different from otherpoliticians of the mainstream. He used tocommunicate before he spoke.

He was one of the few greatleaders of Independent India who actu-ally expanded the limits of Dalit politics.His political vision was never confined toScheduled Castes only, as is oftenthought about him.

All of the political organizationshe founded were meant for the down-trodden of all sorts – SC, ST, OBC andMinorities. It would not be an exaggera-tion to say that he was the one who tooka lead in making Indian democracy morecompetitive and practically open to theDalit-Bahujan Samaj.

(Mobile: USA 916-947-8920)

Prof. Vivek KumarVinod Arya

vol- 6 issue- 1 march 16-31, 2014 … march 16-31, 2014.pdf · issue-1 march 16-31, 2014

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