Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

December 6, 2014, 10:10 pm

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Sardhanjali function at Ambedkar Bhawan on December 6

Today, December 6, death anniversary (Mahaparinirvan Diwas) of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (April 14, 1891-December 6, 1956) was observed throughout India and abroad to pay tributes to the great leader. As usual, there was a solemn function at Ambedkar Bhawan at Nakodar Road, Jalandhar.  I, as a humble follower of Babasaheb Ambedkar, participated in the function at Ambedkar Bhawan. The function was organized by Ambedkar Bhawan Trust, functioning under the patronage of staunch Ambedkarite Lahori Ram Balley and presidency of Dr. Ram Lal Jassi. Member of Parliament from Jalandhar, Chaudhary Santokh Singh was the Chief Guest at the function. All the main speakers namely Dr. Jassi and Shri Balley spoke with conviction and paid glowing tributes to the greatest son of India, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Chief Guest Chaudhary Santokh Singh highlighted the contribution of Dr. Ambedkar in establishing democracy in India and said that he would only be happy to associate himself with the Ambedkar Bhawan. He also announced a grant of Rs.5/- lakhs to the Bhawan out of the MPs development fund which was much appreciated by the organizers and the audience. There was a small book exhibition at the campus of the Bhawan from where I purchased two books – Mr. Gandhi and Emancipation of the Untouchables by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Who Weakened India – Buddhism or Brahminism? by Dr. Surendra Ajnat.

In the evening, DD Punjabi telecasted a special programme to pay tributes to DR. Ambedkar. Apart from others namely Prof. G.C. Kaul, Dr. Ram Lal Jassi, Shri Paramjit Mahey, I also spoke in the telecast and underlined the fact that besides a renowned authority on the constitution law, Dr. Ambedkar was an economist of great standing. He was much interested in contributing to the economic development of the country but somehow could not get much needed opportunity to do so.

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Some Random Thoughts of a Novice

December 19, 2014, 6:17 am

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Today, December 19, I have become grandfather for the sixth time. Sulekha, wife of my son Rupesh, has given birth to a baby girl

at a hospital in Jalandhar.  Both the mother and the baby are fine. We already have five grandchildren – Pallavi and Arvind; son and daughter of Anju and Naresh, Komal and Tanya; daughters of Vaishali and Jatinder and Suhani; daughter of Sulekha and Rupesh. Now. the fifth i.e. Suhani is 5 plus. My son Naresh lives in Sweden. Pallavi and Arvind were born in Stockholm. They are in their teens. Komal and Tania were born in Faridabad where my daughter Vaishali lives. Suhani was also born in Faridabad in the care of Vaishali and Jatinder before Sulekha and Rupesh moved to our small flat in Gurgaon on return from Prague. On my retirement in December,2010, I came to Jalandhar and Rupesh and his family also followed me in Jalandhar subsequently in the beginning of 2013.

It is for the first time for me that I am around at the time of an addition in our family. We have been moving from one place to another in my diplomatic career. I recall that my wife visited Stockholm in 1999 to be with Anju and Naresh at the time of birth of Pallavi, our first grandchild. We were posted in Delhi. Vaishali and Rupesh, my daughter and son, went to Stockholm when Arvind was born in 2001. We were posted in Tokyo. Komal and Tania, daughters of my daughter Vaishali, were born when we were posted in Tokyo and Prague respectively. Suhani was born 2009 in Faridabad when we were working in Minsk. I think, with the sixth grandchild- daughter of Sulekha and Rupesh, our family is almost complete.

 We all are happy. There is a mixed feeling. As regards the family life, I am a novice. We are blessed with three children, two sons and a daughter. Frankly, consciously or sub-consciously, I neither felt elated when sons were born and dejected when the daughter was born. May be it was because of the fact that our first born was our son Naresh. With the arrival of Naresh’s daughter and son in Stockholm, life remained as usual but happy. It may be because of the fact that they are living in a developed country, Sweden and their future is safe and secure. Vaishali, my daughter, has two daughters. Somehow, at the back of my mind and more so with Vidya, my wife, we expected and longed for a son in the family of my daughter. But now, let me say with a sense of pride that both Vaishali and her husband Jatinder behaved and performed so well in bringing up Komal and Tania that there is no sense of remorse any more. Sulekha and Rupesh are also blessed with two daughters with the arrival of the new one. Today again, I am gripped with a mixed feeling. I must confess. It is more so because of the fact that Rupesh is still in the processing of settling down nicely in life. Though God has been kind to us that we can afford to give our children a reasonably good bringing up yet there is a lingering worry and concern. What is this concern and worry? It is difficult to explain and write. My children may or may not agree with me but the fact remains. Perhaps, we are to deal with a mindset which comes up and boys are preferred and expected over daughters. It is a pity. We are yet to overcome this social humbug. It is a matter of gratification that my daughter Vaishali and my daughters in law Anju and Sulekha are so nice and caring. It gives me considerable solace and strength to cope up with any negative felling on getting another daughter in the family. Life goes on.

 

Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee

December 28, 2014, 9:36 pm

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With PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee & Krygyz President

Bharat Ratan, the highest civilian honour in India, has been conferred on PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 90^th birthday on December 25, 2014. It has also been decided by the Government of India to observe the Day as Good Governance Day every year. It is a well deserved recognition to the worthy son of India to put him in league with the galaxy of Indian leaders of the Indian society.

The occasion gives me an opportunity to recall my own cherished memories and recount my brief encounters with Atal Bihari Vajpayee.  I first saw young Vajpayee in 1968 in Jalandhar when I was a student at the local DAV College. As a student, I had a good interest in the socio-political activities in and around Jalandhar.  The annual session of the then Jan Sangh was held in Jalandhar.  Atal Bihari Vajpayee was elected as the President of Jan Sangh. He was taken, I vividly remember, in a regal horse-driven carriage in a procession around the city. I saw the procession, standing in the crowd, at the famous Patel Chowk. I don’t remember as to what he said in Jalandhar but I certainly recall that he was the talk of the town for his spell-bound oratory.

I went to Delhi in March, 1970 to join Ministry of External Affairs as a junior official. I had a good interest in the day to day politics of the country as an aspiring apprentice and as such it was natural to follow Atal Bihari Vajpayee, an able and lively politician. In spite of some spicy stories about his personal life, he commanded all respect and acceptability in the political and social circles of the society at large. In slow progression, I also rose in the ranks of the MEA and was posted in the PMO during the emergency years for protocol and hospitality duties not only for the foreign visiting delegations but also for the cabinet meetings and other related matters. After the emergency was lifted and elections were announced in the early months of 1977, I distinctly recall Vajpayee speaking at a mammoth public meeting on Rajpath, probably the last public meeting before the canvassing came to a close. It was a spirited and emotional speech, an excellent piece of oratory. The Congress Party and PM Indira Gandhi were trounced in the elections. The rest is all history. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was appointed as Minister of External Affairs in PM Morarji Desai’s Government. It fell on me to escort Atal Bihari Vajpayee from his office in South Block to the Conference Room in the PMO for the first Cabinet meeting of the Janta Government. It was a pleasant experience. Later in the evening when I reached home, my wife told me that I appeared on the TV with Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I was delighted.  I witnessed him speaking in Hindi at the delegation level talks with the Foreign Minister of the then USSR, Andrei Gromyko in the Committee Room of the MEA. It was for the first time, I understand, when any Indian Minister of External Affairs spoke in Hindi with his foreign counterpart.

During my long diplomatic career, I could have some more intimate moments with Atal Bihari Vajpayee.  He visited Peking (now Beijing) in 1978. We at the Indian Embassy arranged a tea party for him to meet the slander Indian community in Peking and the Embassy staff. I was looking after the service and hospitality. Vajpayee, as it is well known, has a great sense of humour. We offered him Pakoras. He was not inclined to pick up one. I said, ‘ Sahib Leejiye. Garam Garam Hai.’ He touched the Pakoras and retorted, “Agar Yeh Garam Hai To Thanda Kya Hota Hai.’ We all laughed.  During the course if my duties and work from 1998-2000 when I was the Director of Central Asia Division in the MEA, I had a couple occasions to come close to Vajpayee during the state visits of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. I was to help our leaders to sign the Agreements during one of these visits at the Signing Ceremony at Hyderabad House. The first document was to be signed by the visiting President and our PM. Two special pens are generally kept for the purpose. I got the documents signed by PM. After the signing, PM instead of keeping the pen on the table, subconsciously, put it in his pocket. The next document was to be signed by External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh. There was no time and option.  I immediately pulled out my pen from my pocket and gave it to the EAM for signature. Jaswant Singh is fond of good pens and knew that there has to be a special pen for the purpose. There was no time to discuss. He reluctantly signed the documents with my personal pen. All the remaining documents were also signed by other dignitaries including Lal Krishan Advani and Ananth Kumar with my pen.  Later, I explained the mishap to the Chief of Protocol and EAM Jaswant Singh. He smiled. Later, with the help of my friends in the PMO, Ajay Bisaria and Sunil Jain I obtained one of the photographs of these ceremonies autographed by PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I keep it as a prized possession.



With PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee & Uzbek President

With this, I wish PM Atal Bihari all the very best and good recovery from his health problems.

Pseudo Secularism – A Case Study

January 18, 2015, 10:31 pm

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Secularism, as one of the tenants of the Indian polity and society, is currently in news in the wake of religious conversions as ‘Ghar Vapsi’ initiated by the hardcore Hindu outfits. The subject is debated thoroughly by the concerned intellectuals and the society at large from their varied perspectives. I would like to add yet another aspect to the debate which I call a case study.

There is an old locality called Bootan Mandi, situated at Nakodar

Traditional Drum (Tamak) leading the Gurupurab Shobha Yatra in Bootan Mandi

Road (now named as Ambedkar Marg) in Jalandhar.  Not many years before, it was a slum area having   a traditional leather market both for raw and tanned leather. The businessmen and the other residents of Bootan Mandi and nearby localities like Jalowal Abadi, Bootan Pind, and Sidharth Nagar, Ravidass Nagar etc. predominantly belong to dalit community of Chamar (Ad-dharmi) extraction with a population of around 5000-7000. Most of the residents of the area originally migrated from the nearby villages of Dhanal and Nangal in the 1920s and engaged themselves in the leather business. Some of them, with astute business sense, like Seth Kishan Dass and Seth Munshi Ram and others, migrated to Calcutta (Kolkata) and Kanpur and achieved a good measure of success. The Mandi became a rallying point and centre of success and prosperity with more and more enterprising people joining hands from the nearby villages. They spread their wings to other leather markets in Madras (Chennai), Calcutta (Kolkata), Kanpur, Meerut, Amritsar, Malerkotla, J & K, Ambala etc. Some Christians from Amritsar and Gurdaspur, Muslims from Madras (Chennai) and Sikhs (Bawa Skin and Lotus Bawa) came and established themselves in the leather business. Bootan Mandi became the focal point for political as well as socio-economic empowerment of dalits of Doaba region of Punjab.

Ramesh Chander at a function in Bootan Mandi

In politics, people of Bootan Mandi excelled. Seth Kishan Dass became MLA before independence in 1947, Dr. B. R Ambedkar visited Bootan Mandi and stayed with Seth Kishan Dass in 1951, Piara Ram Dhanowalia,  who had his leather business in Bootan Mandi, became Minister in the Punjab Government in 1967, Seth Khushi Ram became Vice President of Jalandhar Municipal Committee in early 1970s, Surinder Mahey rose to the coveted position of Mayor of Jalandhar in the early years of the decade of 2010, Avinash Chander, grandson of Seth Kishan Dass, is currently Chief Parliamentary Secretary in the Punjab Government. Seth Satpal Mall and Prem Shant are holding responsible positions in the Congress Party and BSP respectively. Babu Kanshi Ram of BSP used to stay with Prem Shant during his Jalandhar visits in the early years of his political career. Personal egos and hunger for positions played their role and the Mandi got divided politically. Seth Kishan Dass and Seth Dhanu Ram and others followed Dr. Ambedkar and his political legacy. Seth Khushi Ram and some more associated themselves with Congress Party. In subsequent years, BSP stole the lead. Now a days, people are divided and losing steam and say in the political fortunes of dalits.

  As I said earlier, the Bootan Mandi area did well economically in the post independence years particularly in the 1970-80s. But in the changing times and requirements of business etiquettes, the Seths of Bootan Mandi lagged behind. They could not offer the desired training and matching education to their children to take care of their traditionally run leather businesses. It is a matter of regret and is not so gratifying. Nevertheless, the success registered by Seth Mool Raj and his son Steven Kler, Harish Mahey, Seth Thakur Dass in the leather business is considerable and appreciable. As a sign of upword social mobility, some of the prosperous Seths shifted their residences to the nearby posh GTB Nagar but remained integrated with Bootan Mandi otherwise.

In the services and educational sphere, Bootan Mandi has a mixed record. The Seths of the Mandi with prosperous businesses did not pay much attention to the education of their children. Most of them preferred to engage them in their traditional leather business without much education. It worked against them in the changing scenario and lost the lead to outside players in the business. As regards services, one of the sons of the soil with poor economic background- that is me (Ramesh Chander), to add it with all humility - could graduate to be inducted into the coveted Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and rose to become an Ambassador. Sushil Sheemar is yet another worthy son of Bootan Mandi who qualified and joined Indian Tele-communications Services (ITS) and is occupying a senior position as a Director with good prospects. His wife Jaswinder (Lovely) Sheemar is an Additional Sessions Judge. Pushpa Rani is also a senior Civil Judge in the judiciary. Seth Mool Raj’s (son of Seth Kishan Dass) family made a fair contribution in this regard. His daughter Anupam Kler and daughter-in-law Babita Kler are occupying senior positions in the Punjab Civil Services (PCS). Two worthy sons of the soil, Sunil Kler and Pawan Kler, sons of Keshava Nand made it to the PCS as young officers. Some of the educated lot namely Manohar Mahey, Ram Lal Kainth, Ashok Kler, Jagdish Mahey, Tarsem Mahey, Sita Ram Mahey, Pradip Madhas, Mohinder Mehta and others could register their mark in the banking sector. Satpal Mahey and Vinod Kaul made their grading in the insurance sector with senior positions. Jagdish Mahey who is already a Divisional Manager in Canara Bank is definitely set to go further up. Mahesh Chander is an up-coming young man in the education sector, currently teaching at Sant Baba Bhag Singh Educational Complex. Many young boys and girls of Bootan Mandi and its periphery are qualified doctors in the health and medicine sector. With all this, somehow, I have a distinct feeling that given the sound financial background of the leather businessmen in the area, their share in the coveted services like IAS, IFS, IPS and other Allied Services is negligible. It remained an unsatisfactory position.

When I started writing this piece, I did not intend to touch on many details mentioned in the preceding paragraphs. Let it be as it came. Now I come to the captioned theme of pseudo-secularism. Over the years, Bootan Mandi, knowingly or otherwise, has become a seat and living example of pseudo-secularism. Though the overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of the area are dalits (Ad-dharmi) yet it can boast of having a few families of Muslims, Christians and Buddhists as well. Some Sikhs also have their businesses in the Mandi.  There is an old Sikh Gurudwara called Dera Santpura. The Guru Ravidass Gurudwara has been re-christened as Satguru Ravidass Dham. Of late, as a short sighted approach to my mind, the newly floated granth called Amritvani of Ravidassia Dhram of Dera Schkhand Balan, has been installed in the Dham replacing Gurugranth Sahib. It has fractured the community. Nearby the Dham, there is a Mosque which was built on the initiative of Seth Satpal Mall and others to placate their Muslim business partners in Madras (Chennai) and J&K. The Mosque also runs a Madrassa (school) for the benefit of the Muslim children. There is yet another site called Guru Ravidass Mandir where the Granth Sahib adorns the place. This Mandir is sandwiched by the Church and the Budh Vihar to serve the neo-converts to Christianity and Buddhism. There are a couple of Darghas of Muslim Pirs in Bootan Mandi apart from individual religious places like the Dera of Sant Lalji Dass and Sant Bibi Malawi Mandir. I am told that Nirangkari Satsang Ghar is being opened near Buddh Vihar. All the major political parties like Congress, BJP, Akali Dal, BSP etc. are active in the area. Some socio-communal organizations like Guru Ravidass Educational and Charitable Trust, Vigilant Brotherhood International, Boudh Mahasabha, Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Trust, Dr. Ambedkar Bhawan Trust, Samta Sainik Dal and outfits pertaining to Christians and Muslims have their offices and functionaries in and around the Mandi.

Having told this long story, now let me conclude by telling why I termed it as ‘Pseudo-Secularism’? Not in the distant past, Bootan Mandi was the nerve Centre of the dalit community in the region. The Ad-dharam Mandal under the leadership of Babu Mangoo Ram and the struggle and mission of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was fully supported and endorsed by the worthy sons of Bootan Mandi like Seth Kishan Dass, Seth Sunder Dass, Seth Khushi Ram, Pritam Ramdaspuri, and Seth Dhanu Ram among others. The mission and philosophy of Guru Ravidass was the guiding force behind all socio-political and even economic activity.  It is a matter of regret that, over the years, it has gone to the wind. The Mandi is fast losing its space and sheen in community matters. The economic and business standing is slowly getting eroded.  The in-fighting to safeguard the selfish interests of the self appointed Karta-Dhartas (leadership) is increasingly becoming the bane of the community.  As regards the outfits working in the area, I must add, taking the risk of inviting the wrath of some of my friends, that these organizations are active only to the extent of photo-opportunities occasionally.  In most of these outfits, vested interests are at work just to claim some position and recognition in one way or the other. Most of the inhabitants are dalits to the core including the neo-converts. The social mobility, seen in the society at large, is missing in the community in Bootan Mandi and its periphery, in spite of the professed spiritual and social diversity. That is why I call it pseudo-secularism. The pseudo secularism has not helped or empowered the society in anyway, rather it has further divided the society. I write this with a heavy heart being a humble son of the soil.

हरदर्दमंददिलकोरोनामेरारुलादे

बेहोशजोपडेंहैंशायदउनेजगादे !

It is my humble tribute to Guru Ravidass on his forthcoming Gurupurab in the first week of February, 2015. The traditional solemnity and reverence in which the day was once celebrated in Bootan Mandi is fast fading, giving way to hooliganism and self gratification of the men at the helm of affairs.

Republic Day – January 26

January 25, 2015, 7:38 pm

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India is celebrating 66^th Republic Day on January 26. It is a great Day in the history of India. I greet and congratulate my fellow countrymen on the Republic Day. It has come a long way since 1950 when the constitution of India was promulgated and India became a Republic under the constitution. India is the largest democracy in the world. The second largest country, population wise, with 1.25 billion people, is one of the fastest growing economies. India has created a due space for herself in the comity of nations through diplomatic interaction. The polity and the society are governed smoothly under the constitution. It is a matter of great satisfaction. We take pride in this and rightly so. Though it seems that we are on track yet still we are to go a long way to fully redeem the pledge we took in the famous ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech of PM Jawaharlal Nehru at the dawn of independence on August 15, 1947. The political democracy is yet to be transformed into social and economic democracy as visualized by our leadership particularly by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, father of the Indian constitution. 

There are problems and difficulties which are to be tackled, if we intend to see that India remains on rails of development and further progress. Mere rhetoric on good governance, corruption free polity and economy and also society, casteless society, social empowerment and communal harmony will not do and deliver. Something concrete has to be done. The current issues of religious conversion, the so called Ghar Vapsi, and Hindu Rastra, which divide the society and create communal tensions, should be avoided. In this regard, it is advisable to read and consider the warning Dr. B.R. Ambedkar gave in the run up to our Independence in his book Thoughts on Pakistan or Partition of India. He said, “If Hindu Raj does become a fact, it will no doubt be the greatest calamity for this country. No matter what the Hindus say, Hinduism is a menace to liberty, equality and fraternity. On that account, it is incompatible with democracy.”

 With this, I conclude by wishing ‘Long live the Republic of India’.

Guru Ravidassji’s Prakash Utsav at Bootan Mandi

February 1, 2015, 4:07 am

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Bootan Mandi in Jalandhar, my native place, is a non-descript locality on Nakodar Road (Ambedkar Marg). The Mandi once was a thriving business centre for raw and tanned leather. Most of the residents belong to dalit community of Chamar (Ad-dharmi) extraction and as such are the followers of Guru Ravidass.  The birthday anniversary of Guru Ravidass is celebrated at the Mandi with great devotion and gaiety traditionally for about a century. The celebrations culminate into the Shoba Yatra or Nagar Kirtan (previously called Jaloos) one day before the Prakash Utsav or Gurpurab (previously called Janam Din) and the religious Congregation in the day time and grand reverential song and poetic Darbar on the day of Gurupurab. With the increasing political and socio-economic profile of Bootan Mandi, the occasion became an important event in the socio-cultural life of Jalandhar over the years. Traditionally it was a sober and solemn occasion and was observed under spiritual norms. Later on, with the changing times, it has tended to become a common Mela type event with all fun and frolic around. The entire area, in and around Bootan Mandi, is cordoned off for the event. Each and every building and even the private houses are decked and illuminated for a week or so. The Prabhat Pheris (street recital and singing of Gurbani in the moorings) start about two weeks in advance. The community kitchens (langars) are set up and served on both the days at several places. The entire area becomes a gallery of large hoardings of congratulations on the Gurupurab of the great Guru.

Singer Surinder Shinda at Bootan Mandi

With this background, I would like to touch another aspect of the celebrations at Bootan Mandi. In the mid 1960s dedicated youth took over the reins. I remember and recall my cherished memories of excellent Kavi Darbars (Poetry Recital) in 1965-66 under the guidance of Pritam Ramdaspuri and leadership of Seth Durga Dass and Prem Shant. Some of the known poets like Vidhata Singh Tir, Hazara Singh Mustak, Kartar Singh Balaggan, Charan Singh Safri, Gurdass Ram Alam and others mesmerized the audiences with their poetic renditions. For the next three years, the responsibility to maintain the tradition fell on my slander strength as the General Secretary of the then Guru Ravidass Youth Club. I did my best in the face of many odds as the trend of inviting famous singers rather than poets was getting favour merely because of attraction to glamour. Over the years, the organizers could not resist and the culture of dance and song by an array of the best singers in Punjab creped in. The lure of money and the urge to get famous attracted the best of talent to perform at Bootan Mandi on the Gurupurab. My brother, Paramjit Mahey, also remained at the helm as General Secretary of Guru Ravidass Educational and Charitable Trust for many years. The traditional Gurudwara was transformed into an elegant Satguru Ravidass Dham with the efforts of the then Mayor of Jalandhar, Surinder Mahey and his associates. Now, the Dham is the focal point of Gurupurab celebrations. The song writers like Rattu Randhawa, Chann Gorayanwala, Madan Jalandhari and others penned lyrics invoking the beauty and gaiety of Bootan Mandi in the celebrations. The famous singers namely Hans Raj Hans, Kanth Klair, K.S. Makhan, Master Saleem, Nooran Sisters, inter alia, gave their voice to the songs and enthralled audiences over the years. It is a matter of pride for the Bootanmandians. 

Singers Sardool Shikander and Noorie at Bootan Mandi

The legendary Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans remained one of the regulars for many years to perform at Bootan Mandi.  He sang with élan:

‘Sohne Punjab Da Shehar Jalandhar;

Bootan Mandi Jisde Andar !’

In a lighter vein, he devised his own folklore called Mahia:

 ‘Do Pattar Anaraan De, Jehne Sanu Milna Hove Vehde Aajo Chamara De”

Another famous Punjabi singer Kaler Kanth beautifully sang:

‘Bootan Mandi Aajo; Jene Dekhna Nazara e”

This song became the tune of spontaneous bhangra in the Shoba Yatras for many years.

Shobha Yatra at Bootan Mandi

Adding to the dance and song sequences, Master Saleem:

‘Aawo Sangate Ajj Nachiye Ta Gaayiye Appan,

Bootan Mandi Janam Dihada Khusiyan Naal Maniye Appan’

Babbu Jalandhria referred to the Mela at Bootan Mandi:

‘Bootan Mandi Mela Lagda Ravidas Piare Da’

Nooran Sisters last year stole the show at Bootan Mandi with with their rendition in the Qawwali style:

‘Bootan Mandi Lag Janda Dil Bhagto”

It may be added that Nooran Sisters are the grand-daughters of the famous folk singer Bibi Nooran who was a resident of Bootan Mandi.

Appreciating the illuminations and fire work at Bootan Mandi on the Gurupurab, the famous singer K.S. Makhan sang in his imitable style:

‘Sajavat Karke Karti Jhandi, Lishkaan Maare Bootan Mandi’

Satgurr Ravidass Dham at Bootan Mandi

These were some of the picks which I could gather off the cuff. There may be many more. It is a matter of gratification for Bootan Mandi and its residents. But at the same time, it evolves responsibility to maintain and improve the content and tenor of the celebrations of the Prakash Utsav of the great Guru Ravidass in the coming years. It will be a befitting tribute the Guru.

Greetings and Congratulations on the Gurpurab of Guru Ravidassji on February 3.

Nave Nibandh – Collection of New Essays

February 19, 2015, 9:49 pm

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Amb. Bal Anand

Ambassador Bal Anand, a senior colleague in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) during our diplomatic service and one of our family friends is an intellectual and a literary personality apart from his professional acumen as a diplomat. His latest book ‘Nave Nibandh’ – a collection of new essays, which he very kindly sent to me with personal greetings and dedication, is in hand. It is Ambassador Bal Anand’s second book in Punjabi. Earlier, he wrote ‘Sukh Sunehe’, a collection of letters exchanged with his friends in literary and social circles. I wrote about this book in my blog: diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com in August, 2014. It is gratifying to write that Ambassador Bal Anand has a masterly flare and attribute in writing good prose both in Punjabi and English languages. It is an excellent co-curricular activity in the post retirement life. He rightly writes in his brief bio-profile, given at the back cover of the book, that his hobbies are “free-lance writing, brain-storming and friendship”.

Nave Nibandh is a bouquet of essays on diverse subjects of contemporary relevance. It is a kaleidoscope of thought provoking, informative and interesting ideas and issues concerning the society at large. I think the collection would be a useful study material for the young aspirants to sit and write competitive examinations.  In the essay on education, the author underlines the importance of education with a poetic quote from a famous Punjabi poet Dhaniram Chatrik and rightly so:

ਜਿੰਨ੍ਹਾਵਿਦਿਯਾ  ਦੀਜੋਤਜਗਾਲਈਹੈ, ਉਨਾਕੁੰਜੀਖ਼ਜ਼ਾਨੇਦੀਪਾਲਈਹੈ !

With this, I wish Ambassador Bal Anand all success and good personal health in the years to come. I am confident that the book ‘Nave Nibandh’ would be well received.

Dalit Society - Cultural Transformation and Guru Ravidassji

March 3, 2015, 4:22 am

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Centre of Indian Languages of Jawaharlal Nehru University organized and hosted a two day Interdisciplinary International Seminar on Guru Ravidassji at JNU On February 23-24, 20015.

Though I am not an authority on the subject yet the organizers, particularly the Convener of the Conference Dr. Rajesh Paswan, was kind enough to invite me as an observer. As such, I attended the opening plenary session and also participated in the first technical session of the Seminar on February 23. Both the functions were very well organized and attended. I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Dr. Rajesh Paswan and his colleagues at the Centre of Indian Languages particularly Dr. Ram Chander for the excellent arrangements and hospitality.

With Bindeshwar Pathak of Sulabh International

The opening plenary was inaugurated by Shri Bindeshwar Pathak of Sulabh International who was one of the co-sponsors of the Seminar. The theme of his speech was the Motivational Message of Guru Ravidass and the Sulabh Movement.  He said that to fight the problem of caste system and establishment of healthy and harmonious social order, there was no better remedy than the path shown by the great visionary Guru Ravidass. The session was chaired by Dr. Vaishna Narang, Dean of Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies Centre of the JNU. Some of the renowned intellectuals and academics namely Prof T.V. Kattimani, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Dr. Chander Bhan Prasad, Prof. Vivek Kumar, Prof. Chauthiram Yadav, Shri Sunil Sardar spoke with convincing and impressive voices and underlined the importance and relevance of Guru Ravidassji’s message and philosophy to meet the challenges of the 21^stcentury.  I was very much impressed by the scholarly presentations of Prof Vivek Kumar of JNU and Prof. Chauthiram Yadav of BHU.

With Rajesh Bagha, Chairman Punjab SC Commission

 The first technical session of the Seminar on the afternoon of February 23 was chaired by Shri Rajesh Bagha, Chairman of Punjab SC Commission and conducted by a young intellectual Dr. Manoj Kumar. The theme of the session was Guru Ravidass: Diverse Dimensions. It was a very well attended session by the cross sections of students and teaching community. The speakers namely Shri Sriram Arsh, Prof K.P. Singh of USA, Dr. Sneh Thakur of Canada, Dr. Rahul Dipankar of USA, Prof. Chandra Sadayat, Shri F.C. Mall spoke on different facets of Guru Ravidass and his philosophy from academic and intellectual perspectives. I spoke as a layman and a humble follower of the great Guru on the theme:  The Concept of Begumpura with particular reference to the lofty idea of an ideal state or welfare state in the contemporary times. Prof. Chandra Sadayat of NCERT said that it was gratifying that, of late, the compositions of Guru Ravidass were included in the school syllabus. Shri Sriram Arsh in his scholarly speech said that Guru Ravidass was not only a pioneer of the Bhakti Movement but also a great revolutionary to transform the society.  Dr. Ram Chander of JNU gave the Vote of Thanks and summed up the proceedings of the session with utmost competence and flare.

The Seminar was a befitting tribute to Guru Ravidassji in the month of his Prakash Utsav on February 3, 2015.

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Bits and Pieces – Musings of a Novice

March 16, 2015, 4:47 am

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March 16, 1970 - A Journey Starts 

South Block, New Delhi

The journey of my formative years began in March, 1970. While I was still a student of the final year for a university degree (B.A) at D.A.V. College, Jalandhar, I had passed and qualified the UPSC’s competitive examination for an LDC. I was happy on one hand and somewhat worried and concerned on the other. Our financial position was not sound at the time. I was finding it difficult to continue my studies. But I was keen to become a university graduate by completing the B.A degree. My father immediately wrote, after the UPSC results sometime in November, 1969, to Mama Shiv Ram, a cousin of my mother, who was an Under Secretary in one of the Ministries of Government of India.  He responded and dissuaded me and my father from coming to Delhi for a clerical post and advised to continue my studies and try for a better job subsequently. Sometime in January, 1970, I got an appointment letter from the Ministry of External Affairs for the job of an LDC that instructed me to join by March 16, 1970. I was happy as I learnt that it was the best position offered at that level of recruitment. My father again wrote, on my suggestion, to Mama Shiv Ram and informed him that I was allotted IFS (B) and was advised to join by March 16. Mamaji promptly responded and advised to accept the job offer and come to Delhi. I immediately drafted a small letter in my broken English and typed it myself at a typewriting school where I was learning typing and informed the Ministry of External Affairs that I would join by March 16, 1970. I did not know at that time that I could have got some more time on request to prepare for the joining. My worry at the time was the number of lectures mandatory to sit for the final year examinations for the B.A. degree. With this in mind and other considerations, I remained in the college up to March 14 which was a Saturday. 

The journey of my tryst with the Ministry of External Affairs and the IFS started on Sunday, March 15 by a morning train from Jalandhar to Delhi. I reached the residence of Mama Shiv Ramji, a flat at Nanakpura, New Delhi by evening. Mamaji was a great personality, a tall handsome man of caliber. The family received me with open arms. Both Mama Shiv Ram and Mami Bhaggo and their children, my cousins, were friendly and accommodative. They made me feel at home and comfortable. Mama Shiv Ram and Mamiji were very reverential to my father and mother. It made me all the more comfortable and at ease. They gave me an over-view of the life in Delhi and some tips to start my career.

The next day, March 16, was the day of reckoning for me. I was excited. Mamaji’s office, Ministry of Agriculture, was located at Krishi Bhawan. He took me on his scooter to the Ministry of External Affairs at South Block, guided, helped and made me join my job. I was deeply touched by the treatment meted out to me. I will forever remain indebted to Mama Shiv Ram and his family for the good done to me.

Incidentally today, March 16 is a Monday again. It was so 45 years ago. I feel gratified that I was not unoccupied or unemployed even for a day and landed right from D.A.V College Jalandar to the coveted Ministry of External Affairs at South Block, New Delhi. It was a long but satisfying journey till my retirement from the coveted IFS in December, 2010.

SPEED – Society for Poor’s Education and Economic Development

March 17, 2015, 4:43 am

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I wrote about the SPEED in my earlier blogs. It is gratifying to note

With Prof. Baldev Narang and Dr. Ram L. Jassi, IPS

that SPEED has become stronger and kicking over the years. It has opened yet another computer centre and career coaching centre, the fourth in a row, at the prestigious Ambedkar Bhawan at Nakodar Road Jalandhar. SPEED’s President Dr. Ram Lubhaya, IPS (Retired) and General Secretary Janak Chauhan deserve all appreciation and support in their unstinted endeavours to carry forward the agenda of socio-economic upliftment of the society at large and dalit community in particular. I wish them GOD SPEED and all success.

The 4^th Computer/Career Coaching Centre was inaugurated on March 15, 2015 at a well organized function at Ambedkar Bhawan. I was also invited to participate and benefit. Thoughtfully, a seminar on the theme “Our Education System and Social Justice” was held which was very well attended by the intelligentsia from cross sections of the society. Chief Parliamentary Secretary and MLA Pawan Tinu was the chief guest at the function. He spoke with conviction and said that he would only be happy if could do something good in raising the educational facilities for the poor and needy and granted Rupees One Lakh from his discretionary fund for the newly opened Computer Centre by the SPEED in cooperation with Ambedkar Bhawan Trust. Representing the Ambedkar Bhawan Trust, Lahori Ram Balley said that it was satisfying to note that the educated lot of the community under the aegis of SPEED was rallying together for the betterment of the society as desired and wished by Babasaheb Ambedkar.  Prof. K.K. Ghai was the main speaker at the function. He said that he was proud to see that many of his students were present at the function and added that individual justice was the pre-requisite of social justice. He added that it was gratifying to note that his students excelled in life and did individual justice to themselves and were now contributing positively towards social justice. Trustees of Ambedkar Bhawan Trust, Dr. Ram Lal Jassi and Dr. G.C. Kaul also spoke and endorsed the efforts of SPEED. In my brief speech, I complemented the SPEED by introducing my small effort in starting Jalandhar School of Careers and Opportunities with a view to reach out to the needy students of the area by providing them affordable educational and counseling facilities. Patron of SPEED, Prof Baldev Narang in his valedictory address underlined the need for unity and fraternity to ward off the increasing artificial divisions even among the dalits. He enthralled the audience with his classical recital of a unity song –‘ Chajj Kar lai’ which was much appreciated.

An Avoidable Controversy - Musings of a Novice

March 22, 2015, 10:27 pm

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Colour of Skin

Shard Yadav, a shrewd politician, recently created an avoidable controversy both in the parliament and outside, intentionally or otherwise, about the skin tone of ladies. Many of the lawmakers, particularly the women parliamentarians were up in arms against the alleged sexist remarks made by Shard Yadav. The TV channels, as usual, had a fest for a couple of days. I think it was an unnecessary controversy. Only in India, we attach undue importance to fair complexion as against brown and black. During my diplomatic service in African countries where generally people have black colour, I found that Indians would tend to, as it is natural, enjoy the company of black ladies but generally not marry them. Whereas fair coloured or white Europeans or Americans and others of both sexes do marry and live with blacks socially. It is a mindset which requires change. Black can not only be bountiful but beautiful also.

Here I have a small story to tell. It was long before in 1982. I was the Protocol Officer in the Ministry of External Affairs in New

With PM Indira Gandhi

Delhi. One of my responsibilities was to select and get approved the gifts to be given by our leadership to their foreign counterparts. PM Indira Gandhi was very particular and thoughtful in this regard. On such occasions, she herself approved gifts for the Head of States and Head of Governments and their spouses and other important dignitaries. We would arrange a sort of meena bazaar at her official residence for the purpose. Hussein Muhammad Ershad, after a military coup, became the President of Bangladesh some time in 1982. He, accompanied by his spouse, decided to come to Delhi on an unplanned and unscheduled visit. Obviously, PM Indira Gandhi, as customary, was to give them appropriate gifts. As the visit was sudden and unplanned, there was hardly any time to get the gifts approved from PM. Moreover, she was extremely busy and occupied as parliament was in session. Vice President M.H. Ansari was the then Chief of Protocol (COP). It was decided that President Ershad may be given a gift already approved by PM for another VVIP from an Islamic country. But what about the Begum (spouse) of President Ershad? Knowing the mind and interest of PM Indira Gandhi in such matters, nobody was willing to take any decision. But the matter was urgent. Given my earlier stint in the PMO in dealing with such matters, it fell on me, of course with full knowledge and guidance of COP, to sort out the matter. It was decided to propose to PM that a Banaras silk saree may be given to the first lady of Bangladesh. I spoke to PM’s personal staff at her residence and requested their help in the matter. The security considerations were not as stringent as now and I was a known and an old hand at the residence. They advised me to come with a few sarees. They informally agreed to inform the PM that I was there for the purpose when she would come for lunch. I spread a few sarees on the sofa in one of the rooms near the entrance and waited inside. But we were still keeping our fingers crossed. PM Indira Gandhi came for lunch. Her car stopped under the porch. While she was alighting from the car, one of her assistants informed her that I was waiting in the room for the purpose. She went inside and came back to the room, where I was waiting, with a towel in her hands cleaning her hands for lunch. One could imagine how busy she was. She had a quick look and said “Accha Hai, App Unhe Saree Dena Chahte Ho” (Good. You want to give her a saree) and enquired “Unka Rang Kaisa Hai.” (What was her complexion?). I may add that PM Indira Gandhi was such a great person that while dealing with and talking to juniors like me she was always courteous and generally spoke in Hindustani. I did not expect this question. In a quick and unpretentious response, I meekly uttered “Ji Mujhe Pata Nahin. Maine Unhe Dekha Nahin.”  On her own she said, “Bangladeshi Aam Tor Pe Saanvle Rang Ke Hote Hain.” and picked up a saree and added, “Yeh De Do.” She quickly retreated inside before I could say anything.  The job was done. Was PM Indira Gandhi colour conscious? No, not at all. She was simply human as, I think, Shard Yadav is.  I am reminded of a Punjabi song by a great poet but rustic and ordinary man Gurdass Ram Alam:

“Mahi Mera Kale Rang Da;

Behde Barda Ta Chand Chad Janda!

(When my dark skinned beloved enters the compound of the house, it looks as if the moon has appeared)

Representation at National Day Functions

April 8, 2015, 10:47 pm

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The recent controversy on MOS for External Affairs General V.K. Singh’s participation in the Pakistani National Day celebrations (Pakistan Day on March 23) seems unnecessary and uncalled for. The handling of the issue, particularly with reference to the tweets of the MOS, is also not only undiplomatic but also does not conform to the norms of maintaining international relations.  It also appears that the media has played the unsavory controversy out of proportion which has further damaged the already strained relations between the two neighboring countries.

Uzbek National Day Function at theie Embassy in Delhi

Those who know the protocol and accepted international norms in this regard would acknowledge the fact that National Days of countries throughout the world are celebrated and observed as a solemn and sober occasion. Greetings are exchanged between the leaderships and it is generally reiterated to further strengthen bilateral relations, except with those with whom diplomatic relations do not exist. India being an honourable member of the comity of nations, these practices are followed as a routine diplomatic intercourse. Indian diplomatic and consular missions also observe our National Days on January 26 as Republic Day and August 15 as Independence Day all over the globe. The host Governments, as a normal diplomatic courtesy, not only exchange greetings but also participate in the functions and receptions held in this regard.

The norms for these representations change in accordance with the

Indian National Day Function in Prague, Czech Republic

prevailing trends and situations. Being a practitioner of diplomacy, my knowledge and experience in this regard, may be of interest. In the early years of our Independence in 1947, exchange of greetings by the top political leadership and Government representations at the national day functions, were given a lot of importance. The warmth of greeting messages indicated the depth and importance of bilateral relations. Senior Ministers were deputed to represent the Government at the functions. Sometimes the representations were raised to the PM level on specific occasions. It was so, on the basis of reciprocity, an important ingredient in the conduct of diplomatic intercourse, with functions hosted by our Ambassadors and High Commissioners abroad. Until the end of 1980s, in addition to the Chief of Protocol (COP) or his Deputy, Secretary/Joint Secretary of the concerned Division in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), one of the Ministers was also deputed with the approval of PMO and Cabinet Secretary to attend such functions. Owing to some functional and security reasons, the practice underwent change in the 90s. It was decided that in all national day functions organized by diplomatic missions in Delhi, Lt. Governor will be the Guest of Honour to represent Government of India, in addition to the official level representation from the MEA. Later again, the practice of political level representation at the level of MOS was introduced and it continues. Incidentally, during my diplomatic career, I myself represented the concerned Divisions/Sections of the MEA in such functions in Delhi and also received host representations at functions hosted by the Indian Embassies abroad as and when occasion arose. These are routine activities to carry forward the diplomatic exchanges with countries of the world.

With this background, I think MOS General V.K. Singh’s participation in the National Day function of Pakistan on March 23 (Pakistan Day) was a routine gesture. PM Narendra Modi’s message of greetings to his Pakistani counterpart on the occasion was also a routine diplomatic activity. Indian media, particularly the mushrooming TV channels, have the tendency to over play and sensationalize the news which is not correct.  

Qufar Toota Khuda Khuda Karke

April 11, 2015, 8:54 pm

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Babasaheb Ambedkar

DR. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary falls on April 14, 2015. The main political parties viz. BJP and Congress are fallingon each other to own the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar by celebrating and observing the anniversary in a big way. Whereas the traditional political outfits like RPI and BSP etc. who professed Dr. Ambedkar as their icon and mentor have lost or are increasingly losing their position in the changing political and social scenario in the country. The relevance and acceptance of Dr. Ambedkar is on the rise and rightly so. The likes of Arun Shourie, Mulayam Singh and some others must be sulking. That is why the heading of this piece is ”Qufar Toota Khuda Khuda Karke” – The tyrants who were not afraid of anybody are falling while remembering God (Khuda).

Throughout his life Dr. Ambedkar remained a principled opponent of Congress and Mahatma Gandhi on the one hand and orthodox Hinduism and Manuwad on the other. There was no love lost between Ambedkar and the likes of Hindu Mahasabha, RSS, Jan Sangh and other communal outfits like Muslim League etc. Towards the last years of his life, Dr. Ambedkar tried his bit to cobble around a union of secular and socialist forces, in cooperation with Ram Manohar Lohia, Jaya Prakash Narain and others to meet the challenges of development and progress of the infant Indian nation but that was not to be and he died prematurely in December, 1956. The likes of Mulayam Singh, Giriraj Singh and a few others with feudal mindsets may not understand this as of now. But the coming times belong to the mission and philosophy of Dr. Ambedkar. It is for sure. Dr. Ambedkar was a hard core nationalist. His thought emanated from the universal and humane dictum of “Bahujan Hitaye; Bahujan Sukhaye” of Buddhist philosophy. He said in one of his speeches, “My philosophy may be said to be enshrined in these three words: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. These principles of my philosophy have its roots in the teachings of my master,  Lord Buddha.”  The lofty ideals of his thinking are well embodied and stipulated in the constitution of India in the form of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Justice, Harmony as the fundamentals of Indian polity and society.

As we say in India ‘ Der Ayat Darust Ayat’, Congress Party, in the face of crushing defeat in electoral politics, has realized that their salvation lies with Ambedkar and his followers, particularly the dalits. The Congress Party has decided to observe the year 2015-16 as the 125^thanniversary year of Babasaheb Ambedkar. They have constituted a high power committee headed by its President Sonia Gandhi for the purpose, as reported in the media.  The Convener of the Ambedkar Birthday Celebration Committee, K Raju said, “Our biggest challenge is to clear the misconceptions about Ambedkar and the Congress. His ideology has been projected as antagonistic to the Congress whereas it was a partnership between the two.” BJP and RSS have initiated a concerted plan to embrace the legacy of the dalit icon Dr. Ambedkar with a view to grab dalit votes. The RSS leadership is all geared up to join hands with the Narendra Modi Government to unleash the agenda to own Dr. Ambedkar on April 14, the 125^th birth anniversary of the great leader. It has been reported in the media that PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate a Rs. 200 crore project of a research centre and a library in Delhi dedicated to the life and message of Babasaheb Ambedkar. The RSS mouthpieces the Panchjanya and the Organiser are coming out with special issues on the anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar. BJP has directed its party machinery to organize functions to celebrate the occasion at each block throughout the country. Paying glowing tributes to the leader, RSS Prachaar Parmukh Manmohan Vaidya said, “Ambedkar is a national leader not just of a particular group. The complete Ambedkar needs to be brought to the people and efforts will continue to be made in that direction.” RSS is in the process of re-writing history to woo dalits. One of the dalit BJP leaders Vijay Sonkar Shastri has recently written three books on Chamars, Khatiks and Valmiki denominations (Jatis) which were released by the RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat. In the Foreword of these books, the RSS leadership claimed that these castes had come into existence due to atrocities by foreign invaders and did not exist in Hindu religion earlier. The war has just begun. Let us see how things happen. Let us also hope that these onslaughts do not remain merely political rhetoric to garner votes. It will do no justice either to the country or Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. I conclude with an apt poetic expression of Allama Iqbal:

Masjid To Bana Di Shab Bhar Mein; Imaan Ki Hrarat Walon Ne,

Mann Apna Purana Paapi Hai; Barson Se Namazi Ban Na Saka!

Iqbal Bada Updeshak Hai; Mann Baaton Se Moh Leta Hai,

Guftaar Ka To Yeh Gaazi Bana; Kirdaar Ka Gaazi Ban Na Saka!

Remembering Babasaheb Ambedkar

April 13, 2015, 7:55 pm

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I was born in a politically and socially alive family of Bootan

Chetna March in Jalandhar on April 13, 2015

Mandi in Jalandhar which has been a hub of dalit socio-economic and political awakening. The messiah of dalits and other weaker sections of the society at large, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar visited and stayed in Bootan Mandi in October, 1951 when I was only two years old. Later during my school days, the family elders including my grand-parents and parents instilled in me a feeling of reverence and respect for Dr. Ambedkar in a routine way of daily living. In and around Bootan Mandi, there were two groups with political orientations – one were the followers of Dr. Ambedkar under the flag of Schedule Caste Federation and later Republican Party and the second were the followers of Babu Jagjivan Ram of Congress Party. The political rivalry often generated considerable political and social heat.  Dr. Ambedkar was yet to get wide recognition even among dalits. My family has been an ardent follower of Dr. Ambedkar. My father, who was politically and socially alive, tended to talk about and discuss current affairs at home quite often. The only mouthpiece of Ambedkar’s mission those days was a local weekly “Bheem Patrika” edited and published by a staunch Ambedkarite, Lahori Ram Balley. Both the Urdu and Punjabi editions of the Bheem Patrika were regular at our home and I was almost addicted to reading it. It is gratifying to note that Bheem Patrika is still published and its Editor Shri Balley is a respected senior in the community.

Ambedkar Jyanti generally falls on the next day of Baishakhi, a great festival of Punjab. In good old days, Baishakhi was celebrated with great fun and frolic with Bhangra on Dhol beats. In Bootan Mandi too the celebrations used to be held for at least two days. Many a times, I accompanied my father to join the Jaloos (Yatra) on Ambedkar Jayanti starting from the Mandi. On the evenings of April 13, Baishakhi and April 14, Ambedkar Birthday, there used to be musical melas of community songs and qawwalis under the patronage of Kartara Ram Madhas, Pritam Ramdaspuri, Seth Dhannu Ram and more. I vividly remember inspirational and devotional qawwalis by Badhan Group of Ram Nagar and Tumbi songs by Lal Chand Kamla, particularly the song written by Charan Dass Nidhadak “Jhanda Chak Baghawat Da Tu Baghi Hona Das Giya” Some of the buildings were also illuminated and fireworks displayed. I still cherish those memories.

Having left Bootan Mandi in 1970 in pursuit of my career, I came back to my roots in Jalandhar in 2011, after retirement. The stock of Dr. Ambedkar has gone up and rightly so over the years. His acceptance and relevance has been widely recognized and appreciated even by his erstwhile opponents and ignorant critics. The community and the followers of Ambedkar have also come a long way in the journey of development and prosperity. More and more people talk of Dr. Ambedkar. The statues are garlanded, functions are held, media coverage has increased of Ambedkar Jyanti. But I don’t find that enthusiasm of the years gone by. Something is missing. Somehow, I feel, the community is lagging behind in owning the great legacy of the great leader. Why so? The political parties like BJP and Congress are falling on each other to encash the name of Ambedkar in attracting the solid vote bank but the parties like BSP, the so called flag bearers of Ambedkar’s caravan are losing ground. Again the question remains why so? Somebody is needed to provide answers to these Whys.

Chhupa Kar Aastin Mein Bijliyan Rakh Li Hain Gurdu Ne;

Anadil Bagh Ke Gaafil Na Baithein Ashianon Mein !

Greetings and congratulations on Ambedkar Jyanti

Postscript: While I am concluding my piece, I find that this year Bootan Mandi is decked up with decorations to celebrate the birth anniversary of the great leader Babasaheb Ambedkar. It is a matter of satisfaction. A Chetna March (Yatra) will be taken out in the afternoon of April 13 by a number of outfits having allegiance with Dr. Ambedkar. On April 14 again, Ambedkar Mission Society will conduct a Chetna March and conclude the celebrations with a function to pay tributes the Messiah of Dalits at Ambedkar Bhawan at Nakodar Road, Jalandhar.

SPEED Computer Centers

April 24, 2015, 5:40 am

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I wrote in this blog earlier on Society for Poor’s Educational and Economic Development (SPEED). In keeping with its agenda and programme, SPEED has opened and is running at least four computer centers in and around Jalandhar.  I myself witnessed and participated in the inaugural functions of its computer centers at Basti Danishmanda and Ambedkar Bhawan at Nakodar Road. The feedback on these centers has been good and I wished to go and see for myself. My friend Ram Lal Kainth, an active member of SPEED, told me that in a short period of a month or so, there were more than 200 students at the Ambedkar Bhawan Center. It was gratifying to know.

The other day, April 23, Janak Raj Chauhan, one of the leading members and functionaries of SPEED, telephoned and invited me to Ambedkar Bhawan Center. I immediately agreed, as I myself was interested in visiting them. On reaching there, Janak suggested that it would be good, if I could speak to the young students and motivate

them. I said that it will be my pleasure. Since the classes are divided into sessions, due to constraints of space, there were about 50 young boys and girls with two fully groomed ladies as trained Instructors. We assembled around the big library table of the Bhawan.  The young audience was a disciplined lot. Janak introduced me to the students. I found them curious and interested in listening to me. In turn, with a view to make them comfortable, I said that I will not make a speech but will speak to them informally. I gave my humble background and told them that I was one of them. Giving an overview of the importance of computers and English language, I told them that apart from their class syllabus and curriculum they would need to get educated in computers and English language to succeed in life. I added that given the social and economic background of most of them, it was all the more important for them to become pro-active with extra-curriculum activities not only in their schools and colleges but also otherwise in and around their periphery. I advised them to read newspapers and listen to news on radio and television regularly. It would be good for them to develop a habit of consulting a dictionary to know the meaning of difficult words and phrases. I must say that it was a good and satisfying brief interaction.

I also informed the young students about my humble effort in starting Jalandhar School of Careers and Opportunities at Bootan

Mandi, not very far off from Ambedkar Bhawan and invited them to visit us.

It will also not be out of place to thank and congratulate SPEED for this yeoman’s service to the community at the doorsteps.

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Ambedkar Mela at Randhawa Masandan Jallandhar

April 26, 2015, 10:48 pm

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Special issues of Ambedkar Times and Desh Doaba released

It was a great event to pay tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Educational and Welfare Trust, Randhawa Masandan, a prominent and progressive village in the periphery of Jalandhar, celebrated the birth anniversary (April 14) on April 26, 2015 and organized a grand missionary mela and a seminar on the life and mission of the great leader. It may not be out of place to assume that the motivation behind this well organized function must be the great community activist and missionary poet and lyricist Rattu Randhawa who is a native of the village. Ram Murti Mal, a retired Telecom Divisional Engineer, one of the leading organizers and his associates, did a good job and must be complimented and appreciated as it requires a lot of planning and effort.

Paramjit Mahey being honoured

My brother Paramjit Mahey who himself is quite active in such community matters persuaded me to join him at the function. I turned out to be a good experience. Not only did the organizers honour and recognize me but also gave me an opportunity to speak and pay my humble tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar. It was an honour which I fully relished with gratefulness. My friend Dr. Gian Chand Kaul was the Chief Guest and rightly so. The function was attended by many intellectuals and community leaders namely Advocate S.L. Virdi, Engineer Jaswant Rai, Prof. Kuldeep Sodhi, Assistant Registrar Sandeep Mehmi, SDO Raghubir Singh among others. All the speakers spoke with conviction and paid glowing tributes to Dr. Ambedkar.

The second aspect of the function was even more praiseworthy and commendable. The cream of dalit writers, poets and lyricists of Punjab and also some established and up-coming missionary singers and performers regaled the dedicated audience with their poems, songs and compositions. It must be a rare occasion where the likes of Rattu Randhawa, Chan Goryanwala, Sohan Sehjal, Madan Jallandhari among others might have graced the occasion at one go. Similarly, it must be a special opportunity to see and listen to the singers of the first genre on one stage. They were, inter alia, Joginder Dukhia, Surinder Laddi, Dalvinder Dyalpuri, Roop Lal Dhir, Ginni Mahi, Prem Lata, Dalbir Haripuria, Bhottu Shah and many more. Some of the known Punjabi comedians led by Bhottu Shah provided the much needed comic relief with their jokes and comedy in the hot and sultry weather.

The book “Mann Ki Katiyae Mael”, anthology of religions, written by Mal Singh and the Special issues of Ambedkar Times and Desh Doaba, periodicals published from California (USA) by Prem Chumber were also released at the function.

It is gratifying to say that there is no regret. I enjoyed the programme fully. The underlying current of the speeches and poetic renditions were that of dalit unity to meet the challenges of the future. It will be a big tribute to the memory of the great leader Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Greetings on Buddha Purnima

May 3, 2015, 7:11 pm

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Today, May 4, is Buddha Purnima, the day when Gautma Buddha was born, became enlightened and died. I convey hearty greetings to my fellow-beings and humble tributes to the greatest Master of the world at large on this auspicious day.

I had written in these columns before that though I am not a practicing Buddhist yet I am a Buddhist by mind since long. My small venture, Jalandhar School of Careers and Opportunities is situated near the Budh Vihar in Bootan Mandi at Jalandhar. I will be participating today in the Shobha Yatra in connection with Buddha Purnima and in the congregation at the Budh Vihar for my spiritual satisfaction. I must also admit that my motivation to follow Buddhism emanates from my respect and dedication to one of the greatest Bodhisattvas Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who revived Buddhism in India in the contemporary times by becoming a Buddhist with his several lakhs of followers on October 14, 1956. In fact, like me, all Indians are Buddhist in one sense that they live in India under the constitutional arrangements made and stipulated by our founding fathers under the guidance and initiatives of Bodhisattva Dr. Ambedkar in the constitution of India.  The principles of liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the constitution are the cardinal concepts of Buddhism. Dr. Ambedkar rightly said in one of his speeches, “My philosophy has roots in religion and not in political science.” And added, “My social philosophy may be said to be enshrined in three words: liberty, equality and fraternity and I have derived these from the teachings of my Master, the Buddha.”

Why Buddhism? What appeals to me? It is very difficult to understand religious philosophies. I have gone through the great book of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar “The Buddha and His Dhamma”. It is a simple treatise on Buddhism in bullet form for a lay man like me. It says, according to the Buddhist philosophy, ‘the mind is the centre of everything. The first thing to attend is the culture of mind.’ It makes a lot of sense to me. In His first sermon to his disciples, Buddha said, according to Dr. Ambedkar, that his path (Middle path as against extremes and rigidity) was ‘his Dhamma (religion) which had nothing to do with God and Soul. His Dhamma had nothing to do with life after death. Nor has his Dhamma any concern with rituals and ceremonies.’  Buddha further said, ‘The centre of his Dhamma is man and the relation of man to man in his life on earth.’ According to the Buddhist teachings, Dukha (sufferings) could be ended by three things: i) the path of purity; ii) the path of righteousness and the path of virtue. I don’t know much except the concept of Dhamma as propounded by Mahatma Buddha. It is enough to live a good and contented life. The three Refuges (Buddham, Dhammam and Sangham) and five Precepts (Panch Sheel) and the twenty-two vows, specially prepared by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, are the essence of Buddhism.

I close this by saying that the future belongs to Buddhism. I have recently read an essay by a scholar and a senior IAS officer Raja Shekhar Vundru in which he said, paying tributes to the memory of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, “The years to come will see the complete integration of dalits into the fold of Buddhism, as Ambedkar had wished.”

My daughter Vaishali was born on Budha Purnima day in 1975. It is an auspicious occasion for me on that account too. May Lord Buddha bless her with all happiness.

Yemen – Happy Arabia

May 19, 2015, 10:35 pm

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Yemen remains in news these days as it witnesses bad times of conflict and violence. There were times when it was called ‘Fortunate Arabia’ and ‘Happy Arabia. When I was posted to Sana’a in the early 80s (1983-85), the establishment officer, Deputy Secretary (ADP) in Ministry of External Affairs Ram Lal, a shrewd  man, persuading me to accept the posting to Sana’a, said that it was the only hill station in and around the gulf countries. Since it was an out of turn posting, I did not care much. Otherwise also, throughout my diplomatic career, I did not do anything special except normal routine of giving preferences at the time of postings abroad. Like a duty-bound functionary, I accepted whatever came my way. Nevertheless, I have no regrets in this regard. At that time, Yemen was still divided – North Yemen (Shia - Arabs) with Sana’a as Capital city and South Yemen (Sunni -Communists) with Aden as its Capital city. Yemen is a tribal society. The country was unified in 1990 under the leadership of Ali Abdullah Saleh, a North Yemini leader. But it was not a meeting of minds. There was no peace. Internal strife set in. Vested interests like the Al-Qaida and Islamic State entered the troubled waters. Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) brokered peace, ousted Ali Abdullah Saleh and brought in Abdu Rabbo Mansoor Hadi as the President of the country. But the change did not result in peace. The politics of religion, Shia-Sunni question, came to the surface. The Islamic fundamentalists like Al-Qaida and Islamic State, have their own agenda. A sort of civil war between the tribes supportive of Ali Abdullah Saleh and those of President Abdu Rabbo Mansoor Hadi over took the ground situation. Geo-politics and diplomacy, on one side (Abdu Rabbo Mansoor Hadi) supported and abetted by Saudi Arabia and its allies and on the other supported and encouraged by Iran, Russia, China and their allies, made the situation more confrontational and difficult. It continues and the poor Yemenis are suffering. No respite is in sight.

I reached Sana’a on December 10, 1982. Within a couple of days of

With President Ali Abdullah Saleh

 my arrival, there was a big earthquake in the hills outside of Sana’a which resulted in huge loss of life and property, particularly in Dammar region.  I started my diplomatic career from Beijing (then Peking) where I was engaged in administration and establishment work. Sana’a proved a launching pad for me with commercial and labour desk of the Embassy being under my charge. I was not only a junior diplomat but also a novice. My only strength was sincerity and hard work. My boss, Ambassador Ranjit Gupta, was not only a competent and dynamic diplomat but was also a hard task master. He gave me a long rope to do some work. The number two in the Embassy was yet another young and dedicated diplomat, R.O. Wallang. I found him always supportive, patronizing and friendly. Generaly, Attache level officers are not provided Personal Assistants (PA) but it was an exception in Sana’a. My PAs, during my tenure, Davinder Saddi and Purshottam Sharma were good and efficient. I still keep in touch with them. There is much to write about my work and experience in Sana’a but I will do that later separately. Today, I will limit myself to some general impressions about Yemen.

Deputy Secretary Ram Lal was true; Sana’a is surrounded by dry

Kath session with Sheikh Mohd. Tilha

and rocky hills. The weather was moderate.  People were friendly with “Hindis” (Indians). It is said that appearances are deceptive. It is true in Yemen. The society is tribal. One can feel “Islamic brotherhood” in their thinking and living. The rich mingled and socialized with the poor. The rich may be living in a mud-thatched house with no fan-fare. One may find him in the traditional dress of a Sarong-like wrapping and a shirt, sometimes with a turban or an Arab scarf. Almost all adults used to chew on “Kath” (tender leaves of a plant) in the afternoons which is said to be a sort of intoxicant and aphrodisiac. Though Yemen is an Islamic country yet people were not fanatics in those days. I think the fundamentalists and terrorists have taken an undue advantage of their simplicity and poverty. Yemenis were hospitable and God fearing people. Yemen is one of the least developed countries of the world. In the early 80’s, there were no municipal facilities like internal roads, sewerage, water-supply etc. The centre of the town was ‘Tehrir Square’. There were only three major roads at that time – Central Vista (Tehrir square), Sana’a-Taiz and Sana’a Hudeidah. Hal-Sayyad was the largest business house; it was called the Tata of Yemen. Most of their companies and industries were run by experts hired from India. The hospitals were staffed with Para-medical staff from India. There were only two five star hotels – Taj Sheba (managed by the Taj Group of Hotels) and Sana’a Sheraton. Indian company TCIL was engaged in major tele-communications projects. Indian company IRCC bagged a big road project sometime in 1983. Later, in the wake of the earthquake, Indian companies like NBCC and Duggal and Sons got engaged in low-cost housing projects for rehabilitation in rural areas. I had much to do, in view of our deep economic and commercial engagement in Yemen. I learnt the nuances of business diplomacy from Ambassador Ranjit Gupta who was very kind and supportive. Ambassador Gupta is keeping good health and is kicking. I last met him and his gracious wife in Tokyo some time in 2003. President Giani Zail Singh was on a state visit to Yemen on October 30, 1984 when PM Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her own security officers. I was staying with President Zail Singh, as local Liaison Officer, in the Presidential Palace. The news of the untoward incident at the residence of PM Indira Gandhi reached me in the early morning of the fateful day. Nobody in Sana’a knew of this. On my own, I immediately contacted the then Chief of Protocol Mohammad Hamid Ansari (now Vice President of India), who was staying at Hotel Taj Sheba with other senior members of the delegation, and informed of the happenings in New Delhi. He rushed to the Presidential Palace and informed President Zail Singh, after reconfirming from Rashrapati Bhawan on the provided Hotline, of the unfortunate events. The rest is history.

India-Yemen relations are historical. Aden was administered by the British from Bombay Presidency till 1935. Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Bose and many other top leaders visited Aden before independence in 1947. Trade relations were excellent even in old days. Dhirubhai Ambani of Relience Group started his business career from Aden and his son Mukesh Ambani was born in Aden. Many Yemenis migrated to Hyderabad and settled there. I observed that Yemenis were friendly and hospitable towards Indians. Let us hope that the current situation in Yemen is a passing phase and things will settle down soon. I wish the Yemeni friends all the very best in the years to come.

Article 6

May 22, 2015, 4:56 am

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Mera Bharat Mahan

In the good old days, it was said by a distinguished British politician and diplomat Sir Henry Wotton, “An Ambassador is an honest gentleman sent to lie abroad for the good of his own country.” Being a simple diplomat myself, I did not believe in this dictum rather chose to follow the contemporary advice of my senior and one of the finest diplomats of India T.N. Kaul who said, “Ambassadors need not lie.” In this context, how should we place and assess PM Narendra Modi, particularly in the current and on-going controversy about his utterings and pronouncements about some of the internal issues of India during his visits abroad? PM Narendra Modi, it seems, is following Sir Henry Wotton but with a small difference. Perhaps, he has replaced the last word of Henry Wotton’s quote “country” with “party”. No disrespect to PM Narendra Modi is intended. He is free to conduct himself as he deems fit. The opposition parties have been criticizing PM Modi for this.  So far, successive Indian leaderships have been reticent and avoided to raise and discuss internal affairs of India while abroad. But PM Modi is pro-active and tends to speak at public meetings abroad as if he is addressing an election rally at home. It has become a matter of controversy.

This time things have gone a little too far. While speaking to Indians in China and South Korea during his recent visits, PM Modi remarked, “Indians were ashamed of being born in the country before his government came to power.” He said in Seoul, “There was a time when people used to say we don’t know what sins we have committed in our past life that we were born in Hindustan.” This, obviously, triggered outrage and invited angry reactions from political parties and cross sections of the society and rightly so. The BJP leadership appeared to defend their leader but their defense was weak. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on one of the TV channels something like that earlier Indian PMs were respected because of India but now India was respected because of its PM. The main opposition, Congress Party condemned PM Modi’s behaviour and said, “We have never seen such a low level and degraded politics in the country. We are really pained over the remarks as no leader in independent India has ever made such a statement.” Somebody wrote on Twitter, “Congratulations to all of us for electing a Prime Minister who was ashamed of his birth in India until we made him PM.” We may draw our own conclusions. The last Mughal King Bahadur Shah Zafar wrote a meaningful piece of poetry and said:

Zafar Admi usko na jaaniye ga;

wo ho kaisa hi sahib-e-fehmo zaka.

jise aish mein yaad-e-khuda na rahi;

jise taish mein khauf-e-khuda na raha.

Remembering Sant Ramanand of Dera Sachkhand Balan

May 24, 2015, 10:11 pm

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At our home at Kalkaji, New Delhi

On May 25, 2009, Sant Ramanand of Dera Sachkhand Balan was martyred in the wake of a shootout at a Gurudwara in Vienna (Austria). It was an unfortunate incident involving the innocent and peace loving followers of Guru Ravidassji and some ill advised fanatics. Sant Ramanand, an ardent preacher of Gurbani, who was visiting Vienna and conducting Satsang at the Gurudwara was injured and later succumbed to his injuries in Vienna itself. He was a great soul. It was my good fortune to know him closely. I feel duty bound to remember him, like past years, on his Shaheedi Diwas today.

Sant Ramanand, a young follower of Sant Sarwan Dass of Balan

Sant Hari Dass at our home at Bootan Mandi, Jalandhar

Dera, visited our home in Jalandhar along with Sant Hari Dass in February, 1977 who came with the Barat (marriage congregation) of my brother-in-law D.C. Kumar of Balan to marry my sister Kamla (Paramjit). I met him many a times subsequently but some of the meetings are itched in my memory quite vividly. My father died in April, 1986. Sant Ramanand accompanied Sant Garib Dass to the Bhog ceremony (Antim Ardas) and performed the kirtan of Gurbani at our home at Bootan Mandi, Jalandhar. I vividly remember the Shabad of Guru Ravidass – “Jal ki bheet pawan ka thamba; rakt boond ka gara“ which he rendered. It made me weep bitterly as I got filled with emotion.  Sant Garib Dass was hospitalized in Delhi for a few days in 1990. I went to meet him with D.C. Kumar. We were living in a newly acquired flat of Kamla and Kumar at Maurya Enclave (Pitampura). We invited the Sant to visit us in the flat and have lunch with us. Sant Garib Dass blessed us, along with Sant Ramanand at our flat. We were extremely happy. Sant Ramanand again honoured us in March/April, 1999 along with Sant Niranjan Dass at our small home at Kalkaji in Delhi. Frankly. Kamla and Kumar, who are one of the close followers of the Dera Balan, enjoyed an excellent rapport with Sant Ramanand and they were instrumental in bringing the revered Sants to our humble abode several times. The next and the last time I met Sant Ramanand and Sant Niranjan Dass was sometime in 2007 in Vienna itself where Santa Ramanand was ultimately assassinated. I was stationed in the nearby capital city of Prague of Czech Republic and was on a private visit to Vienna. I came to know the revered Sants were also there. I approached Sant Ramanand and requested that I would like to come and meet them. He was such a simple soul that rather than my going to meet them they desired to come to my place of stay. It was pleasure. Many things of mutual interest came up during the meeting. One thing, I recall, was security. I said that, in view of the deteriorating security situation all around, they should be a little more careful. It is more so,  in view of the fact that they were engaged in awakening the poor and down-trodden masses and status and prestige of the Dera Balan, were on the rise. There could be many vested interests and opponents of their mission who may not like their activities. Sant Ramanand dismissed my humble submission with a smile. Fate intervened subsequently and he was killed incidentally in Vienna itself by the fundamentalists.  That was my last meeting with the great Sant.

I write this in memory of Sant Ramanand as my humble tribute. It is a matter of concern and regret that his mission of awakening and empowering the poor and neglected sections of the society remains unfulfilled. In the wake of his Shaheedi, there was a great turmoil in the community. But, it appears, Dera Sachkhand Balan could not own the legacy of Shaheed Ramanand and motivate their followers to follow the right direction in their struggle. It is time to think and act to carry forward the mission of Sant Ramanand. It will be the only befitting tribute to Sant Ramanandji.

Tail Piece: - Today May 25 is the birthday of my daughter Vaishali. She was born on Buddha Purnima Day. May God bless her.  Vaishali is with us in Jalandhar on vacation with her two lovely daughters. Her husband JP sent her a bouquet of 40 red roses at past 12’O clock mid-night. It was a pleasant surprise