Memories of Babu PMemories of Babu Parmanand,Son of the soil

Memories of Babu Parmanand,Son of the soil.

( Tributes to the son of the soil on his 12^th Death Anniversary falling on 24-04-2020)

                                                                                           By: - Er. H. R. Phonsa

 Dogra Rattan Babu Parmanad , rose from a mud hut  in  Sarore, a small village of Jammu and Kashmir  to  Haryana Raj Bhawan Chandigarh. He was born on the 10^th   August 1932 to revered Sh. Jaggu Ram & Smt. Matyan Devi. His parents were deeply religious souls, having deep faith in Sant Mat as expounded by Saints of Radha Soami Sat sang Beas, Distt Amritsar, Punjab State of India. Village Sarore is largely in-habited by the followers of Radha Soami Satsang, following strict norms of Sant Mat.  It is perhaps first village in UT where weekly Sat sang started before 1947. Sh. Mangoo Ram, Chamar by caste and then panchayat member was the first Satsang Karta of Village Sarore. This Village has the distinction of being the birth place of Parmanand besides Sant Rasila Ram Ji (Dera Head 1966-July 2011) predecessor to the Present Spiritual Master Sant Subhash Chander Singh JI Maharaj of Saidpur Satsang Dera ,Amritsar . Babu Ji completed his schooling from Govt High School Bishnah with high merits.At times he  worked as labourar to earn to support his studies. He passed Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957 from GGM Sc. College Art Esteem Jammu. After this he joined as teacher at Govt. High School Ramgarh presently in Samba District.  He passed with high merits MA (Economics) and LLB, from Muslim University Aligarh. Among his classmates was Mufti Mohd. Sayeed (1936-2016) who was union Home Minister (Dec .1989-Nov 90) and twice Chief Minister (2002–2005) and (2015-16). Two instances during studying at Aligarh are worth mentioning. When he was facing acute financial crisis  he wrote  for financial help and received Rs400/- from Babu Jagjivan Ram (1908 - 86)  then union Transport and Railways later Dy. Prime Minister. This help he remembered life through and also returned empty hand anybody who approached him for such help.  Long working hours to cope for his simultaneous two degrees he suffered from typified so had to get admitted in hospital. The examination was approaching near but he could not effort to miss it. He sought and got university permission to appear in examination from hospital bed. He passed the Examination.  He also appeared in J&K State Civil Services Examination in 1960 and passed with obtaining 9^th opposition in merit. Although his financial position was low at the ebb still he decided to enter state ( Now UT) politics against all advices from  his friends and relations.  However when he approached Zenab Gulam Mohd Bakashi ( 1907-72) who was Prime Minister of J&K State ( 1953-63).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 Babu Ji contested his first Assembly election in 1962 from Ramgarh (Reserved) Constituency and won with high margin. There after he won continuously elections in 1968,72, 77 and 87. He served in different capacities as MLA, Dy. Minister, MOS , Assembly Speaker besides Finance and Power Minister with Zenab Gulam Mohd Bakashi, Zenab Gulam Mohd. Sadiq, Zenab Mir Qasim , Zenab Sheikh Mohd Abdullah and Zenab Farooq Abdullah. Babu Ji was Assembly speaker during Chief Ministership of Zenab Sheikh Sahib. All senior politicians valued Babu Ji’s suggestions and all masses loved Babu Ji for his personal , political and administrative capabilities values. In official, public meetings and social functions he reached at the appointed time. He was soft spoken but firm in his decisions and actions.

 As Finance Minister of J&K State Babu ji ordered uniformity in  bi-annual  Darbar Move TA for all ranks of all moving employees. As Transport Minister he recruited 60% drivers and cleaners from Jammu province and earned title of Jansangi in 1968 from Kashmir ill informed pubic. As Housing Minister he established Jani Pur Housing colony and distributed free plots to poor people mostly Scheduled Caste and Backward classes. The Janipur Housing colony in Jammu was established on modern lines with well planned roads , parks,wide roads,spaces for community welfare activities.

 Under Indra Awash Yogna he took interests to get established new colonies for poor population living in slum areas of the villages. He privately got  developed “Babu Parmanand Residential Colony” in Kalali Tibba RSPURA Jammu for the weaker section of the society.  This colony has over forty plots and peoples feeling secure. But with the untimely passing away of Babu ji development of this colony has slowed down.

Babu Ji stood for values. When Babu Ji was contesting election from Bishnah Constituency. He was then Finance and Power Minister in Dr Farooq Abbdula’s government. A controversy had been raised about Bill No 09 (Tenancy Act),when rumors were a foot that after elections Muslim  residents of J&K State who migrated to  Pakistan in 1947 shall return and occupy the land they previously vacated her. So many border area Refugees in fear of loosing their lands boycotted elections.  One of his blind lady sympathizer Behn Mello Devi asked Babu Ji that her village was likely to boycott   election, but she wants to cast her vote in his favour. Babu advised her to cooperate with her village people, as she has to live there and social contacts should be valued by everybody. But she exercised her right of vote even in acute opposition from the people. Babu Parmanand eventually lost this election, first defeat of his political carrier spanning over six decades. He also contested  for Jammu Parliamentary seat in 1996 and lost. He edited a fortnightly English news paper “ Voice of Depressed” for some time and had to close due to financial crises.

Babu Parmanand was deeply engrossed in the Sant Mat Principles, a way of Saints. As all these saints have preferred family life over austerity.  His marriage was ceremonies   on 6^th May 1962 with Sudesh Kumari, daughter of Lala Munshi Ram of Jalandhar town in Punjab State. Lala Munshiram was a well to do sports businessman, who had migrated from Sailkot (Now  in Pakistan ) to India during 1947 turmoil. Babu Ji was blessed with two equally brilliant sons. His elder son Dr. Rajinder Parsad is serving as Professor of Surgery and HO a surgery unit in country's prestigious All India Institute of Medical sciences New Delhi & second son Gagan Jyoti is a Chief Engineer Mechanical in J&K Engineering services. Babu Ji was also blessed with four grand children who are excelling in their studies. His wife smt. Sudesh Kumari served as a school teacher although.

 Babu Ji was member of National Conference, Indian National Cogress and Indian National Congress {O} . When NC leaders defied his value based suggestion he joined BJP on the requests of national leaders   like Atal Behari Vajpai ( 1924-2018) Prime Minister( 1998-2004) ,L.K. Advani, MM Joshi , Kushabhau Thakre  etc to render assistance in mitigating suffering of the masses particularly in J&K. With coming in power of BJP Babu ji was appointed as Governor of Haryana Pradesh. Babu Parmanand Ji was administered the oath of office of the Governor of Haryana on 19^th July 2000. On the very next day when Babu Ji was strolling in Raj Bhawan I was with him. We saw that the fruit trees needed trimming and other treatments. Some good land was found vacant. I proposed to Babu Ji to get paddy planting in the fields. The farmer in Babu ji got aroused and from the very next day paddy plantation was planned. Quality seedling from RSPURA Jammu was ordered. During his stay of about four years in Raj Bhawan, all needs of cereals, vegetables, and cow’s milk were met from the production from with in the Raj Bhawan .

 At Raj Bhawan Staff told me that any body can see him by appointment. He is always available to meet masse. All visitors from different shades of society, high or low, to Raj Bhawan are treated as esteemed important persons without caring for protocol rules.  I told his personal  staff that the written protocol rules have been framed during British Times.  He was a   public man and he shall not rest unless he met to all those who wish to see him. He cared little for his personnel comforts. A large chunk of Jammu & Kashmir common peoples, Ministers, officials, political leaders who visited Raj Bhawan are testimony to this statement.

   Babu Ji’s love for the books can get a glimpse from his getting a separate library building built  to house Raj Bhawan Books, which were earlier stored in a small place disorderly. Babu Parmanand toured almost to Block level of Haryana State to see for himself the developmental activities.

 Babu Ji was seen in Raj Bhawan to getting plucked ripe fruits from the fruit trees and distribute it to the Raj Bhawan Staff particularly lower staff. A long list of the needy, poor persons, students, ill &, destitute including women can be drawn who received cash aid, tools, medicines, clothes ; sewing machines for their rehabilitation from Babu Ji. Babu Ji worked for the principles dear to him setting examples to the future occupants of the Raj Bhawans as Governors. If Dr K.R. Narayanan ( 1920-2005) 10^th President Of India is known as a working  President, Babu ji proved as a public Governor.

      Once a deputation of common people from RSPURA Jammu went to Haryana Raj Bhawan .  They stayed in Raj Bhawan,   When they were taking their lunch, Babu Ji went to see them, as if, he lacked faith in his staff in service of his guests. While talking to them, Babu Ji  told them that he was one from among them. Babu Ji said that he is alive to the situation that to what ever the heights a man may rise on a tree; after all he has to touch the ground again. Almost all Religious heads, Heads of Ders in Punjab and else where visited Raj Bhawn Haryana during Babu Ji tenure as Governor.

 To work for enhancing education capabilities of J&K Students Babu Ji  conceived an  Institution to prepare poor students for ALL India Competitive Examination for All India  and allied services. He purchased 4 Kanals of land in Lower Roop Nagar ( EWS colony),built some infrastructures for the pupose. He also conceived opening of  Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy for J&K. He was its  founding father remained till his death. This Building was inaugurated in 1994 by His Excellency General (Retd) K.V.Krishana Rao Ex. Indian Army Chief and Governor of J&K State.  Alas his untimely death has kept his dream projct as unfulfilled. A library in the name of “ Dr Ambedkar” is working there.  During his life Babu Ji was decorated with many prestigious Awards, titles for his meritorious services to nation.

 Babu ji   shed his  mortal body  frame at his house  when all family members were present, after suffering for 10 months with deadly  liver cancer on early morning of 24^th April,2008.   I was also on his bed side.

     Babu Ji’s popularity was demonstrated by the Government and People of the J&K State, when a Government Holiday was declared on his unfortunate death. Over 10,000 peoples from all shades of life including State Governor Lt. Gen( Retd) S.K..Sinha, Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad, State Cabinet members, All high dignitaries of J&K State( now 2 UTs), leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and former Dy. Prime Minister L.K. Advani , Santa Kumar former CM ,H.P state, All India President of the Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy Dr. S.P sumnakshar , many religious Heads of Deras , joined Babu Ji’s last rights.  Babu JI given State funeral. Thousands paid their visits to the residence of the Babu Ji to console his family members, Hundreds of letters of condolences were received. One of the mourners from Kashmir termed Babu Ji as a “Darvesh”.  Among those who visited Babu Ji’s residence for paying tributes to the departed soil was Dr. Farooq Abdulla, Nazir Ahmed Sheikh( Advocate), delegation of officers of Radha Soami Satsang,Radha Soami Satsang Saidpur Head Baba Rasila Ram and many more to share grief of family members. Babu Ji’s ashes remains were immersed  in river Chenab and River Beas  observing Radha Soami preached ways.

 Over 15,000 men and women from all walks of lives attended Babu Ji 10^th  day after death  sat sang delivered by Sant Baba Rasila Ram Ji.

 Babu Parmanand was honest to the core of his heart. Babu Ji shall be long remembered for his qualities of head and heart.

Words 2074

  Dated 23-04-2020

       Er.H.R.Phonsa

14th April the International Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Day of Euality

                       14^th April  the International Dr. B.R.Ambedkar  Day of Euality

                   ( Remembering Dr. Ambedkar On his 129th  Birth Anniversary falling on 14^th April 2020)

                                                                                     BY:-  Er H.R.Phonsa,Jammu

                                                        Contact :   hrphonsa@gmail.com  Mob +919419134060

 14^th April is being celebrated   internationally to mark the birthday of Dr. Baba sahib Ambedkar, an Indian jurist, politician, philosopher, anthropologist, socialist scientist, historian and economist. Dr Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 at  Mhow a cantonment in the Indore district in Madhya Pradesh state of India, now Ambedkar Nagar since 2003.  Ambedkar alias Bhiva was 14^th child of his parents Revered Ramji Sakhpal , a Subedar –Major in East India Company Army and self respecting,  religious minded Mata Bhimabai.  Bhimabai passed away when Bhimva allies Bhim  was six years old   leaving her six  siblings under care of her husband’s sister Mirabai, who was  herself handicapped. Against all odds and worst hit by caste supported untouchability he passed his Matriculation in 1907, a first in the history of Untouchable  Mahar caste. Nearly same time Bhim was married to Ramabai.  With the financial assistance from Baroda Naresh , Maharaja Siya Ji Giawad III,  an untouchable student who received his early education from  outside his class room, went thirsty days long, whose teacher gave him his name, due to his  sincere urge backed by his continuous hard labour, to get high qualification  crowned himself with world’s highest academic Degrees of  B.A; MA; M Sc; Ph.D; L.L.D; D Sc; D.Litt; Barrister-at-Law.   Although many a times he had to satisfy his hunger by a single loaf of bread but labored to learnt ten languages including Sanskrit  with proficiency in speaking seven . The efforts of Doctor Ambedkar to strive for high qualifications  also show his resolve to attain  Equality showing  low caste is no barrier to achieve heights even higher than high caste people.  

During whole life his mind and soul  kept searching and struggling  for Equality and  projecting necessity  for Equality  despite facing himself  inequality, more so from his own countrymen orthodox Hindu  religious  fundamentalists . His fight in all world forums where even he went and spoke, he was demanding Equality to masses without distinction of caste, creed, colour, sex, place of birth, economic or family status. His speeches judged as the best of all speeches delivered in three Round Table Conferences held between  Novmber,1930  to December 1932 in London  attended  including  world mighty British crowned King His Majesty George V  with Prime Ministers  Ramsay MacDonald his Cabinet colleagues ,British Parliamentary  delegation consisting  of 16 from all 8 parties. In the First RTC conferences were present Indian politicians (58) and, delegates of Princely States (16). This was strength of Ist RTC, with some changes for II & III TRCs. In his speeches  Dr. Ambedkar  challenged working with fixed priorities towards Indian, particularly neglected, poor, ill dressed, illiterate, starving masses caught  in religious prejudices . He was addressing to all powerful British Government, uncrowned kings of Indian political   leadership besides   Indian Kings , with earnest requests to make changes in their planning ,  thinking and  projected priorities   to reduce prevailing all round  inequalities in Indian administration.  Dr. Ambedkar  British government to quit India immediately as it had failed to provide Equality to her Indian subjects.

His only concern to meet and make  representations before committees and commissions like Southborough Commission on 27 January 1919, SIMON COMMISSION on October 23, 1928 and many more in India and abroad were to exress for amicable solution for removal of  prevailing man made  inequalities and ill treatment to his down trodden people called Untouchable. The Untouchables Shudras( Presently called SCs, STs )  had in 1901, a population of 5,32,96,636 (18.93%)  against total Indian population of 28,08,75,176 .This excluded touchable Shudras ( Present day OBC’s) population. His main aim in organizing, Mahad  water tank protest march, agitation to enter Kala Ram Temple or his resistance to his poise  wife Ramabai to take her to –Vithoba diety  temple  were to put  fight against religious forced inequalities and denial of Human Rights to his people. His burning of the  controversial Hindu Law Book “ Manusmiriti” was not for  any personal gains but to  burn publically  the prevailing Hindu  religious ego and caste hate towards their religious brethren the Untouchables.

His work as Labour member ( 1942-46)  of Viceroy’s Executive Council shows his earnest desire to have equality in working hours and wages for male and female workers. His concern as labour member expressed in Labour Conferences and later issuing appropriate orders getting paid holidays, banning night shifts for female workers, right to strike to works on genuine  grounds , rules for dispute resolution between  employees and employers establishing PSCs,  granting Gratuity etc,establishing Employment exchanges and many more

 His signing  the Poona Pact in 1932 with Mahatama Gandhi to save Gandhi’s life was to give a trial to forge Equality between Caste Hindus and Untouchables. But alas after signing pact all orthodox Hindu signatories including M.M. Malvia ,now Bharat Ratna , drank and sprinkled Ganga water on them to clean caste pollution  they got while signing pack with Baba Sahib and other untouchables leaders.

 A boy debarred Sanskrit subject in school syllabus holding low caste tag due to his qualities of head and heart, was made the  Chairman of  Indian Constitution Drafting Committee, gave equality to all Indian  in all  life spheres as the main theme. The  practice of untouchability which hunted whole life was made a punishable act in india.

 His attempt  to get passed Hindu Code Bill in Parliament was to give legal teeth  for granting equality in all spheres of life for Indian women suffering Orthodox male’s atrocities .He drafted  the Indian Constitution Preamble, declaring India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. The objectives stated in the Preamble are to secure justice, liberty, Equality to all citizens and to  promote Fraternity assuring the  individual Dignity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation.

 When all efforts by Doctor failed to get reforms on scientific base his Hindu Religion he decided to leave it in 1935. He studies all world religions and found all of them wanting to provide  Equality. After deep religions study he embraced Buddhism which stood for Equality among all human. He embraces Buddhism along with his over one Million followers bringing it back to its land of  birth after 2500 years.

 On his unfortunate death on 6^th December 1956 and his cremation the next date in Bombay ( Now Mumbai) another half a Million his followers embraced Buddhism. His getting Bharat Ratna, the highest Civilian Award (posthumously) in 1990 gave recognition to  his fight for rights of  deprived humanity and his lifelong efforts to fight out inequalities peacefully.

 When GOI under PM Narinder Modi decided in May, 2015 to celebrate125^th Birth Day of Baba Sahib falling in 2016 on Government level. Shri Romesh Chandra _IFS  Ambassador submitted to GOI through External Minister a proposal to write a demarche to UNES to Celebrate 14^th April the Birthday Of Dr. Ambedkar  as “  International Day of Equality”.  This proposal was acknowledged by UNES Division of MOEA. Shri Romesh Chandra _IFS  Ambassador  solicited support from Various stake holding individuals,  forums, Association based in India and abroad who extended their full support   to his proposal The Forum of  SCs, MLA.s MP’s also wrote in November 2015 similar letter to Sh. Narinder Modi Indian Prime Minister to officially  approach the UN to  declare 14^th April as “ International Dr.B. R. Ambedkar Day of Equality”.  In pursuance of all these efforts 125^th Birth day of Baba Sahib on 14^th April, 2016 was celebrated by UN at New York   where the proposal of  “ International Day of Equality” was also registered with UN and International Community.  Shri Romesh Chandra _IFS Ambassador in association with some media houses (Ambedkar Times, Desh Doaba ( both  California  USA based) and Bhim Patrika ( Jalander,Punjab) continued their constant and concerted efforts to get the mooted proposal accepted by International Community. Their efforts bore fruit when on 6^th April, 2020 the city Of Burnaby ( Canada) MAYOR MR. MIKE HURLEY took lead and proclaimed 14^th April to be celebrated as “ Dr. B. R. Ambedkar  Day of Equality.”   

 Our regards  to Bharat Ratna Baba Sahib Dr, B.R Ambedkar on his 129^th Birth Anniversary, whose unblemished personnel character coupled with his unparallel qualification based life long working efforts for gaining  human “Equality” . Also for  his lifelong pursuit to his Cherished goal of “Equality” raising India’s head high in International Community. Our regards also to all those who continually chased their proposal with International Community to celebrate 14^th April as“ Dr. B. R. Ambedkar  Day of Equality.”

  

         Dated 11-04-2020                            BY:-  Er H.R.Phonsa,Jammu

                                            Contact :   hrphonsa@gmail.com  Mob +9194191340