tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50446027821587029562024-03-26T01:49:15.504-07:00Dalit VisionBlog on the cause of untouchables of IndiaHem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-76631618482135950082022-11-05T04:58:00.000-07:002022-11-05T04:58:17.972-07:00HYDERABADIAMBEDKAR (1896-1953) VENKAT RAO BATHULA SAYANNA ALIAS HYDERABADIAMBEDKAR (1896-1953)
(Remembering with reverence, Dalit icon, Baba Saheb’s confident on his 70th Death Anniversary falling on 4th Nov,2022)
By: Er H.R. Phonsa, jammu( J&K,UT), Contact( 9419134060--,hrphonsa@gmail.com)
Khusru-E- Deccan, Mr. Bathula Venkat Rao a Dalit hero of Hyderabad was one of the most trustworthy comrades of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. He belonged to Mala caste included in Scheduled Castes. In Andhra Pradesh 59 Dalit castes and one Neo Buddhists are included in scheduled caste. Mala and Medigas form 80% of Scheduled castes which have 16.5% population of the total state population (2001 censes). Shri Bathula Sayanna Venkat Rao was born in October, 1896. His father Bathula Sayanna worked as a domestic servant. He had formal education only up to ninth class but had gained proficiency in English, Marathi, Persian, Urdu and Telgu. He observed that the Dalits in Hyderabad were facing dual discriminations, because Muslims rulers took them as Hindus and Hindus treated them as Shudras or untouchables.
1941 census had estimated the population of Hyderabad to be 16.34 million, over 85% of whom were Hindus ( Shudras included), Muslims accounting for about 12%. It was also a multi-lingual state consisting of peoples speaking Telugu (48.2%), Marathi (26.4%), Kannada (12.3%) and Urdu (10.3%). In spite of the overwhelming Hindu majority, Hindus were severely under-represented in government, police and the military services. Of 1765 officers in the State Army, 1268 were Muslims, 421 were Hindus, and 121 others were Christians, Parses and Sikhs but none from Dalits. The Nizam and his nobles, who were mostly Muslims, owned 40% of the total land in the state. When this was the state of affairs in the state services, the conditions of untouchables can be well imagined, who faced dual discrimination.
Mr. Bathula Venkat Rao worked as a sculptor in Poona (Now Pune) from 1914 to 1918. There after he got employment in the Public Works Department of Nizam's Government as an overseer and after some time he got appointed as an Assistant Recruiting Officer at Nizamsagar Project. He continued to assist Dalits all the times. Mr. B.S Venkatrao married Shanta Devi and later on Nalini Devi. He had one daughter from his first wife and one son from his second marriage.
He keenly observed public effects of untouchability on the Depressed Classes and decided to fight it with all his might to get this social evil eliminated. He formed the Adi-Dravida Sangham in 1922 with the assistance of M. Govindrajulu and M. Venkata Swamy. Main objective of the Sangham was to remove the Devadasi system and unite the Dalits. Devidasies were the women, who were offered to gods in the temples in their childhood to save their families from deity’s curse. These women in their youth sang and danced in the temples to entertain the priests in the name of deitie’s. The priest also exploited them sexually and made their life like hell. The illegitimate children born out of sexual exploitation of these poor and helpless women were named as "Harijans" meaning - 'children of God'. When Gandhi Ji named Untouchables as Harijans it was opposed by one and all comrades of Dr. Ambedkar.
Subsequently on the advice and co-operation of his associates Shri Venktrao formed the Adi-Hindu Mahasabha in April 1927. The working committee besides himself consisted of Ramaswamy, M. Venkata-Swamy, Arigay Rama Ramaswamy, C.S Ethirajan, and others. In Nizam's state they tried to bring a new awakening among the untouchable masses.
Shri Venktrao led a delegation to the Maharashtra A-sprishya (Untouchables) Youth's Conference, Poona in January 1936. The conference was presided over by N. Shivraj. Dr Ambedkar addressed it. Later on, at the initiative of P.R. Venkataswamy the Youth League of Ambedkarite was formed with. B.S.Venkat Rao as its President and P.R. Venkata-Swamy its Secretary.
In recognition of B.S.Venkatrao's contribution to the Dalit uplift in Hyderabad area, Dr. Ambedkar invited him to preside over the Bombay Presidency Mahar conference held on 30 May 1936, at Bombay. The conference was attended by 10,000 people. The conference unanimously resolved to support the conversion move initiated by Baba Saheb. B.S. Venkatrao continued with the welfare efforts for the Dalits. He constructed a library in the Ghasmandi (Grass Market) area. He also got constructed some houses in the Ghasmandi area and named it Audia Nagar after the name of first engineer from Dalit Castes of Hyderabad, Shri M. L . Audio did a pioneering job for Dalit masses.. When Shri Venkatrao observed that Hindus shall not allow the untouchable to enter their temples for worship, he also got constructed 18 temples in Hyderabad for the use of the untouchables.
Mr. Venkatrao was nominated by the Nizam government to the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation in October 1937. The general body meeting of Youth League of Ambedkarite was convened on 29 May 193 8 in Jamshed Hall, under the Presidentship of Rao Saheb Venkatrao. In the meeting the League of Ambedkarite was renamed as the Hyderabad State Depressed Classes Association. In its meeting on 31st October 1938 Mr..Venkatrao was elected as its President and K.Jagannathan as Secretary. When Independent Labour Party of Dr. Ambedkar was made broad based and renamed as All India Depressed Classes Federation, Mr. Venkat Rao participated in its meeting held at Nagpur on 18, 19 and 20 July 1942. With this and other social activists B.S. Venkatrao got into prominence. The Nizam of Hyderabad also realized his Venkatrao’s importance and nominated him to the Defense Council of Nizam in 1943. He was nominated by the Nizam to the Secunderabad Municipal Committee in 1945. He was elected unopposed from the local body constituency to the Nizam's Legislative Assembly, in December 1946.
Palayam Pillai moved a resolution in the assembly for grant of Rs 20,00,000, for the uplift of the depressed classes of the State. The recommendations were asked to be sent it to the President in-council .This bill was debated in the State Assembly On 1st April 1947. But Mr. Ventkatrao moved an amendment to the resolution raising the grant to one crore rupees. The House agreed to recommend to Mirza Muhammad Ismail the then Prime Minister for the grant of one crore to the fund. Accordingly, the Nizam Hyderabad Zinab Mir Osman Ali Khan constituted the Depressed Classes welfare fund and sanctioned one crore rupees for the same. Some waste land was also allotted by the Nizam Of Hyderabad to Dalits on the initiative of Dalit leaders. The Nizam Of Hyderabad also gave some other concessions to Dalits. In recognition of his meritorious services to the public at large in Hyderabad State, his Exalted Highness, the Nizam honored Mr. B.S. Venkatrao by awarding the title of Khusru-E-Decan. He was popularly known by the Depressed Classes people as Rao Saheb and also as Hyderabadi Ambedkar.
Mr. B. S. Venkatrao was offered a seat in the Interim Ministry with the portfolio of Education, under the Prime Minister Mir Laiq Ali on 17th December 1947. Hyderabad was integrated with Indian Union in 1951.
In order to protect untouchables from the inhuman treatment and exploitation by the caste Hindus as well as from the undue pressure by the Muslims Mr. Venkatrao founded the Depressed Classes Volunteer Corps in April 1948. Mr. B.S.Venkatrao also formed an alliance with the Majlis Ittehadul Musalimeen. Even the Lingayats, the upper caste Hindus also formed an alliance with the Majlis Ittehadul and joined the coalition government. Mir Laiq Ali (died 1971) .He was the last Prime Minister of Hyderabad State under the rule of the Nizams whose official title was "President of the Executive Council of the Nizam of Hyderabad". The Government of India, in its bid to integrate India, successfully launched Police Action on the Nizam's State in September 1948. The Military government formed after the police action put Mr. B.S.Venkatrao in preventive detention in September 1948. However later Mr. B.S. Venkatrao was released honorably.
In Free India Mr. Bathula Venkat Rao unsuccessfully contested in 1952 as an independent candidate for the Hyderabad State Legislative Assembly from Secunderabad constituency. But, later he was elected to the Rajya Sabha by the State Legislative Assembly. It was due to the dedicated work of Dalit leaders including Mr. B.S. Venkatrao that Andhra Pradesh had the unique distinction of having first Scheduled Caste Chief Minister Shri Damodaram Sanjivayya (1921-1972) from 11 January 1960 to 12 March 1962. But despite all Reservation rules favouring Dalits in 1995 there were 26,536 unfilled reserved Govt. departments posts as backlog where -as 4.1 lakhs educated scheduled caste persons were unemployed (The Enaadu Tamil Daily dt. Dec 6 th, 1995).
Mr. Bathula Venkat Rao having strong conviction, wills, courage, generosity and selflessness for the Oppressed Dalits. Rao Saheb Shri Bathula Venkat Rao expired on 4th November 1953, at the age of 57. Mr. Bathula Venkat Rao shall be long remembered with reverence by his grateful community.
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-40905981038001054972022-08-19T00:32:00.001-07:002022-08-19T00:32:26.087-07:00EALY VADAPALLY an associate Of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, who opened an ashram for the Dalit students. He fed the hostel wards by resorting to beggingEALY VADAPALLY (1911-1972)
(We slate his memory on his 112nd Birthday Jayanti which was on 11th Aug, 2022)
By: Er. H. R. Phonsa
EALY VADAPALLY an associate Of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, who opened an ashram for the Dalit students. He fed the hostel wards by resorting to begging
An Adi-Andhra Mr. Ealy Vadapally was born on 11 August 1911 at Nandapeta in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. Nandapeta is 34.5 km distance from its District Main City Kakinada, and 369 km distance from its State Main City Hyderabad. His father Ealy Naganna was a farmer. Mr. Vadapally studied up to Matriculation passing it in 1928. He had seen during these years the poverty laden condition of untouchables due to manmade barriers. So, he chose the field of social work for the uplift of his untouchables of Andhara Pradesh. In his youth he believed in teachings of the Brabmo Samaj, started on 28 August 1828 by Raja Ram Mohan Rai. The samaj was for an assembly of all sorts and descriptions of people without distinction, of caste meeting publicly for the sober, orderly, religious and devout adoration of "the (nameless) unreachable Eternal, Immutable Being who is the Author and Preserver of the Universe. But, when Ealy Vadapally heard Dalit emancipation crusader Baba Saheb Ambedkar, he embraced Buddhism.
Like all other Dalit leaders Ealy Vadapally too believed that educating Dalits was the first step for upliftment of the poor Dalit masses. He also toed the line of thinking that the Hindus have done great injustice to Dalits by denying them their rights of education Therefore to spread education among the untouchables; he tried to instill in the Dalit masses an awareness about the importance of education. In 1940 he started one Ashram for the students of the community. To tide over financial difficulties, he begged to feed the students in the hostel. To make the wards self-supporting, he established Laxshmi Industrial Training School at Ramchandrapuram.
To bring political awareness and unity among his people, he organized many meetings and conferences of the Scheduled Castes at various places in East Godavari district. In and around 1944 with the cooperation of Nandanara Harishchand, a great Dalit leader of the area; he successfully organized a mammoth rally in Ramachandrapuram. This mammoth conference was addressed by Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, who was then Indian Labour, CPWD, and Housing Minister in the Viceroy's Executive Council. Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar visited Kakinanda on september29,1944 (TOI Feb 27, 2021).
When Dr. Ambedkar converted the Indian Labour Party into the Scheduled Castes Federation, a political party in 1942, Mr. Ealy Vadapally joined it and organized the party at district level with great efforts and zeal in his area. When The Republican Party of India was formed after the sad demise of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, he joined it too. Mr. Ealy Vadapally got married with Madam Shankhamma in 1939. The couple had two sons and five daughters.
Mr. Vadapally was Councilor of Ramchandrapuram Municipality for near about two decades. When the first general elections held in 1952, Mr. Vadapally unsuccessfully contested as SCF nominee for the erstwhile Madras State Legislative Assembly from Kakinada (G and SC). Again, he contested for the Lok Sabha seat in 1957 as SCF candidate from Kakinada (G and SC), but got defeated. He again contested for the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly seat from Tallarevu (SC) in 1967 as a Congress candidate and became successful in the election. But he continued his work for the just cause of the Dalit masses.
For some time, he published the Jaibheem magazine from Ramchandrapuram. He also wrote Nimna Jathula Charitra, the story of Scheduled Castes and Gandhi and untouchability. He composed poems, wherein he depicted the social life of the Scheduled Castes. Mr. Vadapally was honored by his admirers and followers with the title of Sevadhurandhar. He passed away on Nov 11, 1972 when he had just attained the age of 61.
Ref:- Dr. Ambedkar and His Associates by Er. H. R. Phonsa
एली वडापल्ली (1911-1972)
(हम उनकी 112वीं जयंती, जो 11 अगस्त, 2022 को थी, पर उनकी स्मृति को सलाम करते हैं) द्वारा: एर. एच. आर. फोन्सा
एली वडापल्ली ,डॉ. बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर के एक सहयोगी, जिन्होंने दलित छात्रों के लिए एक आश्रम खोला। उसने भीख का सहारा लेकर हॉस्टल के वार्डों को खाना खिलाया
एक आदि-आंध्र मिस्टर एली वडापल्ली का जन्म 11 अगस्त 1911 को आंध्र प्रदेश के पूर्वी गोदावरी जिले के नंदपेटा में हुआ था। नंदपेटा अपने जिला मुख्य शहर काकीनाडा से 34.5 किमी और अपने राज्य मुख्य शहर हैदराबाद से 369 किमी की दूरी पर है। उनके पिता एली नागन्ना एक किसान थे। श्री वडापल्ली ने 1928 में मैट्रिक तक की पढ़ाई की। उन्होंने इन वर्षों के दौरान मानव निर्मित बाधाओं के कारण अछूतों की गरीबी की स्थिति देखी थी। इसलिए, उन्होंने आंध्र प्रदेश के अपने अछूतों के उत्थान के लिए सामाजिक कार्य के क्षेत्र को चुना। अपनी युवावस्था में वे 28 अगस्त 1828 को राजा राम मोहन राय द्वारा शुरू किए गए ब्रबमो समाज की शिक्षाओं में विश्वास करते थे। समाज बिना किसी भेदभाव के लोगों के सभी प्रकार और विवरणों की एक सभा के लिए था, जाति की बैठक सार्वजनिक रूप से शांत, व्यवस्थित, धार्मिक और भक्तिपूर्ण पूजा के लिए "(नामहीन) अप्राप्य शाश्वत, अपरिवर्तनीय होने के लिए जो ब्रह्मांड के लेखक और संरक्षक हैं लेकिन, जब एली वडापल्ली ने दलित मुक्ति के योद्धा बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर को सुना, तो उन्होंने बौद्ध धर्म ग्रहण कर लिया।
अन्य सभी दलित नेताओं की तरह एली वडापल्ली का भी मानना था कि दलितों को शिक्षित करना गरीब दलित जनता के उत्थान के लिए पहला कदम है। उन्होंने यह भी सोचा कि हिंदुओं ने दलितों को उनके शिक्षा के अधिकार से वंचित करके उनके साथ बहुत अन्याय किया है इसलिए अछूतों के बीच शिक्षा का प्रसार करना; उन्होंने दलित जनता में शिक्षा के महत्व के बारे में जागरूकता पैदा करने की कोशिश की। 1940 में उन्होंने समुदाय के छात्रों के लिए एक आश्रम शुरू किया। आर्थिक तंगी से उबरने के लिए उसने हॉस्टल में छात्रों को खाना खिलाने की भीख मांगी। वार्डों को स्वावलंबी बनाने के लिए उन्होंने रामचंद्रपुरम में लक्ष्मी इंडस्ट्रियल ट्रेनिंग स्कूल की स्थापना की।
अपने लोगों में राजनीतिक जागरूकता और एकता लाने के लिए उन्होंने पूर्वी गोदावरी जिले के विभिन्न स्थानों पर अनुसूचित जातियों की कई सभाओं और सम्मेलनों का आयोजन किया। 1944 में और उसके आसपास क्षेत्र के एक महान दलित नेता नंदनारा हरिश्चंद के सहयोग से; उन्होंने रामचंद्रपुरम में एक विशाल रैली का सफलतापूर्वक आयोजन किया। इस विशाल सम्मेलन को डॉ. बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर ने संबोधित किया, जो उस समय भारतीय श्रम, सीपीडब्ल्यूडी और वाइसराय की कार्यकारी परिषद में आवास मंत्री थे। डॉ बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर ने 29 सितंबर, 1944 (टीओआई 27 फरवरी, 2021) को काकीनांडा का दौरा किया।
1942 में जब डॉ. अम्बेडकर ने भारतीय लेबर पार्टी को एक राजनीतिक दल, अनुसूचित जाति संघ में परिवर्तित किया, तो श्री एली वडापल्ली इसमें शामिल हो गए और अपने क्षेत्र में बड़े प्रयासों और उत्साह के साथ जिला स्तर पर पार्टी का आयोजन किया। बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर के दुखद निधन के बाद जब रिपब्लिकन पार्टी ऑफ इंडिया का गठन हुआ, तो वे भी उसमें शामिल हो गए। श्री एली वडापल्ली ने 1939 में मैडम शंखम्मा के साथ विवाह किया। दंपति के दो बेटे और पांच बेटियां थीं।
श्री वडापल्ली लगभग दो दशकों तक रामचंद्रपुरम नगर पालिका के पार्षद रहे। जब 1952 में पहला आम चुनाव हुआ, तो श्री वडापल्ली ने काकीनाडा (जी और एससी) से तत्कालीन मद्रास राज्य विधान सभा के लिए एससीएफ उम्मीदवार के रूप में असफल रूप से चुनाव लड़ा। फिर से, उन्होंने 1957 में काकीनाडा (जी और एससी) से एससीएफ उम्मीदवार के रूप में लोकसभा सीट के लिए चुनाव लड़ा, लेकिन हार गए। उन्होंने 1967 में कांग्रेस उम्मीदवार के रूप में फिर से आंध्र प्रदेश विधान सभा सीट के लिए तल्लारेवु (एससी) से चुनाव लड़ा और चुनाव में सफल हुए। लेकिन उन्होंने दलित जनता के न्याय के लिए अपना काम जारी रखा।
कुछ समय के लिए उन्होंने रामचंद्रपुरम से जयभीम पत्रिका प्रकाशित की। उन्होंने निम्ना जठुला चरित्र, अनुसूचित जाति और गांधी और अस्पृश्यता की कहानी भी लिखी। उन्होंने कविताओं की रचना की, जिसमें उन्होंने अनुसूचित जातियों के सामाजिक जीवन का चित्रण किया। श्री वडापल्ली को उनके प्रशंसकों और अनुयायियों ने सेवाधुरंधर की उपाधि से सम्मानित किया। 11 नवंबर, 1972 को उनका निधन हो गया, जब वे 61 वर्ष के थे।
संदर्भ: - डॉ. अम्बेडकर और उनके सहयोगी द्वारा। एच. आर. फोन्सा
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-46691410608773566242022-06-15T00:23:00.001-07:002022-06-15T00:23:29.631-07:00Know Er. Hem Raj Phonsa in brief on his Birthday 14th June,2022.Know Er. Hem Raj Phonsa in brief on his Birthday 14th June,2022.
A) Born in village Pakhri, presently Tehsil Ramgarh, Distt Samba, nearly 4 kms from INB with Pakistan. My parents revered late Sh. Gillu Ram and Gullan Devi, owned their piece of land, so engaged in agriculture profession. We were 3 brothers and two sisters, three of whom have passed away. However my family had shop in Mori Darwaja Lahore( Pakistan), where my father and elder uncle Late Shri Tillu Ram carried shoe repairing work. They also supported other 30-35 people to earn their livelihood by giving them shelter and job tool kits.
B) My village was burnt down in 1947 turmoil by Pak. raiders killing over 1-1/2 dozen people. We mover for shelter in many Kadi - villages of Jammu District and faced unexplainable hardships. Finally, our family decided to migrate to Punjab, so with family I as a child had to foot distance from Samba to Pathankot. We settled in village Kotli Shahpur nearly 5-6 Kms from Gurdaspur.
C) Father continued shoe making and I got engaged on animal raring, including some animals of locals. From here my schooling started, which was opposed by village Jatt community farmers, and I was even given beating on way to school by Jatt boys. But my father did not budge his stand to peruse my education. I passed my 3rd primary from Govt. Pry. School Versola . Interestingly I joined my brother Sh. Jabro Ram’s marriage Barat from my enroute school carrying my books along. Here when all other Jatt and a Brahmin student threw out their lunch saying I had polluted their lunch, I too threw out my lunch telling they too have polluted my lunch, so I cannot take your touched meals.
D) In around 1953 people started resettling in my village, we too returned. My a times we lost animals as Pakistani robbed them Many nights passed by firring from both sides, my village had been given 4 rifles by government for defence against night robbers. I joined school at Gadwal near Vijaypur Samba, when Vijaypur had not come up and there one house of Mahamdoo ( at point where BDO office stands), on the basis of which present day Vijaypur was called Mamdoo De Kothey. Passed my primary from here and moved to Gho Brahmanana, then having Central Basic ( upto 7th class) school. Them Ramgarh, now tehsil HQ had primary school. Gho Brahmana was 8-10 kms from my village.
E) Joined Govt High School with only classes up to 9th.I passed 8th (1957),9th (1959) standing first in both my school. Babu Parmanand, later Governor Haryana and Khazan Chand,later Addl.DC( Rev) and DC( Excise) were also teachers there. Visited Kashmir in 1957 Youth Camp held at Gulmarg.
F) Joined G.G.M. Sc College, passed out Intermediate in 1961.Lived in Sc. college Hostel (SC wing),where we were 32 SC students. We had separate kitchen from caste Hindu students. When Khazan Chand was expelled from hostel, we resisted and vacated Hostel at about 10 pm in the night and spent out whole night in Jammu Bazaar, shouting slogans, protesting reached Bhagat Chajju Ram, then Minister met him 3 in the morning, explained him whole matter, and then reached Sri Guri Ravidas Mandir Upper Gumat . In the morning Hostel Surintendent( HOD of Chemistry) Dr. Iqbal was called by Bhagat ji in him place and sorted out matter. Expulsion orders of Khazan Chand were withdrawn.
G) Joined the Regional Engineering College Srinagar in 1961 and passed out as first SC engineering Graduate in 1966. For joining REC needed Rs 600/-were borrowed by my father from Dhanu Ram of Koulpur, my cousin and One good hearted Brahmin of Taroor, having land in my village .
H) Tried to help everybody who joined REC from our SC communities and Medical college with Dr. ( later Brigadar) S.D.Kaloopia, now dead, alias Sanju Mal. Our major financial hurdle got resolved when on our initiative our leader Bhagat Chajju Ram,Babu Milkhi Ram, Babu Parmanand, Ch. Guran Ditta,Jagat Ram Arayan and Bhagat Mangat Ram IAS( Director SW Fare) approached government of G.M Bakashi PM who granted Scholarship and Education Loan facilities, earlier SC students could get only one faciliity.
Out of my personal saving I paid full hostel and mess outstanding fee of one student to enable him to take examination and I never asked for refund.
I) I joined as Tech. Assisstant in July 1968 and retired in 1998 Executive Engineer. Mind you there were no reservation facilities to SCs in services and I served without any reservation facility. Served in whole of state (now UT) except Leh and Kargil. In served in Power Dept, Local Bodies, JDA, PWD( R&B) Police. After my transfer from PWD ( R&B ) Billawar to Rajoiuri, a deputation of Billawar tehsil met PWD, Minister and asked him to return them their Engineer. When the Minister asked who was their engineer, they gave my name. During my posting in Billawar, I got opened 35 Kms of Roads to traffic, Speeded up long held up works like, Naj Bridge, Sukrala Mechhedi Road, Krishan Pur Katli Road, Completed Suspenssion Bridge at Katli, Started construction of suspension bridge at Kaloran .
J) In my posting in JDA, nearly 14 years, Trikuta Nagar colony ( New),speeding works in Roop nagaar, EWS, Nanak Nagar. Got constructed first Flat Sabed ( 130’x70’) hall for transport deptt, near Kranti Hotel.
K) Had the privilege to be first Civil Engineer to look after design and construction works of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas Buildings in J&K, This also included RSSB Satsang building Shahidi Chowk ( 4o’x80’RCC Hall) with allied structures, Keran centers, besides other centre buildings from Doda to Kathua, Ramgarh to Nanadpur, Arniya, Rajouri etc.
L) Remained associated with construction of Guru Ravi Dass Temple Krishana Nagar,Jammu from day one of its conceiving and construction. Structural designing of Satsang Hall was mine.
M) I am associated with construction and working of the Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy, J&K Jammu, which was conceived by Babu Parmanand , who served its founding president. I am all India spokesman of BDSA, an all-India literary body with branched in all Indian States, UT’s and in some foreign countries.
N) I have written two books . First book( English) is Dr.Ambedkar and His Associates and second Hindi book Sadguru Sain Ji Maharaj, jivan aur Shikshya( co- author)
N) I have been awarded
i)Dr. Ambedkar National Award 2012
(ii)Dr.B.R.Ambedkar StateAward ( J&K State) 1994
(ii) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Distinguished Service Award 2003
iii( Babu Jagjivan Ram centenary state( J&K) Award
iv) Dr B.R. Ambedkar Plaque of Honour 2009 ,2011
v) Ashoka Mitra Award 2012
vi) Dr. Ambedkar Award 2014 S/C,S/T& OBC employees Association of JU.
vii) Mahatma Gandhi Centaury Award 2022 by GGF
O) I have to my credit Over 150 published articles in dailies and monthly magazines on varied subjects.
P) Writer of Blog spots, “Dalit Vision”, “Deprived Classes” and “Dalit Society” having over 120 Essays and over 2,00,000 views. I have in my kitty large number of Un- published,but typed essays on Dalit icons, Dalit Problems and suggested solutions. My personal library has over 600 books.
Q) I was married to Shrimati Savita Kumari D/O Lala Munshi Ram of Jalander in 1971. Our marriage was with out dowery and it was only one day celebration. We are blessed with three sons, who are engineers ,are married and settled in their lives, with one in California, USA and other in Calgary, Canada. I and my wife have visited USA twice.
R) I have remained a regular writer of essays on Engineering problems and presented them in Institution of Engineer’s meeting auditorium .
S) I am MIE and Chartered Engineer, Life member IRC, besides Life Member of the Institution of Valuers.
T) I am founding President of the Institution Of Valuer (IOV) J&K Chapter and remained its Chairman for over six years. I am also empaneled valuer of WT(I-Tax) and some Banks and established M/S Zenith Design Consultants, a Structural Design consultancy. I wrote a paper of over 550 pages on Construction and Maintenance of Rural Roads for World Bank. Paper got World Bank approval and most of works executed as planned in it in J&K
U) I have appeared in many Radio and DD Jammu programs to present talks on different subjects.
V) I am presently engaged in writing addition material to get issed Second Edition of my Book “ Dr.Ambedkar And His Associates”.
A group of my friends arranged a function in Gyan-Palace Gangial Jammu to celebrate my Birthday,I remain endebted to them all incl.Adv.Ashok Basotra,Adv.Anil Boudh,Sat Pal ( Ret .Addl. Secretary), Sham Lal (Retd) PNB with Romesh Sarangal owner of Banquet Hall and many more.
This is too much an honor which I normally do not claim to possess.
I am up loading this on my Blogspot Dalit Vision for those who care to read it.
I am available at hrphonsa@gmail.com
zenithrs@yahoo.com
Mobile:9419134060
Land Line ----------+911912432712
Thanks all friends who joined today’s function and also those who conveyed their good wished through different means.
Indebted: Er. H. R. Phonsa
63/5 Nanak Nagar Jammu
,
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-87041529129942489662022-05-29T01:00:00.000-07:002022-05-29T01:00:19.103-07:00We fall easy prey to undefined Whirlpools(भँवर),why? We fall easy prey to undefined Whirlpools(भँवर),why?
Our world if full of variety. Along with other things it has variety in human beings. The human physiatrists have carried researches on human mental makeups and the human phycology the subjects, so have arrived at certain conclusions. They divide human into three categories in respect of growth of their mind and conscious. They have classified person (women included) having Certain, Un-certain and Clear Conscious mind set ups.
First (Certain निश्चित) category person takes all things coming in his life for granted, so is ignorant अज्ञानी, he uses no intellect of his own, so has no knowledge of difference in life of a servant, a slave and a free person or a master. He has animal like slave’s intellect. Such persons have no thinking or strive for change. He lives life just for the sake of living. He suits for labour jobs, mostly unclean professions. He can work over time without any protest. He leads a life of dependency on others. The second category with “Un-certain अनिश्चित संदिग्ध” has half knowledge of things so lives directionless, mis-leaded, doubtful and mis- guided and fearful lifestyle set up. He thinks all things are based on one’s fate, controlled by a heavenly power. He lives life on the guidance from others. His life style qualifies “Little knowledge is a dangerous thing”. He takes someone as his guide, Guru and spends his life under his guidance. He loses his own thinking brain power to live life on other’s direction. Psychiatrists say he lives life of dependency, intoxicated with faith or trust on spiritual master thinking his master as a divine entity, away from realities of world. He keeps firm belief on divinity of his Guru leaving nothing on his independent thinking. His life is full of fear, timidity, apprehension and trepidation. His life becomes devoid of revolt against acts done contrary to his interests. He leaves everything to will of divine powers thinking they will punish his enemies for their unjustified acts against weak. The persons with certain and uncertain mind set, fall easy prey to the selfish motto crafty, cunning, deceitful, crooker persons, without any revolt. Although According to Matthew White's “The Great Big Book of Horrible Things” gives religion as the primary cause of 11 of the world's 100 deadliest atrocities still many fall easy prey of religious priests who lay traps of Karmas, heaven enjoyments rewards Haven (Sawarg -स्वर्ग), hell miseries (Narak- नरक) and salvation ( Moaksh-मोक्ष) ) like undefined destinations, crafted by numerous self-designated religious peers. Such men waste most of their disciple’s time and resources but putting them to tread on paths towards un-clear, goals. Their winning ways have one to give distorted meaning- explanations even for universal truths, coined by visionary personalities like
a) “Know thy self” of Socrates;
b) “Doubt everything. Find your own light.” Of Buddha ;
c) "For, behold, the kingdom of God (or Heaven, as is sometimes translated) is within you" of Jesus.
d) “God is the creator of human actions and man is the acquisitor” Sunni Theology (Kalam)
A person grouped in the third category is either naturally gifted and or self-earned knowledge with clear conscious state of mind (स्पष्ट सचेत). He carries awakened state of mind, a state in which his self-tattva(तत्त्व) performs and consumes all the worldly activities. A “Tattva तत्त्व” is a tinny marrow kernel element which cannot be broken down by physical and chemical methods. Such persons have clear understanding about results of their acts, commissions and omissions so he is fearless. They possess calm, clear, happy and organising mind setups. Their knowledge is scientific reasoning based. Such persons are revolutionary in their acts, ready to bear for their acts from opponents with certain mind setups. Although their number is less but with their ideas, work, commitments, suffering to follow their ways, they have moved the world. They give new ideas, directions and theories to science, social and religious subjects so brought revolutionary changes. Such luminaries are liberal, independent, altruistic, and humanistic.
Therefore they are not biased even against their opponents. They are change setters for world order. ( Satyashodhan Samaj Parbodhan by Arvind Mali page10-24).
Change setters having Clear Conscious were persons like who moved the world, Buddha, Christ,Hazrat Mohammad Sahib, St. John the Apostle, Galileo, Newton, Dr Alexander Fleming, Pythagoras , Archimedes, Homi Bhabha, Mao Zedong Saint Namdev, Kabir, Ravidas, Nanak, Ghasidas, Iyodhee Thass, Mother Treasa, Mahatama Jyotirao Phuley, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Birsa Munda, M.K. Gandhi ,Karl Max, Abdul Kalam, Stephen Hawking, Ashoke Sen, with many more. (The list is only illustrative not conclusive)
Compiled by::- Er. H. R. Phonsa, Jammu
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-41011777081565782632022-05-14T05:44:00.001-07:002022-05-14T05:44:29.313-07:00The J&K Scheduled Caste persons who First esteemed in different fields.The J&K Scheduled Caste persons who First esteemed in different fields.
While describing conditions of Indian Dalits Jyotiba Phule (1927-1890) the political Guru of Bharat Ratana Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar said:-
Lack of education impairs wisdom, Lack of wisdom impairs moral,
Lack of moral impairs motion; Lack of motion impairs financial status,
Lack of finances impaired status of untouchables.
This few worded but great meaningful capsule narration, summed up the man made hurdles in the
path of Dalit progress for very long time.
For centuries Dalits (Shudras, Ati-Shudras) were not allowed to read and write under the authority of Hindu religious texts like Manusmiriti. The Hindu texts carried many obnoxious unfounded imaginary things about Dalits, who were rulers prior to the Aryan invasion in this land of ancient culture. Dalits had given rich cultural heritage, wisdom, agriculture and many other progressive measures to Bharat. After Aryan invasion the aboriginals were made Dalits and forced out to live out side the human habitations and lead a life of extreme poverty. They were debarred from schools and worship places. They were not allowed to draw water from wells or, tanks, wear clean cloths. All though the Dalits contributed immensely in making history but biased writers put a blanket ban in their writings about Dalits contributions. So they became history less peoples. In the past 150 years or so, effort by some writers particularly from among Dalits themselves including foreign writers have put in efforts to dig out right historic facts in their writings. The undertaken effort is a small step to keep on records the contributions made by the Dalits of J&K in their efforts for their own progress and for the empowerment of their brethren in their mother land. This shall give in site of the testing times the Dalits have gone through to climb the progressive ladder by dint of their sole efforts. The persons on whose life and contributions, I have been in a position to lay hand show that Dalits if given chance are no way inferior to any other in the society. They have proven their worth in all fields of life on the basis of their intelligence and hard working. There must have been many more I regret to have missed due to lack of data and time available to write in this article. I wish all readers shall contribute more material to make my efforts still more informative. I am great full to all those who have spared time to contribute material for this write up. I am reminded of Baba sahib Dr B.R. Ambedkar saying “Those who do not know their history, cannot make history”.
Thus upper caste induced illiteracy ruined untouchable of every thing. Getting a little respite from these men made hurdles, the untouchables have tried to show their worth in all fields and this article demonstrates it amply. These people have proven their worthiness of being worthy off springs of great Epic Writers Bhagwan Valmik, Ved Vaisa, and Father of Indian Constitution Bharat Ratana Baba Sahib Bhimrao Ambedkar.
Tara Chand First SC Deputy Chief Minister of J&K State:- Mr. Tara Chand was born on 25th April,1963 in village Chak Malal in a Scheduled Caste family of poor farmers. Shri Tara Chand passed his Matriculation and jumped into social work for the upliftment of his Scheduled Caste Communities in particular and general population of displaced persons of Border Area.. Convinced by the idea that rendering help to poor people was impossible with out political affiliations being the system of the land so he joined Indian Nation Congress Party at the age of 20 years. He was made District General Secretary of the SC and OBC Congress Cell and nominated as general secretary of the Youth Congress He won his maiden election in 1996, he was made leader of the Congress Legislative Party in Assembly in 1998. Mr. Tara Chand continuously won Assembly Elections in 1996, 2002, 2008. He was elected as Assembly Speaker in 2002 and now he is the Deputy Chief Minister with portfolios of Housing, Urban Development and Municipalities in the NC-Congress coalition government with Omar Abdullah a the Chief Minister..
B.R. Kundal IAS (First SC Chief Secretary) was born on 11th February 1949 at a small village Parlah of Tehsil Bishnah. His father Shri Beli Ram was a school teacher and Ramdasia by caste. Sh. Kundal after passing his Matriculation from GHS School RSPURA continued his urge for higher education till he qualified for IAS in 1972 and was allotted J&K State and joined service in June1972. By dint of his hard work, dedication, sincerity, honesty, seniority and caliber he got elevated to occupy the highest state level bureaucratic post as the Chief Secretary. He also served as Div.Com Jammu besides Secretary and Financial Commissioner to various departments incl. Finance,Health and Home . Deputy Commissioner, Distt Magistrate in some districts. He served as Development Advisor to the Royal Government of Bhutan Thimpu( Foreign Deputation, He has many firsts to his credit as the first S/C Divisional Commissioner of Jammu for over 5 years. He was also first S/C officer to be appointed as Advisor to the Royal Government of Bhutan. Besides this he is first S/C Officer to serve as Principal Secretary to Public Works, PDD, Finance Departments and the Financial Commissioner of Home. He was awarded twice Gold Medals getting also Rupees One lakh for his honesty, dedication to duty, integrity and efficiency. He sought voluntary retirement as State Chief Secretary and was inducted as Revenue Minister under chief Minister ship of Gulam Nabi Azad.Mr Kundal a first S/C Revenue Minister in J&K is a widely traveled bureaucrat. He served as an M.L.C from INC.
I, Er. Hem Raj Phonsa earned the distinction to be the first SC Civil Engineer in the J&K State:-
I was born in village Pakhri of Tehsil Samba on 14th June, 1940 to revered shri Gillu Ram and Shrimati Gullan Devi. I have two brothers and one sister. My father although owned agriculture land in the village, but got him engaged in shoe making at Lahore before 1947, where the family owned a shop. I passed my Matriculation (1959) from Govt. High school Ramgarh with merits, Intermediate from GGM Sc. College (1961) Jammu and B.E. (Civil) in 1966 from REC Srinagar. Joined J&K Engineering service in July 1967 as Technical Assistant and retired in July 1998 as Executive Engineer from the Jammu Development Authority. I was married in 1971 to Shrimati Savita Kumari daughter of Lala Munshi Ram of Jalandhar. We are blessed with three Engineer sons all married and settled in life. During my service I have served in various state government departments including PWD (R&B) Local Bodies, Police, and Electric deptt. PDC, with distinction. I am life member of some very prestigious technical bodies. After my retirement I served as consultant to NABARD and World Bank. I am continuously contributor of technical papers to various technical bodies. As a hobby I contribute papers and articles in the various State and National news papers on social, political, religious topics suggesting my well conceived solutions. I also give talks on Radio, TV, programmers and participate in group discussions. Since my school days I have tried to maintain, social contacts with my community and others. I made efforts to guide many to excel in different fields and have never yielded to undue religious, political or administrative. I am engagements at present to write a book on the life of Dalit luminaries, besides keeping my technical activities as a structural designer, Valuer and rendering social counseling’s. Presently I am Joint Secretary BDSA, member S.C’ s /ST s , Member of Retired Employees Forum, Secretary Jammu Valuer Association
RAM SARAN BANGOTRA the First SC Chief Engineer in J&KState PWD( R&B) . He was born on
6th February, 1950 at village Rajwal Tehsil Akhnoor to Shrimati Kako Devi and Shri Punnu Ram Ramdasia by caste. He joined REC Srinagar in 1969 and passed his B.E. (civil) in 1974. He Joined service as Junior Engineer (civil) in Feb, 1976 and Retired as Chief Engineer PWD
( R&B) in Feb, 2008. There after he served as a Consultant with DHV India Pvt. Ltd for one year. He is an experienced Civil Engineer, associated with social and religious activities, sympatric, gentle at heart and vegetarian. Er. R.S Bangotra is married to Madam Bachno Devi in 1979 and they are blessed with three equally brilliant sons, now married and settled in life.
Er. Dhani Ram Kalotra, Ist,SC Chief Engineer(PDD):-Er. Dhani Ram Kalotra S/O Sh. Rohlu Ram was born on 1-11-1946 in village Gangeeth of Hira Nagar Tehsil of Kathua Distt hailing from Megh community of Scheduled Castes. His family migrated to Samba during partition in 1947. He did his schooling from Govt, Higher Secondary School Samba. He joined Regional Engineering College Srinagar in 1965 and did his B.E. (Electric) in 1971 in Ist Division. He is the first scheduled caste Graduate Electrical Engineer of the state.
Er. Kalotra, joined Govt. service on 10-06-1972 as Assistant Electrical Engineer and. he retired on 31-10-2004 as Chief Engineer (Electric) Baglihar Hydro Electric Project, Chanderkot ( Ramban). Er. Kalotra served with distinction as Executive Engineer, Superintending Engineer and was promoted as Chief Engineer in Aug 2004 and posted as Chief Engineer (Electric) Baglihar Hydro Electric Project, Chanderkot ( Ramban) also .
During his service tenure, he worked on various prestigious Projects like laying of 220 KV, D/C Transmission line from Gladni (Jammu) to Udhampur and 132 KV D/C Transmission line from Gladni ( Jammu ) to Kathua besides construction of 220/132 KV Grid Station at Udhampur and construction of 132/66
Kv Grid station at Kathua.. He was always helpful to his fellow SC employees in his department.. We wish him good luck.
Shri Dhian Chand Thapa the First SC Employee of the J&K Civil Secretariat:-
Shri Dhain Chand Thapa is s/o shri Thurda Ram R/O Village Badheri Tesil Samba and was born on 9th Nov, 1936. He passed his Matriculation from Govt. High School Samba in 1957 and joined state government service in the Civil Secretariat (Social Welfare Dep’t.) on 2nd Nov, 1957 as a junior Assistant. He was married to Shrimati Bishno Devi in 1957 and they are blessed with three sons and a daughter. Unfortunately his wife passed away early. He then remarried. He served in various depts. namely Social welfare, Custodian, information, PWD, Food and supplies, Transport and Industries. He was promoted as Under Secretary in 1985 and posted as an administrator officer in the Directorate of Industries deputed as Secretary in the S/C’s and Backward Classes Corporation, Adm. Inspection and Reforms depts. and also in the Education dep’t from where he retired on 30th Nov, 1994. Shri Dhain Chand Thapa with three of his trusted frieds in Civil Sectriate, namely Shri Punjab Chand and Shri Jagat Ram rendered help and guide to all those who approached them during service times .
CHAMAN LAL BANAL IPS ( First SC,IGP & Member J&K-PSC) was born on 20th September,1942
to Sh. Piara Ram of village Pindi Charkan Tehsil Bishnah. All through Sh. Piara Ram was agriculturist by profession and belonged to Ramdasia Sub – castes of Scheduled castes. By dint of his hard labour he over came poverty related problems and passed his M.A. (Economics), DBA. There after he qualified the competitive examination from J&K Public Service and got distinction of being one out of the two First S.C Deputy Superintendent of Police in J&K State in 1966. The other Dy. SP was Late Sh. J. C. Bali who retired as SSP. Earlier to their appointment the state had recruited some SC personals, but all in Non Gazeeted ranks. Probably the First SC Police sepoy was Sh. Duni Chand Ramdasia of Shekhupur Palota near Ramgarh Tehsil Samba, who was recruited prior to Indian independence during Maharaja Partap Singh’s Rule in J&K.
Sh. Banal was promoted as Supdtt of Police in 1977 and subsequently inducted in IPS . He was later promoted as IGP in 1998. Mr. Banal is recipient of Police Medal for meritorious service. He has served with distinction on various posts namely SP Rural Jammu, Commandant 9th Battalion of JKAP, Additional Secretary Home, SP (CID, CI), DIG Of Ranges of Anantnag- Pulwama;Rajouri-Poonch , Jammu-Kathua Districts besides DIG CID( Intelligence), Home Guards and Civil Defense. In appreciation to his service records of efficiency, honesty, disciplined solider Mr chaman Lal Banal was Appointed as Member of J&K,PSC filling the long aspirations and demand of All SC’s Of J&K to have a member from among themselves to this premier State Recruitment Commission for the recruitment in State Gazeeted Services. He had shown his impartiality here too but took care that rights of the SC candidates were protected as far as possible. Mr. Banal retired from from active government service in 2005. Although Mr Banal is retired from government service,but he is ever busy in his social activities. He is Trustee Member of the Dera Soami Jagat Gir Charitable Trust Pathankot, Member All J&K S.C’s; S.T’s Retired Employees Forum, Member Duggar Vikas Manchand member CentralGovt Employees Welfare Association Jammu.
DR.Girdhari Lal Thapa is the First SC Regular Principal of a Degree college in J&K. He is
M. Com.; M. Phil & Ph. D. He retired as Principal from Govt. College for Women, Kathua in April 2009. Shri Thapa was born at village Hira Chak in Marh Block of Distt. Jammu on 27th April, 1951. His parents revered Shri Maghru Ram and Shrimati Shanti Devi were agriculturists belonging to Ramdasia community. Shri Maghru Ram was a committed soldiers of Harijan Mandal. Child Girdhari Lal was admitted in Govt. Primary school Jaswan but later passed his Matriculation in 1968 from Govt. High School Domana, when he had to foot over 12 Kms to and fro to reach school. Mr. Thapa’s love for higher studies won him B.Com in 1972, M.Com in 1975. and was Awarded the Degree of Master of Philosophy ( M. Phil. ) in August, 1987 and Doctorate in Commerce ( Ph. D. ) in April,1997 all, from Jammu University , Jammu.
Mr. Thapa was appointed on adhoc basis Lecturer in Commerce in September, 1976 and regulirised in March, 1978. Mr. Thapa served as Lecturer. S. P. M. Rajput College of Commerce, Jammu; HOD Of Commerce in Govt. Women College, Parade Ground Jammu; Govt. Degree College, Kathua .Shri Thapa got scholarship for Higher Studies under UGC New Delhi and deputed to Jammu University from where was awarded Degree of M. Phil. in August, 1987 and Doctorate in Commerce ( Ph. D. ) in April, 1997. Besides his regular teaching job Dr Thapa remained associated for recruitment and promotions of the Punjab National Bank and Rural Bank as a member ( Representative of SC/ST community ) Dr. Thapa worked in Govt. M.A.M. College, Jammu as HOD Commerce and Management Studies up to October, 2005 and won citation for the excellent work done in Govt. Degree College, Akhnoor by the State Education Minister. Mr. Thapa was discharged duties as the Principal of the Govt. Degree College, Doda with additional charge of, Ramban College. , Principal Govt. Degree College, Billawar and Govt. SPM Rajput College of Commerce, Jammu, Govt. College for Women, Kathua. Through out his teaching carrier Mr. Thapa had remained a guide to wanting students and iron hand to trouble makers. His social work continues even after his retired life. He was awarded Dr Ambedkar Distinguished Service Award by the Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy Delhi. Union Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah presented the Award to Dr. Thapa on 11-12-2011 at Delhi.
Dr. S.D. Karloopia, the First Dalit Doctor in J&K State:- Shri Satya Dev Karloopia was born at Chak Jaralan Tehsil Bishnah Distt Jammu in 27th Sep. 1942 as third son of Shri Sardhu Ram and Late Shrimati Jyanti Devi, mostly called by all youngers “Baiy Ji बे-जी”
The family of Sh. Sardhu Ram consisted of four sons and one daughter. Including Satya Dev three sons of sh. Sardu Ram served in Indian Army. Family was engaged in agriculture profession. Shri Sardhu Ram a tall and well-built person owned ancestral land in his village . Mata Jyanti Devi ji was very submissive, laborious and social. Shri Sardhu Ram ji carried all out door farm field duties and Mata ji besides sharing out door jobs with her husband ,rendered him all possible help in carrying all family responsibilities. Then flour was grinded in hand stone grinding Chakki and paddy husking was manually. She was intelligent, helpful, sobber, social but had strong mind set. Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
Shri Satya Dev (earlier name Sanju Mal) passed his Matriculation from Govt. High School Bishnah with merits and joined GGM Sc college (Earlier Prince Of Wales College) in 1959 where from he passed Intermediate ( F.Sc) with medical subjects. He got admission on his merits in the Govt. Medical College Srinagar in 1961. He was my roommate in GGM Sc College Jammu hostel as also we shared rented private accommodation in Chand Nagar colony, Jammu. We were lifelong friends. We shared all our joys, sorrows and remained in each other’s confidence while deciding all worldly matters. Although Late Dr Indu Bhushan Of Hira Nagar, was senior to Satya Dev Karloopia in Govt. Medical college, but Dr S.D. Karloopia passed M.B.B.S in 1966 earlier than Dr Indu Bhushan. There after Dr S.D. Karloopia joined Indian Army in Medical Core. He passed his M.D. from AFMC Pune and D.M. Cardiology from AIIMS New Delhi, earning distinction of becoming first D.M. Cardiology in the State of J&K (Now, J&K UT, and UT Ladakh) from among all the state subjects. Dr Karloopia was elevated to the Rank of Brigadier and retired from the same rank. Dr Karloopia married Vaishno Devi of Udhampur and they were blessed with two sons and a daughter, who too are all qualified doctors and presently working in America. Dr Karloopia worked as Cardiology consultant at Delhi in Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital. After retirement.He has constructed his house at Chhani Himmat colony Jammu and also owned a residential flat in Vasant Kunj New Delhi. Unfortunately, Dr. Brig. Karloopia breathed his last in his Chhani Himmat colony Jammu house on 23rd March, 2016 in early morning. His mortal remains were consigned to flames with full military honours . Besides his family members many of his friends, colleagues, class mates, Jammu citizens paid tributes to Dr.Karloopia by joining his last rites. He was simple, gentle, intelligent, social and strict disciplinarian solider as well as human. The Indian Army bade him farewell by sounding last post bugle at the funeral pyre. He was given 21 fire salute by the Indian army. His commitment to his duty was final and exemplary. He was great help to soldiers and community at large while in service and also in his retirement. For such qualities of head and heart he was awarded PVSM. He shall be long remembered as a cardiologist and social human. In his death I lost a trusted friend. May his soul rest in peace.
Dr. R.C. Bhagat first SC Ph.D:-Dr. Romesh Chander Bhagat S/o Sh. Inderjit Bhagat was born on 14.08.1943 at Bobiya Village in Hiranagar Tehsil of Kathua District. He had his preliminary schooling from Govt. Schools of Kathua town.. There after he did his Graduation from Government Degree College, Kathua and Post Graduation in Geography from Punjab University, Chandigarh. He became a Lecturer in December, 1970. He was sent on Deputation to Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi for higher studies in 1977 from where he obtained. M. Phil in 1979 and Ph. D. in September, 1982. He remained posted as H.O.D. Geography, Government Degree College, and Kathua w.e.f. 27th March, 1983 to 31.08.2001 and retired from Government Service in Agust,2001. He has the distinction of participating and presenting a paper in International Conference on ‘Food System of the World’ held at Aligarh Muslim University in January, 1982besides also participating in International NAGI Conference held at Vidyanagri, Bombay in 1980. He actively participates in National Association of Geographers.
His love for studies is so great that after his retirement he joined a private B.Ed. College as Principal and completed his B.Ed. in 2003. Presently Dr Romesh Chander Bhagat is engaged as Director, Bharat College of Education, Hatli Morh, Kathua (J&K).
Dr. RP Hans (B.V.Sc.& A.H)the First SC Director Animal Husbandry Deptt.Jammu
Dr. Raj Paul Hans S/o Sh. Shiv Ram was born on 4th of August 1953 in village Paloura Teh & Distt Jammu. He passed his middle standard from Govt. Middle School Paloura in 1968 and his matriculation from Govt. High School Jullahaka Mohalla Jammu in 1970. After passing Matric he got admission in Govt. Gandhi Memorial Science College Jammu and passed pre-medical examination in the year 1973, there after he was nominated by the state govt. for B.V.Sc & A.H. in Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana . He completed his degree successfully in the year 1977 and joined state govt. services in the same year.
Dr. Raj Paul Hans’s first appointment was Vety. Asstt. Surgeon Majalta. Teh. Ramnagar Distt. Udhampur and served the deptt. for 34 years in different capacities including Clinical Pathologist Poonch , Livestock Dev. Officer and Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Rajouri , Lecturer SAT Institute Ganderbal (Kashmir),Quality Control Officer in prestigious Institute Of Animal Health & Biological Products Zakura Srinagar (Kmr) and R.S Pura Jammu as well .Dr. Raj Paul Hans was promoted as Joint Director Anti-Rabic Vaccine Labs. R.S Pura Jammu in 2010. Dr. Raj Paul Hans due to his seniority and efficiency coupled with dedication to duty was promoted to prestigious post of the Director Animal Husbandry Jammu and served as such from Oct. 2010 to Aug. 2011. He retired in August 2011.
S.D.Swatantra the First SC, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer was born on October 12,1946 to Smt.Nanti Devi and Sh. Bhathu Ram at village Sher Pur Pain, in Tehsil Hiranagar. His parents belonging to Ravidasia caste professing as agriculrists.After matriculation passed B.Sc. Agriculture
4 years Degree course in 1965.He briefly served in Agriculture Department before qualifying the State Forest Service Examination conducted by J&K State Public Service Commission and successfully completed the 1967-69 training course. He joined State Forest Service in April 1969. Subsequently, he qualified for Indian Forest Service Examination( IFS) in 1969 was allotted J&K State Cadre so he joined Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department in April 1970.He served the Department in various capacities viz. Director Environment and Ecology, Director Soil Conservation, Director Social Forestry, Director State Forest Research Institute, Director Forest Protection Force, Chairman State Pollution Control Board, and finally as Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests on 31st December, 2004 He retired on October 31st, 2006.
His performance always remained out standing. He represented State Forest Department in various National and International Conferences and contributed several papers to various publications. He developed innovative techniques -Soil and Water Conservation in Situ. His papers in this behalf was published in Indian Forester Journal, January 1994 issue.
He participated as panelist in the National Work-Shop on Bio-Medical Waste management, status analysis and planning for the Ministry of Environment and Forests on 17-18 March, 2004 at New Delhi. He served as Chairman of Organizing Committee of work-shop on Joint Forest Management held at Patnitop in May,1994,participated in International Work-Shop on climate change mitigation in Forestry at New Delhi on 23-24, January,2005 and was elected Chairman of Session IV Panelists during his tenure as Principal CCF.
After retirement S.D.Swatantra remained member Advisory Committee, Indian Council OF Forestry Research and Education for two years and presently he is member Standing Committee, J&K State Wild Life Board. He is also member of the J&K SC/ST Retired Employees Forum
Dr. Mela Ram KALSOTRA, First SC from J&K, CGS, Addl. Director General:-Dr. M. R. Kalsotra was born in February 1945 at village Bhagwan Chak, Tehsil Akhnoor of Jammu district. He did his matriculation from Govt. High School, Pallan Wala in 1960, B.Sc. from GGM Science College, Jammu in 1964, then M.Sc., Geology in 1966 and obtained Doctorate in Geology by Rajasthan University, Jaipur becoming the first Geologist amongst the SCs in J&K State with Ph.D. He served as Asst. Geologist in Jammu and Kashmir State, for about two years. Dr. Kalsotra joined Central Geological Services (CGS) as class-1 officer in 1969 , through competitive ‘Geologist Examination 1968’ .He served the Geological Survey in India (GSI), for more than 35 years. During his tenure, he conducted varied prestigious Geological investigations / projects, mostly in frontiers of economic minerals, including aluminous minerals, fertilizers minerals, precious metals, gem stones, strategic minerals, flux grade minerals for iron and steel industry, clay deposits for paints, pottery and pharmaceuticals, geo-chemicals, geotechnical and geo environment projects. Apart from generating 23 technical reports, on the assigned items, he published / presented a number of innovative papers in national and international scientific journals, on economic and academic aspects of his geo finds. Due to his extensive experience and vast knowledge of various geological frontiers, Dr. Kalsotra was associated with some of the projects of International Geological Coordination program (IGCP) sponsored by UNESCO. He was also chairman of National Working Group on Industrial Minerals. In his pursuits of geology, he made some maiden geo -scientific contributions which have potential to enrich the nation besides changing the known concepts and opening new vistas. Thus Dr. Kalsotra is a geo-scientific expert.
At Senior Administrative Grade and Higher administrative grade in central service, Dr. Kalsotra, successfully carried out programming, planning and monitoring of multi-disciplinary geological projects of J&K, Gujarat and Rajasthan states. He retired as Additional Director General (Equivalent to Addl. Secretary) and HOD, GSI, Western Region, Jaipur in 2005. He is also scientific adviser to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Because of his keen interest in academic and applied aspects of earth sciences, Dr. Kalsotra is currently concentrating on research to bring out a book on vital aspects of geology having societal bearing.
Bhagat Daulat Ram (1912-2007) was the first M.A,LLB, B. T, from among the S.C’s of J&K State Bhagat Daulat Ram was in Village Satowali Tehsil RSPura on 12th, Nov, 1912. His father shri Sant Ram was an agriculture labourer. Sh. Daulat Ram was admitted to Govt. School at RSPURA Besides being a meritorious student hehad to face curse of untouchability being a Dalit, Megh by caste. His maternal uncle, a sadh (hermit) used to guide him and rendered him necessary financial help. After primary schooling he shifted to Jammu for further studying. Hindu religious reform movement Arya Samaj had started Shudhi Karn or or purification of untouchables so had established their education schools and temples with Dharmshalas for all Hindu castes. So Daulat Ram got a room in the Arya Samaj temple near city chowk Jammu. Here he came in contact with one good hearted Arya Samaji Hindu Lala Manik Chand, who owned a brick kiln on canal road Jammu. Lala Manik chand had two sons, with one a school mate of Daulat Ram. Lala ji asked Daulat Ram to shift to his house from the temple, against stiff opposition from the Caste Hindus. Lala Manik Chand adopted Daulat Ram as a foster child. With this Daulat Ram’s education, housing and other financial problems of Daulat Ram found a solution. Dault Ram education continued and he passed his M.A, LLB from Lahore University. Thereafter he started his legal practice at RSPURA. He applied for a Lecturer’s post in the Prince of Wales (Now GGM Sc. College) Jammu. Some how he did not get it due to caste apathy and in stead a Brahmin fellow not any match to Daulat Ram’s merits got this job Daulat Ram was appointed a teacher in Mirpur ( Now POK). While teaching, he continued his studies and passed his B.T (Now B.Ed) Examination. Durin1947 turmoil over18, 000 Mirpur residents were slaughtered by Pakistani raiders, but luckily Daulat Ram along with wife were saved and they migrated to Delhi where he got a job in the Ministry of Health G.O.I from where he retired as office superintendent in 1970. He shifted back to Jammu after selling his Delhi house and resumed teaching profession in the Arya Kanya Vidhyalaya Kachi Chowni Jammu. However his just claims of elevation as Principal of this school were ignored by the school management and he resigned.
He was married to a social activist Shrimati Sushila Bhagat, and the couple fathered two sons and two daughters. This son of the soil was the first President of the Harijan Mandal a political organization formulated after dismantling Megh Mandal. Shri Daulat Ram passed away on 27th Oct, 2007 at his house in Bakashi Nahgar Roulki Jammu at an age of 95 years. His sons live there even now.
Babu Parmanand (1932-2008), the first S/C Governor from J&K State: - Babu Parmanand was born on 10th August, 1932 at small village Saror Tehsil RSPURA to respected Shri Jaggu Ram and Shrimati Matiyan Devi. Parmanand a very handsome, well built boy was got admitted in the village school, then in government High School at Bishnah at a distance of nearly 6 Kms from his village. He had to daily foot this distance twice mostly bare foot. After passing his High school in high merit he joined the GGM College Jammu(then its one part was Arts College) and finally got admission to Aligarh Muslim University for MA, LLB. He passes both the examination in
1958-59 a span of two years. Although he remained active student union member and worked for the welfare of Dalit Students. A Boys Hostel wing for SC students was his brain child. It again goes to his credit that he got declared Guru Ravidas Birthday as State Holiday in J&K. Against the wishes of his parents and other relatives he entered politics and won his maiden election from Ramgarh constituency. He spree of winning elections for six times. He Joined the state cabinet in 1967 and served till 1974. As a minister of Social Welfare, Transport, local Bodies, Housing and Co-Operation his goals of achievements shall be along time land marks for his successors to follow. During 1977 general elections Sheikh Mohd. Abdulla’s National Conference got absolute majority in the State Assembly but Babu Ji won the elections from Bishnah with thumbing majority. Since Sheikh Sahib was greatly impressed with head and heart qualities of Babu Ji, so he requested Babu Ji to lend him helping hand in improving lot of poor population of the state to which he agreed. Babu Ji took over a Assembly Speaker (1978-1982). On the demise of Sheikh Sahib, Dr Farooq Abdullah took over as CM and Babu Ji was made Finance and Power Minister with rank two in the cabinet. During Governor’s Rule Babu Ji Babu Ji was nominated as a Member of Governor’s Advisory council. In 1996 Babu ji joined BJP Babu Ji was sworn as Governor of Haryana on Mondaythe19th June, 2009 and served for nearly 4years.
Babu Ji was married to Shrimati Sudesh Kumari in 1962 and they were blessed with two sons. Babu Ji passed away on 24th April, 2008. Babu Ji was given state funeral and the Death day declared as State Holiday. Over 10,000 people joined his funeral incl. State CM, Governor former Dy Prime Minister Sh L.K. Advani, state Cabinet , various State department HOD’s. Babu ji shall be long remembered for his people friendly policies, as founding President of the Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi (J&K) and construction of its HQ Building at Roop Nagar Jammu. State govt. has named Roop Nagar (EWS) Chowk as Babu Parmanand Chowk and Janipur to Ban Talab Road as Babu Parmanand Road. Srore Adda to Arnia Road crossing on Pandorian-Bishnah Road is also named as Babu Parmanand Road.The Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi has instated Babu Parmanand Annual National Award,to be awarded to to persons of eminence, who work for the empowerment of the Dalits.
Amar Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath( 27th Sep.1918 to- 1st june1970).
( Salting him on His 50th Shaheedi Divas Falling on 1st June 2020)
Although India won freedom in August, 1947 by forcing out the British Crown, but the real freedom from the rigid religious fundamentalists & autocratic mind set forces remained to be won. The Hindu Religious Texts did not change even an iota of their sanctions against their own religion brethren classified as Shudras now clubbed together as Scheduled Castes & Scheduled tribes & Other Bach ward Classes. Their rights as per the Constitution of Free India adopted in January, 1950 are being systematically denied even now. The situation in the country was worst before Independence with little change even after political freedom gained in 1947 so the Dalits had to wage political struggle to gain the legitimate rights as per the cannons of law. Basically these deprived sections of the Hindu Society were slaves to the British slaves. The British slaves got freedom in 1947 & their slaves are still striving to gain it.
Although the reservation in services for the S/C’s, S/T’s was effected from 1944 and withh the enactment of the Indian Constitution. However it remained elusive in J&K state as long as 1970. So in J&K state revolt against this was raised. A deputation of Megh Samaj met the Glaxy Commission in 1931. This commission was formed by Maharaja Hari Singh to study the reasons of unrest prevailing in the state and also to make recommendation for their redressal. Jagat Ram Aryan who was nominated to Praja Sabha in 1932 put forth demands of welfare of his people. These efforts succeeded in getting some relief as opening of entry to temples to Harijans( Now SCs), admission of their children in schools with grant of Scholar ships to school going Harijan children. But no respite was given in services to these slaves to the British Slaves. Later Babu Milkhi Ram joined the team of Dalit leaders . For the first time the Dalits in J&K organized fast unto death thrice, first at Chhan Rorian in 1955 in Parade Ground &third time in Karan Park Jammu in 1957, against excesses being perpetuated on them by upper caste peoples and government under their control. A large number of Dalits participated in these fasts and processions. It is said 165 pounds of Dalit Blood was lost for the noble cause of Dali emancipation in J&K State. Amar Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath blew the bugle in May 1970 which created a strong wave in J&K forcing the J&K State to issue Reservation in services orders in 1969 and 1970. This struggle continued for 63 years in one form or the other & finally J&K Legislature passed law in 2004 giving legal teeth to the Rules of Reservation in services by issuing Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 Dated19/23 March, 2004 .
The son of soil, Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath was born on Friday the 27th Sep.1918 at village Champa near Batote Tehsil. Ramban Distt Udhampur ( Now Ramban ) in a Bhagat or Megh family now one of the of Scheduled Castes. His parents were respected Shri Moti Ram and Shrimati Janki Devi After completing his school education up to Middle standard; he joined service in NAC Batote and later in the Health department. He got married to Shrimati Shanti Devi at a young age. He was blessed with a son and a daughter. His family including his wife still lives at Champa .He resigned from the Govt. job and joined social service. He joined Congress party and was elected as Congress Block President and later was made the Secretary of this party. To fulfill his dreams of uplifting and betterment of the depressed classes educationally, socially, economically, he came to Jammu from his native place with an explicit motive, and to secure justice for Dalit Samaj of J&K in particular and country in general. He worked in Bhartiya Depressed Classes league, an all India Origination founded in 1935 by Babu Jagjivan Ram a union Minister and later Deputy Prime Minister. The organization as unit of INC had spread its wings all over India for the welfare of the depressed classes’ peoples. Bhagat Amar Nath was made President of this Organization in J&Kwith HQ on Jogi gate Road Shahidi Chowk Jammu, Its General Secretary was Chodhary Guran Ditta Mal an MLA and Vice Chairman of S/C’s Welfare Board. All other Dalit leaders including M.L.A’s Ministers of J&K were. A Weekly Urdu News Paper named “PASMANDGI” was started from Jammu to raise a forceful voice against denial of the just rights of depressed Classes peoples in J&K State. The write ups in Pasmandgi paper helped in uniting the Dalit masses. An All India one day convention of the Bhartiya Depressed Classes league was held in 1968 in Parade ground Jammu which was presided over by Babu Jagjivan Ram and was attended by over 20,000 peoples. Among others Babu Jagjivan Ram, Bhagat Amarnath, Pandit Trilochan Dutt addressed the gathering. Bhagat Amaranth spoke forcefully pleading for granting due rights to the Depressed Classes persons in recruitments and promotions in services, grant of scholarships to the deserving students up to all levels of education including university level, stopping illegal dislocation of small farmers from their rightful possession and many more problems faced by common people..
Bhagat ji created a close contact with Jammu based Dalit leaders i.e Babu Parmanand, Babu Milkhi Ram, Bhagat chajju Ram, Pashori lal and Mahasa Nar Singh , Jagat Ram Aryan ( Kishatwar) and others. But the government was not acceding to the just demands of the Dalit leaders. He had gained close association & friendship with Ayub Khan, then Health Minister of J&K State. Bhagat Amaranth was earlier Kabir Panthi and later was initiated as follower of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. He was a complete vegetarian and abstained from any type of intoxicants.
Despite issue of G.O No 252-GD of 1969 dated 3-2-1969 and Govt. Notification No 37 GR of 1970 dated 28th April 1970 for providing reservation in services for the SC’s , ST’s and OBC’s the state Govt. was still reluctant to implement the reservation rules in services in letter and spirit . Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath took it very serious and a comprehensive note on the ill-conceived intention of the state Govt. Containing detailed demands was submitted to the State govt. When the State government failed to give positive respond, he intensified his nonstop agitation in the entire Jammu province by leading many processions, demonstrations, public meetings for the expeditious redressal of core issue including reservation. An ultimatum with deadline was given to state Govt. to take remedial measures soon otherwise he shall go for fast unto death. When convinced that the state government was not taking his threats seriously he under took fast unto death.
Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath voluntarily offered himself for the supreme sacrifice and resolved to observe silence and subsequently sat on fast unto death on 21-05-1970 in Karan park in front of civil secretariat. A day before taking the extreme step of stating fast unto death by Bhagat Ji , this writer met him in Karan Park and discussed some apprehensions of peoples not prepared fully for such an extreme step and requested him to work in the field for some more time to prepare the masses for such a step. While addressing my apprehensions he quoted lines from Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s poem “Chalain ge mere naal deushman be mere, eh bakhari a gal ke muskra ke chalangey, jaddo mere Arthi utha ke chalaney gey” meaning after my death, when I shall be carried for cremation, even my adversaries shall accompany it, may be with joy in their hearts”.
His health condition deteriorated so he was shifted to SMGS Hospital Jammu. But despite efforts by prominent physician of that time Dr. Manhas the condition continued to worsen. Bhagat sahib refused to take any medical treatment and this son of the soil Bhagat Amaranth achieved martyrdom on the 1st June 1970. His supreme sacrifice for the cause of the Scheduled Castes reservation and other problems forced the government to make consorted efforts to implement rules for reservation in services for the SC’s , ST’s and OBC’s. Also 165 lbs of the blood was lost in Karan Park in the under taken fast unto death in 1957 and at Chhan Arorian in 1955. After the agitations, fast unto death in 1955 and 1957 Dalits succeeded to win on their own Assembly Election in 1957 under the banner of Harijan Mandal. Martyrdom of Bhagat Amar Nath in 1970 proved final blow to hurdles in providing Reservation in Services in J&K State. However Act to give the Reservation sound legal footing is services for SCs, STc, OBCs was issued vide Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 Dated19/23 March, 2004]
Amar Sheed Amar Nath’s name shall go in the History of Martyrs for the cause of Rights of Dalits in India. Bhagat Amarnath’s family with his wife Smt. Shanti Devi lives in their native place Champa,Batote Tehsil/Distt. Ramban J&K ( UT). Bhagat Ji’s daughter Smt. Chanchala Bhagat lives in Rajinder Nagra Ban Talab Jammu and is engaged in social work.
References:- 1. Bhagat Amarnath’s personal details received from Bhagat Amarnath’s daughter
Smt. Chanchala Bhagat
2. Many details are known to the writer as he had association with the National Hero Bhagat Amarnath JiDuring his stay at Jammu? This writer used to contribute articles in the “ Pasmandgi “
Paper on life of Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s life and work
List of Demands submitted and circulated through Public wall paper writings
Translation from ( Urdu)
1. Cabinet should have adequate representation of SCs as Cabinet Ministers.
2.Reservation to Scheduled Castes is fixed to only 8% whereas their population is more than 6 Lacs. Their reservation should be enhanced up to 20%.
3. Adequate representation should be given to SCs in each state, province, district recruitment boards
4.Representation to SCs should be given while sellecting PSCs members.
5. No representation is given to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes in Legislative Councils, Legislative Assembly, Parliament. Thus, due representation should be given to them.
6.Some of the Scheduled Castes were allotted land but that were being driven out of their land via illegal means due to they were becoming susceptible to hand to mouth existence. This should be stopped immediately.
7.Free land, including Shamlat land belonging to government should be immediately allotted to scheduled castes and backward classes.
8.Thousands of educated scheduled unemployed. Govt jobs should be given to them immediately.
9. Scheduled castes and backward class employees should be given Reservation in promotion's benefits.
10.There should be representation of scheduled castes in KAS and IAS.
11.Houses to homeless scheduled castes and backward classes be given in Muncipal Town Areas, Notified Area Committee areas and with property ownership rights, along with financial assistance from govt to build houses.
12 Labour laws formulated by Central government to be immediately implemented in J&K.
13. Financial support to Scheduled caste and backward class entrepreneurs via easy loans and credit benefits.
14 Slum dwelling Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes to be rehabilitated in permanent colonies with property ownership rights.
15 Separate Degree Colleges for Scheduled caste students with all the hostel facilities.
16 Graduate and Post Graduate students should be given free coaching for competing in exams like IAS, and preparation for getting job at National and International levels along with skill development courses.
17 Crash course programmes for matriculate scheduled castes to trained them entrepreneurships and, self employment.
Mahasha Nahar Singh Ji (1899- 1987):- Mahasha Nahar Singh ji a Mahasha (Shudras) by caste fought bravely against the oppression and corrosive ways of exploitation of the Dalit Samaj. He was born on5th Baisakh 1956vikrami (17th - April, 1899 C.E) to respected Shri Jagat Ram Ji Mahasha and Shrimati Sroopa Devi at village Khairy in Tehsil RSPURA Distt Jammu. Sh. Jagat Ram was poor but honest and hard working farm labourer. Nahar Singh was youngest of his two brothers and one sister. Nahar Singh exhibited extra qualities of leadership, boldness, fearless, calm and composed although had no formal school education. Nahar Singh’s mother died when he was of nine years.
Nahar Singh joined army in 1919 but served it for about four years only There after he went to Sailkot ( now in Pakistan) to find source of earning. He met Mistry Mohd. Hussain, a kind hearted expert carpenter. Mistry Mohd. Hussain gave shelter to Nahar Singh besides imparting him training in carpentry. Soon Nahar Singh became an expert carpenter and returned to his village Khairy to open a modern furniture shop there. Unfortunately his wife expired with out any issue. Mahasha Nahar Singh remarried at village Raya Tehsil Samba Later Mahasha couple was blessed with two sons and two daughters. His son Shri Romesh Chander rose to the rank of Deputy Commissioner Excise and taxation in J&K Govt. Service but died in 2010. Mahasha Ji started learning Punjabi and Hindi at home .He studied Hindu religious books and found they were full of malice against Dalits (Untouchables). Arya Samaji literature appealed him so he joined it. For a brief period he got Govt. job of carpentry and was posted on Tawi Bridge, then a foot suspension bridge. Finding his govt. job a hindrance in his social work of fighting for the cause of his untouchable brethren, he resigned. He plunged fully into ShudhiKaran purification movement of Arya Samaj . Under this movement untouchables were allowed to draw water from wells and tanks, perform puja in Hindu temples and leave the unclean jobs including carcass eating, wear good cloths and send their children to schools. This was objected by the superstitious upper caste Hindus. They lodged a complaint with the DIG, again a upper caste Hindu. Police enquiry was conducted by SHO an upper caste Hindu. Mahasha Nahar Singh along with his father and three others were summoned to the office of DIG then to the IGP. With the intervention of the Arya Smaji leaders they were let off. In 1935 the Dalit leaders submitted to the government and the religious leaders a charter of 14 demands. Dalit community leaders organized a meeting of over one lakh shudras at Kip-Pind Ratian village, near Miran Sahib R S Pura. They invited clergies of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Hindus, saying that Sudhra shall leave the Hindu religion and join any other religion, which gives them equal status. When Sikhs, Muslim and Christian clergies promised equal status to Dalits, if they join their religions. The Hindu religious leaders opposed to equality and safeguards to Dalits, feared losing lakhs of them, in case Dalits leave Hinduism. The Hindu leaders begged for three months time to come up with required safeguards. So the meeting was called off to again meet after three months.. The Hindu leaders including Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, met Maharaja Hari Singha who was J&K King. They explained him the situation arisen out of the agitation of the Dalits. Maharaja Hari Singh ordered opening all temples, wells, tanks, schools to Dalit and ordered strict compliance Scholarships to school going Dalit Children were also promised.
Mahasha Nahar Singh continued his Shudhikarn spree, so traveled far and wide including Jammu and Punjab, Sailkot ( Now Pakistan). Later Mahasha ji became instrument in getting different Scheduled caste Sabhas(Organizations) united into Harijan Mandal. Mahasha ji was member of the State Constitution framing Assembly and later M.L.A.fom Samba constituency 1957-1962. Mahasha Ji joined Communist Party and remained its member till his death in 1987 at the age of 88 years.
Bhagat Chhajju Ram,Gandhi Of J&K (7-3-1907—22nd May,1989)
Bhagat Chhajju Ram was born at Ranbhir Singh Pura on 07-03- 1907 to Shri Bhanga Ram and Shrimati Hari Devi Ji. He was eldest of the three siblingsof his parents, two sons and one daughter. He was studying in 8th class at Lahore when his father died. At the time of death of his father he had to quit his studies to take care of the his brother and sister at the tender age of 14 years. His parents belonged to Hindu Jullaha or Megh Caste , one of recognized Scheduled Castes out of 13 in all in J&K. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was tall, fair colored but a thin lean skelton. He was teetotaler and lived a simple but purposeful life. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was one among the first crop of Scheduled Caste political leaders in Jammu & Kashmir who contribute a lot for the welfare of his brethren. A fearless leader always expressed his views in clear terms without fear or favour. Once, while explaining the helplessness and discriminatory treatment meted out to his people he said “In J&K we see urea in fields and Khajurias ( A superior Brahmin sub title) in offices, questioning is party meeting asking its leaders that where other need to go”. Ever since creation of J&K State after Indian Independence from Dogra Kingdom and even during Kimgdom days Rajputes, Khajuria, Dogra, Mangotra,Sharmas, Dubeys etc. Brahmns have dominated education, administrative employment, religious affairs more so in Jammu region,wher Scheduled caste people lived in majority. Brahmins acted as Prohits, Pujaries to the Hindu temples, headed Pathshalla ( Local vernacular schools), controlled government schools besides being advisors to the state Kings. So only a courageous Dalit with spine could make such remarks against the powerful ruling clout. Bhagat Ji mostly substantiated his speech with funny jokes, short stories, tailored with hard facts, to make home his point to his audiences.
Bhagat Chhajju Ram started his career as a tailor along with Sh. Duni Chand Bhagat. Due to 1947 turmoil Bhagat Chhajju Ram migrated to Jalander ( Punjab) and established his business in sports goods. But after few years he returned back to his native place and started his old tailoring job and subsequently as a cloth merchant. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was a committed Arya Samaji and had good rapport with the Mahajans a business community of his place. He successfully established Arya Samaj Mandir at RSPURA and at Shastri Nagar Jammu, his old age abode colony. He made good fortune out of his business. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was an honest person and he maintained this tag throughout his life. He was called Gandhi Of J&K. One of his relations told me that once he stated supplying milk to an army unit with his other partners. Bhagat Chhajju Ram soon pulled out of this business sensing corrupt practices adopted by his partners.
Bhagat Chhajju Ram followed Sadguru Kabir’s teaching and he established Kabir Kalyan Kendra Jiri , Kana Chak , Jiri Jammu. Jiri is an important religious place associated with the supreme sacrifice of a Brahmin farmer Bawa Jitto along with his toddler daughter Kiri, for their just rights. An Annual fair is held at Jiri,where devotees from some neighbouring states also join in a week long celebrations on Karthik Purnima . Thinking to establishing Kabir temple at Jiri , where people of all faiths especially all fictions of Scheduled castes join on important occasions, proved a great visionary thought.Bhagat ji planned to display portraits of all Dalit Saints in this Kendra.
Bhagat Chhajju Ram a man of clean habits, continued with this throughout his life including morning and evening prayers as per Arya Samaj tradition throughout his life. Regular walking, massaging his body with Sarson ( Mustrad)oil formed his daily habit. Although he had studied only up to 8th class but had in depth knowledge of the poverty suffering of his poor people, accordingly he was taking keen interest in ways and means of mitigation of their sufferings. Bhagat Chhajju Ram had political bent of mind from his childhood and said to have met Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Lahore. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was one among the founding fathers of Megh Mandal in early 1930. He got this organization merged with Harijan Mandal to make it broad based and representative of all Scheduled Castes then known as Harijans. But his being instrument to merge Harijan Mandal with National Conference against wishes of many others aroused great resentment also. Bhagat Chhajju Ram contested unsuccessfully for the Praja Sabha in 1938 but was made member of the J&K Constituent Assembly 1951 . Bhagat Chhajju Ram ji had met Dr. Rajinder Prasad also along with Mahasha Nahar Singh another prominent Dalit leader to discuss problems of their people.
Bhagat Chhajju Ram successfully contested elections for Legislative Assembly in 1962, 1967,1983 and remained Minister in the state cabinet for pretty long time. Besides other departments he was Minister for Social Welfare department. Bhagat Chhajju Ram was also MLC. He was Vice President (1967-1970) and Acting President ( 1970-1972) of the Indian National Congress. For a brief period he became a member of the Communist Party when it was formed by many leaders like Gulam Mohd, Sadiq, Ram Paira Saraf, K.D. Sethi ,G.L. Dogra and others. This was a clout formed against, the Prime Minister of the state Bakashi Gulam Mohd. But soon he returned to National Conference with some other prominent leaders. Bhagat Chhajju Ram had close rapport with many National and State leaders.
I had a personal acquaintances with Bhagat Ji from 1960 and he was instrument in getting me admission in the Regional Engineering College ( Now NIT) Srinagar in 1961 from where I passed out as a first Scheduled Caste Engineer in the J&K State in 1966. Till then no body from all Dalit castes put to gather had privilege to qualify as Engineer. Bhagat Ji also snatched for me first appointment by giving a tough duel with then PWD Minister, RS Jamwal in the presence of CM, Late G.M. Sadiq. Bhagat Ji was ever ready to help all poor and deprived sections of society more so, poverty ridden including Scheduled Castes.
J&K State ( Now two UTs)Scheduled Caste leaders of that time namely, Bhagat Chhajju Ram, Babu Parmanand, Choudhary Guran Ditta Mal, Jagat Ram Aryan, Babu Milkhi Ram, Mahasha Nahar Singh and others worked delicately for the welfare of the Dalit masses. They had their personal difference at times but for common cause they were one. The only common matter they did not co-operate, as required was lending helping hand to Amar Shaheed Bhagat Amar Nath ji who undertook fast unto death for the cause of Scheduled castes. Frankly speaking I also proposed Bhagat Amarnath ji to delay his decision as our samaj was not prepared for such drastic step. But he was adamant to go ahead with his plans and we unfortunately we lost him in his death on first of June,1970.
With the active co-operation of our leaders of that time 40 Housing plot were got reserved/allotted to Scheduled caste persons in the Shastri Nagar Jammu colony by the Housing department. This substantial increased presence of our people there. This right of scheduled caste had been criminally ignored while developing Gandhi Nagar colony when no facility of reservation of plots existed. Hence forth all housing colonies developed by Housing Board or JDA had to keep a reserved a fixed quota for SCs,. With the vision of these leaders in the Medical and Engineering college Srinagar education the Scheduled caste students were granted with both facilities of Scholarship and education Loan against only one facility in the initial years besides reservation of seats. Reservation in the only B.Ed. college in Jammu was also provided reservation of seats in admission due to efforts of these leaders. Some people do disservice to them by restricting them to their particular castes, but it was not so in practice. They were seen by me in person as united when Pasmandgi fort night Urdu news paper was launched with Bhagat Amar Nath ji as its editor. Bhagat ji worked for all toiling humanity.
He was great instrument in getting established Agriculture College RSPURA, now SKUAST Agriculture University RSPURA campus, working to help the farmers, students and generating employment opportunities. He helped stread of education in the area and was instrument in getting scholarships to students, particularly Scheduled castes.
This son of the soil passed away at his home in Shastri Nagar on 22nd May, 1989 at an age of 82 years. His services to the downtrodden masses shall be long remembered with reverence. Let us salute his memories and his services rendered to poor, neglected, illiterates, ill fed of our society.
Dogra Ratan Babu Milkhi Ram (1926-89)
( Saluting Dalit Crusader whose 95th Birth Day falls on 14th June,2021)
By: Er. H. R. Phonsa(contact hrphonsa@ gmail.com,Mob 949134060)
Late Babu Milkhi Ram Ji (1926-1989) was social justice crusader but an uncompromising personality for losing interests of his people. Despite heavy odds in his personal and social life, he carried on his campaign of mass awakening and building up pressure on the Government to grant the J&K Dalits their legitimate rights of reservation in public services, denied to them from 1934,
when for the first time such orders under GOI Act of 1919 & 1935. He struggled also for allotment of surplus government to land less farm laboureres. The surplus land was government common land, Nazool land left behind by Muslims who migrated to Pakistan in 1947 turmoil and the land which became available under the Jammu and Kashmir Big Landed Estate Abolition act 2007 (samvat) and Agrarian Reforms ACT 1976. Such surplus land was illegally held by high caste musclemen in connivance with revenue authorities. Another valid point he forcefully agitated was grant of scholarships to SC students up to university level and free education to all up to University level. Babu Ji agitated with the government to full fill all promises made with the residents of J&K State(now UT) as promised under Naya Kashmir memorandum submitted in 1944, by Sheikh Abdullah the leader of Kashmir's leading political party the National Conference, as submitted to Maharaja Hari Singh the then ruler of Jammu and Kashmir.
Babu Ji commitment for upliftment of SC students in studies was personally experienced by this writer. When after passing Matriculation in 1959, I reached GGM SC. College Jammu for admission,I was asked to produce scheduled caste certificate, which I did not have. There was no actual procedure in force to issue such certificates except, a certificate from an M.L.A. I was last to fill up admission form and needed this certificate with an hour or so. I enquired where from to get the certificate, somebody named Babu Milkhi Ram and also pointed out that he was there, under the tree shade on the side of college ground. I approached him and got the needed certificate. Before signing the form he asked me my division in Matriculation. Before I replied a city student standing nearby replied quickly, III Division. When I told First Division, Babu Ji got happy and that student slipped from the site. Had he been not there I might have lost chance of admission that year?
Babu Milkhi Ram was born on 14 June, 1926 in a family of Ramdasia (Chamars) of Jammu,which is one among 13 Recognized Scheduled Castes in J&K State( Now UT). His father revered Shri Rohlu Ram and mother respected Shani Devi. Shri Rohlu Ram had three sons (Milkhi Ram, Krishan Lal and Ram Lal ) and two daughters( Shanti Devi and Taro Devi). Rohlu Ram ji followed his community business of Shoe making .Young Milkhi Ram was physically strong, intelligent and mentally alert. He was a great lover of sweetmeats and Pakoras (A fried local dish). Milkhi Ram was admitted in school when he was about 8 years old and passed his Matriculation Examination in 1944 and Intermediate in 1949 and B.A in 1952 with Urdu as special subject. Urdu is state language. His was not a child marriage as normally followed then .His marriage was solemnized in 1947 with Smt. Ishri Devi when he was 21years old. The couple was blessed with one son (Kuldeep Kumar Sarangal) and three daughters (Sareshta Kumari, Sunita Kumari and Meena Kumari). Shri Rohlu Ram while running business in a rented shop in Hari Market was cheated by his partner, so he migrated to Kashmir leaving behind Milkhi Ram to take care of the family and also to continue his studies. Shri Rohlu Ram never returned back and breathed his last in Kashmir.
Milkhi Ram , then an undergraduate ,bravely shouldered the entire responsibility to run the family affairs. Milkhi Ram under took private tuitions and worked in shoe making shop also to eke out family living besides pursuing his educational. He set his goal of “Service to masses is service to God”. He is reported to have met Baba Saheb, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Jalander in 1951 and got influenced by his political semons to his people. In later years Babu Milkhi Ram came in contact of Babu Jagjivan Ram too, then Union Minister and both kept lifelong close contacts , interactions on matters of welfare of the Depressed classes country over. Mean time Milkhi Ram obtained his B.A.B.T ( Bachelor Of Arts & Bachelor of Teaching) and served as a school teacher in Christian Missionary School his Alma Mater, as he had studied there in early years.. Later Babu Ji passed his LL. B Degree in 1964 from Delhi University. For this qualification, his life dreams he struggled very hard. He ofter said a lawyer can help his people more forcefully. Now he started practicing as a lawyer at Jammu. He charged nominal fee as lawyer. Once I was told by him that he could get only Rupees Twenty four against the actual court fee of Rupees Thirty Two he had spent, not to speak of getting any pleader’s fee.
In Jammu, Harijan Mandal was founded in 1940 by dissolving existing pro Megh Mandal, since it represented only Megh or Bhagat of RSPURA Tehsil,where had substantial population and guidance from elder community leaders,Bhagat Chhajju Ram,Bhagat Daulat Ram,Bhagat Sain Das to name a few. This new organization amalgamated all Sub Castes of J&K Untouchables and their unity started showing results. Babu Milkhi Ram along with other provided leadership to the Dalits agitation in Marhin and Chhann Rodian in Kathua Distt in 1956 a clear revolt against the suppressing of Upper Caste people after 1935 Kir Pind Ratian, Miran Sahib public protest meeting. A public meeting of the Dalits was called by Pandit Chhaino Ram( he recently passed away at an advanced age) Chamar in village Mareen on 25th July 1956 on the bank of village pond in which over 300 participants took Part. But the upper Caste public with misguided Dalits pelted stones and disturbed the peaceful gatherings. On this large gathering including starting of HUNGER Strike was planned overnight with convience of Babu Milkhi Ram,who was contacted same day at Samba. Following this, on 26th July 1956 a team of eleven volunteers went on a hunger strike which continued for ten days. Many attempts were made by anti national and anti SCs people from upper caste with active support of forceful politician like Girdhari Lal Dogra. Unfortunately some miss guided SCs employees and local politician’s touts also joined hands. There was up surging in Dalits in whole of Jammu Province. Large scale contributions in cash and king came and educated youth reached every village in Hiranagar Tehsil to appraise masses about strike need and basis. My father Shri Gillu Ram carried by head food items contribution from my village to fast site, over 40 Kms. I arranged protest march in my village for which got beating from village head. Protestors were approached by Political Minister, Tehsildar, Deputy Commission, local police office to withdraw hunger strike, but all in vain.
On Eleventh day the Prime Minister Bakshi Ghulam Mohd. Came personally at the venue of strike and he assured providing full justice to the Dalits in J&K. He commanded Babu Milkhi Ram as a true leader and offered him berth of Finance Minister in the Cabinet provided Babu Ji merged his Harijan Mandal with National Conference. Babu Ji declined this offer. Later, on 15 November, 1956 a rally was organized at Karan Park Jammu, where the same conditional offer was repeated by the Prime Minister. But Babu Ji declined the offer till practical action was not seen on ground level. Consequent upon bowing down by the Government to the demands of the strikers, many of the miscreants who had stone pelted the meetings were put behind bars. A couple of them went underground and became Sadhus to avoid detection. It is said that 165 pounds of the strikers’ blood lost in Chhan Rorian . This bore fruit in the form of Babu ji’s entry into the J&K legislative Assembly in 1957 on the force of his Harijan Mandal Party. Babu Ji’s efforts succeeded in getting his fellowmen as officers and ministers in the later years.
Babu Milkhi Ram continued raising the issue of reservation in services and farmers’ tenancy rights issues- . Mean while Government issued notification No 37-GR of 1970 dated 28th April, 1970.This notification without any legal teeth was titled as “The J&K, SC’s and BC (Reservation) rules 1970”. This also landed into trouble by writ petition in SC of India. Sensing lack luster approach of state government on reservation and other pressing problems of SCs another prominent Dalit Leader Baghat Amar Nath got aspirations from Babu Ji’s hard work, so he too served a notice to the State Government with Charter of Demands, giving fixed time for implementation of demands, else he will resort to Fast unto death. When government did not initiate any action in the desired direction Bhagart Ji went on Hunger Strike in Karan Park Opposite State Assembly & reached his martyrdom on 1st of June 1970 and so became “Martyr of Reservation". With his supreme sacrifice the reservation was implemented and in this way he wrote the chapter of reservation with his life sacrifice. This finally forced the Government of J&K to issued First ever Govt. SRO on reservation for SCs in public services in 1971 now made an Act after continued Dalit Struggle for this cause. In J&K the Reservation in Services saw light after 25 years after independence; where as SC’s in other Indian States got sanction with the enactment of the Indian Constitution vide SRO 294 of 2005 Dated 21-10—2005. In J&K Art. 370 of Indian Constitution became a hurdle. The very enactment of Art.370 was done against the wishes of the Father of Indian Constitution Baba Sahib B.R. Ambedkar. This also stands partially modified in Nov.2019,but situation on reservation instead of improving worsened,particularly in reservation in promotion for which case is in the law court.
Babu Milkhi Ram emerged as a consciences candidate of Harijan Mandal, he contested the first Assemble election in 1952 but he lost. His second attempt to enter the J&K Legislative Assembly from Marh Constituency in 1957 Assembly poll, won him the election. Harijan Mandle then had forged political alliance with Hindu Organization called Jan Sang . He won the distinction of then being one among the highly qualified leader in the entire Assembly & only one in opposition benches. He spoke on almost all Bills with constructive suggestions and fought with in Assembly for the just Rights of Scheduled Castes.
Thereafter, he contested almost all Assembly elections till 1987 but lost .But, paradoxically, his popularity, both among the masses and in the political and Government circles, rose day by day. That was, perhaps, due to the extraordinary qualities of leadership he possessed. Undeterred by his election failures, Babu Milkhi Ram ji continued to hold high the flag of the Dalit Movement in the Jammu region of J&K. He offered resistance, led demonstrations and organized rallies and strikes in protest against the discriminatory behavior of the establishment towards the Dalits.
He joined the National Conference under the leadership of Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah, in 1975 and participated in the meeting of Democratic Socialist Forum organized by the latter on 2nd Dec,1974. In 1982 Babu Milkhi Ram was nominated as Vice Chairman of the Scheduled Castes Advisory Board when Farooq Abdulla became Chief Minister after sad demise of Sheikh Mohd. Abdulla. Later when Khowaza G.M.Shah,son in law of Sheikh Sahib defected ,joined hands with opposition and became chief Minister, Babu Milkhi Ram resigned as Vice Chairman, on return from office to home he came on foot, leaving office jeep allotted to him in office. He founded the SC-BC Federation with himself its President. In 1979, he joined Mirza Afjal Beigh’s Revolutionary National Conference, a broken wing of National Conference and was nominated its provincial president for Jammu . Irrespective of his political affiliations, Babu ji pursued the Programmes for forging unity among SC’S, ST’s and OBCs to strengthen their political power & awakenings. As a step in that direction, he started a news-paper Subha-I-Jammu, fortnight Urdu paper in 1980 ,later he planned to start its Hindi and English editions, bur his life did not support him to do so. During this period he again presented a 25 point charter of demands to the Government.
Babu ji breathed his last on 7 May, 1989 and was cremated at Jogi gate Jammu. He will be remembered for his straight forwardness, righteousness, social working and his concern for the poor and the meek. His life long struggle will continue to serve as a beacon light for Dalit Communities for long.
Words:-2152
Dated 12-06-2021
Refers : 1.Writer’s personal experiences with the leader .
2. Babu Milkhi Ram Advocate ( un crowned King) by T.R.Azad.
Sh. Mangat Ram Bhagat Ist IAS From S/S’s of J&K(1921-1988 ):-Sh. Mangat Ram Bhagat a very pleasing, cool and noble personality was born on 09-06-1921 in a small village Atalgarh of Bhadherwah town in Doda District in a Dalit family of Meghalias Bhagat. His father Sh. Mani Karan was a small Farmer. After his schooling from Bhaderwah and joined S.P College Srinagar and M.A L.L.B. from Aligarh Muslim University On shifting to Jammu he found Dalits devoid of any well founded Socio-political movement/ organization except Megh Mandal sponsored by Bhagat Daulat, Bhagat Chajju Ram and others in R, S. Pura area . Although the well attended united Harijan public meeting at Kir Pind Ratian had Shaken the entire Hindu Samaj. The superstitious upper caste Hindus were in a fix whether to give human rights to Harijans or loose them permanently. Harijans have shown their eagerness to join a religion which treats them equal. Since Megh Mandal represented only one Caste with influence in RSPura, he persuaded its leaders to enlarge its scope and include all other Harijan communities. So Harijan Mandal was formed and he was made its secretary. It shook the un-equality and untouchability roots. Harijan Mandal’s popularity won it one seat in the Legislature Assembly making Babu Milkhi Ram as M.L.A. Anti- cow slaughter and Roti movement including Harijan movement for their rights in Jammu and Muslim Conference headed by Sheikh Abdullah in Kashmir region were forcing the government to initiate people friendly policies.
Maharaja Hari Singh constituted in 1938 the “Praja Sabha”. Elections were held and Sh. Mangat Ram Bhagat was elected to Praja Saba. Sh. Mangat Ram Bhagat’s tirade against the communal elements was appreciated by the Maharaja and appointed him as Parliamentary secretary to Development Minister. With the partition of country and efflux of millions from Pakistan to India and vise-versa massive rehabilitation work was started. With the exit of Maharaja Hari Singh and formation of interim government by Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah , Sh. Bhagat was made in charge of handling the programme of rescue and restoration.
Sheikh Abdullah got passed Big Landed Property Abolition Act and Debt Relief Board. Sh. Mangat Ram Bhagat was appointed as chairman Debt Conciliation Board and worked at Samba, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Bhadarwah up to 30-11-1955. He was inducted into judicial Service and served as Munsif Magistrate Ist class Samba from Dec 1956 to August, 1957. Later Sh. Magat Ram Bhagat was appointed Secretary to Govt. welfare of scheduled castes and other backward classes. Bhagat Mangat Ram was inducted into IAS in 1958. There after he served in many department as secretary to government, Deputy Commissioner Leh (Ladakh) , Labour commissioner, Commissioner for Redressal of Public Grievances from Oct. 1973 to May 1977 , finally retired from active Govt. service on 30-06-1979 He also served as Secretary/ Member Anti-Corruption Tribunal till 30-06-1982. He breathed his last on 09-10-1988 at the age of 67 years. His services for the welfare of the down trodden shall always be remembered including formulation of the Reservation Rules in the J&K State.
Tilak Raj Arti First SC Distt and Session Judge in J&K:- Shri T.R. Atri a renowned judge for his impartiality, hard working, honesty and dedication to his duties was born at village Talab Datta near Bri Brahmana in Tehsil Samba of then District Jammu
( now Samba) on 27th July, 1928. His father revered shri Sukh Ram was Ravidasia by caste was a poor farmer. Shri Atri was admitted in his nearby Birpur village Government school from where he passed his Middle standard . There after he was admitted in S.R.M.L High School Parade ground Jammu and he passed his Matriculation Examination with high merits. He was admitted in the Prince of Wales College(Now G.G.M. Sc. College) Jammu. During his studies at Jammu he was living in the Guru Ravidas Mandir Upper Gumat Jammu. After his graduation from Punjab University Lahore, he got admission in the Law College Jalander and successfully completed his LL.B again from Punjab University in 1954. He was enrolled as Pleader in the J&K High Court on 24th September,1954. He got employment in J&K Government as Police Prosecutor and served in Samba JMIC Court for two years. On 1st November, 1957was appointed as Munsiff and posted in JMIC Court Basoli. Due to his seniority and work record of excellence, he got promoted as Sub judge and served at various places including Jammu. He also served in State Anti-Corruption organization as Judge Anti Corruption. He was elevated as District and Session Judge and served at Kathua and Poonch.
On the change of guards in the State under Indra Gandhi- Sheikh Accord 1975, Sher-i- Kashmir Sheikh Mohd Abdullah took over as the Chief Minister on 25th Feb, 1975. Sheikh Sahib desired Shri T.R. Atri to join his cabinet. So Shri Atri opted for pre-Retirement and joined as Minister of State having departments of Law, Parliamentary Affairs, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Irrigation and Flood Control etc. He was subsequently nominated as M.L.C.
Shri T.R. Atri ‘s marriage was ceremonised with Shrimati Shakuntala Devi born in a prominent family of Jalander The Atri couple was blessed with Six sons two of whom are settled in USA. His eldest son Mr.Vijay Atri served in judicial services. Shri T.R. Atri’s another son Shri Ashok Kumar Atri is an IPS officer and is serving as DIG in the State Police.Shrimati Shakuntala Devi died a premature death, so Shri Atri re-married Shrimati Kamla Devi of Jammu.
Shri T.R. Atri left his mortal frame on the night of 14th-15th February, 2010 after a brief illness. He breathed his last in GMC Jammu where he was admitted for treatment, when he was 82 years of age. Shri Atri a known jolly honest person, had a pleasant personality with complete faith in Sant Mat so lived complete vegetarian life and abstained from all types of intoxicants. Shri T.R. Atri earned respects and admiration from people of all shades, ranks and religious affiliations.
Dr Gian Chand ChagdalFirst SC Director ISM, J&K.:-A disciplined and qualified person Dr. Gian Chand Chagdal, son of Shanku Ram, was born on 04-01-1946, at village Amowal tehsil Samba District Jammu A/P resident of House No 95, Sector 5, Nanak Nagar, Jammu
Dr. Gian Chand Chagdal attained his early education from a Govern¬ment High School, Guraha slathian from where he passed his Matriculation Examination and thereafterhe joined the Gov¬ernment Gandhi Memorial Science College, Jammu for higher education and did his graduation. After that he did BAMS from Govt. Ayurvedic College Jammu in 1969.
After qualifying the de¬gree in BAMS, he joined the J&K Government Health service in 1971 to serve the society. He worked with full dedication and devotion and subse¬quently got promotion in the department. He was promoted as Assistant Dis¬trict Medical Officer in 1989 and posted at Udhampur He performed his duties with full sense of dedication. With in 5 years he was promoted as Assistant Direc¬tor, Jammu in 1994. His performance was appreciated by all his seniors as well as juniors and public at large. In1998 Dr Gian Chand was promoted as Deputy Director, ISM Jammu. He was elevated to the post of Director, ISM,J&K in 2000.
Entering the marital life, his marriage was solemnized with Shrimati Krishna Kumari in 1969 of Nai Basti Jammu. The couples led a happy life and were blessed with one son and three daughters. Their children are settled in life with his son Shri Sunil working in ISM Departement.
He was a God fearing per¬son and co-operative to even a stranger. Believer of a non-violence arid peace, he always promoted all these traits in youngsters.
Dr Gian Chand was due to retire on 31st January 2004, but destiny plucked him before and he passed away on September 2 ,2003 af¬ter a prolonged illness. He was 57. Destiny has its own style to work and so picked up a gem from this world, perhaps his services might be needed in heaven more, as per tributes to his father said his son Sunil.
Dated 28-05-2020
Jagat Ram Aryan (1908-88) By Er.H.R.Phonsa
Jagat Ram Aryan the ever First SC Member Assembly in J&K: - Bhagat Jagat Ram Aryan was born on 15th May, 1908 in the house of Shri Suraj Ram Megh (Now Bhagat ) at Matta, Kishtwar District Udhampur ( Now Kishatwar). His father was an agriculturist by profession. The Bhagat is a recognized Scheduled caste in J&K State( Now UT) and have largest population with 13 recognized Scheduled castes in J&K. In his childhood he depicted signs of being a great hard working and visionary. Child Jagat Ram was admitted in Kishatwar school with the help of some Arya Samaj workers as untouchability was then observed unabated. His name title Aryan was based on his being an Arya Samaj. So he never supported the idea of conversion to Buddhism by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In school he faced many caste based discriminations and hard ships. He passed his Matriculation from Govt. High School Kishatwar. This school was opened as Govt. Primary school in 1900 and upgraded as High School in 1920 during reign of Maharaja Partap Singh. Despite many financial hardships and low caste discriminations he earned the distinction of being First Scheduled Caste in Kishtwar area to pass his Matriculation Examination from Punjab University Lahore. Due to his hard work and dedication to get higher education he passed his Science Graduation ( BSc) from the Prince Of Wales College Jammu, then affiliated with the Punjab University Lahore earning distinction of first Scheduled Caste (Then untouchable Megh) from J&k Principality. Jagat Ram was a good college debtor and picked up experience of public lectures. The Prince Of Wales College at Jammu was opened in 1905 by Maharaja Partap Singh on the eve visit of the British Prince. This college was named G.G.M Sc. College in 1948. As his father was unable to finance his college education , so Jagat Ram labored as tutor and in some other jobs to defray his education expenditure. Then a tutor was either given a meal or a small amount in cash. Jagat Ram had earned proficiency in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi languages besides, Dogri, Kashmiri and Kishtwari , Bhaderwahi local dialects.. He read many autobiographies and biographies of many world famous revolutionaries including books by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In later times he wrote 6 books and pamphlets on various topics of leadership, politics, agriculture (Agro Botany of Saffron) and religion.
Jagat Ram Aryan, the son of the soil despite qualified to get high ranking Government job took to social cause of alienation the suffering of his brethren then named as Harijans by Mahatama Gandhi despite stiff opposition by Dalit leaders country over. To support his livelihood he opened a shop ( Himachal Aushadhyala Kishatwar) in Mehta Lane Kishatwar and started practice as Medical professional in Ayurveda, Unami treatment and also as dentist having obtained proficiency in these medical systems. He successfully provided 20 days free treatment to Epilepsy. He had mastered technique of making dentures and fitted to needed persons. One a local business man got his denture made from Aryan but refused to take. Jagat Ram Aryan lodged a complaint and in court lala denied having given any order. on orders from court denture was fitted to concerned Lala in the court. On proper fitting lala was ordered to pay double charges with fine. This proves that Aryan could go to any extent to seek his rights. He even got himself registered as RMP in 1976. He also started as first photography. Jagat Ram had long family association with agriculture so adopted cultivation of cash crops like Saffron and subsequently became dealer in medicinal and spices herbs like Shilajit , black Cumin (Zeera), honey, violet herb( Banafsha) pulses( Rajmash) and such like other items. Later he established a Printing press and also designed a multi thread automatic spinning machine.
The Dalits got worst treatment in the hands of upper caste Hindus. No Dalit could even wear leather foot wear in the presence of a high caste Hindu. Dalits were not allowed to draw water from water sources. If by chance there was a touch even of a cloth, the upper caste person broke the water pitcher, beat up the Dalit male or female and took bath along with clothes. On observing such treatment Jagat Ram organized his people and asked them to also broke water pitches on touch with a higher caste man and stop taking off shoes on seeing a upper caste person. After lot of stress and struggle these problems ceased to some extent. There were separate water places, worshiping places, living places, working places and even Cremation grounds for Dalits. They had no common meeting places, still they were declared as part of Hindu religion by caste Hindus, what a funny story. The most unfortunate thing was that even Dalit caste people observed untouchability among themselves considering high and low castes between themselves. The Backward people did not join any movement for their betterment they suffered discriminations from upper castes hands but always sided with them considering themselves nearer to upper castes.
Although Begar or Kar-e- Sarkar ( to get work without proper wages) was banned in 1891 by King Partap Singh but it was in use in the state in a big way. In Dogra rule upper caste people had preference so they bypassed established rules .The poor illiterate , ill fed ,ill dressed Dalits were sent to far off places carrying loads, officer luggage and to convey messages. Many of them perished in snow, snow bites, floods and hunger without any care or compensation. Habitation of Kashmiri Muslims settled before 1947 at Lohai and Malhar in BilawarTehsil of Kathua District consisted of those Kashmeries who were sent under Begar to Jammu . When they could not make up back to Kashmir they settled in Jungle away from the view of authorities. In Hilly areas even the cultivable land prepared by cleaning jungle by poor Dalits was forcibly occupied by Jagirdars, Jamindars Money lenders (Soucars). Aryan one from among them equipped with higher qualified vision and pains for the suffering Scheduled Castes (Then called Harijans) started his struggle to eras their life miseries. He first organized his people to take out daily non violent procession from Kishatwar -Chogan to Bazaar against Begar system. He lectured, educated and prepared them to fight for their just cause. This continued for long time till this news spread far and wide in the area among his people. Thus Harijans picking up courage to resist atrocities on them. Some of them even refused to perform Begar and so more atrocities were committed on the poor Dalits, but instances of resistances’ continued increasing.
It was the time when Sheikh Mohd. Abdulla (1905- 82), a Post Graduate in Chemistry was organizing his people in Kashmir against Dogra rule under the banner of Kashmir Muslim Conference 1932 ,later National Conference from 1939. The party leaders declared they will struggle for the rights of the oppressed, whether Hindu, Muslim or Sikh. The slogan of Hindu Muslim Sikh Ethad, Jindabad Jindabad meaning “ long live Hindu, Muslim , Sikh unity “.
Jagat Ram Aryan started political struggle in 1933 by organizing Satyagraha at Kishatwar which was viewed akin to revolt in Kashmir under Kashmiri leadership against Maharaja Hari Singh rule. In Srinagar Jail on 13 July 1931 already 22 people had been shoot dead followed by looting and rioting in Srinagar. To curb the Kishatwar Satyagraha Jagat Ram was first called for negotiations. He might have been offered some lucrative government job and on failure of negotiations he was arrested and sent for undisclosed jail. This was done to avoid revolt by Dalits as they had sizable population not only in Kishatwar but in whole of Jammu Division. Also some voices against government excesses including those of landlord, Jagirdars, money lenders excesses had started being raised by Dalit leaders elsewhere in Jammu province.
Maharaja Sahib had already constituted Glaxy Commission 1931 to study the prevailing problems faced by his public and also to suggest possible solutions. A deputation of Megh Sabha lead by Bhagat Chajju Ram also met the Glaxy Commission and put forth their demands. The Glancy Commission had submitted its report in April 1932, confirming the existence of the grievances of the State's subjects and recommended providing for adequate representation of Muslims in the State's services. Glancy Commission also recommended the establishment of a legislative assembly, called the Praja Sabha with 75 members, with break up as 15 official representatives, 33 elected representatives and the remaining seats held by the Maharaja's nominees. Of the 33 elected seats, 21 were recommended to be reserved for Muslims, 10 for Hindus and 2 for Sikhs. Maharaja accepts these recommendations but delays were caused in implementation. This commission also had remained silent about solving Dalit problems. On all-round protests in Dalit circles Shri Jagat Ram Aryan was nominated to the Praja Sabha along with others in 1934. The first session of the Praja Sabha was held on Wednesday October17, 1934 .
The Dalit leaders under the leadership of Bhagat Chajju Ram ( 1907-1989, Bhagat Daulat Ram (1912-2007) both of Megh Sudhar Sabha, Mahasha Nahar Singh( 1899-2007) , Pt. Mangat Ram of Langth Samba, Choudhary Rangila Ram and many others were exerting to cut chains of Hindu excesses on their masses aided and abated by Dogra imperialistic rule. They had collected over one lac Dalits at village Ratian near Miran Sahib Tehsil RS pura of Jammu District in 1935. They called there Christians clergies, Muslims Molvies, Sikhs Bhaies and Hindus Padits including Arya Samaji leaders to know their reactions if untouchable Hindus leave the Hindu fold and join other religions. In their speeches Christians, Muslims, Sikhs leaders proposed open hand reception with all typed help on conversions of untouchable Hindus to their religions. They offered that any attack on untouchable convertees shall be first born by their new religious brothers. The Hindu leaders who had among them Pt.Prem Nath Dogra, Hans Raj Dogra got worried but had no solution at hand so asked three months time in deciding the matter. They reported this matter to Maharaja Hari Singh, who was already seized of the untouchable problem as projected in Round Table Conferences (1930-32) held at London by Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
When Jawahar Lal Nehru was arrested on 19 June,1946 at Kohala Bridge on way to Kashmir to plead case of Sheikh Abdulla, arrested and lodged in Srinagar Jail. He was arrested for abetting and heading “Quit Kashmir”movement against Dogra rule akin to countrywide Quit India Movement by Congress against the British Crown. Dewan Chaman Lal and Asif Ali were accompanying Nehru. Jagat Ram opposed this action of Maharaja’s Prime Minister Kak as ill conceived. This annoyed Maharaja so Jagat Ram Aryan was removed from Praja Sabha membership. Mr.Ram Rakha another Dalit was also made its member. Both forcefully represented cause of their Samaj in the Praja Sabha.
Aryan had represented the cause of the Dalit Samaj for 12 years without a dot of fear. He used to project problems faced by his Samaj viz. verities of ill treatment, Begar , practice of untouchability, drinking water problems, separate setting of their kids in school class rooms, denial of scholarships to their students, prevailing unemployment, denial of workmen compensation, temple entry denial to them, proper cremation grounds for dead etc.etc. In his hard hitting speech in Praja Sabha on 21st September, 1838, he summed up the pitiable conditions of Harijans then saying they were not allowed to draw water from wells, water tanks, and admission to school was denied. If a Harijan student ventured to get admission in a government school, he was discriminated, made to sit separately saying his mixing with other students is sure to pollute Higher Caste Students. While continuing his speech he said “We are precluded from using a single drop of water which is given by God. We demand our rights but do not beg as a charity. Civilized governments should side with the poor, but Dogra Raj Government protects the oppressors. The oppressors here are so cruel that our children are thirsty for a single drop of water. They follow Manusmriti, which was written by a mad man. This book has been the cause of our degradation. Our women have to comb the Jungles in search of water.
Due to his relentless efforts in the house of repesentatives the following laws were amended/enacted by His Highness Government.
1. Forced labour ( Kar-e – Sarkar, Begar) rules of 1873( Bikrami),1917CE, were repealed under Act No 8 of 1996(Bikrami),1940 CE.
2. Workmen compensation Act was passed in the Praja Sabha and promulgated with immediate effect.
3. Arya Samaj Marriage Act was brought on Statue Book
4. Through a Royal order of 1932 entry of all including Dalits ( Harijans) was allowed in all Hindu temples.
5. Scholarships to all Dalit students was ordered and also order to stop their separate sitting in class rooms.
As regards employment to Dalits Aryan writes in his book “ Kashmir Mein Hangaama-e- Rai Shumari Kyon Hai” that when he pressurized government to give employment to his people,one Chet Ram Dubey opined to then Revenue Minister Mehta an ICS officer thet the Kashmir Government had already tilted its stand to give employment to Muslim, why should Harijans ( Dalits ) be not considered for giving them employment. The reply of Mehta ICS is given as given in Urdu language was “ Harijanon Ki Tawaja Malanmaton Ki Taraf Na Dillao, Varna Naukron se Hatt Dho Betho Gey” meaning do not invite attention of Harijans towards employment, you will find difficult to get house servants. However the Dalits had picked up courage to fight for their rights including employment after 1946.
Jagat Ram Aryan was Nationalist to the core. He opposed Maharaja Hari Singh for his inclusion of Para (7) and (8) in Instrument of Accession, saying this will create more problems for total integration of State with India. These two Para proved resulted in giving special protectionto state under Art.370 of the Indian Constitution.
On India gaining Independence Aryan was appointed in April,1948 as Harijan Special Officer but was dismissed with a year as he did not want to toe government line in his working. He had developed good rapt with many National Conference leaders. On his dismissal from service he joined Praja Parishad Party and was made its President of Kishatwar Agitators were sent to Srinagar Jail and sentenced for one year but relased before completion of their full jail term by Session court. Mr. Aryan was sentenced at some other occasions also Mr. Aryan was fielded as Praja Parishad candidate in 1952 elections but his paper rejected due to deficiency.
Later he joined first the DNC (Democratic National Conference) promulgated by leaders like G. M. Sadiq, K. D. Sethi, Ram Paira Saraf and other. But when this party emerged with J&KNC and subsequently into INC on becoming of G.M.Sadiq as Prime Minister ( later CM), Mr. Aryan joined INC party. He was given party ticket in 1967 elections from Bhaderwah Constituency (Reserve) and he won. He served as M.L.A. till 1972. He took part in Assembly discussions almost every time some new Bill or matter came up for discussion and gave valued suggestions. This writer as REC engineering student met Aryan Sahib at Srinagar a number of times and found him ever ready to take any just problem of his people. For the just cause of his Scheduled Caste Samaj Samaj he was prepared to fight with anybody however highly he might be placed politically or bureaucratic position .The writer met Aryan Sahib at Srinagar a number of times and found him ever ready to take fight for the just cause of Scheduled Castes with anybody. He used to say compare his legislative work with any other legislator,He was great orator and secular minded person.
During his Assembly membership he called a District Doda convention of Scheduled castes on 27-28 July 1968. The convention was attended by many important persons including Bhagat Chhajju Ram, Babu Parmanand, A.G. Goni, all Ministers, Ishrat Kashmiri, Ch. Guran Ditta Mal MLA’s besides many more. The resolutions passed by voice vote were to provide Reservation to Scheduled Castes in all State services, allotment of residential plots developed in Govt. developed colonies and shop lines, nomination in Upper House and Parliamentary Elections. Construction of Bhaderwah- Basoli, Bhaderwah Chamba, Bhaderwah Jaie, Kishtwar Simthon roads, improvement to Batote Kishatwar road, inverigation of Chenab Basin for Hydro Electric Projects, granting District , college and ITI at Kishatwar etc.etc.
Aryan Sahib always pleaded secular and non- violent methods to project demands. Although he took part/organized a number of agitations but never advocated for violent methods. When Aryan Ji was defied in September 1974 hunger strike for Degree college at Kishatwar by local youths, four youngsters lost their lives.
In his last life span Sh. Jagat Ram Aryan became weak, lost his eye sight and finally passed away on 25th September 1988 at an age of 80 years. This committed son of the soil shall be long remembered for his dedicated service to his area, Samaj and Nation.
References :
1 Shri Jagat Ram Aryan, Ambedkar of Jammu and Kashmir by Shri Des Raj Bhagat
2. Praja Sabha debates as available on net.
3. Writer’s Essay First SCs in J&K written in 2012 and personal meeting with Sh.Jagat Ram Aryan I request to all those who can further enrich the data base to convey it me on
Dr. Basant Ram First SC H.O.D in Mathematics
Dr. Basant Ram one of the senior most professor in mathematics was born on 28-08-1942 in Village Gho Rackwalan Tehsil and District Samba to Late Sh. Milkhi Ram in a Ramdasia family. Dr. Basant Ram passed the matriculation examination in 1957 from Govt. High School Ramgarh. Later on he got graduation degree from Jammu University in 1962 and Passed M.A. in mathematics from Kashmir University in 1965. Dr. Basant Ram joined Govt. service as Lecture in mathematics on Adhoc basis in 196 and his services was regularized in the year 1968. He obtained degree of M.Phil, in 1978. Ultimately he passed the P.HD. in 1992. Dr. Basant Ram retired in 2000 as H.O.D. in mathematics from G.G.M Science College, Jammu. Dr. Basant Ram was first H.O.D. in mathematics in scheduled castes community. He is known for his honesty and brilliance.
Comrade Seva Raman first students leader from SC and B.S.P. President in J&K
Comrade Seva Raman was born on 15th April 1939 at Village Sheikhpur Palota Tehsil Samba to Sh. Lal Chand and Smt. Shanti Devi in a Ramdasia family. Sh. Lal Chand was a poor farmer but hard working. Sewa Raman was eldest child to his parents. Sewa Raman started his primary education at Ramgarh but later when his family shifted to Jammu he got admitted Govt. Middle School Gass Mandi Jammu, where he passed the 8th class. There after he joined the Hari Singh High School Jammu Where he passed the matriculation. Through the economic condition of the family of Sewa Raman were not good but Sewa Raman wanted to continue his studies and joined M.A.M. College Jammu where he completed his graduation in Arts. He went to Aligarh to study law and got admission in Muslim University Aligarh for studying LLB and after one year, he got himself migrated to Jammu University to persu law. He was elected President of the student’s union and was taking part in debate competitions and he always stood first. He was crusedar for social justice. Despite many odds in his personnel life, he carried on his compaign for mass awakening and building on pressure on the Govt. for granting full quota of reservation to the SC, ST and OBC in Govt. jobs and Education. Crusader for the rights of down trodden breathed his last on 19-02-2013. Seva Raman will be remembered for his extra ordinary qualities of leadership and for his efforts for the upliftment of working-class people.
Request:- Time ,space and authentic data availability has constrained me to write here only briefly and many persons might have been left. I am grateful to all those friends, who contributed data for this article. Space does not allow me to mention their names and address here. Any mistake coming into reader’s notice may be communicated to me for further updating and correcting in near future.
I request to all those who can further enrich the data base to convey the same to me on
E-Mail:-zenithrs@yahoo.com and on my postal address H No 63 Sector 05 Nanak Nagar Jammu 180004 Contact 09419134060.
I may venture to write a book “Who is who” for SC personalities of J&K exclusively, if adequate Data becomes available.
Er H.R. Phonsa
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Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-1563140003984933112022-05-03T23:48:00.000-07:002022-05-03T23:48:42.522-07:00Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar and May Day Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar and May Day
Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar had played an important in the labour movement in India being a part of labourers of India. His roll in labour welfare makes an important dent in world labour movements.
Historical background :
May- 1 each year in celebrated world over as the “Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity.” First May- Day was celebrated on May 1, 1890, after it was proclaimed by the first international congress of Socialist Parties held in Europe on July 14, 1889, in Paris, France to dedicate that day to Labour rights. Earlier to it the American Federation Organised Trades and Labour Unions to demand an eight-hour workday in 1884 against prevailing 15-16 hours working time. This resulted in the general strike and the Haymarket (in Chicago) Riot of 1886. The police fired on peaceful demonstrators on 3rd May, when one died and several got injured. When many workers and leaders departed peacefully, police intervened, ordered quick dispersal of participants. Someone (never identified properly) from the crowd hurled a grenade. The police contingent present responded with random gunfire. Seven police officers were killed and 60 others wounded before the violence ended. The civilian casualties were estimated at four to eight dead and 30 to 40 injured. However, the official sanction was accorded for the eight-hour workday.
Labour Day in India:The first May Day in India was organised in Madras (now Chennai) by the political party “Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan” on May 1, 1923. The party was formed by Comrade M. Singaravelu Chettiar(1860-1946),who was first left thinker of India. On this day for the first time “Red Flag” was used in India. The day is tied to labour movements for communist and socialist political parties. May Day is a public holiday in several countries including India. In India it is celebrated as Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas (International Labour Day).
Besides communist with labour leaders many have sincerely worked for labour empowerment in India. Among these good-hearted leaders Dr Baba Saheb B. R. Ambedkar shines as polar star.
Dr Baba Saheb B. R. Ambedkar actually took over (telegraphically) a member of Indian Viceroy’s Council on 20th July,1942 and not on 2 July 1942, the day of his appointment. This delay was due to his engagements with dissolving IPL and launching his new political party the “ Scheduled Castes Federation” at Nagpur. He addressed on 18-20 July over 90,000 participants having 20,000 women delegates from all over India. He took over as Labour Member (Minister) with responsibilities of Labour, CPWD and Constructions departments and continued as such till Mid- June 1946. Baba Saheb presided 4,5,6,7th Labour conferences in Delhi between August 1942 to 27-28 November 1945 and succeeded in bringing sea change in labour welfare means.
It is rightly said if there was any person who secured the majority rights to Laborers in India, the person was none other than “Father of Modern India” & Revolutionary Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Without Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, today the future of India Labourers would have been in pitch darkness. He is the only leader in India who was multi-dimensional qualities as a great visionary academician economist, politician, law councillor, historian, anthropologist besides possessed vision of a caste visor . After all he was born in the land of the most congenital casteist nation we know as “India”. The staunch upper castes gave him worst low caste troubles and later mostly avoided to give credit to Dr. Ambedkar's contribution in building this great nation which today is one of the developing economies of the world. Thanks to his robust economic policies which have saved India even in the times of great Economic Depressions. Be it the founding guidelines of the RBI or the Principles of Free Trade, Dr. Ambedkar has given all the best to our Nation in all spheres. Even the Reserve Bank (RBI) of India was conceptualised in accordance with the guidelines presented by Dr Ambedkar to the Hilton Young Commission (also known as Royal Commission on Indian Currency and Finance) based on his book, “ The Problem of the Rupee – Its Origin and Its Solution”. This book earned Dr Baba Saheb world’s highest academic economic degree DSc. His mind on labour laws was summed up by his biographer D. Keer (page,1971-374) For Ambedkar, “three things were necessary to mitigate or prevent industrial disorder, namely, a machinery for conciliation; secondly, an amendment of the Trade Disputes Act; and thirdly, minimum wage legislation”. Dr Baba Saheb worked on these lines and resolved during his times many issues confronting labour and for unresolved matters he put these in motion on well thought labour welfare process.
In free India as Father of Indian Constitution Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar laid a strong of labour welfare foundation of equal pay for equal work through the preamble and article 14,16,39. Further Article 21 promises protection of life and personal liberty, Article 23 prohibits forced labour whereas Article 24 prohibits employment of children below the age of fourteen years. Article 39(a) provides that the State shall secure to its citizens equal right to an adequate means of livelihood. Here is some piece of valuable information to share about Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar did for Labourers as a Labour leader and as the Labour Member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council between 1942 and 1946. Many rules took shape later and with enactment of Indian Constitution on the seeds Dr Ambedkar planted. Brilliant contributions by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for labour and mass welfare.
• Reduction in Factory Working Hours (8 hours duty) : Before enactment of Code on Social Security, 2020, the working hours in India per day was about 8 hours. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the Saviour of Labours in India. He worked to bring 8 hours duty in India and to get changed the working time from 14-16 hours to 8 hours work . Earlier to Dr. Ambedkar, Narayan Meghaji Lokhande (1848–1897) a Dalit and long associate of Mahatma Phuley had struggled hard to get Sunday holiday in 1889. He was the father of trade union movement in India. This had lightened working for workers in India. Dr. Ambedkar highlighted many labours welfare means in the5th,6th, 7th sessions of Indian Labour Conference in New Delhi. Many approvals were also approved and forwarded to government for framing appropriate laws.
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar also framed many laws for Women Labours in India, this included moving in the Parliament “ Hindu Code Bill” .
• Mines Maternity Benefit Act,
• Women Labour welfare fund,
• Women and Child, Labour Protection Act,
• Maternity Benefit for women Labour,
• Restoration of Ban on Employment of Women on Underground Work in Coal Mines,
• Indian Factory Act.
• National Employment Agency (Employment Exchange): Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was instrumental in bringing the establishment of employment exchanges. He created employment exchanges in India as the Labour member in Provincial government in British India after the end of 2nd world, so also the tripartite mechanism of settling Labour issues through trade unions, Labours and the government representatives and introducing skill development initiative in the government sector. Due to his relentless efforts ‘National Employment Agency was created.
• Employees State Insurance (ESI): ESI helps the workers with medical care, medical leave, physically disabled during working injuries as compensation Insurance for providing various facilities. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar enacted and brought it for the benefit of workers. Actually, India only brought ‘Insurance Act’ as the first nation among the East Asian countries. Credit goes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
• The original source of reference for all the 13 Finance Commission reports, in a way, are based on Dr. Ambedkar’s Ph. D thesis, "The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India", written in 1923.
• India’s Water Policy and Electric Power Planning: The policy formulation and planning for the development of irrigation and electric power was the major concern. It was the Labour Department under the guidance of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who decided to establish "Central Technical Power Board" (CTPB) for power system development, hydro power station sites, hydro-electric surveys, analysing problems of electricity generation and thermal power station investigation. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar emphasized on the significance and need for the “Grid System”, which is still working successfully even today. If today power engineers are going abroad for training, the credit goes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar again, who as a leader of Labour Department formulated policy to train the best engineers-overseas. It is a matter of shame that nobody credits Dr. baba Saheb Ambedkar for the role he played in India’s water policy and electric power planning. [For more about ‘India’s Water Policy and Electric Power Planning’, Refer: Dr. Ambedkar’s Role in Economic Planning Water and Power Policy by Sukhadeo Thorat].
• Dearness Allowance (DA) to Workers.
• Leave Benefit to Piece Workers.
• Revision of Scale of Pay for Employees.
• Coal and Mica Mines Provident Fund: At the time, Coal Industry played a vital role in our country’s economy. Due to this, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar enacted the Coal Mines Safety (Stowing) Amendment Bill for the benefit of the workers on January 31st, 1944. On 8th April 1946, he brought the Mica Mines Labour Welfare Fund which helped the workers with housing, water supply, education, entertainment, co- operative arrangements.
• Labour Welfare Funds: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar set up an Advisory Committee to advise on matters arising out of the Labour Welfare under B P Agarkar. Later he promulgated it on January, 1944.
• Post War Economic Planning: When 2nd World war ended, there were many challenges for India, such as re-establishing the economy; including improvement in agriculture, development of industries, rehabilitation and re- deployment of defence services etc. For this, the Reconstruction Committee of Council (RCC) was established. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a member of RCC and was assigned the role of the President of "Policy Committee for Irrigation and Power" of great significance but less well known among Dr. Ambedkar's contribution to the nation was his direct participation in the formulation of objective and strategy of post-war economic plan & planned development of water and electric power resources in the country. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was directly involved in framing of the objective and strategy of economic planning and water and electric power policy though he made a substantial contribution to the economic planning and water and electric power resource development in this position, surprisingly, this aspect of his contribution has hardly been studied. [For more about ‘Post War Economic Planning’ Refer: Dr. Ambedkar’s Role in Economic Planning Water and Power Policy by Sukhadeo Thorat].
• Indian Statistical Law: In 1942, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar passed the Indian Statistical Act. Later D K Paisendry (Former Deputy Principal, Information Officer, Government of India) said in his book, without Dr. Ambedkar’s Indian Statistical Act he could not formulated the Labour conditions, their wage rates, other Income, Inflation, debt, housing, employment, deposits and other funds, labour disputes.
• The Indian Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill: Indian Labour Act was enacted in 1926 . This only helped to register the trade unions. But it was not approved by the government. On 8 November, 1943 he brought the Indian Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill for Compulsory recognition of trade unions.
• Creator of Damodar valley project, Hirakund project, The Sone River valley project: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar who started and Plan outlined, on the lines of the Tennessee Valley project, the Damodar Valley project. Not only Damodar Valley Project but also Hirakud project, The Sone River valley project were outlined by him. In 1945, under the chairmanship of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, then Member of Labour, it was decided to invest in the potential benefits of controlling the Mahanadi for multi- purpose use. But almost were hiding and wrongly been attributed entirely to Nehru’s vision for industrialization through multipurpose river valley projects. It was Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar who in fact, as the then Member for Labour in the Viceroy’s Council, played the most central role in introducing large dam technologies into India . If you ask any school going child, where Damodar Valley, Hira Kund and the Sone River Valley projects are, and who inaugurated these projects, they will tell you the names of Nehru-Gandhi family, although they have nothing to do with these projects. (Check out the wiki page giving details that Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, Dr. B.C. Roy, Chief Minister of West Bengal and Sri Krishna Sinha, Chief Minister of Bihar, took personal interest to ensure early success of the project. Students are taught in schools about these projects but miss a word about Dr. Ambedkar’s prominent role and contribution towards all these projects. Since 1930 emphasis has been increasingly placed on engineering practices, on the hydrological unity of a river basin on treating the basin as the unit of development of its water resources. Credit for multipurpose project (irrigation and generating electric power together) goes to Irrigation and Power Department, under the leadership of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar during1942-46. Keeping in view the enhanced magnitude of such projects, it was keenly felt that the technical expert bodies available then, at the centre weren’t adequate. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar approved the Central Water way and Irrigation Commission (CWINC) in March 1944, and subsequently by the Viceroy on April 4, 1945. Thus Dr. Babasaheb helped build a strong technical organization for the development of India. If our houses are illuminated and if our fields are green, it’s because of Dr. Ambedkar’s stellar role in the planning of these projects, on which rests a major part of India’s economy today. If there is such a concept as water-management and development in India, then the credit goes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for ably using the natural resources to serve India. If it was not for Dr. Ambedkar’s vision, one can imagine the situation of electric supply, irrigation and development of India. [For more, Refer: Dr. Ambedkar’s Role in Economic Planning Water and Power Policy by Sukhadeo Thorat].
• Health Insurance Scheme.
• Provident Fund Act.
• Factory Amendment Act.
• Labor Disputes Act.
• Minimum wage.
• The Legal Strike. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar believe that caste is not merely the division of Labour but division of labourers based upon the graded inequality. Further in his “Annihilation of Caste’, Volume - I, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writing and Speeches”.In no other country is the division of Labour accompanied by this gradation of labourers. There is also a third point of criticism against this view of the Caste System. This division of labour is not spontaneous; it is not based on natural aptitudes. Social and individual efficiency requires us to develop the capacity of an individual to the point of competency to choose and to make his own career. This principle is violated in the Caste System in so far as it involves an attempt to appoint tasks to individuals in advance, selected not on the basis of trained original capacities, but on that of the social status of the parents. Looked at from another point of view this stratification of occupations which is the result of the caste System is positively pernicious. Industry is never static. It undergoes rapid and abrupt changes. With such changes an individual must be free to change his occupation. Without such freedom to adjust himself to changing circumstances it would be impossible for him to have gains in his livelihood earning. Now the Caste System will not allow Hindus to take to occupations where they are wanted, if they do not belong to them by heredity. If a Hindu is seen to starve rather than take to new occupations not assigned to his Caste, the reason is to be found in the Caste System. By not permitting readjustment of occupations, caste becomes a direct cause of much of the unemployment we see in the country. As a form of division of labour, the Caste system suffers from another serious defect. The division of labour brought about by the Caste System is not a division based on choice. Individual sentiment, individual preference has no place in it. It is based on the dogma of predestination.”
Dated 30-4-2022 Er. H. R. Phonsa
Words:2679.
References::-
* Volume 10 – Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar as member of the Governor-General’s Executive Council (1942-46).
* A Tamil article by Tamilmaraiyan.
* Dr. Ambedkar’s Role in Economic Planning Water and Power Policy by Sukhadeo Thorat.
* Volume 1 - Annihilation of Caste by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
Compiled & Edited By CBA (Channel Babasaheb Ambedkar) Community Media
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-13974857881299400872022-04-14T10:00:00.000-07:002022-04-14T10:00:08.029-07:00ानिए कैसे अम्बेडकर अद्वितीय विश्व व्यक्तित्व हैं। जानिए कैसे अम्बेडकर अद्वितीय विश्व व्यक्तित्व हैं।
(14 अप्रैल, 2022 को पड़ने वाली डॉ बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर की 131वीं जयंती पर श्रद्धा के साथ)।
द्वारा:- इ. हेम राज फौंसा (जम्मू)
संपर्क करें: hrphonsa@gmail.com और 09419134060
बुद्ध पूर्णिमा वैशाख (विक्रमी संवत का दूसरा महीना) के महीने की पूर्णिमा को मनाई जाती है जो आम तौर पर हर साल अप्रैल-मई के महीने में आती है। भारत रत्न डॉ. अम्बेडकर का जन्म 14 अप्रैल, 1891 (मंगलवार) को महू मिलिट्री छावनी (अब अम्बेडकर नगर) वर्तमान मध्य प्रदेश में हुआ था। कई लोगों ने उनके जन्मदिन पर उनके जीवन भर की उपलब्धियों के लिए उनके प्रशंसकों द्वारा बॉम्बे में आयोजित जन्मदिन समारोह में शामिल होने से इनकार कर दिया। लेकिन बड़े क्षेत्रों में डॉ. बाबा साहब के योगदान का विश्वसनीय विश्लेषण करने पर अब दुनिया भर में लाखों लोग इस दिन को उल्लास और श्रद्धा के साथ मनाने के लिए साल भर इंतजार करते रहते हैं। वह हिंदू धर्म पदानुक्रम की एक अछूत जाति महार के थे। आंबेडकर पूज्य रामजी मालोगी सखपाल और भीमाबाई की 14वीं संतान (रत्न) थे। उनके पूर्वज सेना में सेवा करते थे। उनके दादा श्री मालोजी सकपाल ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी की बॉम्बे आर्मी से हवलदार के रूप में सेवानिवृत्त हुए और उन्हें युद्ध के मैदान में उनकी बहादुरी के लिए जमीन का एक टुकड़ा दिया गया। उनके पिता ने आर्मी स्कूल में हेडमास्टर के रूप में काम किया और सूबेदार मेजर के पद से सेवानिवृत्त हुए। भीमराव अम्बेडकर भी पारिवारिक परंपरा को बनाए रखने के लिए एक संक्षिप्त अवधि के लिए बड़ौदा राज्य सेना में लेफ्टिनेंट के रूप में शामिल हुए। जब निष्पक्ष भारत ने डॉ बाबा साहब की योग्यता का मूल्यांकन किया, तो देश के राजनीतिक प्रबंधकों ने उन्हें 1990 में भारत के सर्वोच्च नागरिक पुरस्कार भारत रत्न (मरणोपरांत) से सम्मानित किया। कनाडा , बर्नाबी शहर के माइक हर्ले , मेयर ने 14 अप्रैल को शहर में हर साल " डॉ बी. आर. अंबेडकर समानता दिवस” वार्षिक उत्सव मन्नाने कि मंजूरी दी।
डॉ. बाबा साहब डॉ. भीमराव रामजी अम्बेडकर एक भारतीय विधिवेत्ता, दार्शनिक, मानव-विज्ञानी, बौद्ध कार्यकर्ता, क्रांतिकारी राजनीतिज्ञ, लेखक और मानव निर्मित असमानताओं के खिलाफ अथक सेनानी थे। वह दो आर्थिक डॉक्टरेट पीएच.डी. (कोलंबिया) डी.एससी. (यूके) के साथ दुनिया के शीर्ष अर्थशास्त्री थे। डॉ. बाबा साहब एक विधिवेत्ता थे, जिन्होंने ग्रेज़- इन (लंदन) से अपना बार-एट-लॉ अर्जित किया, जहां वे केवल भारतीय हैं जिनका पोर्ट्रेट (चित्र) प्रदर्शित किया गया है और उनके नाम के बाद परिसर में एक कमरे का अनावरण किया गया है। वह एक समाज विज्ञानी और महिलाओं सहित कमजोर, वंचित मानवता के मुक्तिदाता भी थे। वह भारतीय राजनीतिक हवाओं के खिलाफ रवाना हुए और फिर भी जीत गए। डॉ. अम्बेडकर महिलाओं के अलावा गरीबों, वंचितों, अछूतों के अधिकारों के लिए अथक सेनानी और निडर योद्धा के रूप में एक मिशन के पर्याय बन गए। उन्होंने एक चुने हुए कारण के लिए सर्वोच्च बलिदान देने से कभी नहीं कतराते। उनकी जमीन का पदानुक्रम कानून, सामाजिक सहानुभूति और अछूतों की निरक्षरता उनके खिलाफ थी, फिर भी वह उन सभी में क्रांतिकारी बदलाव लाने के लिए जीत गए। उन्होंने 18 घंटे काम किया और कभी-कभी वह केवल पके हुए ब्रेड के टुकड़े पर रहता था।
जिस दिन उनके छोटे बेटे की मृत्यु हुई, वह आर.टी.सी में भाग लेने के लिए लंदन के लिए घर से निकल गए। केवल वही थे, जो अपने बेटे के अंतिम संस्कार में शामिल हुए बिना भी जहाज पर सवार हो सकते थे। वह केवल अपने समाज के भविष्य की रक्षा के लिए लंदन के लिए रवाना हुए
ब्रिटिश सरकार ने स्वतंत्रता मिलने पर, स्वतंत्र भारत के भविष्य के संविधान में हिंदू अछूतों के हितों की रक्षा के लिए सुरक्षा दिशानिर्देशों को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए आर.टी.सी में भाग लेने के लिए अन्य लोगों के साथ अछूतों के प्रतिनिधियों को आमंत्रित किया था। डॉ. अम्बेडकर, जिन्होंने दुनिया के सबसे खराब वित्तीय संकट और अपने ही धर्म की नफरत का सामना किया था, ने 1930-31 के प्रथम गोलमेज सम्मेलन में अपने सबसे प्रभावशाली भाषण के कारण विश्व राय को आकर्षित किया। एक अछूत महार, जिसे सबसे ज्यादा जरूरत पड़ने पर पानी और आश्रय से वंचित कर दिया गया था, बर्मा के साथ ब्रिटिश सरकार, ब्रिटिश शासित भारत (पाकिस्तान पूर्व, पश्चिम शामिल) के लगभग 150 (प्रथम आर.टी.सी) सर्वश्रेष्ठ दिमागों ने सुना था। आर.टी.सी में बड़ी संख्या में विश्व प्रेस प्रतिनिधि भी उपस्थित थे। डॉ बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर ने अपनी कड़ी मेहनत वा शिक्षा और सुपर इंटेलिजेंस मानसिक शक्ति के आधार पर ऐतिहासिक गौरव अर्जित किया "एक अछूत, एक राजकुमार और एक शूरवीर के साथ रोटी तोड़ो", जो पहले कभी नहीं हुआ था। बड़ौदा के सर सयाजीराव गायकवाड़ I महाराजा ने उन्हें अपने लंदन आवास पर एक शानदार शाही डिनर पार्टी में बुलाया। कई अन्य भारतीय राजाओं को भी आमंत्रित किया गया था। महाराजा ने अपनी आँखों में खुशी के आँसू के साथ डॉ. अम्बेडकर को अपनी रानी से मिलवाया "आज के वक्ता (अम्बेडकर) पर मैंने जो प्रयास और पैसा खर्च किया है, वह सब साकार हो गया"। यह एक उपलब्धि थी, एक शानदार सफलता। विश्व प्रेस ने इस भाषण को प्रथम आर.टी.सी में बोलने वाले अन्य सभी भाषणों में से सर्वश्रेष्ठ और सबसे प्रभावशाली के रूप में मूल्यांकन किया। बाबा साहब ने तीनों आर.टी.सी में भाग लिया और अपने लोगों के लिए "द्वंद्व मतदान अधिकार" अर्जित किया।
डॉ. अम्बेडकर होने का अर्थ है अपनी मेहनत और बेदाग व्यक्तिगत चरित्र से ही विश्व स्तर पर पहचान बनाना। उनमें भीड़ में अकेले खड़े होने की ताकत थी, लेकिन उनके विरोधियों ने भी उन्हें ध्यान से सुना। सिद्धांतों पर डॉ. अम्बेडकर ने कभी भी आसानी से समझौता नहीं किया। उन्होंने अछूतों के हितों के खिलाफ बल्लेबाजी करने के लिए महात्मा गांधी का विरोध किया, जहां उनके जीवन के लक्ष्य भिन्न थे। गांधी ने भारतीय स्वतंत्रता के लिए काम किया लेकिन डॉ. अम्बेडकर ने भारतीय स्वतंत्रता के लिए अपने लोगों को उच्च जाति के हिंदुओं के अमानवीय चंगुल से मुक्त कराया। उन्होंने अछूतों को ब्रिटिश गुलामों का गुलाम बताया। फिर भी महात्मा गांधी ने एक भाषण (आउट साइड दूसरा आर टेबल कॉन्फ्रेंस) में अपने चुने हुए कारण के लिए उनकी आत्म-संयम कड़वाहट को यह कहते हुए पहचाना कि "डॉ अम्बेडकर के लिए मेरे मन में सबसे अधिक सम्मान है। उसे कड़वा होने का पूरा अधिकार है; कि वह हमारा सिर नहीं तोड़ता, यह उसकी ओर से आत्म-संयम का कार्य है।" यह गांधी थे जिन्होंने भारतीय संविधान मसौदा समिति के अध्यक्ष के लिए अपना नाम प्रस्तावित किया अन्यथा नेहरू और पटेल समर्थक नहीं थे।
डॉ. अम्बेडकर द्वारा झेली गई जाति से घृणा और अपमान ने उनमें उच्च शिक्षा प्राप्त करने के लिए संघर्ष करने और अपने लोगों के खोए हुए मानवाधिकारों को वापस पाने के लिए लड़ने के लिए इसे एक उपकरण के रूप में इस्तेमाल करने की भावना पैदा की। हालाँकि उन्होंने अपने विरोधियों के साथ जातिगत घृणा के व्यवहार के लिए कभी भी पीड़ा के साथ व्यवहार नहीं किया, जिसका उन्होंने खुद सामना किया। उन्होंने भारत में नहीं बल्कि दुनिया भर में शिक्षा के शिखर को प्राप्त किया। बाद में उन्होंने सभी जातियों के लोगों के लिए गुणवत्तापूर्ण शिक्षा के रास्ते बनाए। इससे उन्हें उन लोगों के अधिकारों के लिए लड़ने का साहस मिला, जो जानवरों से भी बदतर स्तर तक गिर गए थे। बचपन में भीम को अपने घर से लाई गई बोरी की चटाई पर कक्षा के बाहर बैठकर शिक्षा प्राप्त की थी। शिक्षा अधिकारी के एक निरीक्षण दल द्वारा पूछे गए एक प्रश्न का उत्तर देते हुए, एक ऐसी वस्तु का नाम बताएं जिसे हम देख सकते हैं लेकिन छुआ नहीं जा सकता। भीम ने उत्तर दिया "उनके स्कूल का पानी का घड़ा", जो उनके लिए सबसे दूर की वस्तु थी, जिसे वे देख सकते हैं लेकिन छू नहीं सकते। साहसी भीम बाद में एम.ए, पीएचडी, डीएससी, बार-एट-लॉ, एलएलएम से लदी ताज धारण करने में सफल रहे। डी उच्चतम शैक्षणिक डिग्री माणिक। भारत के बाहर मान्यता प्राप्त होने पर उनकी बुद्धि ने इसे महत्व दिया। इसलिए हम पाते हैं कि उनके चित्र कई अंतरराष्ट्रीय, राष्ट्रीय दीवारों और पेडस्टल जैसे ग्रे इन रूम, रूसी राष्ट्रपति का कार्यालय, एलएसई लाइब्रेरी लंदन, कोलंबिया विश्वविद्यालय के संग्रहालय में से कुछ में हैं। विदेशी भूमि में उनकी दर्जनों प्रतिमाओं के अलावा। डॉ. अम्बेडकर एक बोलने वाले संग्रहालय थे, ऐसा उनके जीवनी लेखक डी. कीर ने कहा। एक बच्चा जिसके बाल प्रदूषित होने के डर से नाई काटने की हिम्मत नहीं करते, उसने अपने सम-कालीनों की तुलना में दुनिया भर में अपने स्मारकों के साथ नाम कमाया। एक छात्र जिसे अपने स्कूल शिक्षक से अंबेडकर (उनके जन्म स्थान के बाद उनका अंतिम नाम अंबावरे था) प्राप्त करने के लिए कहा गया था, अब उन्हें ज्ञान के प्रतीक के रूप में पहचाना जाता है।
एक व्यक्ति, जिसके पिता को अपने बेटे के लिए किताबें खरीदने के लिए बाधाओं का सामना करना पड़ता है, बाद में भारतीय संविधान का पिता बन गया, इसके अलावा दो दर्जन से अधिक सर्वाधिक बिकने वाली पुस्तकों के लेखक और एक निजी 50,000 पुस्तकों से अधिक के पुस्तकालय के मालिक, जो एक विश्व रिकॉर्ड है। अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति बराक ओबामा ने कहा, अगर अम्बेडकर का जन्म अमेरिका में हुआ होता तो वे उनका नाम " सूर्य" रखते। ब्रिटिश महारानी एलिजाबेथ ने कहा, "यह दुख की बात है कि महान मानव डॉ. अम्बेडकर का जन्म भारत में हुआ था, यदि वे किसी अन्य देश में पैदा होते, तो उन्हें विश्वव्यापी दुनिया में सम्मान मिलता। एक बाहरी जाति का बच्चा जिसके पिता उनके जन्म की तारीख नोट करने में विफल रहे। भीम के चाचा उन्हें 7 नवंबर 1900 को प्रवेश के लिए स्कूल ले गए, बाद में उनके स्कूल प्रवेश दिवस 7 नवंबर को महाराष्ट्र राज्य में विद्यार्थी दिवस "छात्र दिवस" के रूप में वार्षिक उत्सव का सम्मान अर्जित किया (पी.टी.आई मुंबई नवंबर। 5 2017) डॉ अम्बेडकर एक आजीवन छात्र, जिन्होंने जीवन भर सीखने के लिए अपनी रुचि पैदा की थी, ने 7 नवंबर 1900 को राज्य के सतारा जिले के प्रताप सिंह हाई स्कूल में क्रम संख्या '1914' पर अपने पहले स्कूल में प्रवेश किया। ऐसा उनके नाम के आगे उनके हस्ताक्षर के साथ स्कूल रजिस्टर में लिखा भारत में स्वतंत्रता सितारों की एस आकाशगंगा में डॉ बाबा साहब ने अपने आप को "ध्रुवीय सितारा" साबित किया और अपने देश की स्वतंत्रता के अलावा, उन्होंने 15% (भारत के कुछ हिस्सों में 25% से अधिक) भारतीय आबादी की मुक्ति के लिए काम किया, जिनका हिंदू धर्म में शोषण किया गया था।
कोलंबिया विश्वविद्यालय (यू.एस.ए), जिसने 95 नोबल पुरस्कार विजेताओं का उत्पादन किया है, ने "दुनिया को बदलने वाले व्यक्तियों" के 250 वर्षों (2004) के लिए अपने एलुमियो की एक सूची तैयार की और क्रम संख्या " एक" पर डॉ बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर का नाम घोषित किया।
(संदर्भ: फॉरवर्ड प्रेस जनवरी 1, 2013, अम्बेडकर: कोलंबिया विश्वविद्यालय के पूर्व छात्रों के बीच सबसे बड़ा विश्व परिवर्तक)
भारत अपने संप्रभु, धर्मनिरपेक्ष, समाजवादी, लोकतांत्रिक संविधान को लिखने, समानता (स्थिति, पूजा, पदोन्नति, पूजा, अवसर), न्याय, (सामाजिक, राजनीतिक और आर्थिक), स्वतंत्रता (हालांकि, अभिव्यक्ति, विश्वास, विश्वास और पूजा) हमारे राष्ट्र की राष्ट्रीय एकता और अखंडता के लिए सभी नागरिकों के बीच बंधुत्व को बढ़ावा देने के आग्रह के साथ। भारतीय महिलाओं को "एंगल अम्बेडकर" के प्रति आभारी होना चाहिए, जिनके लंबे संघर्ष ने उनकी सदियों पुरानी गुलामी की जंजीरों को काटने में कामयाबी हासिल की और उन्हें अपने पिछले समय की सीमित दुनिया "रसोई" को पीछे छोड़ते हुए आसमान में ऊंची उड़ान भरने की आजादी दी।
बौद्ध जगत को , 2200 वर्षों के बाद बौद्ध धर्म को उसकी जन्म भूमि "भारत" में वापस लाने के लिए डॉ. बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर का आभारी होना चाहिए। बौद्ध धर्म केवल एक विश्व धर्म है (धम्म, जीने का तरीका) जिसने सभी के लिए करुणा का उपदेश दिया, चाहे उसके धार्मिक टैग की परवाह किए बिना।
काम के घंटों (12/14 घंटे से 8 घंटे) के रूप में काम करने के लिए पुराने क्रम में समुद्र परिवर्तन लाने के लिए श्रमिक और मेहनतक वर्ग डॉ। , सवैतनिक परिपक्वता अवकाश, स्वास्थ्य योजनाएँ, बीमा, भर्ती बोर्ड की स्थापना और कई अन्य कार्य डॉ बाबा साहब ने उनके लिए किए। आइए हम सब मिलकर डॉ बाबा साहब की 131वीं जयंती 14 अप्रैल, 2022 को "अंतर्राष्ट्रीय समानता दिवस" के रूप में मनाएं।
शब्द 1630 द्वारा:- इ. हेम राज फौंसा
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-53106621059734793052022-04-14T07:50:00.002-07:002022-04-14T07:50:29.448-07:00Know how Ambedkar Is Unique World Personality .Know how Ambedkar Is Unique World Personality .
(With reverence on Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s 131th Jayanti falling on 14th April,2022).
By:- Er. Hem Raj Phonsa( Jammu)
Contact: hrphonsa@gmail.com and 09419134060
Buddha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon of the month of Vaisakh (2nd month of Vikrami Samvat) which generally falls in the Month of April-May each year. Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar was born on 14th April,1891(Tuesday) in Mhow Military Chawni (Now Ambedkar Nagar) present day Madhya Pradesh. Many refused to join is birthday celebration arranged in Bombay by his admirers for his life time achievements on his birthday. But on faithful analysis of Dr Baba Saheb’s contribution in large fields, now millions across world keep waiting yearlong for celebrating this day with gaiety and reverence. He belonged to Mahar an untouchable caste of Hindu religion hierarchy. Dr Ambedkar was 14th child of revered Ramji Malogi Sakhpal and Bhimabai . His ancestors served in army. His grandfather shri Maloji Sakpal retired as Havaldar from the Bombay Army of the East India Company and was awarded a piece of land for his bravery in battle field. His father served as a Headmaster in army school and retired as Subedar Major. Bhimrao Ambedkar also joined Baroda state army as lieutenant for a brief period to keep family tradition. When unbiased India evaluated Dr Baba Saheb’s worth, country’s Political Managers awarded him India’s highest civil Award BHARAT RATANA (posthumously) in 1990. Mike Hurley Mayor city of Burnaby, Canada declared 14th April as “Dr B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality”.
Dr Baba sahib Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was an Indian jurist, philosopher, anthropologist, Buddhist activist, revolutionary politician, writer, and relentless fighter against man made inequalities. He was world’s top economist with two economic doctorates Ph.D. (Columbia) D.Sc. (UK). Dr. Baba Saheb was a jurist, who earned his Bar-At- Law from Gray’s Inn (London), where he is only Indian whose Portrait is displayed and a Room in complex unveiled after his name. He was also a social scientist and emancipator of weak, deprived humanity including women. He sailed against Indian political winds and still won. Dr. Ambedkar became synonymous with a mission, personification as relentless fighter and fearless crusader for rights of the poor, deprived, untouchable besides women. He never shirked to make supreme sacrifice for a chosen cause. Hierarchy law of his land, social sympathy and illiteracy of untouchables were against him, still he won to make revolutionary changes in them all. He worked 18 hours and at limes , lived on single loaf of bread. The day his young son died he left home for London to attend RTC. Only it was he, who could, board ship even without attending his son’s funeral. The British Government had invited representative of untouchables along with others, to attend RTC’s to put forth safety guidelines for guarding interests of Hindu untouchable in the future Constitution of free India , on getting freedom. Dr. Ambedkar, who had faced world’s worst financial crises and his own religious hate, attracted world opinion due to his most impressive speech in the First Round Table Conference 1930-31. An untouchable Mahar, who was denied water and shelter when needed most, was heard by about 150(1st RTC) best brains of British Government, British ruled India ( Pakistan East, West included) with Burma . World press representatives in large number were also in attendance in RTCs. Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar by virtue of his hard-earned education and super intelligence mental power earned the historic distinction to “AN UNTOUCHABLE, BREAK BREAD WITH A PRINCE AND A KNIGHT”, which had never happened before. Sir Sayajirao Gaikwad III Maharaja of Baroda called him at a sumptuous Royal Dinner party at his London residence. Many other Indian kings were also invited. Maharaja with tears of joy in his eyes introduced Dr. Ambedkar to his queen "The efforts and money I have spent on the speaker of the day (Ambedkar) were all realized". It was an achievement, a glorious success. The world press evaluated this speech as best and most impressive out of speeches of all others who spoke in First RTC. Baba Saheb participated in all three RTCs and earned “Dual Voting Rights” for his people. Both Sudra, present time Backward classes, Chhatrapati Kings Sir Siya Ji Giakward (Koli, कौली) Of Baroda State and Sahu Ji Maharaj Of Kohlapur ( Kumbi, कुर्मी,, Teli, तेली oil presser),Dr. Ambedkar’s times , helped him to attain heights in education. Both these kings respected Mahatam Phuley and his teaching.
Being Dr. Ambedkar means getting world recognition only by his hard work and unblemished Personal Character. He had the strength to stand alone in a crowd but be heard with apt attention even by his adversaries. On principles Dr. Ambedkar never compromised easily. He opposed Mahatma Gandhi for bating against interests of untouchables, where their life goals differed. Gandhi worked for Indian freedom but Dr. Ambedkar for Indian freedom with freedom of his people from upper caste Hindus inhuman clutches. He described untouchables as slaves to British slaves. Still Mahatma Gandhi recognized his self- restrained bitterness for his chosen cause in a speech (Outside II R Table Conference) saying “I have the highest regards for Dr. Ambedkar. He has every right to be bitter; that he does not break our heads is an act of self- restraint on his part.” It was Gandhi who proposed his name for Chairman of the Indian Constitution Drafting Committee otherwise Nehru and Patel were not supportive.
The caste hates and insults faced by Dr. Ambedkar imbibed in him a sense to struggle for getting higher education and use it as a tool to fight for regaining lost human rights of his people. However, he never treated his opponents with anguish for caste hate treatment he faced himself. He attained zenith of educated not in India but world over. Later he created quality education avenues for people of all castes. This gave him courage to fight for the rights of those who were reduced to the level even worse than animals. As child, Bhim had to get education while sitting outside class room on a sack mat brought from his house. While answering a question asked by a vising team of education officer as to name an object which we can be seen but cannot be touched. Bhim answered “HIS SCHOOL WATER PITCHER”, which was farthest object for him, which he can see but cannot touch. The courageous Bhim later succeeded to bear crown laden with MA, PhD, DSc, Bar-at- Law, LL. D highest academic degree rubies.His wisdom when recognized outside India valued it.So we find his portraits adore many International, National walls and pedestals like the Gray’s Inn room, Office of Russian President, LSE Library London, Museum of Columbia University among the few besides dozens of his statues in foreign lands. Dr. Ambedkar was a speaking museum so said his Biographer D. Keer. A child whose hair no barber dare cut for fear of getting polluted made a name with his memorials out numbering worldwide than anyone else from his contemporaries. A student who was said to get his name Ambedkar ( Ambaware was his last name after his place of birth) from his school teacher is now recognized as Symbol of Knowledge. A man, whose father faces odds to purchase books for his son, later became Father Of Indian Constitution,besides a writer of over two dozens of bestselling books and owner of a private library having 50, 000, a world’s record. American President Barak Obama said, had Ambedkar been born in America they would have named him “ SUN”. British Queen Elizabeth said "It is a matter of sadness that the great human Dr. Ambedkar was born in India, if he had been born in any other country, he would have got respect in the universal world. An out-caste child whose father failed to note date of his birth. Bhim ’s uncle took him to school for admission on 7th November1900,later earned honor of annual celebration of his school entry day 7th November as Vidyarthi Divas “Student’s Day” across Maharashtra State ( PTI Mumbai Nov.5 2017). Dr Ambedkar a life-long student, who had cultivated his interest to learn throughout his life, entered his first school on 7th Nov.1900 at Pratap Singh High School in the state's Satara district at serial number '1914' in the school register with his signature against his name. In a galaxy of freedom stars in India Dr. Baba Saheb proved “ Polar Star” and besides his country’s freedom , he worked for emancipation of 15% ( some parts of India had over 25%) Indian population who were exploited in Hindu religion.
Columbia University (USA), which have produced 95 Noble laureates, drew out a list of its Alums for 250 years (2004) of the “persons who changed the world” and declared Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s name at serial number “ONE”.
( Ref:Forward Press Jan1,2013,Ambedkar : Greatest World Changer among Alumi of Columbia University)
India will remain indebted to Dr. Baba Saheb for writings its Sovereign, Secular, Socialist, Democratic Constitution, ensuring equality (status, worship, promotion, worship, opportunity), justice, (Social, political and economic), Liberty of (though, expression, belief, faith and worship) with an urge to promote fraternity among all Citizens for national unity and integrity of our Nation. Indian women’s need be grateful to “Angle Ambedkar” whose long struggle succeeded to cut their age-old slavery chains and gave them freedom to fly high in sky, leaving behind “kitchen” their past time confined world.
Buddhist World need be grateful to Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar to bring back Buddhism to its land of birth “India” after 2200 years. Bhuddism is only one world religion( Dhamm, way to live) which preached compassion for all, irrespect of his/her religeous tag Labour and toiling class need be grateful to Dr. Baba Saheb for bringing about sea changes, in old order for their working as working hours (12/14hrs to 8 hours), annual leave, equal wages for equal work irrespective of sex of a worker, paid maturity leave, health schemes, insurance, establishing Recruitment Boards and many more acts Dr Baba Saheb accomplished for them.
Let us all join hands in celebrating Dr Baba Saheb’s 131 Jayanti falling on 14th April,2022 as "International Equality Day" andpledge to bring up India as per our Constitution spirit.
By: Er.H.R.Phonsa,Jammu
Words 1718.
Dated 12April,2022
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-68137164320981172032022-03-06T05:40:00.002-08:002022-03-06T05:40:45.464-08:00Inequality and Amity do not mix well. Inequality and Amity do not mix well.
By: -Er. H. R. Phonsa, Jammu Human supported imbalances generate inequality and these create greatest hurdle in human unity. These resist unity and peace efforts by good hearted souls. Therefore human caused miseries, hate , enmity and imbalances become cause of fights, ill will, so scuttle efforts for universal peace and brotherhood.
World religious philosophies and holy guides were(are) for universal peace. Buddha preached “Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace -”. The Hindu Great Mantra is “Sarve VAVANTU Sukhina, Sarve Santu Niramiya ( Meaning: May all sentient beings be at peace ,may no one suffer from illness, May all see what is auspicious, may no one suffer”. The Holy Qur’an 59:23 lays “Peace is one of the names of God himself”. Holy Bible quotes “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9). With the passage of time human picked up many flaws, weaknesses like ego, greed, self, hate etc. These weaknesses at times degraded God’s top of the creation (Human) even below the level of animals. India which is one along the oldest world Civilisations is in the grip of manmade inequality ,perhaps more than many world countries. So majority of Indians think, that with the passage of time, they as a nation, are drifting more and more away from of Mantra of Sarve Vavantu Sukhina---. Religious fanaticism and ill will is now raising head un-abated can cause sever blows to our unity . Good hearted people who wish better future for their country, at times share their worries and timely warning. Some of the major hurdles adversely affecting our national unity, they point out are identifies here.
Among the worst factors hindering unity efforts , people feel is the human divide on castes (Particularly Hindus) damaged Hindus beyond repairs. The caste system in Hindus divided them into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishya, Sudras, four castes. With passage of time this divide generated Fifth category of Ati Sudras. The caste creation divided different work for different castes, so actually divided workers. This might not be the original thinking of caste originators but it actually proved as worker’s divide so that workers may not put united resistance against excesses on them. This casted suspicions on the caste divide originator’s deliberate act, for punishing all those who once resisted Aryan invasion. This divide, categorised not only work but wages, privileges, so denying all decent means of life for all women, Sudras and Ati Sudras. The caste divide was declared as an act on God’s will. Unfortunately, in India identity and worth of an individual was valued on the basis of one’s caste at birth. The caste system has damaged Indian more than any other single factor. In India caste divide made easy the spread of foreign land religions like Christianity and Islam. Fragmentation of Hindus in many religious and faith groups had linking one way or the other with caste divides and unfounded hate by high caste organizers. Hurdles are created in religion change by an individual instead concentrating to reform , uproot, burn all ever pain pricking points. Even right-thinking individuals do not pick up required strength to say, a spade a spade, so the caste hate continues.
Keeping interests of their country and its people our revolutionary Bhagti Movement (14th to 17th century) Saints discarded caste factor, so preached value of an individual on his/her worth not birth. Their massage was of love, affection for all by all. Visionary persons follow teaching of all such saintly persons with conviction, like “Mera updesh Choun Varno Ko Sanja” Meaning my teaching for all four castes persons, (Guru Nanak). Another par excellent Saint Sadguru Kabir said “ Jatt naa Pusho Sadh Ki Push Lejgo Gyan, Mol Karo Talwar Ka Parra Rehin Do Mayan”. Meaning: One should consider qualities of a person, a saint, leaving aside castes considerations as one should negotiate cost of Sword not of Covering casing. Like other saints Sri Guru Ravidas Ji proclaimed “ Jatt Nahi , Jagdish Ki, Harjan Ki Kya Hoye, Jatt Patt ki Keech Main Doob Maro Mat Koi”, Meaning the Creator has no caste, so how can His creation have it, I advise people to not get mud coating and die a meaning less death. Guru Ravidas again proclaimed “ Jatt Jatt Main Jatt Hai,Jyon Kellam Ke Patt,Ravidas naa Manush Jurr Sake,Jaa Loo Jatt Naa Jatt,Meaning : Every caste has a caste with in it as in the banana tree,Ravidas saith Humanity cannot unite till caste is not annihilated. Although Efforts of these icon reformers resisted, slowed down conversion of low caste Hindus to Islam and Christianity but failed to have appreciated from caste superiority hard dyed organiser.
It is well known that in modern times the wellbeing of people depends upon, how well they are placed in their country in education, health, economic, employment spheres besides segmental, sectoral and caste wise share in country’s wealth, senior level political, bureaucracy, delivery of justice, media and control of Law and order in their country. From all reports on records, in daily press writings in India the level playing for all persons here is a distant dream. In our country perhaps with pervading conditions, it does not seem possible to achieve our Constitutional equality targets for all, fulfilled in another 500 years. These targets are most needed for our Nation’s unity but chances are bleak to achieve them in near future without some drastic social mind set of governing minds. For such possibility present prevailing conditions do not give any positive indications.
The Indian weak constitute majority of Dalit Samaj,who are the worst hit on parity accounts. The contribution of Dalit Samaj in history making is no less, but biased writers have ignored them, so made them history- less masses. However Indian history records that Hindu Mahabharat (1200-odd pages) and Valmiki Ramayana (1000 odd pages) Epics were reportedly composed by Shudra linkage Veda Vyasa and Maharishi Valmik. The Constitution Drafting for free India was assigned to Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Dr. Ambedkar despite his failing health, lacking needed support from his colleagues, worked very hard for 2 years,11 months and 18 days and gave India, world’s voluminous best Constitution. At the time of its adoption, the Constitution contained 395 Articles and 8 Schedules, 22 parts and had about 145,000 words, making it the longest National Constitution to ever be adopted world over. Dr Baba Sahed Ambedkar hit the paining points so untouchability was abolished in all its forms (Art.17). Practice of untouchability in any form was made punishable and Equality for all Indians was made Fundamental Rights ( Preamble).
Dalits were major contributor for Indian freedom struggle. As per a report in Dalit Dastavej Hindi book in Freedom struggle from (1857-1947) 68.3% were shudras (now SCs, STs and OBCs). Regardless all glaring facts, it seems, as if Indian major ruling elite, major political parties have unofficially declared Indian Dalits (SCs, STs, OBC and Converted Minorities) as non-meritorious, cowards and so ignoring their modern means of advancements in propionate to their population and National resources. They not only are majority in Nation;s population ( about 85%)but are in majority of poverty, ill health, illiteracy ridden Indian. Despite the facts they are not part of big Financial institution frauds, riots etc.They are major vote bank to form all governments but they claim to bear disparities in fair dealing of Governments. The Congress Party has ruled Central Government for about 54 years and NDA lead by the right-wing BJP are now in the government saddle since 2014 with past rule of 5 years (1999-2004).The poor strata claim to be ignored with bundles of lip sympathies from the ruling elite. Not much of national resources are shared with Dalits as per rules framed for their welfare in the Parliament. Many reports say major part of the component funds set aside in budget for Dalits, have been diverted for other common community causes.
In reality Dalits were recognised as human after India attained freedom and they got Constitution safe guards. But despite this they continued to face disparities. Here are some glaring facts about SC’s representation, in political and bureaucratic authority of India. Only 8 SC males including one woman from a count of nearly 564 CM’s since 1952. India currently has 35 CMs with only 01 SC; With 17 Presidents of India SCs were 02 ; So far no SC PMs out of 17; 2 SC Dy PM’s out of 07 ; only3 SCs out of 18 Lok Saba Speakers ; just 01Sc CJI out of 48, Only 01-SC out of 48 Bharat Ratna Awardees. No SC out of 01 CDS,15 CISC, 29 Army Chiefs, 26 Air Chiefs,29 Navy heads is far. On 5Aug, 2019 in bureaucracy out of 89 Union Secretaries Dalit was 01; STs 03’s; OBC Zero; (the Print 5 August,2019).
In their appointments’ reservation norms, so employment, as per their population is denied. The data on backlog vacancies said that in SC category, there were 13,979 filled up positions and 14,366 (50.68%) unfilled out of total 28,345 posts. The situation looked similar in the ST category as there were 9,404 filled up posts and 12,612(56.28%) unfilled as against the total vacancies of 22,016 in ST category (The New Indian Express dated 8 Oct,2021). To expect fair dealing in states of India and their services cadres the less said better. Unbiased head can see greatest gaps in appointment of Dalits as Vice Chancellors of Universitas, HOD’s in departments of learning and other departments where appointments are by nomination. There are fields of governance as Army, RAW, Atomic Energy etc under Government. Although SCs, STs, OBC people have been found more laborious and honest, still do not find placement these departments in any senior position.
Writer N. K Singh’s (singh.nk1994@yahoo.com) writes in the Punjab Kesri of 2nd March,2022, that Private sector’s has 45.5crore (organised 3.5crore, unorganised 42 crore) employment and Govt. sectors have 2.60 crore (states 2 crore, Central Govt.60 Lakh). This way reservation rules are applicable only govt. sector (partly). In Private sector, these rules are not applicable, so in controlling and managerial sector hardly anybody from the reserved categories finds access. The SCs, STs, OBCs personals get observed in Labour and junior level clerical posts on the whims and wishes of owners.
Political parties include in their manifestos schemes like giving free lap tops, LPG cylinders, ration, cash dolls, instead of including in their manifestos general welfare schemes, like opening/improving health care ,education, employment, old age care, communication, road connectivity, power, animal husbandry , diary forming, agriculture, trade ( Urban, rural) industries, housing schemes for homeless , craft, child and women welfare, insurance for those who are involved in cleaning services, scholarships for marginalised sections(incl. foreign for higher education), increasing wages, pays of employees, regularisation of daily wagers, price control, improving law and order, reducing back log of, court cases and vacant posts of reserved category persons) etc. The cash- dolls, free distribution of other items generates corruption and help in easy election win for political parties.
For spouting willing unity thoughts, major hurdles need, be isolated and fired with human heart. The education spread and media efforts to point out lapses in governing process has made people aware of the avoidable excesses caused to their cause. Now our democracy is 75 years but the top 10% holding 57% of national income in 2021, and the bottom 50% holding just 13% cannot be taken as a good sign for mass unity.
(Source: - The Indian Express New Delhi dated 10 Dec.2021 ).
Dated 3 March,2022. Words:1936
Words 1937
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-3941821331712273022022-02-23T09:32:00.001-08:002022-02-23T09:32:31.054-08:00My Alma Mater the Regional Engineering College (Now NIT) Srinagar Sixty Years Past.Er.H.R.Phonsa Chartered Engineer
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My Alma Mater the Regional Engineering College (Now NIT) Srinagar Sixty Years Past.
(Enlarged and updated my write up On the Eve of the Golden Jubilee celebrated on 7th May, 2001 by Alumni Association at Jammu).
By: - Er. Hem Raj Phonsa alias Hem Raj Second Batch (1961-66)
I had the proud privilege to be the student of II Batch (1961-1966) of the Prestigious
Regional Engineering College (Now NIT with Deemed University status) Hazratbal Naseem Bagh Srinagar. It was one of the Fourteen REC’S started in Nineteen Sixties, throughout our country, to impart technical training to Indian students. The first admission in the college to the first Batch (1960-1965) was in September 1960. Shri Raj Kumar Abrol (Now Dr. R.K. Abrol) from Jammu was the first student to be enrolled in the college. He maintained his first position in the college merit list in all esteems when he passed out in 1965.Then Our college had only three esteems namely Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering with intake of 90 students per batch. In the subsequent years more Engineering streams were added and student intake also increased. The admission in the REC’S then was on the basis of the marks obtained by students in the Intermediate (F. Sc) examination with non-medical subjects. The interstate students were 50% from the other Indian states /UT’s on reciprocal basis. This REC was the dream child of zenab Bakashi Gulam Mohamad, a National Conference leader, who served as the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 1953 to 1964. Baskashi Sahib’s vision was to train state’s own engineers from this institution, who will shield responsibilities of sate’s progress in engineering fields. The GMC Srinagar was started in 1959, In Lal Mandi Srinagar. The 1962 being election year, more students were admitted and on passing out they faced employment problems and some were recruited even drafts men, a rare instance in the Government Departments Engineering profession. Some retired as Assistant Engineer (now AEE) and majority as Executive/ Superintending Engineers, only a few lucky could rise as CE’s.
The REC college location was carefully selected in the world famous picturesque Naseem Bagh full of chinar trees, on the Bank of Dal Lake, with nearness to the Nagin Lake, Nagin club and Hazratbal Muslim Shrine, all world acclaimed places and the prides of Kashmir. Naseem Bagh had the distinction of being one of the beautiful Mughal Gardens (With no flowers beds like of Srinagar’s famous bags like Shalimar, Chesham Shahi, Harban, Nishat,Hariparbat) having been constructed in 1586 AD by Great Mughal Emperor Akbar (1543 - 1605 A.D). In it 1200 Chinar trees planting was carried by Shah Jahan emperor in 1686. During our stay it had about 700 Chinar trees, many with majestic height and spreads. The nearness of the college campus to world famous Muslim shrine Hazratbal, also called Dargah Sharif, Assar-e-Sharif and it houses the sacred hair relic (Moi-e-Muqqadas) believed to be of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The Holy Moi-e-Muqaddas is displayed for Darshan-Dedar to public only on special occasions. In addition to daily prayers Friday prayers are held as a routine event in the Dargah Sharif, so it was an ever-busy place.
The college site was sharing common periphery with Kashmir University (Now Naseem Bagh is part of its campus) campus overlooking famous and romantic Mughal gardens, the most visited places in Srinagar, Kashmir. Kashmir University had very few buildings then. Charchenar an island famous place was at half an hour shikara drive. The REC was 15kms from Srinagar on Leh road opposite to the present day Mazzar ( Grave) of Sher-e- Kashmir Zenab Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah, the first Prime Minister (now called Chief Minister) of J&K State (Now UT). College site was also surrounded by orchards of Zakura , Gulab bagh, Tel Bal etc. famous for cashmere delicious apples. The institution was fully residential with modern messing arrangements and housed in the old single storey wooden barracks built with typical Kashmiri style of pitched wooden roofs. The college had established a huge library with quality books and magazines. The construction of campus where the present NIT is located was started sometime in 1963. I last visited the College present campus in 1991,when my son Vishal ,got admission in first semester. I found my college, a changed world but the old campus mess meals royalties and delices were missing.
Here under I reproduce from my aging memory, the teaching staff, office, administration, messing, health care, social binding in campus with some sweet and sour instances. The college atmosphere was all joyous, fun, friendly except some unfortunate instances on the occasions of match winning/ losing by India or Pakistan, when atmosphere showed unfortunate happening.
Teaching staff: - The college administrative and teaching staff faculty then was perhaps the best.
Principal; Dr. (Prof.) Z.U. Ahmed: - A highly qualified Electrical Engineer himself. He was strict disciplinarian with high qualities of administrative skills. He was true to his words. The College owes a lot to him for his vision and administrative skill. When his car entered in college campus it seemed that even Chinar leaves observed discipline in murmurings.
Sh. Chand Mal, ICS, the college Dean: - A British time bureaucrat, visionary, College dean and strict disciplinarian. He was lover of merit. He ordered games and NCC as compulsory. I was unfortunate to not see him.
Registrar: - Sh Panna Lal an economic expert, one time principal of G.G. M. Sc (Arts) College Jammu, strict but accepted things, if one could convince him by logic.
Dy. Registrar: - Sh. H.L. Choudhari an advocate by profession, sharp in action, intelligent, thin, lean but tall personality. He took lot of interests in the welfare of the college and students. I remember when in a mob my classmate asked his, “Sir, yeh kaya badshi hai”? Mr.Choudhari replied, “I excuse you because you my son, do not know what you are Saying”.
Prof. R.P. Jareth (HOD Chemistry dept.):- A tall, well built personality with thick eye glasses. One he told in our class, his eye glasses were specially designed in foreign country, when he got blinded during some laboratory experiments. He was par excellent metallurgical expect of his times. He was capable to deliver lecture in all classes in almost all main Engineering subjects from first year to final year. He narrated once in class that he was lucky to attend the meeting of scientists, when first Atom bomb was designed in America. He was strict disciplinarian, highly qualified and gentle at heart. He was moving museum by himself. He used to narrate many interesting stories in the class room about his carrier. He was jolly at times. He was said to have failed his own son who was his student too. But did not change his decision even when his whole family revolted against him. Prof. Jareth told in his narration, when his whole family revolted in one voice against his action told them, “I can bear, as a father, my son’s education expenditure for one year but as a teacher cannot allow him to sit in the next lass with less merit.” Later his son was reported to have earned laurels for his exemplary good work. His class notes served as book for reference. Once he told in our class to a non-serious student “Had you been my son and I had a pistol in my hand, I would have shoot you dead?” He was also jolly at times. Once in an examination when a student nervously loudly said “Water”, Prof. Jareth asked him politely “Do you want, my son, to take water or make water?”
Dr. Prof. Dr. Qazi Abdul Rehman- (HOD Mathematics). He was a world class Mathematical authority with triple PhD, visiting professor to many world universities. In his free lecturers he talked of “Ten Dimension”, problems, then a Greek to us. He was jolly person, always ready to answer any question instantly but in an impressive way. He was not much bothered about his dress and often spoke tasty Lakhani Urdu. Once he was wearing woolen over coat with a rain coat on a sunny day. Students enquired reasons to which he quickly replied “You cannot believe the weather of Kashmir and government of Pakistan, as to when it will change”. On small differences with the college principal, he resigned his job saying “You are not the only principal of my life”.
Dr Prof. A. D. Daru (HOD, Civil Eng.): Thin body frame person with high qualities of head and heart. Simple and gentle, sweet voice, never taking punitive action to our mischief’s. His mild voice made it difficult to grasp fully his expert teaching. He acted as stop gap arrangement College Principal.
Dr Sayed Rais Ahmed (HOD Physics-Electronic Depts.) :- Extremely well educated, experienced with seriousness in teaching. He was later made Vice chancellor of Kashmir University. Reportedly he finally retired as Director NCERT New Delhi.
Mrs. Dr. Shakti Rais Ahmed; - The only woman teacher of college. She used to teach chemistry. Intelligent, laborious and strong disciplinarian. She was wife of Dr. Rais Ahmed. They lived in the college campus, staff house.
Monis Riza (HOD of Humanities dept. and Dean): - Professor of English with political maneuverability of mind. Very friendly with the students and at times compromised with student indiscipline. He took over as Principal of REC from zenab Dr. Prof. Z.U. Ahmed. Hereafter discipline in college was causality. He later served as vice chancellor of Delhi University Delhi. A friend said he was M.A. Geography.
Dr Kazmi; - He was civil engineer having earned distinction of obtaining PhD in structural engineering from U.K university with out doing his Post graduation. Handsome personality, mostly using Urdu language even while teaching. Casual in his dressing. Simple, intelligent human, who later authored many reputed books on design of structures, theory of structural analysis. He taugh us subject of Advance Analysis of Structures.
Sardar Balwant Singh (workshop Superintendent): - Jammu based sardar ji , owning a car besides college principal. He was seen always busy in the college work shop. He designed and got fabricated college Main Gate and swimming poll equipment. The swimming pool was installed in the Dal Lake opposite to college gate. It was land mark of our college.
Dr Qazi (HOD Mechanical Eng.) :- Very jolly fellow, tall, well built. He used to speak a tasty Lukhnawi styled Urdu in class room too. Intellegent, but always discoursed students about their future, which as per him was bleak as engineer. His oft repeated verse to his students was “ Mian Jayo Tell Bechoo aur Jayo Hazratbal main Cycle Puncher ki Dukan Kholo”. His remarks evoked many students to change their subject esteems and shifted to Civil Esteem and passing out we in Civil Engineering were about 80, so faced difficulties in getting service. Many found employment as Draftsman and Technical Assistants equivalent to Junior Engineer.
Dr.O.N. Wakhloo: - Son of the soil, a civil engineer, then professor and Estate’s officer. Later he served as the REC Principal (1977-82). He was very active with a possessed a sharp memory till his passing away recently. He was local examination paper modulator, so he was reported to favor some students in this respect. He also acted as Chairman J&K IEI Srinagar for years.
Dr Bhamroo:-The mathematics teacher and perhaps first PhD in Mathematics from J&K State. He was intelligent, gentle but had a very piercing voice, with little control over his students in the class.
Sardar Parvin Singh (Prof. Engineering Geology);- Jammu based Sadar ji, was an Intelligent, gentle but master of his subject “ Engineering Geology”. He was author and later principal of Camp College Jammu. He was sole light behind planning and construction of MBSCET Babliana Jammu. I kept contact with him for long, he has now passed away.
Chandersheikhar: A south Indian Civil Engineer and a soft spoken friendly teacher. He used to teach us land survey. During night classes he explained about celestial body. He also taught about latest quick and accurate survey techniques. After my final examination he offered by to get teaching job, but I refused for which later I regretted by mistake.
Besides these there was a large staff for all streams. It is difficult to remember all names after 55 years, I wish, I could remember and share their names here but sorry to do so. The jolly Character of lecturer Saxena, one can hardly afford to miss. He at times looked after mess supervision. Once a lethargic student from Bareilly “Sangi” sent his room boy to bring his breakfast in his room, when the practice stood banned. Mr. Sexena was in the mess, so he carried breakfast for Mr. Sangi, saluted him and told the him politely to avoid it in future. I was eye witness to this instance.
Other note worth personalities of our times were, Prof. Burns (U.K) electrical faculty, Sh. A.K. Ghose (HOD Mining), Sh. K.R. Acharya (first HOD Mech. Engg), Sh. G.L. Labru ( Lect. Humanities ), Sh. S.M. Zaki , U.N. Tiwari (both Lect. Math) sh. M.A. Khan ( Lect. chemistry) Dr. S. Ahmed Ali ( Prof. Physics), Sh. Abu Salim( Lect. in Civil Engg.) Mr. Dewan our Mess superintendent, Mr. EL.VEE our college librarian and hostel warden, Lecturer’s G.S Razdhan, C. L Bhan of town planning. Sh. C.L Bhan was serious teacher where as Razdhan always promised to give notes in his next class, but that day never happened and we depended upon what Mr. Bhan taught. Prof. Bhan was repoted to have passed away, may the generous soul rest in peace. Mr. Razdhan later served in Jammu Dev. Authority, established his private office too.
Dr. Ali Baksh and Haji Gulam Hussein were our college campus health dispensary in charge and Sh. Gulam Mohd. Bhat office superintendent. S. Haji Gulam Hussein in his medical advice always said “You have no problem, take this mixture and be healthy”. Our office Surinetendant Mr. G.M. Bhat later Dy. Secretary in Civil Secretariate.He was very nice and extremely helpful to anybody approached him for help particularly students..
Alternative education improvement efforts: - REC Srinagar had summer working, so the principal used to call visiting professors from Aligarh, Roorkee and other colleges to teach us by conducting special classes during their summer vacations. Dr A.S. Arya of Roorkee university, an author and authority on structural designing including Earthquake engineering, taught us design of structures. He was later Director Earthquake Engineering, played major role in writing Code for Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction of Buildings. Dr. Jain structural design wizard and many others used to visit and teach us. Dr. Barkat Singh Hydraulic expert. When our college closed for winter vacations, students were sent to colleges of summer zone for practical classes. This way the students were kept busy through out the year. The college used to hum with yearlong activities, aimed at developing over all personalities and skills of the students.
High dignitaries who visited college then: - Prof. Humayum Kabir, the union minister for scientific research and cultural affairs visited the college to inaugurate it. Morarji Desai Union Minister of Finance and later Prime Minister of India; Zenab Dr. Zakir Husain Vice President of India, later the President of India; M.C. Chagla an eminent jurist, CJ of Bombay HC from 1947-58, and Union Minister of Education; Col B.N. Zaidi, M.P and ex. vice chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University; G.M. Sadiq State Cabinet Minister, later state CM and Chairman of the Board of Governors of REC. Another dignitary visited was Padma Bhushan Awardee, Dr. K.L Rao himself an author, as eminent Dam design Engineer, who enjoyed undisputed authority on dam design world over. He was Union Minister (1962-70) for Irrigation and Power. His son was also REC student. Dr. Rao gave a lecture on Dam Building, where he introduced himself jokingly as “Dam Engineer”, pronouncing Dam as “Damn”.
Celebration of college day 1964; - Although our college stated academic activities from Sept. 1960, but the first college day was formally celebrated on October10.1964, when college premises kept humming with activities of sorts, for days. Dr Z.U. Ahmed our worthy principal received the chief guest zenab G.M. Sadiq Chairman of the Board of Governors of college at 7.15 pm. Eight meritorious student were honored prominent among them were R.K. Abrol, Sudesh Sapolia, N.M. Bhandari , Dharam Pal Luthra, M.S. Mubasshir. I being vegetarian got a meat bone in rice Pulao, so I had to go without meals that night without any regrets.
College Mess: - Since it was a residential institution, so a good mess was the necessary. In the initial days the messing arrangements were poor. Mr.Sangi ,II batch student was surprised when he saw cooks kneeling floor by feet. Therefore, students resorted to strike. We came to Srinagar and met Nassar –Ulla IAS, then divisional commissioner Kashmir and also Son in law of Bakshi Sahib, the state Prime Minister. When he contacted our principal, who in turn asked him to send back all students to the college. Next day the principal addressed us and said “Give me a fortnight’s time, there after your mess shall be second to none in Kashmir except Army mess”. He carried his promise and our mess was made exemplary. New cooks were also recruited from Ramnagar, Jammu province, who prepared homely meals served Chappies with Desi Ghee top dressing. In Breakfast we were served Bread, tea, sealed fresh dairy milk 200 ml bottle, egg, butter 20gms. Those who were vegetarians like me got one milk bottle in lieu of an egg. Saturday special meals were introduced, quality and quantity of meals were made extremely good. Saturday special dinner had many guests’ invitee, students from GMC Srinagar also, where messing arrangements were poor.
Student discipline: - All students were ordered to wear college uniform not only in classes, but in mess and while going to bazaar. Students had principal’s orders to move like engineers all the times. Only four monthly passes were allowed to juniors to visit Srinagar city. Students were advised to avoid going to cinema, if they go then, to sit in the First Class only. No noise was allowed in the common room or tuck shop. NCC and games were compulsory for every one. All students to be in their rooms before nine in the night. Senior students were respected like professors and seniors lend helping hands to the juniors. Racking of new student was officially banned but it was carried regularly, Chori-Chori. No physical injury or insult was caused in the racking. The students were provided services of room boys to attend to the personnel needs of the students. When I visited Kashmir in 2008 and went with my family including my first small granddaughter Shreya, now 11th class student, we had a for shikara ride from Nagin Lake to Hazratbal Shrine, the shikara (a small beautifully decorated boat used for site seeing) rower, person recognized me, and on enquiry he turned out be my room boy “Gulla” during college days. We were happy to meet each other after many years. Common Kashmiri peoples, particularly rural toiling masses are good at heart, extremely hospitable. but show their helplessness to politically motivated mob mentalities and police action, excesses.
College clubs: - To get engaged the students in cultural, social and physical activities a number of clubs were established. I also visited Shri Amaranth Holy Cave as member of Himalayan club in 1966 via Sona Marg- Baltal . To give outside exposure to the students College educational tours were conducted for seeing different sites of engineering interests. In 1966 college tour my batchmates had a chance to see places in Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP, Bhakra and Pong Dam sites. I still remember when our college bus, we were travelling to Massouri, was saved by God’s Act falling down the hill slope. We were saved miraculously and had second birth.
College magazine: - Our college magazine was named “Sabzar” and its first issue was published in 1964. It carried many interesting articles,cartoons and detailed of college activities. It carried my article “Analysis of a Bank Bencher” on its page no 245. I still have preserved that first issue in my personal library having stock of about 600 books.
Sharing Moments of Joy and Sorrows; -
The college staff and students not only shared moments of joys but of sorrow too. On the sad demise of Pt. Jawaharlal Lal Nehru Indian Prime minister and John f. Kennedy the President of USA, condolence meetings were held in the college. Many joined memorial service of or class mate messiah, who died there. The college remained off.
Mathematical aids: To carry the mathematical calculations, only log tables and foreign made slide rules were available. Slide rule had a sliding scale between a calibrated Ivoryframe fixed on its ends. The number calibrations on the scales were so made that the slide rule carried all types of calculations with a degree of accuracy up to two places of decimal. The electronic calculators were not invented so not available in the market. A Germany made Slide rule then costed Rupees Fifty-five, a big price indeed.
Communication means: - The only system of communication available to college wards was Post Office for mails and private and govt. busses for transport . We depended on letters for messages, money orders from homes. The principal office had a telephone connection. For commoners telephone was made available in the post office lately. At times we used to go to city on foot, particularly in winter when it snowed heavily in valley.
Some personnel experiences: - We used to go around the Dal on bi-cycle which was available on demand from a cycle shop at Hazratbal on daily charges of half a rupee. Some times two of us shared the cycle ride for economy. Many of us had normal Sunday routine to go round around Dal Lake on Bi -cycle and visit to Shankaracharya Hill top temple. In 1964, college campus had over 3 feet snow sheet, whole of Dal Lake got frozen and people enjoyed walking on it besides seeing the “Hangies” pulling their boats. Even a jeep run was conducted on Dal Lake near Dal Gate. Our mess got stopped temporarily so we have had daily, to walk to Srinagar city on foot for meals and back late in the night. The NCC uniform especially long boots made our life warmer during long walks. There was no water heating system in our college bath rooms. A water boiler was installed sometime after 1964, which eased our bathing problems in winter. Earlier we took bath with cold water year long and some students went to city for hot water bath in barber shops or “Saloons”.
College Students Strike: -A strike was resorted to by students for what demands, I did not know. Many students were rusticated. The principal did not agree to take back the rusticated students. Later these rusticated students were awarded Degrees on passing all examinations with restriction of not allowed to join government service. This became a main cause to change Dr. Z.U. Ahmed as principal. The atmosphere started deteriorating in the college premises from this onwards.
Some un- matching and un- forgettable events: -
Some student planned a joy marriage event in the college. The arrangements for the entertainment were made in the new campus for the barat (marriage party) reception which was to come from the old campus. Two students were selected to act as bride and bridegroom vollentrily. Sh. Avtar Singh Biri (later Wazir, retired as CE PWD (R&B)) played the pivotal management role. When the barrat was about to reach the new campus with band plying and dancing. Some students went to prof. Monis Riza, the college Dean, telling him that a great law and order problem was in making by Jammu students as the student acting by as bride was a Muslim boy. Monis Riza came to spot to stop the act saying in a cinema style “Yeh shadi Nahi Hogi ”. This way the event was forced to end unceremoniously.
Dr. Bandey’s clinic: - In Barrak “M” where Mr. Bandey a student of my batch was staying had put up a sign board “Poshida Amraj ka Mahir Dr, Bandey”. I had not met Bandey after college days, I wish he is in good health.
Chewing dinner coupon; - The course of copying in examination had set its foot in REC as well but in very small way. Never in my life I had taken to copying, but in the paper of Electronics, which I was feeling doubts to pass, I joined this wrong practice. The paper was in the evening, so I put two papers chits in my pocket, one with answer to a question and other my dinner coupon. Our daily mess entry pass had three parts. Search was carried by Prof. Allag (Electrical) and in fear I put my hand in my pocket to destroy the copying coupon in my pocket. One paper piece was taken out and put into my mouth with out seeing it. The checking also stopped before my turn came. In the evening when I reached dining hall and took out my dinner coupon to be deposited at the entry, I was surprised to find the coupon with copying material in my pocket in- stead of dinner coupon, which I had chewed. I had already failed in a similar effort in my Intermediate practical when I failed to retrieve from my pen cap a paper piece carrying recording for a pendulum practical recording. On my narration it to my friends, all made good fun of me. These were my failed attempts to try unfair means.
There are still many small stories in my memory which explains our days in REC. One or two students never purchased tooth paste but daily borrowed it from one student or the other. My Sunday Mustard Oil body massaging was joined by many as fun. A jolly but naughty “ I” Barrack Student when fined by Warden to go to city without a valid pass, he told warden, sir passes are only four and he had to go to city daily so please take fine for full month once, it will safe yours and mine daily worries.
Engineering Professions: - One of our visiting professors during college days warned by saying “When an engineer fails, a doctor comes in”. He again said “When a doctor fails, he kills one at a time, but a failure of an engineer can create havoc”. He advised us to be careful while designing structures.
One of state bureaucrat later Additional Secretary in GOI once sarcastically commented about engineers before me. Although I was his subordinate, still I replied him forcefully “When after a centaury you shall look back, you shall see our engineer’s foot prints only”. He again shot back saying what about bureaucratic work. I told him your files shall be eaten by white ants but not structures created by engineers. He was convinced. I told him the Taj Mahal, Lal Qualla, Qutab Minar, Jamia Masjid, Parliament House, Rashtarapati Bhawn, Mughal Gardens of Kashmir and elsewhere with many other old engineering feats are testimony to it.
My Greatest joy with Surprise: - My place of birth Village Pakhri, presently falling in Distt. Samba was an unknown remote border village, 3-4 kms from International Border with Pakistan. This Village then had 99.9% illiterates, devoid of communication means with no cemented house, school etc. On my admission to REC Srinagar, when my name was displayed on college notice board, hung from a Chinar tree trunk, it gave me unbound joy to see that wounder for which I thanked God Almighty.
With all good wishes to past and present Associates of REC(NIT) Srinagar.
I pay my highest regards to those departed souls of REC teachers and students who have joined back the eternal world, may all these souls rest in peace.
I also pay my regards to those who spare time to go through this long essay.
Words---- 4778 Er. HEM RAJ Phonsa
Place: - Jammu E Mail: - hrphonsa@gmail.com
WhatsApp Number: +919419134060
Dated: 21th January,2022 Blogspot: Dalit Vision with over 2,00,000 views
REC Alumni,
Batch 1961-66
Photo view of REC (NIT) old Campus, Nageen Badh in winter.
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-67993653621740070912022-01-30T04:53:00.001-08:002022-01-30T04:53:54.834-08:00Distinctive similarity of thoughts and Actions Of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar and KabirDistinctive similarity of thoughts and Actions Of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Kabir
Kabir (1398-1518) Bhagati cult must have been clearly and strongly cultivated in the thought process of family members of Bhimrao Ambedkar, a Mahar by caste. Mahar were low caste Hindus. Bhima’s parental and maternal families had great faith and following of Kabir Bhagati cult. The Britishers had abolished caste barriers for at least in their armed services. Britishers also had established education standards for its soldiers as per their ranks. Ramji Sakhpal’s brothers and father Malogi Sakhpal were in army so have had attained required education standard. Bhimrao’s mother Bhimabai had her father and six uncles all subedar Majors in the British Army, so were educated too. They all belonged to Sant Mat cult with Kabir teaching engrossed in their life following. Kabir devotional songs were sung twice daily in his house. In the morning and evening every family member had to join without fail. Any child who tried to skip was admonished. Although Bhimrao Ambedkar had listened in apt attention from his father stories of Ramayana and Mahabharat but still he had in his life followed ideals of three icons “Buddha, Kabir and Phooley”. Bhimrao took them as his Gurus. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar was engrossed with the ideals and Bhagati songs of Kabir so deeply that on the list night of his life, before retiring to bed he was singing “ Chal Kabira,Tera Bhav Sagar Dera” . This showed that Dr. Ambedkar’s Kabir Bhagati had given him life’s insight realities so he knew his end was near.
Let us in brief find how far they had similarities in their thought and action.
Kabir, a Muslim born, was par excellent Bhagati Movement Saint. Kabir was said as “Kabir is Supreme God “- Guru Nanak Dev Ji ( SGGS page 721) .
Dr Saheb Ambedkar and Kabir discarded what was unstainable on practical life critical reviews. Kabir decried all what was projected as religious acts, but actually not found so. Bhagati revolutionary saints discarded such facts, irreligious void acts imposed by Brahmin and Muslim priests (pujaris) on simple, poor, illiterate people but having deep faiths in religion. These saints closely looked into the partibility of religious norms, they understood that Hindu religion norms grant all fruits for upper castes and useless wastes to shudras, taking that too an act of favour to them, from upper castes. They found that Hindus had banned for shudras wearing new clothes, ornaments, eating fresh food and decent means of life. Along with shudras Hindus treated women with bias so enslaved them, blocking all their human rights including rights to own property and leading independent life. Due Brahminical unnatural resources divide, Shudras had to sustain life even on carcases of dead animals. The Bhagati movement Saints found that Hindu have concocted stories of caste norms therefore not acts of God. These saints even found ill-founded Hindu techniques to ward off troubles through variety of Dogmas, Havans (Burning of cereal’s and Ghee in fire) Yaagya (Religious sacrifice with feasts), ritual’s, like 68 Tirath yatras to take bath in Holi water courses, Karvat (Sawing of human bodies of rulers,rich), Sharaada (funeral and periodic ceremony for dead), Varat (Austerity, fasting). Such practices were nothing except creating fear psyche and looting resources of people with promises of warding off effects of bad karmas and diseases. To avoid Nark (Hells) and welcome to Sawarg (heaven) enjoyment after death to those who followed Brahmin dictates. But saints found these nothing but unfounded false claims by thugs cheats. Such were Brahmanical mind woven religious complexities that their utility could not face serious reviews besides being beyond the understanding of common persons. Such futile acts had to be performed by engaging Brahmins, Bhudevas (Gods on the earth), a perennial source of Brahmins livelihood. Brahman’s Vedic scripture language was Sanskrit. Why Hindu deities understood only Sanskrit was a mystery. Against this Saints used common man’s language in their discourses. Although Dr. Ambedkar knew 9 languages but used local dialect to address masses. Hindus had strictly demonstrated over period of time that they can suffer loss of their followers but cannot compromise with their Sanatandharma or Chaturvarna norms. Chaturvarna religion was based on Manusmiriti and Vedas foundation so immune to doubts and questioning. This non compromising Hindu attitude created grounds for conversion of masses to other religious faiths. This way one time in majority Hindus got reduced to 70%, with Muslims 21 % and Christians 1%, others 8% in 1901 census. Dr. Baba Saheb carried for 5 years agitation for entry of Shudras into Kala Ram temple Pune1930, burnt Hindu Law rules book Manismirity1925, carried Mahad water protest to warn Hindus to mend their ways towards his people, but all in vain. Many such earlier attempts for temple entry like Menakshi temple (Madras)1874, Amravati temple entry1928, Vikom temple Trivandrum 1924 also failed due to Hindu hard-line thinking. Dr. Baba Saheb was fully convinced of fact that his people will not get Human Rights as Hindus. So, he publicly announced at Yeola Maharashtra to leave Hinduism on October 16, 1935. He got converted or say, join back ancestral religion Buddhism in 1956 with lakhs of his followers. Some unbiased historians say creation of Pakistan gave Hindus, in disguise, 85% majority with ruling edge for 15% upper castes.
The brahmins must have been afraid of any future dangers like Buddhist conversion of past, if shudras revolting and united against them. These Brahmin designated shudras were one-time Buddhists. So, to ward off such possibilities Brahmins created water tight divisions of castes, sub castes, gotras and more among shudras. Brahmins created for them distinctive visual division marks like Tilak( for head colour mark), Yagyopaveet ( Holy thread) chotti ( Long hair curl on head),special styled Dhoti (lower body covering) beads wearing etc. To this Kabir declared futile, no relevancy for worship. these futile “ Malla Tilak Lagaye Ke,Bhagat naa Ayi Hath, Darri Munsh Mundaye Ke Chaley Duni Ke Sath”. Means:, By wearing Beed neckless onecannot gain progress in worship. What is the use to shave off beard, moustache,if one has to follow world ways.
The job profiles divisions was declared for society wellbeing, but actually it was division of workers. Brahmins divided them as those who could enter homes of three upper caste, touch them, for their services like barbers, carpentry, potters, washermen, cleaning utensils, cooking, so they were touchable shudras. Other shudras who were to perform outside services jobs like, watchmen, carry messages to distant places on death, marriages etc, cobblers, weavers, arcticians, musicians, drummers, gymnastics, snake charmers, animal rearing, removing dead animals, cleaning and watering streets, flushing floors, toilet, midwifery duties, carry out night soil etc. they were called Ati Shuras and they had to live outside upper caste inhabitations. These castes divide was as many as 6743 and constituted 65% of Indian population (Mandal commission report 31 Dec 1980). The majority of minorities, Muslins, Sikhs, Buddhist, Jains (20% of Indian population) are converters from Hindu Shudras. As published by Government of India in 2014, Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 conducted by the Registrar General of India has come out with 46,73,034 categories of caste, sub-caste, synonyms, different surnames, gotras in the caste and clan names (Deccan Herald. 17 July).
Baba Saheb Ambedkar torpedoed this Brahminical thought and Joined Buddhism on 14th October, 1956 to make way for all Shudra classes to leave their Hindu caste divides and be one as Buddhist, where there is no caste divide. Dr. Ambedkar’s value-based arguments in three Round Table Conferences, meeting and memorandums to British delegates had already got untouchables divide confined into only three categories as SCs, STs and OBCs in 1931 census estimates.
All Bhagati movement saints namely Nam Dev, Fareed, Nanak, Ravidas, Tuka, Sain, Bulley Shah , Hafiz, ,Chokhamela etc. were firm in their beliefs but mild in their words. Kabir was bold, fearless and undaunted in dealing with his opponents. Meaningful, fearless and boldness in his expression was unique. Similarly, Dr. Baba Saheb had value base and clarity of expressions. So both never shrieked in their views, no matter the person addressed was a king or pauper. Dr. Baba Saheb told on the face Mahatma Gandhi, uncrowned king of Congress and Chaturverna Hindus, “Mahatmas have come and gone but problem of my people has remained”. Kabir told Brahmins who bosted their clan purity “ Maila Brahma, Maila Indu, Ravi Maila hai Maila Chand ,Meaning deities like Brahma, Indra are polluted; the Sun and the Moon also polluted (SGGS Ang 1158). For such boldness both had to suffer for sticking to their set life goals. Kabir suffered Sikandar Lodhi’s excesses and Baba Saheb Ambedkar faced a number of life elimination attempts. Baba Saheb had taken strong but correct, justified position, before reaching listed conditions before signing Poona Pact in 1932. Hindu leaders were adamant not to heed conditions offered by Baba Saheb to allow scraping untouchable’s Dual Voting Rights given to end communal tangle through franchise. Instead, the Hindu reactionaries had threatened Baba Saheb to cremate him alive the pyre of Gandhi, if Gandhi died due to his undertaken fast and hard line and delaying tactics of Dr. Ambedkar in accepting offered conditions. The political reservation of seats in legislation and reservation in government services, as percentage of population of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, to total Indian population, was churned out by Baba Saheb through negotiation in Poona Pact 1932 in lieu of Dual Voting Rights. Even political seats were increased from 71 to 148 in provincial and central Assemblies. Baba Saheb gave second birth to Gandhi following Lord Buddha’s principle of showing compassion even for one’s rivals.
Both Kabir and Baba Saheb Ambedkar were exemplarily great in their fields of working. Kabir a truthful mystic saint and was lover of all humanity, whereas Baba Saheb was a political giant with world class knowledge and skills. Both loved all creations of Almighty Supernatural Power, with variety of names Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and salutations with malice towards none. Bhagati Movement saints were in fact religious revolutionary and opposed all unreligious theories preached by Brahmin learned persons in the name of mysticism. The Brahmin policy framers to innocent seekers of God realization with sole moto of Eking out their livelihood and keep enslaved shudras. Baba Saheb was for socio-, political equality for all human and Kabir for socio-religious equality.
Kabir has enormous literature in his name and Baba Sahib ‘s writing and Speeches are contained in about 22 volumes in English alone published by the Maharashtra Government besides in other languages. His personal library with 50,000 books was a world unmatched record. Baba Saheb had command on 64 subjects and he knew 9 languages (Hindi, Pali, Sanskrit, English, French, German, Marathi, Persian, and Gujarati).Kabir had no schooling but used words of variety of langages in his Bhajans.
Renowned authors Karine and W.H. McLeod in their book “The Saints” published by Motilal Banarsidass has given following details of Kabir works in an easy by Linda Hess.
1. Guru Granth Sahib 226 (Padas) distributed in 16 Ragas. With 237 or 239 Salokas.
2. Panchvani 810 Sakhis in 59 sections or angas with384 pads.
3. Kabir Bijak has 84 Ramainis,115 Sabadas,353 sakhies , 34 miscellenious.
Saints decried all Hindu and Muslim religion building blocks, which they found unrealistic for spirituality.
A powerful tool in the hand of Pujaris and Mullas was salvation , fears to reach heaven (SAWARG) and to avoid hell (NARAK) . Saint Palto in his Kundlian proclaimed: -
“Sant Na Chayen Mukat Ko,Nahi Patharath Char, nahi Patharath Char Mukat Santan Ki Cheri,
Ridhi Sidhi Par Thukan,Sawarg Ki As Na Heri”
Kabir Ji said (Adi Granth Panna 969-16 Kabir)
Kavan Narak Kaya Saward Vichara ,Santan Dou Radhey
Hum Kahu Ki Kann Na Kadtey,Apne Gur Parsadey
Meaning: - Saints neither seek salvation, nor worldly wealth’s, as salvation is under their command, they spit (discard) on miracle powers and have no desire for heaven, terming these as misconceptions.
Meaning: Saints decry both hell (Narak )and heaven (Sawarg), as they have attained heights or salvations beyond Sawarg or Narak with the grace of their Guru .
To explain useless caste divide Kabir Said
Jat Nahi Jagdish Ki, Hari-Jan Ki Kaha Hoi. Jat Pat Ke Kich Main Doub Maro Mat Koi”. ( Kabir Granthawali-359)
Meaning; If the Creator “Jagdish” has no caste, how a person can have it. Let no one get drown in the caste mud and dirt differences’ so give no importance to castes.
Jat Pat Puchhey na koi,Har ko Bhaje so Har Ka hoi
While decrying bathing in designated water sources, performing human and animal sacrifices Kabir said (Adi Granth Panna 656)
“ Kayya Manjis Koun Gunna, Jyon Ghat Bhitar Malna. Meaning :- bathing and washing of body has no spiritual
Layoki Athsath Tirath Nayi Kayorapan Tyon na Jayi”.. use .It is like cleaning an empty earthen pot. If a bitter guard is made to wash in sixty eight holi water of designated rivers/tanks (Tiraths for Hindus),it does not lose its bitterness. The Maan or mind cannot be controlled by external means.
Ajamedh, Gomedh Yag,Ashawmedh, Narmedh, Meaning:- Slaughtering animals like goats, cows, horses
Kahey Kabir Adharam Ko Dharam Bataven Ved and men as oblation in religious sacrifices
Kahey Kabir Adharam Ko Dharam Bataven Ved along with religious books including Vedas
( Kabir Shabdawali page 353) preach against true religious norms, so said Kabir).
Saint Namdev sayth about falsehood for pretending bhagati means,
“Sanp Kunj shorey, Vikh Na Tiyage,Udhak Mahin Jesse Baggu Dhain Mandey”. (Satgur Namdev panna 485)
As a snake can off load old skin, but not the poison and a crane pretends to be engrossed in worship but as soon as it finds a fish, it pounces upon and swallows it. Similarly, a person engaged in worldly ills behaves as if a great worshiper of God but does not lose ego and continues to be hardhearted.
Saints among whom over 90% were from Shudra casted disapproved the Brahminical methods of living on alms. Kabir Sahib Said, “I shall prefer to die than living on begging”.
Guru Ravidas Said, “I always keep my mind absorbed in Lord’s worship and my hands remain engaged in earning for livelihood”. Dr. baba Saheb in his hard days worked very hard to support his family. His wife Mata Rambai joined hands to earn and support both family and her husband her Saheb.
These saints used “RAM” for the name of supreme being. Guru Granth Sahib used 2533 times, in Kabir vani’s 381,Guru Ravidas Vani in SGGS-22,confusion was created by vested interests that the Saints worship “Ram” who was said to be son of Dashrath and Sita’ spouse. But is actual theses Saints were not worshiper of that Ram. Namdev said “Ram Japat Koi Naa Tariyo” (GGS1105). In his 22 comandments
( 22 Pritiyans). Baba Saheb pledged to not worship any Hindu deity.
Kabir ji said to clarify “Ram Bhara Ki Ramhi Jaya “
Meaning Is Raja Ram greater or One, Who has given birth even to Raja Ram.
Kabir Ji described not one but four Rams:- “ Ek Ram Dashrath Ka Beta,Ek Ram Ghat Ghat Main Leta,Ek Ram Ka Sagal Pasara,Ek Ram En Sab Se Niyara”. Or One Ram was King Dashrath’s Son, One Ram is Mann ( mind power) residing in all humans, One Ram is Kal ( Dharam Raj) who mages Triloki affairs and one Ram is above all other three, to whom he worships.
Then in whom Kabir hath mystic faith, Kabir clarified in explaining “Kabir Ke Swami Esey Thakur, Ja Ke Mai Na Bap Re” i.e. He is beyond birth and death circle and so Immortal.
These Saints said loudly that Creator is not approachable by wondering outside, observing celibacy, body decoration, fasting and reading Holy literature books. Explaining futilities of religious books and their reading for gaining spirituality Kabir Said “Ved Puran Parey Ka Kaya Gunn, Khar Candan jass Bhara” meaning reading Ved Puran are as useless for a mystic purpose as Sandalwood load pack on a pony , donkey. Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar in 1936, wrote, “The Hindu religion, as contained in the Vedas and the Smritis, is nothing but a mass of sacrificial, social, political and sanitary rules and regulations, all mixed up. What is called religion by the Hindus is nothing but a multitude of commands and prohibitions.” (The Economic Times Politics updated 24 Jan,2017)
All realized body souls said “HIS abode is human body”. To find Him one has to seek guidance from a “Realized Soul”, called Guru, Peer, Murshid and concentrate within human body. EACH HUMAN FRAME IS HIS ABODE. Even apostle Paul called human body as “Temple of Living God” “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV).
In spiritual terms, it often feels that we’re at war with our flesh. And, I’m not just talking about the battle of the bulge. Some religious and theological perspectives posit a stark dichotomy between the flesh and the spirit. God, however, proves once and for all that the flesh is not inherently bad or sinful by the incarnation of his Son. Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
Buddha said, “Be thy own Light”. Baba Saheb followed this principle and strained his body in getting world’s highest academic degrees, so knowledge. His Alma Mater Columbia University compiled knowledge Bank of its students in last 100 years and found Baba Saheb topping the list Based on a global survey called "The Makers of the Universe" a list of top 100 humanist people of the last 10 thousand years was made by Oxford University, in which the fourth name was Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Kabir gave greatest message to fighting forces of evil and suppression for the safety and welfare of weak masses and even not worry from such a death by getting cut into pieces. He said “Soora So Pahchaniye,Jo Lare Dinn Ke Haith,Purja Purja Katt Marey Kabhun Naa Chhorey Khett.”.This also applies equally to the spiritual exercises to enter sub conscious state of human body.
Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar lived and died for the upliftment of weak including women. Despite being world’s highest qualifies,held highest offices,but when died had a debt of Rupees ten thousands on his head. Hour of his children died in fancy due to unviability of medical care. Kabir left Banaras for Maghar his last days, died in poverty ridden conditions.
Kabir had travelled far and wide to spread his message of love, devotion and stand by the oppressed. In India Kabir’s teaching is every household lore and have many followers. Unlike Brahmin and Muslim godmen who could not cross their religion boundaries. Hindu, Muslim,Sikhs seek guidance from the Kabir teaching.
However, Kabir stressed more on Bhagati and so building moral values with an eye for spirituality and salvation. All his teaching was directed towards Mukti, rescue of soul from worldly bondage of 84,000 births and deaths cycle. His stress was to achieve targets of soul advancement as per Hindu shastras but with enhanced moral values by sticking living in the life circumstances as per one’s birth. His life approach seemed directed towards goals fixed by Brahmana Shastras with modified ways and means. He believed in present life fate good or miserable due to past karmas. So stressed to follow quality karmas for better fate in next birth to make life comfortable. This way he worked to improvement of means not smashing the system. Kabir could not challenge Brahminical curse of control over all worldly comforts.
But Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar did not believe in karma theory. He said shudras life was made hell deliberately by acts of Brahmanas and not of any Godly acts. It was a Brahminical mischief to have moral, body, financial control on shudras for self-comforts, hiding under the carpet of God’s will. Brahmins claimed that all that is on the earth belongs to them by act of God and their service was supreme ,for human all on the earth, without query. Even Rajas had to acts as per commands of Brahmins. Brahmin’s word was rule, his actions had no appeals. He was judge, attorney, appeal police for others. Brahmin’s curse could spoil next birth comforts as self-claimed by them. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar contested this as a deceit full act of Brahmins.
Dr Baba Saheb snatched due rights of his people from Brahmins on the strength of his knowledge. He burnt the law book of inequality “Manusmiriti” and as Modern Manu gave Indian its Constitution based on Justice ,Liberty, Equality and Fraternity for all. Barriers of caste, sex, color, economies, place of birth were smashed. All those Laws which did not confirmed to Socialistic, Democratic, secular Republic Character of India were removed. Untouchability, the deadliest weapon of Brahmin was banned by act of Constitution. Practice of untouchability in any form was made non bailable and punishable act. State resources belonged to all Indians. Community welfares was the first charge to budgetary provisions. Everybody had to follow Constitutional Law in the country. None was above constitutional provisions. So, act of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar completely changed the world for past time unprivileged persons. Slavery cage of lowly graded human by Brahmins was broken and all given equal share in Indian open sky.
Words 3543 Dated 28th January,2022,
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-40579160439522564562022-01-03T06:24:00.003-08:002022-01-03T06:31:44.847-08:00माता सावित्रीबाई फुले और भारतीय महिला अध्यापिका।माता सावित्रीबाई फुले और भारतीय महिला अध्यापिका।
(3-1-2022 को पड़ने वाले 192वें जन्म दिवस पर भारत की प्रथम महिला शिक्षाविद को याद करते हुए)
द्वारा :- ई. हेम राज फौंसा दिनांक 3-1-2022
भारतीय प्राचीन संस्कृति और इतिहास में महिलाओं को देवी, संत और कवि के रूप में माना जाता है। आधुनिक समय में हम दुनिया में सबसे बड़ा लोकतंत्र होने और निकट भविष्य में एक महाशक्ति होने की संभावना के बारे में दावा कर सकते हैं। लेकिन सच्चाई यह है कि आज तक भारत में नारी उत्पीड़न स्पष्ट रूप से दिखाई देता है, महिला उच्च या निम्न जाति से आ सकती है, पुरुष प्रधान भारत में उसका भाग्य कमोबेश एक जैसा है। लेकिन निचले तबके और जाति की महिलाओं को एक महिला और दूसरी वंचित जातियों से संबंधित होने के कारण दोगुने नुकसान होते हैं। निम्न वर्ग की महिलाओं को लोगों में निरक्षरता के उच्च प्रतिशत के कारण और बहुत रूढ़िवादी धर्म का पालन करने के कारण भी समस्याओं और भेदभाव का सामना करना पड़ता है। इन महिलाओं द्वारा सामना किया जाने वाला भेदभाव मुख्य रूप से अन्यायपूर्ण प्राचीन कानूनों और रीति-रिवाजों का प्रभाव है जो पीढ़ी से पीढ़ी तक पारित हो जाते हैं। निचली जातियों में शिक्षा की कमी के कारण, इन अन्यायपूर्ण कानूनों और रीति-रिवाजों को कभी चुनौती नहीं दी गई, लेकिन व्यापक रूप से स्वीकार किया गया। एक दण्डनीय अपराध घोषित करने के बावजूद गुप्त रूप से पालन की जाने वाली कुरीतियों में से एक कन्या भ्रूण हत्या है। महिला शिशुओं को गर्भ में ही मार दिया जाता था और उन्हें सूर्य की रोशनी भी देखने की अनुमति नहीं होती थी। महिलाओं की जनसंख्या में प्रति 1000 पुरुषों पर 900 से भी कम की गिरावट सरकारी एजेंसियों के लिए चिंता का विषय है। यह माना जाता है कि लड़कियां परिवार के लिए एक दायित्व हैं। दहेज की मांग के कारण उन्हें अंत में परिवार का पैसा खर्च करना पड़ता था। इसी तरह, परिवार को यह महसूस हो सकता है कि वे केवल किसी और के लिए लड़कियों की परवरिश कर रहे हैं, क्योंकि लड़कियां अंततः दूल्हे के घर का हिस्सा बन जाएंगी कि किसी और की लड़की उनकी दुल्हन बनेगी।
मनुस्मृति (9:3) में कहा गया है कि स्त्री स्वतंत्रता के योग्य नहीं है।
अछूतों और हिंदू धर्म में सभी महिलाओं को शिक्षा से वंचित या प्रतिबंधित कर दिया गया था। महिलाओं में शिक्षा की कमी और अछूत (अब दलित कहलाते हैं) ने अस्पृश्यता, अपनी संपत्ति के अधिकार की अनदेखी, किसी की संपत्ति की रक्षा करने का अधिकार, सती, देवदास, दहेज, भ्रूण हत्या, गरिमा का जीवन, गुलामी, अत्याचार, और अन्य दमनकारी नियंत्रणों के लिए जगह बनाई। जैसे उच्च जाति के हिंदुओं द्वारा विशेष रूप से प्रोहित या ब्राह्मण जाति द्वारा बहुसंख्यक आबादी के साथ अमानवीय व्यवहार। केवल उच्च जाति और जाति समर्थित नियमों ने अपने लिए ही केक भुना। भारत ने सदियों से अपनी स्वतंत्रता खो दी क्योंकि केवल एक सूक्ष्म अल्पसंख्यक पुरुष क्षत्रियों (कुल जनसंख्या का लगभग 6%) को देश की रक्षा का काम सौंपा गया था। केवल एक हाथ पूर्ण आक्रमणकारियों ने भारत को लूटा, बहुतों को मार डाला और हमारी महिलाओं सहित भारी लूट के साथ भाग गए। ब्रिटिश ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी नियम की स्थापना के साथ, इसने 1813 तक भारत में शिक्षा की ओर कोई ध्यान नहीं दिया। 1813 में, पहली बार, कंपनी ने भारत में शिक्षा को बढ़ावा देने के लिए कुछ फंड की व्यवस्था की। शिक्षा का माध्यम अंग्रेजी था। वर्ष 1855 तक, केवल 1474 शैक्षणिक संस्थान थे जो बीस करोड़ की आबादी के लिए सरकार द्वारा चलाए जा रहे थे या सहायता प्राप्त कर रहे थे। केवल 67,569 विद्यार्थी ही इन अन्तर्ज्ञान से शिक्षा प्राप्त कर रहे थे। चूंकि इन स्कूलों में अधिकांश शिक्षक ब्राह्मण थे, इसलिए उन्होंने सरकार में भी दलित और महिला छात्रों को शिक्षित करने से इनकार कर दिया। सहायता प्राप्त स्कूलों में यहां तक कि उच्च जाति के माता-पिता ने भी अपने बच्चों को उन संस्थानों में शिक्षा प्राप्त करने से मना कर दिया जहां दलित छात्रों को प्रवेश दिया गया था। लगभग 1628 ईसाई मिशनरी स्कूल थे जिनमें लगभग 64,000 छात्र थे। 1854 के वुड्स डिस्पैच के बाद से 1882 तक सरकार ने उच्च शिक्षा के लिए कुछ महत्वपूर्ण कदम उठाए, लेकिन प्राथमिक शिक्षा की लगभग उपेक्षा की गई। 1881-82 के आर्थिक वर्ष में, सरकार द्वारा शिक्षा पर खर्च किए गए 70,00,000 रुपये में से केवल 16,77,000 प्राथमिक शिक्षा पर खर्च किए गए थे। इस दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण पृष्ठभूमि के साथ महिलाओं और दलितों को शिक्षित करने के बारे में सोचना बेहद मुश्किल था।
भारतीय इतिहास में जानी जाने वाली एक सुनहरे दिल वाली पहली महिला को सलाम, जो सामाजिक रूप से सबसे अधिक नफरत और शोषित "महिला" प्राणी सहित दलितों के सामाजिक उत्थान के लिए जीवित रही और मरी। उनका नाम सावित्रीबाई था जिनका जन्म 3 जनवरी 1831 को नया गंज, तहसील खंडाला, जिला सतारा, महाराष्ट्र में हुआ था। उनके पिता का नाम खादो जी नेवसे पाटिल था। उनके जन्म के समय, किसी को भी इस बात का एहसास नहीं हो सकता था कि प्रकाश की छोटी किरण जो सावित्रीबाई के रूप में पृथ्वी पर उतरी थी, कई लोगों के लिए मशाल वाहक बन जाएगी, जो दबे हुए, अनपढ़, बीमार, खराब कपड़े और बिजली के लिए एक मशाल बन गए थे। अपने ही देश और धर्म के लाखों लोगों पर जाति और लिंग के नाम पर अत्याचार करने वाले दमनकारी और उत्पीड़क। 1840 में 9 वर्ष की अल्पायु में उनका विवाह एक महान सामाजिक क्रांतिकारी ज्योतिराव फुले से हुआ, जो उस समय 13 वर्ष के थे। इसलिए सावित्रीबाई ने अपना नया नाम सावित्रीबाई फुले के रूप में प्राप्त किया। दो छोटी रोशनी का मिलन बाद में उनके लाखों साथी देशवासियों के लिए एक बड़े लाइट हाउस के रूप में उभरा और उन्हें उच्च जाति के हिंदुओं द्वारा उनके साथ किए गए अज्ञान, अशिक्षा और दुर्व्यवहार से बाहर निकाला। धर्म का नाम। उन्होंने संयुक्त रूप से भारत के पददलित लोगों को रीढ़ की हड्डी को सीधा रखते हुए सम्मान के साथ जीने के लिए संघर्ष किया। ज्योतिराव फुले, जिन्हें बाद में प्यार से महात्मा ज्योतिराव फुले कहा जाता था, ने घोषणा की कि निरक्षरता सभी बीमारियों का कारण बुद्धि की कमी है, जो बदले में नैतिकता की कमी का कारण बनती है, जिसका परिणाम ठहराव में होता है, धन और धन की और हानि को बढ़ावा देता है। इसलिए ब्राह्मणवादी साहित्य में शूद्रों और महिलाओं को शिक्षा पर प्रतिबंध लगाने से उनका सर्वांगीण पतन हुआ, इसलिए उन्होंने शूद्रों और महिलाओं को उनके समग्र उत्थान के लिए शिक्षा प्रदान करने को प्राथमिकता दी। सावित्रीभाई को शिक्षा उनके पति द्वारा मिशनरी स्कूल के अलावा घर पर भी दी जाती थी। ज्योतिराव ने 1847 में स्कॉटिश मिशन हाई स्कूल पूना से माध्यमिक शिक्षा की परीक्षा पास की थी और सरकार के अधीन किसी भी नौकरी को स्वीकार नहीं करने का फैसला किया था। पाइन की प्रसिद्ध पुस्तक "द राइट्स ऑफ मैन" को पढ़कर ज्योतिराव फुले के युवा दिमाग में क्रांतिकारी बदलाव आया और उन्होंने बदले में सावित्रीभाई के कोमल दिमाग को प्रभावित किया, जिन्होंने अपने जीवन और आराम की कीमत पर भी अपने पति को सामाजिक क्रांति के लिए मदद करने की शपथ ली।
फुले दंपत्ति के इस तरह के कृत्य के लिए रूढ़िवादी उच्च जाति के हिंदुओं द्वारा शुरू किए गए शातिर अभियान के खिलाफ उन्होंने 1 जनवरी, 1848 को संयुक्त रूप से पहला बालिका विद्यालय खोला। शूद्रों और लड़कियों (सभी जातियों की लड़कियों) को शिक्षा को रूढ़िवादी हिंदुओं के कानूनों में गैरकानूनी के रूप में कोडित किया गया था, हालांकि उन्होंने "वेदस" नामक सबसे अधिक जानकार पुस्तकों का दावा किया था, लेकिन व्यावहारिक रूप से शूद्रों और महिलाओं के साथ जानवरों से भी बदतर व्यवहार किया। इस नए खुले बालिका विद्यालय में पढ़ाने के लिए कोई उच्च जाति का हिंदू शिक्षक आगे नहीं आया, जिसमें 2 अछूत लड़कियों के अलावा 4 हिंदू लड़कियों को प्रवेश दिया गया था। इसलिए, ज्योतिराव फुले द्वारा 1 जनवरी 1848 को सावित्रीबाई को इस स्कूल की प्रधानाध्यापिका के रूप में नियुक्त किया गया था। यह स्कूल बुधवारा पेठ में एक ब्राह्मण के घर से चलाया जाता था, जिसमें अधिकांश 4 ब्राह्मण छात्राएं थीं। रूढ़िवादी ब्राह्मणों ने शूद्र लड़कियों सहित महिला शिक्षा को आगे बढ़ाने के खिलाफ बहुत शोर मचाया, जो हिंदू धार्मिक मानदंडों द्वारा प्रतिबंधित थी। सावित्रीबाई जैसे ही अपने घर से स्कूल जाने के लिए निकलतीं, लोग उनकी गाय का गोबर और मिट्टी खराब करने वाली पोशाक पर फेंक देते, जिसे वह स्कूल में धोती थी और लौटने पर अपने आवास पर। हालाँकि उच्च जाति के हिंदूओं द्वारा उनके साथ किए गए दुर्व्यवहार ने उन्हें उनके दृढ़ विश्वास से नहीं रोका और उन्होंने सामाजिक परिवर्तन के लिए नेक काम किया। इसके बजाय, उन्होंने 15 मई 1848 को अछूतों की कॉलोनी में एक और स्कूल खोला और इसे उनकी विधवा भाभी (पति की बहन) श्रीमती द्वारा चलाया जाता था। सुगनाबाई। इस पर फिर प्रतिक्रियावादियों ने आपत्ति जताई और गोविंदा राव (ज्योतिराव के पिता) को गंभीर परिणाम भुगतने की धमकी दी, अगर वह अपने बेटे और बहू की गतिविधियों से खुद को अलग करने में विफल रहे। इसलिए गोविंदा राव ने दंपति को अपना घर छोड़ने के लिए कहा क्योंकि दोनों ने अपने मिशनरी प्रयास को छोड़ने से इनकार कर दिया। दोनों एक मुस्लिम मियां उस्मान शेख के घर शिफ्ट हो गए। श्रीमती 19वीं सदी की पहली मुस्लिम महिला शिक्षिका के रूप में जानी जाने वाली मियां शेख की बहन फातिमा ने इसी स्कूल में दलित बच्चों को पढ़ाना शुरू किया था. सरकार और सामाजिक हलकों में ब्राह्मण वर्चस्व के उन दिनों में यह एक अत्यंत कठिन कार्य था, लेकिन सावित्रीबाई ने अपने साहस, दृढ़ संकल्प, बुद्धिमत्ता और शिक्षा के प्रसार के माध्यम से दलित और महिला उत्थान के लिए अपनी प्रतिबद्धता के बल पर ऐसा किया। उनके सशक्त करण का एकमात्र मार्ग ज्योतिराव फुले ने ब्रिटिश सरकार को उच्च जातियों की शिक्षा पर राज्य के राजस्व का एक बड़ा हिस्सा खर्च करने के लिए दोषी ठहराया, जिसके परिणामस्वरूप ब्राह्मणों द्वारा सरकार के तहत सभी उच्च कार्यालयों का एकाधिकार हो गया। समर्पित युगल चाहते हैं
इस एकाधिकार को तोड़ना चाहते थे ताकि पददलित जनसमुदाय को अपनी मातृभूमि में मनुष्य के समान अधिकार होने के संघर्ष के लिए तैयार किया जा सके। ज्योतिराव फुले के आग्रह पर लॉर्ड रिपन ने विलियम हंटर की अध्यक्षता में एक शिक्षा आयोग की नियुक्ति की। अंग्रेजी ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी के बोर्ड ऑफ कंट्रोल के अध्यक्ष सर चार्ल्स वुड का भारत में अंग्रेजी सीखने और महिला शिक्षा के प्रसार पर महत्वपूर्ण प्रभाव पड़ा। जब 1854 में उन्होंने भारत के तत्कालीन गवर्नर-जनरल लॉर्ड डलहौजी को एक प्रेषण भेजा। वुड ने सुझाव दिया कि प्राथमिक विद्यालयों को स्थानीय भाषाओं को अपनाना चाहिए, उच्च विद्यालयों को एंग्लो स्थानीय भाषा और कॉलेज स्तर पर शिक्षा के लिए अंग्रेजी माध्यम अपनाना चाहिए। इसे वुड्स डिस्पैच के नाम से जाना जाता है। व्यावसायिक और महिला शिक्षा पर जोर दिया गया। भारतीय रूढ़िवादी समाज की भलाई के लिए अंग्रेजों द्वारा उठाए गए सबसे अनुकूल कदमों में से एक। अन्य बातों के अलावा वुड्स ने प्रभावित किया कि हर जिले में कम से कम एक सरकारी स्कूल खोला जाए और सरकार को हमेशा महिलाओं की शिक्षा का समर्थन करना चाहिए।
यह भारत में पहली बार सभी के लिए शिक्षा का मार्ग प्रशस्त करने वाला हुआ। इस आयोग ने वुड्स डिस्पैच के प्रमुख बिंदुओं को दोहराया, हालांकि इसने पिछड़े वर्गों को प्राथमिक शिक्षा और शिक्षा पर अधिक ध्यान देने का सुझाव दिया। महात्मा फुले द्वारा हंटर आयोग को दिया गया यह स्मारक दस्तावेज आधुनिक भारत में शैक्षिक विकास को समझने के लिए अत्यधिक महत्व का दस्तावेज था। इस दस्तावेज़ में, फुले का तर्क है कि सरकार द्वारा अपनाया गया सिद्धांत कि शिक्षा को समाज के उच्च वर्गों से जनता तक जाना चाहिए, एक "यूटोपियन" विचार के अलावा और कुछ नहीं है। वह आगे इस सिद्धांत की सच्चाई का एक ही उदाहरण मांगता है। उन्हें उद्धृत करने के लिए, उच्च वर्गों ने "अपने ज्ञान को एक व्यक्तिगत उपहार के रूप में अपने पास रखा है, अज्ञानी अश्लील के संपर्क से गंदा नहीं होना चाहिए।" उनका दावा है कि शिक्षा प्रणाली उच्च वर्गों का एकाधिकार बन गई है और "यदि रैयत का कल्याण दिल में है, तो यह सरकार का कर्तव्य है कि वह कई तरह की गालियों को रोके, उन्हें इस एकाधिकार को दिन-ब-दिन सीमित करना चाहिए। ताकि अन्य जातियों के लोगों को सार्वजनिक सेवाओं में शामिल होने दिया जा सके।" महात्मा फुले ने सभी को मुफ्त और अनिवार्य शिक्षा के लिए 1882 में हंटर आयोग को सौंपे गए ज्ञापन में जोरदार मांग की। इस याचिका को बाद में डॉ. बी.आर. अम्बेडकर और उन्होंने इस आदर्श को स्वतंत्र भारत के संविधान में "भारतीय संविधान के पिता" के रूप में शामिल किया।
तब विधवा पुनर्विवाह पर प्रतिबंध लगा दिया गया था और ब्राह्मणों सहित हिंदुओं में बाल विवाह बहुत आम था। कई हिंदू विधवाओं ने सार्वजनिक रूप से सती (अपने पति के शव के साथ दुल्हन को जलाना) का सहारा लिया। नेकदिल राजा राम मोहन राय (1774-1833) के प्रयास रूढ़िवादी हिंदुओं के दिमाग पर कोई सेंध लगाने में विफल रहे थे। असहाय महिलाओं और बच्चे के साथ इस अमानवीय व्यवहार को रोकने के लिए। बहुत सी महिलाओं को कम उम्र में ही खिड़की से बाहर कर दिया गया था और उनमें से सभी उस तरीके से नहीं रह सकीं, जिसमें रूढ़िवादी लोग उनसे जीने की उम्मीद करते थे, खासकर जब उनकी युवावस्था का उनके परिवार और रिश्तेदारों द्वारा शोषण किया जाता था। कुछ लाचार विधवाओं ने गर्भपात का सहारा लिया या अपने नाजायज बच्चों को सड़कों पर छोड़कर उनके भाग्य पर छोड़ दिया। उनके लिए अफ़सोस की बात है कि अनाथालय में स्थापित फुले दंपत्ति, संभवत: एक हिंदू द्वारा स्थापित और वित्त पोषित इस तरह की पहली संस्था (फुले युगल भारत के कई राज्यों में सैनी उपजाति अब ओबीसी से संबंधित एक हिंदू जोड़ा था)। फुले दंपत्ति ने गर्भवती विधवाओं को संरक्षण दिया और उन्हें आश्वासन दिया कि यह अनाथालय उनके बच्चों की देखभाल करेगा और सावित्रीबाई फुले ने अनाथालय के प्रबंधन की जिम्मेदारी संभाली। यह इस अनाथालय में था जहां काशी बाई नाम की एक ब्राह्मण युवा लेकिन असहाय विधवा ने 1873 में एक लड़के को जन्म दिया और फुले दंपत्ति ने अपने बेटे के रूप में नवजात को गोद लिया और उसे यशवंत नाम दिया। फुले दंपत्ति ने यशवंत को योग्य चिकित्सक बनने की शिक्षा दी। 1876-77 के अकाल के दौरान सावित्रीबाई फुले ने अपने डॉक्टर बेटे की मदद से लगभग 200 बच्चों को मुफ्त में खिलाया और उनकी देखभाल की। वह अपने पति के लिए शक्ति का एक बड़ा स्रोत थी।
सावित्रीबाई न केवल एक शिक्षाविद थीं बल्कि एक महान परोपकारी, सामाजिक क्रांतिकारी, लेखिका और कवि थीं। शायद वह पहली भारतीय महिला क्रांतिकारी थीं, जिन्होंने दलितों, कमज़ोर , दलित महिलाओं और बच्चों की मुक्ति के लिए सभी बाधाओं के खिलाफ काम किया। 1854 में पहली बार प्रकाशित उनकी कविता पुस्तक का शीर्षक था "कबये फुले" अपनी एक कविता में वह बताती हैं कि भारत के मूल निवासियों को आर्यों द्वारा शैक्षिक अवसरों से वंचित करने के कारण अंग्रेज भारत में अपना शासन स्थापित करने में सफल रहे। विभिन्न आक्रमणों के दौरान 94% आबादी को मूकदर्शक बना दिया गया था, लेकिन खत्रियों को केवल अपनी व्यक्तिगत और देश की रक्षा के लिए हथियार रखने के लिए अधिकृत किया गया था .. जब उनकी मातृभूमि पर विदेशी आक्रमणकारियों ने जबरन कब्जा कर लिया था, जिसके लिए ब्राह्मण और जाति के अलावा कोई नहीं प्रणाली जिम्मेदार थे।
जब सावित्रीबाई फुले को उनके भाई ने भटों (ब्राह्मणों) द्वारा दिखाए गए मार्ग पर चलने के लिए कहा, तो उन्होंने यह कहकर उन्हें फटकार लगाई कि वह अपने पति द्वारा अनुसरण किए जा रहे न्यायपूर्ण मार्ग पर चल रही हैं और वह अपने भाई की तरह ब्राह्मणों की अंध अनुयायी नहीं हो सकती हैं। उसने भी ताना मारते हुए उससे कहा, "जाओ और गाय और बकरी से प्यार करो और नागपंचमी पर सांपों को दूध चढ़ाओ, तब भी ब्राह्मण तुम्हें अछूत बताकर पूजा साथ से बाहर कर देंगे। यह उनके दृढ़ विश्वास और इच्छा शक्ति को दर्शाता है, जब वास्तव में वह बहुत ही शिष्ट महिला थीं, जिनका दिल सभी के लिए प्यार से भरा था। नवंबर 1890 में अपने पति की मृत्यु के बाद, उन्होंने "सत्य शोध-समाज" के मामलों को सफलतापूर्वक सात वर्षों तक प्रबंधित किया। दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण बच्चों की जरूरतों की देखभाल के लिए अपने पति द्वारा स्थापित।
1897 में महाराष्ट्र में हैजा के प्रसार के दौरान उन्होंने ग्रामीण और शहरी क्षेत्रों में सभी पीड़ितों के लिए कई सहायता केंद्र खोले। वह व्यक्तिगत रूप से हैजा के रोगियों को अपने बेटे यशवंत के क्लिनिक में ले जाती थी, जिन्होंने उनमें से सैकड़ों को मुफ्त में ठीक किया। हैजा ग्रस्त महार बालक को व्यक्तिगत रूप से अपने पुत्र के क्लिनिक में ले जाते समय और उसे वहाँ भर्ती कराने के लिए, वह महार बालक से संक्रमित हो गई और 10 मार्च 1897 को हैजा से उसकी मृत्यु हो गई।
सार्वभौम भाईचारे की सामाजिक व्यवस्था स्थापित करने के लिए धार्मिक वंश, जाति और वंश की बेड़ियों को तोड़ने के लिए कड़ी मेहनत करने वाली लौह महिला को हम सलाम करते हैं। वह पहली भारतीय महिला नेता थीं, जिन्होंने महिलाओं और बच्चों के उत्थान और सम्मान के लिए काम किया और अस्पृश्यता सहित रूढ़िवादी कानूनों की कट्टर विरोधी थीं। वह असहाय अनाथों की माँ, निरक्षरों की शिक्षिका और बीमार और पीड़ित जनता को सांत्वना देती थी। वह "भारत में महिला शिक्षा की माँ" के रूप में सम्मानित होने की पात्र थीं, अन्य महिलाएं जिन्होंने सावित्रीबाई फुले की मदद की, वे एक ब्राह्मण महिला पंडिता रमाबाई थीं। पंडितिया रमाबाई जो भारत में महिलाओं के अधिकारों और कल्याण के लिए अग्रणी वकील थीं; ताराबाई शिंदे, गैर-ब्राह्मण लेखिका हैं, जिन्होंने लैंगिक असमानता पर एक ज्वलंत लेख लिखा था, जिसे उस समय काफी हद तक नजरअंदाज कर दिया गया था, लेकिन हाल ही में यह प्रसिद्ध हो गया है; और फुले के स्कूल में चौदह वर्षीय छात्र मुक्ताबाई, जिनका मंगल और महार जातियों के सामाजिक उत्पीड़न पर निबंध भी अब प्रसिद्ध है।
वह आज भी समानता, न्याय और बंधुत्व पर आधारित शासन स्थापित करने के लिए प्रेरणा स्रोत हैं। आइए हम उनके जीवन और कार्यों से प्रेरणा लें और समाज के उन वर्गों के अलावा दलितों और दलितों की सेवा के लिए खुद को फिर से समर्पित करें जो जीवन के समान अवसरों से वंचित हैं। भारत सरकार को महिला शिक्षा के लिए उनके अद्वितीय कार्य के लिए उन्हें भारत रत्न से सम्मानित करने के बारे में सोचना चाहिए।
ईर. हेम राज फौंसा
E Mail:hrphonsa@gmail.com
Blogspot: Dalit Vision
सन्दर्भ:- (i) नागमय संस्कृति उज्जैन (एमपी) दिनांक 8-7-1997।
(ii) महात्मा जोतिराव फुले द्वारा दासता (खंड I) प्रो.पी.जी द्वारा अनुवादित। पाटिल
शिक्षा विभाग महाराष्ट्र सरकार बॉम्बे 1991
iii) जोतिभा फुले (हिंदी) दुर्गा प्रसाद शुक्ल द्वारा एनसीईआरटी अप्रैल 1991
iv) डॉ अम्बेडकर और उनका मिशन दानजय कीर द्वारा
v) शोषित समाज के क्रांतिकारी प्रवर्तक (हिंदी) सीएस भंडारी प्रकाशकों द्वारा: सम्यक प्रकाशन 32/3 क्लब रोड पश्चिम पुरी एन दिल्ली
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-47819874354888535722021-12-29T06:15:00.000-08:002021-12-29T06:15:05.682-08:00Dakshayani (1912 -78), the only Dalit women Member in the Constitution Drafting Assembly.Dakshayani (1912 -78)
whole India witnessed casteism and Hindu Sudras including untouchables suffered most inhuman treatments under hands of their caste upper caste Hindus. This ill treatment was at its peak during Peshawa rule (1674-1857), which was perhaps worst time for the untouchable castes when it was mandatory for them to tie an earthen pot with their neck to spit and a broom at the back to sweep their foot marks, else Brahmins may get polluted. Their ladies young and old were prohibited to wear clothes above their waists. Kerala also was hit by this malady in its worst form. It continued in its ugliest form even during the 19th and early 20th centuries when the lower caste people such as Ezhavas and the untouchable castes like Paraiyars, tribals and Pulayars had to suffer discrimination from caste community . Many courageous well-meaning social and religious leaders
from untouchable communities revolted against such inhuman acts of upper castes. Those who spearheaded revolutionary persons was Narayana Guru(1856-1928) a philosopher, spiritual leader and social reformer in India. He was joined by Mahatama Ayyankali (1863-1941),who broke the Hindu caste suppression laws and rod an oxen cart banned for the Dalit Mulnivasies to show that they need be treated as human. Chattampi Swamikal (1853- 1924) denounced the orthodox interpretation of Hindu texts citing sources from Vedas. He said his universe is the manifestation of but one mind. Alienation between one mind and another mind is unnatural. Swamikal also worked for the emancipation of women and encouraged them to come to the forefront of society. He said that the enslavement of women was a manifestation of male arrogance. The tale of suppression by the upper castes Aryans of the else while untouchables, now named Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Back ward Classes (OBCs) continued. In the present times it is carried with different modes, mottos and intensities. Its resistance by exploited masses has also continued through their leaders all these times. The Bhagati Movement saints(15CE-17CE), particularly Dalit saints like Nam Dev, Kabir, Ravidas, Tukaram, chokhamela played a significant role in awakening Dalit masses against their religious exploitation by religious priests. In the last 200 years Dalit leaders Mahatma Jyotorao Phuley (1827-90), Birsa Munda (1875-1900), Maharaja Baroda Siyaji Rao Giakward III (1863-1939), Chhaterpati Sahu Ji Maharaj (1874-1922), Baba Ghadge (1876-1956) E.V. Ramaswamy Pariyar (1879-19730) Dr. Baba Saheb B.R. Ambedkar (1891-1956). He role played by these leaders Shaked the very roots of the exploiters in social, education and economic spheres. Bhima Koregaon incident is a symbol of the long history of Dalit warriorship with social mobility and casted great blow to Hindu imperialism. Dr. Baba Saheb burnt the Hindu Law Code Manusmiriti, a book of hate against untouchables and women on 25th December 1927. Instead of Manusmiriti he gave India its Constitution based of equality, brotherhood, fraternity. By his conversion with lacs of his followers to India’s oldest faith Buddhism, a religion of teaching universal brotherhood, Baba Saheb gave an escape route to Dalit masses, from the cage of hate and exploitative religion of their forefathers.
This tale was carried by many Dalit ladies, one among them was Dakshayani Velayudhan. She earned the distinction of being first graduate and lone Dalit woman member of the Constituent Assembly.
Dakshayani, was the daughter of Kallachammuri Kunjhan and his wife Maani, was born of 4 July 1912 off the coast of Cochin in Mulavukad , an rural slave caste, Pulayas. She was married to R. Velayudhan a Scheduled Caste leader who became later a Member of Parliament. Their wedding was held at Sewagram in Wardha Maharashtra, in presence of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba. A leper from Sewagram acted as a priest. Out of the legal wedlock of the couple had four sons Dr. Reghu (One time doctor for Smt. Indira Gandhi), Prahladan, Dhruvan, Bhagirath (Secretary General, The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and one daughter Meera. She was reported to be also related to Dr. K R Narayanan the 10th President of India. She was a child of social change. She saw the early 1900s struggles for equality and recognition across Kerala. She lived for 66 years and passed in July 1978.
Dakshayani’s while narrating formation of the Pulaya Mahana Sabha conveyed her the prevailing conditions on the public, the private, and public practices of anti-caste assertions
The Low caste people were even allowed to hold their meeting on main land. So when Pulaya Mahajana Sabha(1913) was formed , organizers had to hold meeting in sea over country boats tied together in the sea in Bolghatty, as sea had now caste. The meeting plate form raft was made by joining together a large number of catamarans (multi-hull Boat) with the help and support of the fisherfolk Shri Krishnethi who was Dakshayani’s uncle being brother of her father Kunjan. Besides other her two brothers were also actively participated.
Dakshayani graduated in 1935 with Chemistry, as first Dalit women of India, from Maharajas College in Ernakulam, Kochi. Three years later she completed her teachers' training course from the Madras University . During her studies she faced the blunt of untouchability as in the college she had to see practices from a distance, her teacher did not allow her to join other students in Chemistry laboratory. However, her studies were supported by scholarships from the government of the Cochin State
From 1935 to 1945 she worked as a teacher at the Government High Schools in Trichur and Tripunithura. She dared to challenge the age-old stigma of Dalit women not to wear clothes above waist. She followed suit to wear upper waist covering after her mother Maani and sister.
The low caste people were snatched right to walk on common designated pathways. Dakshayani had reportedly written in her book that as teacher she was asked by another upper caste lady walker to clear way for her. But Dakshayani did not oblige her, so she had to get down 4-5 feet down into paddy field, and then come on the path to continue her journey.
Joining her political journey as per “Down memory lane of politics”, she called her Cochin Legislative Council nomination (1942). On August 2, 1945, Daksha ani spoke for the first time in the Cochin Legislative Council, in English. Pointing out that funds for the depressed classes were dwindling, she called for proportional reservation in panchayats and municipalities. Dakshayani also said that as long as untouchability remained, the word Harijan was meaningless, it was like calling dogs Napoleon. In the Constitution debates she even suggested to promptly ban untouchably by an ordinance
Nominating Dakshayani a member of the Constituent Assembly (1946) was “interesting and historical”. The Indian Constitution Assembly had 299 members including 15 women members with Madam Dakshayani one from Dalit castes. In Constitution Assembly she supported the Chairman Constitution Drafting Committee Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar to the extent her Congress party manifesto permitted. In Parliament she took special interest in the matters of education especially that of the Scheduled Castes.
On 8 November 1948, after Dr BR Ambedkar introduced the draft Constitution for discussion, she expressed her appreciation for the draft while calling for greater decentralization. On that day (Dr. H. C. Mookherjee ), Vice President was in the chair. While praising Dr. Baba Saheb’s labour despite his failing health, she said that the able and eloquent Chairman of the drafting Committee has done his duty creditably within the scope of the general set-up of the new State of India. I feel that even if he wanted, he could not have gone beyond the broad principles under which transfer of power took place and I therefore think that any criticism that is levelled against him is totally uncharitable and undeserved. Continuing her speech, she further said that even if there is any blame - and I think there is - it should go only to those of us who are present here and who were sent for the purpose of framing a constitution and on whom responsibilities were conferred by the dumb millions of this land who by virtue of their suffering for independence had great hopes when they sent us to this Assembly. She expressed some views which went against the draft Constitution schemes of things suggested in the draft Constitution.
While speaking how the Construction shall work, when it comes in force, she said that the working of the Constitution will depend upon how the people will conduct themselves in the future, not on the actual execution of the law. So, she hoped that in course of time there will not be such a community known as Untouchables and that our delegates abroad will not have to hang their heads in shame if somebody raises such a question in an organization of international nature. But ,alas, this has not happened even after seven decades of our independence. While stressing abolition of untouchability by law she said “We cannot expect a constitution without a clause relating to untouchability because the Chairman of the Drafting Committee himself belongs to the untouchable community”. She suggested in her that the Constituent Assembly should go beyond framing a constitution and “give people a new framework for life”, use the opportunity to make untouchability illegal, and ensure “moral safeguard that gives real protection to the underdogs of India” (CA Debates, 151-152).
Her idea of moral safeguards showed her maturity of mind that only an independent socialist republic could uplift unprivileged so remove social disabilities. Many of her assertions show richness of her mind making and her worries about welfare of her Low caste samaj along with her country.
She also suggested that the final draft of the Constitution should be adopted following a ratification through a general election knowing not that the time was short to place a democratic system in action for India. Dakshayani’s political, social and personal views were her own independent thought and opinion. Her apprehensions for selection of state Governors from a panel of 4 persons have come true. While elucidation her point she said if the central Government happens to be of Congress, the Congress man will be selected. But before she could finish her speech, she was interrupted by the Chair, who said, she had exceeded her time limit, and that he was letting her continue “only because you are a lady.”
After 70 years of independence her points most have proven correct. This is generally happening in selection posts, may be Governors, bureaucrats etc. the party in position decided merits on its norms. She suggested to select Governors by public. Now we observe that if a chief Minister belongs to one political party and other party is ruling in center. Then the Chief Minister and Governor mostly their hold views, on matters of common public interests, matching to the party ruling in State and Centre interests.
She intervened again on 29 November 1948, during discussions on draft Article 17 to lend her support, to abolishes untouchability and to forbid its practice in any form.
Often, she told by other women members that she asked too many questions. All other women members had come from privileged class like like Vijaylakshmi Pandit, Sarojini Naidu, Begum Aizaz, Rasul Kamla Chaudhary, Renuka Ray but contribution of Dakshayani in constitution drafting debates was much more than any other women members.
Dakshayani was president of the Depressed Classes Youths Fine arts Club and the Managing Editor of The Common Man in Madras from 1946-49. She later became the founder president of the Mahila Jagriti Parishad.
Honoring Dakshayani Velayudhan, the first and only Dalit woman MLA and Member Constitution Drafting Assembly, the Kerala government has constituted the “Dakshayani Velayudhan Award” to be given annually to women who contributed in empowering other women in the state. The budget earmarked Rs 2 crore for the award This announcement was made by the Kerala Finance Minister Dr. Thomas Isaac during the presentation of Kerala Budget 2019 in the Legislative Assembly on 31 January 2019.
She will be long remembered for her services to Indian in general and Dalit Samaj in Particu
Words:-1983 Er.H.R.Phonsa
Dated 29-12-2021
Refences: -
1.(Indian Express April20,2019).
2. Kshirsagar, R K (1994). Dalit Movement in India and Its Leaders, 1857-1956
Dakshayani died after a short illness in July 1978. She was 66.
3.Google.
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-90055751206395885002021-12-26T03:47:00.000-08:002021-12-26T03:47:48.098-08:00Manusmiriti Dehan Today is the Ninety Six Anniverasy of Manusmiriti Dehan
Dated : 25th Dec,2021
Let us salute those who organised Manusmiriti Dehan, burnt Munusmiriti and witnessed this scene on its 92nd anniversary.
Ninety-Six years ago today, that is, on December 25, 1927, Babasaheb Ambedkar burned Manusmriti as a symbol of rejection of the religious basis of untouchability.
Why it was thought to burn Manusmiriti
Manusmititi is a Hindu Law book which denies/denied all human rights to untouchable( Now called Scs, STs, OBCs) and all women irrespective of her caste affiliations. The event was arranged during the Mahad Satyagraha. Mahad Satyagraha was perhaps first fight worldwide to exert right to take water from public water bodies by human who were classified as Hindus Shudras. It was also a fight of Untouchable to declare that they will fight to gain humanity and dignity which was denied to them till centuries. Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a committed advocate for the cause of emancipation of untouchable and women’s ,socially and educationally. It was a political action to burn Manusmriti in full public view, as Baba Saheb was convinced that Manusmiriti contained rules which were preaching inhumane treatment not only towards women but also “Untouchables”, in all walks of life both in private or public spheres. It was clear revolt against Brahminism inhuman treatments to their religious brothers clubbed in IV verna.
The actual burning of Manusmiriti on 27th Decemember 1927 was joined among others by Saraswati Brahmin Gagadhar Neelkanth Sahasrabuddhe affectionately called as “Bapu” by his Ambedkarite admirers. He was a committed volunteer of the Samaj Samata Sangha founded by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He also served in the Social Service League as its chief. When Manusmriti was publicly burnt on 25th December 1927, at Mahad, Mr. Sahasrabuddhe alias Bapu Ji played very dedicated role along with many trusted lieutenants of Baba Saheb. R.K Kshirsagar in his book “Dalit Movement in India and its Leaders” writes that Gagadhar Neelkanth Sahasrabuddhe alias Bapu saheb was a Brahmin by caste, social worker and actually he burnt the Manusmiriti in full public view at Mahad where besides many others P.N. Rajbhoj, B.K. Giakward, Mr. Sitaram Shivtarkar and Dr. Ambedkar were present with their thousands of followers. Bapu Saheb Sahasrabuddhe was the Secretary of the Municipal Kamgar Sangha (Worker’s Union) led by Dr. Ambedkar. He served as the editor of the Janata till 1955. This fortnightly paper( later weekly) was initially started by Dr. Ambedkar on 24th November 1930 as a special tool to support and publicize policies and programs of Depressed Classes Movement. The weekly was later renamed as Prabhuddha Bharta on Dr Ambedkar’s directions on 4th February 1956. Another site (www.ambedkar.org) article “Manusmiriti Dahan Din” by Dr. K. Jamanadas has mentioned that a "vedi" was created beforehand to burn Manusmriti. Six people were laboring for two days to prepare it.
How the act was performed:
A pit six inches deep and one and half foot square was dug in, and filled with sandle wood pieces. On its four corners, poles were erected, bearing banners on three sides. Three sides Banners said,
1. "Manusmriti chi dahan bhumi", i.e. Crematorium for Manusmriti.
2. Destroy Untouchability and
3. Bury the Brahmanism.
On 25th December, 1927, at 9 p.m., the book of Manusmriti was kept on this and burned at the hands of BapuSaheb Sahastrabuddhe and another five six Dalit sadhus. At the meeting there was BabaSaheb's historical speech.
The main points of speech: We have to understand why we are prevented from drinking water from this tank. He explained Chaturvarna, and declared that our struggle is to destroy the fetters of Chaturvarna; this was the starting point of the struggle for equality. He compared that meeting with the meeting of 24th Jan. 1789, when Loui XVI of France had called a meeting of French people’s representatives. This meeting killed king and queen, harassed and massacred the upper classes, remaining were banished, property of the rich was confiscated, and it started a fifteen year long civil war. People have not grasped the importance of this Revolution. This Revolution was the beginning of the prosperity of not only France but whole of Europe and has revolutionized the whole World. He explained French Revolution in detail. He then explained that our aim is not only to remove untouchabilty but to destroy chaturvarna, as the root cause lies there. He explained how Patricians deceived Plebeians in the name of religion. The root of untouchabilty lies in prohibition of inter-caste marriages, that we have to break, he thundered. He appealed to higher varnas to let this "Social Revolution" take place peacefully, discard the sastras, and accept the principle of justice, and he assured them peace from our side. After the Manusmriti was burned four resolutions were passed and a Declaration of Equality was pronounced. He further declared, that if unfortunately, this burning of Manusmriti does not result in destruction of "Brahmanya", we will have to either burn the "Brahmanya-grast" people (i.e. affected by Brahmanism), or renounce Hinduism.
Let each Dalit on this historic day, the 25th December have self introspection whether he/she has adhered to the advice of their emancipator, if not why not. They must evaluate the loss they have suffered for not following ideals of their liberator.They must think of correction in their actions so far ignored. Their emancipator Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar lost his kids, wife his life comforts for welfare of his people. He died under debit. They need to mend their ways for the good future of their generations. Let the Dalits know that till Baba’s written Constitution is alive they are alive. They should save it as their first religious act
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-83848917573536318992021-11-28T09:19:00.001-08:002021-11-28T09:19:15.921-08:00 ON Sir, Chhotu Ram 's 140th Birth AnniversarySir,Chhotu Ram 's 140th Birth Anniversary falling on24th Nov,2021
The Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy incl. J&K Branch remembers with gratitude Jat Leader Sir Chhotu Ram (24 November 1881 – 9 January 1945) on his 140th Birth Anniversary falling to day the 24th Nov,2021.
Sir,Chhotu Ram was a prominent politician in British India an ideologue of the pre-Independent India and championed the interest of oppressed communities of the Indian subcontinent. He was intelligent and always stood first in class incl. Law degree. On the political front, he was a co-founder of the National Unionist Party which ruled the United Punjab Province in pre-independent India. He was the President of Rohtak Congress Party 2016 but resigned in Calcutta party conference 1920 as he opposed Congress on Non Cooperative Movement. He founded Unionist Party,( Zamindara League) in 1923 with Sir Fazl-i-Hussain ,prominent Muslim leader., which was a cross-communal alliance of Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim agriculturists. Both leaders kept at bay the Congress and Muslim League policies of religion divide of masses. The Unionist Party won elections in 1935 to form the provincial government in the capital at Lahore. As revenue minister, he brought in changes in the law to stop the practice of usury (charging interest on interest say SOOD Dar SOOD). If a person had repaid double of more amount of the sum he borrowed, his debit will get automatically waved off, a great relief to poor peasantry. The money lenders, distraints, were debarred to get land transferred, auction standing crops, trees, farm implements, oxen in lieu of money due from a debtor. He championed the struggle for common man including farmers and so law was framed for restoration of mortgaged lands in1938. He mooted the proposal of Bhakhra Dam. Sir Chhotu Ram was a great champion of Muslim-Hindu, Dalit Unity and opposer of partition of India on religious lines. Both Baba Haheb Dr.B.R.Ambedkar and Choudhary Chhotu Ram opposed Congress leaders slogging “Simon Go Back” as Simon was to study the condition of Indian masses, religious domination and to suggest the remedial measures. Gandhi and Hindu leaders were opposed to British know inter religions difference of Indians, who were Slaves to British Slaves. The present Kissan agitation has roots in thoughts of Ch. Chhotu Ram.
May his soul rest in peace.
Er.H. R. Phonsa hrphonsa@gmail.com,9419134060
All India Spokesman the Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy
हिंदी अनुवाद
भारतीय दलित साहित्य अकांगी समिति जम्मू-कश्मीर शाखा ने आभार जताते हुए जाट नेता सर छोटूराम (24 नवंबर 1881-9 जनवरी 1945) की 140 वीं जयंती पर 24 नवंबर, 2021 को याद किया। वह ब्रिटिश भारत में एक प्रमुख राजनेता थे जो स्वतंत्र भारत के एक विचारक थे और उन्होंने भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप के दबे-कुचले समुदायों के हित को चैंपियन किया । वह रोहतक कांग्रेस पार्टी २०१६ के अध्यक्ष थे, लेकिन कलकत्ता पार्टी सम्मेलन १९२० में इस्तीफा दे दिया क्योंकि उन्होंने गैर सहकारी आंदोलन पर कांग्रेस का विरोध किया था । उन्होंने 1923 में सर फजल हुसैन (प्रमुख मुस्लिम नेता) के साथ यूनियनिस्ट पार्टी (जमींदारा लीग) की स्थापना की, जो हिंदू, सिख और मुस्लिम कृषकों का एक क्रॉस-सांप्रदायिक गठबंधन था । दोनों नेताओं ने जनता के धर्म विभाजन की कांग्रेस और मुस्लिम लीग की नीतियों को खाड़ी में रखा । यूनियनिस्ट पार्टी ने लाहौर में राजधानी में प्रांतीय सरकार बनाने के लिए १९३५ में चुनाव जीता था । राजस्व मंत्री के तौर पर सूद दार सूद कहते हैं कि सूद की प्रथा (ब्याज पर ब्याज वसूलने) को रोकने के लिए वह कानून में बदलाव लाते थे। यदि किसी व्यक्ति ने उधार ली गई राशि की दोगुनी राशि चुकाई थी, तो उसका डेबिट स्वचालित रूप से भुगतान के अंत रूप में लिया जाएगा ,जो गरीब किसानों के लिए एक बड़ी राहत है । साहूकारों, असंतुष्टों को एक देनदार से देय धन के बदले भूमि हस्तांतरित करने, खड़ी फसलों, पेड़ों, कृषि उपकरणों, बैलों को प्राप्त करने के लिए वर्जित किया गया था । उन्होंने किसानों सहित आम आदमी के लिए संघर्ष को चैंपियन बनाया और इसलिए 1938 में गिरवी रखी गई जमीनों की बहाली के लिए कानून बनाया गया। उन्होंने भाखड़ा बांध का प्रस्ताव रखा ।सर छोटूराम धार्मिक आधार पर मुस्लिम-हिंदू, दलित एकता सहायक था और भारत विभाजन के विरोधी ।महान हिमायती थे। बाबा साहिब डॉ. बी आर. अंबेडकर और चौधरी छोटूराम दोनों ने कांग्रेस नेताओं का विरोध करते हुए कहा कि साइमन को भारतीय जनता की स्थिति, धार्मिक वर्चस्व का अध्ययन करना और उपचारात्मक उपायों का सुझाव देना था । गांधी और कांग्रेस के नेता कभी नहीं चाहते थे कि अंग्रेजों को धार्मिक अल्पसंख्यकों के हिदु जाति गत वर्चस्व की जानकारी हो। इसलिए उन्होंने इसका विरोध किया । वर्तमान किस्सान आंदोलन की जड़ें चौधरी छोटूराम के विचारों में हैं। उसकी आत्मा शांति में आराम करे ।
हिंदी अनुवाद में कुछ गलतियां हो सकती हैं जैसा कि कंप्यूटर अनुवाद का कार्य है
Er.H. R. Phonsa hrphonsa@gmail.com,9419134060
All India Spokesman the Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya AkademyHem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-38103727333178115102021-11-28T08:44:00.000-08:002021-11-28T08:44:21.108-08:0071stConstitution Day 2021 71stConstitution Day 2021
(Brief Narrative about Framing of Indian Constitution with Dr. Ambedkar’s contribution)
By: Er. H. R. Phonsa
On 19 September 1945, under GOI Act 1935, the Indian Viceroy Lord Wavell announced that the elections to the central and provincial legislatures would be held in December 1945 to January 1946 andwere held in January 1946 on the basis of Separate electorates. In the election Congress won 923 (58.23%) and AIML 425 (26.81%) of total 1583 seats. This laid the foundation for creation of Pakistan as results showed that the congress won 90% of General and non-Muslin area seats and the Indian Muslim League won 87% seats in Muslim majority areas. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s party the Scheduled Castes Federation (SCF) won only 2 seats. Shri S.N. Mandal from (W-B) and R. P. Yadav from C.P and Berar. Baba Saheb lost elections from Bombay.
(Ref R.K. Kashersagar, Dalit Mvement in India & its leaders Page77)
It had already been decided that an executive council would be formed and also constitution-making body would be convened after these elections. The members to frame Constitution of free India were elected /nominated in August, 1946 under Cabinet Plan 1946. This team of 389, among whom 292 stood already elected in January, 93 were nominated from native states besides 4 nominated from Chief Commissioner’s provinces. This team had 73 AIML members.
Although Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar was elected from Bengal Legislature in bye elected on July 20, 1946. but due to Congress leadership mischief was not included in the Interim Government formed on 2nd September, 1946. Babu Jagjivan Ram from (Cong.) and J.N. Mandal (SCF) from AIML quotas, both belonging to Scheduled Castes, were included. Mr. Ram was made labour Minister and Mandal Law Minister, Parliamentary Affairs, public works portfolio. Mandal a Namosudra became Law Minister of united India and later Baba Saheb became First Law Minister of free India.
Due unkind blessing of both Hindu and Muslim leaders with hardliner with non-liberal mind set , the country was thrown into worst human tragedy of twentieth century with partition of India. About 14.5 million people crossed the borders. Estimates of the number of deaths vary, with low estimates at 200,000 and high estimates at 2,000,000.
To rule successfully independent India ,7th biggest country of world with 330 million population (1947), holding 3.287 million Sq kms area, following 9 main religions and speaking 19500 languages and dialects. So, Bharat needed to frame policies to hold together this big country. There was need to amicably decide the fate and relation with Native Princely (nearly 584) states who may decide to join Indian domain. The Native Princely States ruled 48% of united Indian area. To judicially attend to all such problems demanding immediate and long-term solutions, India needed urgently a National Rule book or “Constitution”. The British were also not prepared to leave India till it gets its Constitution. Jawahar Lal Nehru had promised British Primer C.R. Attlee to famed constitution in two months, but failed so decision to free India was taken to postponed freedom till 13th June, 1948. Finding in a fix Pt. J. L. Nehru Attlee suggested the name of Sir Ivor Jennings (1903-1965) a British lawyer, to frame Indian Constitution. He was reluctant to accomplish this gigantic task, saying it will be difficult to face Dr. Ambedkar and reply his quarries in the house. When Baba Saheb Ambedkar lost elections in January 1946, the Congress leaders were jubilant and Sardar Patel is reported to have even remarked that they have closed all doors, windows and even ventilators for Dr. Ambedkar to enter Parliament. We will see how Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to enters Parliament House . They were forgetting that he only was solution to their immediate problem of Constitution drafting and arrest any further delay in getting freedom to India.
Here came in Shri J.N. Mandal (1904-1968) a Scheduled Caste, Namosudra by caste stood who stood elected get on general seat from Bengal. He suggested Baba Saheb to contest from Bengal, for which a member resigned to vacate a seat for him. This way Baba Saheb was re-elected on July 20, 1946 with active support from all SCs and IML leaders. Baba Saheb’s followers from Punjab under Seth Krishan Lal, leader Marchant command worked hard for this .
The Congress tangle on this account was solved on intervention of Gandhi Ji, who argued, if they selected a foreign for this job, image how it will blacken our image in world eyes saying if Indians cannot make their constitution, how will they hold country united. So, in this fix Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar was selected to frame Indian Constitution. (rlkaindgarden@gmail.com).
With Indian Independence on 15 August,1947, first Union Cabinet was sworn in with Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru as Prime Minister. Dr Baba Saheb B.R. Ambedkar, a non-congress member, became the First Law Minister of India. After Indian divide, the team for Indian Constitution Drafting was reduced from 389 to 299 (193 Hindu incl. 33 SC) and others.The team included thirteen women having 01 from Scheduled Castes, named Shrimati Dakshayani Velayudhan,a hard nut follower of Gandhi. Baba Saheb Ambedkar was elected Chairman of Constitution Drafting Committee on 29 August, 1947. Dr. Ambedkar, a Mahar was the most academically qualified person with 32 degrees in the team who had studied 64 subjects and knew 10 Indian and foreign languages.
Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was made the first temporary chairman of the Constituent Assembly. In the process Dr. Rajinder Prasad, was appointed as president of Constitution Assembly on 11 Dec.1946.
On partition of country, congress leaders again played mischief and both constituencies of Baba Saheb and J.N. Mandal, wilfully agreed to transfer to proposed Pakistan territory. These constituencies had about 52% Hindu population. But despite the condition that areas with 50% or more Hindu or Muslim population shall remain in India or Pakistan respectively, these areas were made part of Pakistan. Under rule both Baba Saheb and Mandal had to resign or migrate to Pakistan to save their parliamentary seats. Mandal decided to migrate to Pakistan to watch interests of Scheduled Caste people who were left in large number in Pakistan. He was made First Law Minister of Pakistan and Chairman of Pakistan Constitution Drafting Committee. But Baba Saheb decided to remain in India. So had to resign his seat. On this the Indian Constitution writing was to suffer. The Britishers categorially had told Indians leaders to either get Baba Saheb re-elected or the matter of Independence to India will be delayed till justification of transfer of Baba Saheb’s constituency in Bengal was not decided.
Now the Congress had no other way out than to support and get Baba Saheb re-elected afresh from Bombay. He was re-elected on July 3, 1947. In this way the Constitutions Drafting tasks for free India and Pakistan, was intrusted to both Hindu Shudras.
The task of framing Constitution for free India was divided into 22 Sub Committees, with Dr. Baba Saheb Chairman of Constitution Drafting Committee. The constitution framing gigantic work took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days and was finally adopted on 26 November, 1949. This way world’s voluminous Constitution with 117369 words, and 234 pages came into force from 26 January 1950. During Constitution making 7635 amendments were proposed out of which2473 were replied by its worthy Chairman. Indian Nation spent Rs 6.4 million in framing the Constitution which initially contained 395 Articles in 22 parts and 8 Schedules. By August 2021 our Constitution stands amended 105 times. The spirit ,with living soul of the Constitution, is its preamble which reads as under:
“We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic and to secure to all its citizens: Justice, social, economic and political; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; equality of status and or opportunity, and to promote among them all; fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation”.
We the “People of India” revealed lawfully the source of the authority of the Indian Constitution, are all Indians, women included who are supreme to all other authorities under this Constitution. To bring process of equality into practical form, provisions were enacted to give support, in joining main stream of public for the neglected else while untouchable (SCs, STs, OBCs) and women. Reservation of seats for SCs, STS was provided in Art.335 and for OBCs Art.340. In Art.340 provision were kept to appointment a Commission to investigate the socially and educationally conditions of the backward classes,who were as many as 52% of population, and to suggest remedial measures, as the commission thinks proper. Unfortunately, it took 40 years (1950-1990) to give practical but truncated effect to Art.340, as against their 52% population only 27% reservation in state services but with strong bars of creamy layer.
Our Constitution also made non operative all those existing laws which were not in conformity Constitution spirit through Art 13 and the State of Indian was barred to make any such laws in future too. The universal adult franchise (Art.326), Fundamental (Permanent) Rights ( Art.14 to 32), State Directive Principles( Art.36-51) are other path braking gems in crown of Indian Constitution.
Life of Baba Saheb was full of struggle. He struggled for those for whom even God was not concerned. He lost his 4 offspring and young wife due to his not having time, money to attend to his family duties, as he was always engaged in welfare of his people and country. When his body was suffering from many life threatening ailments, he shouldered responsibility of Drafting Constitution. At home to keep awake night long he tied his ailing leg from ceiling fan and kept writing the Constitution for free India. In the parliament house he had to fight with most of the 296 members in the Constitution making body to convince them about his intentions to keep particular provisions in the statue book. Even most from reserved category members (33 in number) with congress alliance were not supportive of him but to their parties policies. Providing Art.13 provisions, Baba Saheb gave practical justification to his idea of burning Manusmiriti in full public view on 25th December, 1925.He now uprooted from base of caste discrimination tree in India, in law. So Dr. Baba Saheb B.R. Ambedkar, was declared as the modern Manu by many right-thinking members.
What members said in praises of Baba Saheb on accomplishing this enormous task can be best judged from the speech of K.K. Krishanaachariya , member of Constitution drafting committee, “ The house is perhaps aware that the seven members nominated by you, one had resigned from the house and replaced. One had died and not replaced. One was away in America and his place was not filled up, and another person was, engaged in state affairs and there was void to that extent. One or two people were away from Delhi and perhaps reasons of health did not permit them to attend, So, it happened ultimately that the burden of drafting this Constitution fell upon Dr. Ambedkar and I have no doubts that we are grateful to him for having achieved this task in a manner which is undoubtedly commendable”. So members called him Father of Indian Constitution but still others called him mother of Indian Constitution.
Lessons From Ambedkar's Last Speech In The Constituent Assembly- A Guide To Protect Our Independence And Democracy “there can be no gain saying that political power in this country has too long been the monopoly of a few and the many are only beasts of burden, ---”
https://www.livelaw.in/columns/constituent-assembly-ambedkar-constitution-constitutional-democracy-169010
“-----however good a constitution may be, it is sure to turn out bad because those who are called to work it, happen to be a bad lot. However bad a constitution may be, it may turn out to be good if those who are called to work it, happen to be a good lot.
…The Constitution can provide only the organs of State such as the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. The factors on which the working of those organs of the State depends are the people and the political parties they will set up as their instruments to carry out their wishes and their politics.”
By Er. H. R Phonsa, Jammu
Dated 26-11-2021
Words 2044
References:- Google
Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar By Dananjay Keer.
Dr.Ambeddkar and His Associates By Er.H.R.PhosaA
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-6287239786532432632021-11-09T05:21:00.002-08:002021-11-09T05:21:36.610-08:00
Shri K. R. Narayanan ( 27 October 1920 – 9 November 2005)
(10th Presidentof India)
His Excellency Kocheril Raman Narayanan the first Malayali Dalit to rise from a thatched hut in small unknown Kerala village
to become first Citizen of India. India become proud of secular democratic system of governance when R.K. Narayanan became
10th President, the proud occupant of Rashterpati Bhawn in Delhi, the highest seat of power in Indian
governance. India the largest world democracy was proud to have K. R. Narayanan as a "working President"
who while working "within the four corners of the Constitution” set new goals in parliamentary system of
governance. This way he worked as between an "executive President" who has direct power and a "rubber-
stamp President" who endorses government decisions without question or deliberation. Many eye brows
were raised when the President Hon’ble K. R. Narayanan questioned the procedure followed in “Appointment
and Transfer” of Supreme Court and State High Court Judges. He not only suggested to relook into and to modify the existing
procedure of“Appointment and Transfer “ of Judges. The file for appointment of 4 Judges(Justice M.B. Shah, Justice D.P.
Mahapatra, Justice Umesh Banerjee and Justice R.C. Lahoti ) to the Supreme court bench from law Ministry after the Prime
Minister’s signature moved in to the Presidential secretariat in mid November 1998. While giving his assent to the names on the
file on November 28, 1998, Narayanan wrote: "I would like to record my views that while recommending the appointment of
Supreme Court judges, it would be consonant with constitutional principles and the nation's social objectives if persons belonging
to weaker sections of society like SCs and STs, who comprise 25 per cent of the population, and women are given due
consideration." The President also asserted that "Eligible persons from SC/ST categories are available and their
underrepresentation or non-representation would not be justifiable." In 1998 there were 93 vacancies out of sanctioned strength of
585 High courts Judges. Taking clue from it the President wrote back "Eligible persons from these categories are available and
their underrepresentation or non-representation would not be justifiable. Keeping vacancies unfilled is also not desirable given the
need for representation of different sections of society and the volume of work which the Supreme and High Courts are required
to handle. On K. R. Narayanan raising objections on CJI Hon’ble Adarsh Sein Anand's proposals ,Judiciary entered in to the legal
procedural tangle whether the President was right or wrong in doing so the Legal circles acknowledge that compared to the
population very few justices belonging to the SC/ST category are appointed. In the past, the 25-member Supreme Court used to
have at least one justice belonging to the underprivileged section. None of the 24 serving justices belonged to this category.
Finally when the controversy got settled Justice K. G. Balakrishnan’s road block to get elevated as the Chief Justice Of India was
cleared. So subsequently Justice K. G. Balakrishnan a Dalit was elevated as 37th Chief Justice of India from 14th January to 12
May 2010.
During his presidency, Narayanan emphasized on improving the conditions of Dalits and Adivasis, minorities, and poor and
downtrodden through his endless speeches and directions. He focused on the removal of social castes deprivations, such as
atrocities against women and children, caste discrimination, abuse of environment and public utilities, corruption and lack of
accountability in the delivery of public services, religious fundamentalism, advertisement-driven consumerism, and flouting of
human rights.
He proved his excellent mental capabilities as a journalist, economist, educationist, administrator, parliamentarian, Union Minister
and as a head of many Indian foreign diplomatic consulates. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru the first Prime Minister Of India, who also
held the portfolio of the Minister External Affairs during his 16 years as PM, held that K. R. Narayanan was "the best diplomat of
the country." Shri K. R. Narayanan IFS worked as a diplomat in the embassies at Rangoon, Tokyo, London, Canberra, and Hanoi.
He was the Indian ambassador to Thailand (1967–69), Turkey (1973–75), and the People's Republic of China (1976–78).
Narayanan's tenures as Indian ambassador to China, the first such high level Indian diplomatic posting in that country after the
1962 Sino-Indian War was highly acclaimed. A firm footing of change for the good in the diplomatic thinking between India and
People's Republic of China was established due to apt intelligent handling by Sh. K.R. Narayanan .His diplomatic handling of
constrained Indo-China relations made possible Indian Minister of External Affairs, Mr. A.B Vajpayee to pay a visit to China in
1979, and also visit of Chinese Vice Premier cum Foreign Minister, Mr. Huang Hua, to India in 1981. After retirement as an IFS
Officer he was called back to serve as Indian Ambassador to the United States from 1980–84, under the Indira Gandhi
administration. His profound experience in diplomatic efforts helped arrange Ms. Gandhi's landmark visit in 1982( July 27-31) to
Washington during Ronald Reagan presidency. Narayanan’s able handling of strained relations with both world giants helped
mend India's strained relations with both these countries as equal partners.
Kocheril Raman Narayanan was born in Perumthanam, Uzhavoor village, in the princely state of Travancore (present day
Kottayam district, Kerala) This village is about 32 km away from Kottayam Distric headquarters. He was the fourth child out of
seven children of Shri Kocheril Raman Vaidyar, a physician practising the traditional Indian medical systems of Siddha and
Ayurveda.His mother’s name was Shrimati Punnaththuraveettil Paappiyamma. His family belonging to the Paravan ( Dalit) caste,
whose members are assigned the task of plucking coconuts as per the caste system.His family was poor, but his father was
respected for his medical acumen. Narayanan was born on 4 February 1921. He was admitted in Government Lower Primary
School at Kurichithanam on May 5,1927. His uncle accompanied him to school to get him admitted. But his uncle, did not know his
actual date of birth, and arbitrarily chose 27 October 1920 for the school records; Narayanan later chose to retain it in official
records. Later Narayanan went to Our Lady of Lourdes Upper Primary School at Uzhavoor from 1931-35. Due to his family's weak
financial status, Narayanan walked 10-15 km daily to reach school through paddy fields. At times he attended his lectures by
standing outside the class due to his inability to pay the school fees on time. His brother, K.R. Neelakantan was confined to home
due to asthma. Neelakantan helped Narayanan in his studies by borrowing books and copying down notes for him. Narayanan
went to St. John's High School, Koothattukulam ( 1935-36) and later Matriculated from St. Mary's High School, Kuravilangad in
1937. He completed his intermediate studies from CMS College, Kottayam in 1940 through the support of a merit scholarship from
the Travencore Royal family . In 1943, he passed his BA (Hons) and subsequently passed MA degrees in Literature ( 1940-43)
from University of Travancore (now University of Kerala), with first position in the university. So he earned the distinction of being
the first Dalit to complete his degree with First class. Due to the ill treatment given to him in the university, being a Dalit, he denied
to accept the degree and service offered to him by the university authorities.
Equipped with high merits this Dalit post graduate set out to pursue his higher studies, but poverty came his way, so he returned
back to his native place. He took to journalism and worked with the leading news papers The Hindu and The Times Of India(1944-
45). He interviewed Mahatma Gandhi at Bombay ( Now Mumbai) on 10 April,1945. But Narayanan’s urge for Higher Studies
abroad pressed him to find ways and means to full-fill his dreams. The fee required for his dream project was beyond his financial
reach. There was no scope for government scholarship either. He wrote a letter to JRD Tata requesting him to help him in his
studies abroad. His request was accepted by the industrialist giant J. R. D. Tata ( 1904-1993)who promised him all help for his
studies abroad. There after Narayanan travelled to London to study political science at the prestigious London School of
Economics (LSE) in 1945. He studied under the expert guidance of renowned scholar Harold Laski. He also attended lectures by
Karl Popper, Lionel Robbins, and Friedrich Hayek. He obtained the honours degree of B. Sc. (Economics) with a specialisation in
political science. During his stay in London, he along with fellow student K. N. Raj (1924-2010) was active in the India League
under V. K. Krishna Menon (1896-1976). He was also the London correspondent of the Social Welfare Weekly published by K. M.
Munshi (1887-1971). He shared lodgings with another K. Malayali student N. Raj(1924-2010) and Veerasamy Ringadoo (1920-
2000 ),who later became the first Governor-General and also first President of Mauritius Narayanan’s another close friend was
Pierre Trudeau ( 1919-2000),who later became Prime minister of Canada. Narayanan returned to India in 1948 after completion of
his studies in London. His teacher Laski on his own gave him a letter of introduction to Prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
How Narayana entered Indian Foreign Service, there is a storey to tell. On reaching Delhi Narayanan sought an appointment
with the PM. It was customary for an Indian student returning home from London. His request was accepted and he was given a
time-slot. He met the Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru in Parliament House. For some time they discussed about London and
other things .When Narayanan felt that it was time for him to leave. Narayanan while saying goodbye handed over the letter from
Laski, and stepped out into the great circular corridor outside. Soon he heard the sound of someone clapping from his back. When
Narayanan turned back to see PM , he was asked to return back. The PM had opened the letter and read it. Upon Narayanan’s
return Nehru asked: "Why didn't you give this to me earlier and to this Narayanan replied "Well, sir, I am sorry. I thought it would
be enough if I handed it over while leaving." Some more quarries were made by PM and he also asked Narayanan to see him
again. Soon thereafter NarayanaI entered the Indian Foreign Service.
Besides his diplomatic assignments abroad he also taught at the Delhi School of Economics (1954), and was Jawaharlal Nehru
fellow (1970–72) and secretary to the ministry of external affairs (1976). He retired in 1978 as ambassadors to China . After his
retirement, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi from 3 January 1979 – 14
October 1980. This assignment laid sound foundation for his public life.
On Indira Gandhi's request K.R.Narayanan entered politics . He won three successive general elections to the Lok Sabha in
1984, 1989, and 1991, as a representative of the Ottapalam constituency in Palakkad, Kerala, on a Congress ticket. He defeated
communist leaders Sh.A. K. Balan once and Lenin Rajendran twice. When Rajiv Gandhi ( 1944-1989) became 6th Prime Minister
Of India after assassination of his mother he included K.R.Narayanan as a Minister of State in the Union cabinet K.R.Narayanan
was assigned the portfolios of Planning (1985), External Affairs (1985–86), and Science and Technology (1986–89). As a Member
of Parliament, he resisted international pressure to tighten patent controls in India. On Indian Nation Congress getting voted out
of power K.R. Narayanan sat in the opposition benches ( 1989–91). Narayanan was not included in the cabinet when the
Congress again returned to power in 1991. While working in Rangoon
in Burma ( Now Myanmar), K. R. Narayanan met Miss Ma Tint Tint an activist in the YWCA , the “Young Women's Christian
Association”. The YWCA is the largest women’s organization in the world. It is a movement of women working for social and
economic change around the world. It advocates for young women’s leadership, peace, justice, human rights and sustainable
development, both on a grassroots and global scale. When Ma Tint Tint came to know that Narayanan was student of world
famous teacher Harold Laski, a world economist giant , she approached Narayanan to speak on political freedom .Their
acquaintances turned into meetings and meetings to lifelong association as legally wedded life partners. Since Narayanan was
an IFS officer and Ma Tint Tint a foreigner, their marriage need a special consideration from Indian Prime Minister as per Indian
law. The permission was granted. Later both of them married in Delhi on 8th June 1951. Ma Tint Tint became an Indian citizen
and adopted the Indian name Usha Narayanan(1923–2008). She continued her pursuits for higher learning and writings. She
completed her Masters in Social Work from Delhi School of Social Work. Besides shouldering her household responsibilities Usha
Narayanan continued working on several social welfare programs for women and children in India. She successfully translated and
published several Burmese short stories; a collection of translated stories by Thein Pe Myint ( 1914-1978), titled Sweet and Sour,
published in 1998 when she was First Lady Of India from foreign origin. Their legal wedlock sprang with two lotuses. They have
two daughters, Ms. Chitra Narayanan and Amrita. Amrita Narayanan writes and has a private practice in Psychoanalytic
Psychotherapy. She is the author of a book of short fiction and some other books are also to her credit. Ms. Chitra Narayanan an
IFS ( 1978) served besides other high profile assignments as Indian ambassador to Ghana, Algiers ,The Holy See Turkey and
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-86670802317417953052021-06-25T02:23:00.002-07:002021-06-25T02:23:49.060-07:00दूरदर्शी, मेरे पिता श्री गिल्लू राम जीादर्स डे पर मेरे पिता को मेरी श्रद्धांजलि २१ जून, २०२१
दूरदर्शी, मेरे पिता श्री गिल्लू राम जी
(उनकी 51वीं पुण्यतिथि 21 जून 2021 को है) द्वारा संकलित: इ. हेम राज फौंसा
मेरे पिता स्वर्गीय श्री गिल्लू राम एक अनपढ़ लेकिन दूरदर्शी व्यक्ति थे। कड़ी मेहनत, परिवार और दलित समाज के प्रति प्रतिबद्धताओं के साथ अपनी दृष्टि के कारण उन्होंने जीवन भर कड़ी मेहनत की और देखा कि उनकी नीची जाति का तुकमा उनके बाल बच्चे की प्रगति के रास्ते को बाधित नहीं करता है। मेरी माता स्वर्गीय गुल्लन देवी भी अनपढ़ लेकिन शिष्ट, परिश्रमी, सहयोगी और बुद्धिमान थीं।
मेरा पैतृक स्थान वर्तमान तहसील और जिला सांबा में ग्राम रायपुर था। मेरे परिवार के पास रायपुर में जमीन थीं । मेरे परदादा सुंदर दास पुत्र श्री. मल ने अपनी कृषि भूमि पर खेती की और पीने के पानी के स्रोत के रूप में उपयोग के लिए और सिंचाई के प्रयोजनों के लिए भी एक कुआं बनाया था। यह कुआं अभी भी है लेकिन वीरान है। मुझे बताया गया है कि मेरे दादा-दादी श्री कश्मीरी लाल व श्रीमती मालती, सपुत्र श्री सुंदर दास ने रायपुर गांव छोड़ दिया था न हीं उन्होंने किसी को बताया था। कुछ लोग कहते हैं कि एक ज्योतिषी पंडित ने उन्हें यह कहकर गाँव छोड़ने के लिए डरा दिया कि यदि वे अपना निवास स्थान नहीं बदलते हैं तो उन्हें कोई संतान नहीं होगी। भाग्य बताने वाले का छिपा हुआ आदर्श वाक्य उनकी जमीन हड़पना हो सकता है। बाद में कश्मीरी लाल द्वारा छोड़ी गई भूमि , गुर्जरों और ब्राह्मण जोतने वालों के बीच भूमि अधिग्रहण को लेकर विवाद छिड़ गया। उस विवाद के परिणामस्वरूप 1945-47 में कुछ समय पूर्व गुर्जर भूमि जोतने वालों द्वारा कश्मीरी लाल के आश्रितों का पता लगाया गया।
कश्मीरी लाल रात में रायपुर से गांव पाटली, तहसील शकरगढ़, जिला गुरदासपुर में प्रवास करने के लिए चले गए। वर्तमान में यह गांव पाकिस्तान में आता है। वहां प्रवास करने का आकर्षण यह था कि उनके कुछ रिश्तेदार वहां रह रहे थे। लेकिन इस तथ्य को उनके द्वारा जीवन भर छुपा कर रखा गया था, यह अत्याचारी राजस्व अधिकारियों के डर के कारण हो सकता है जो उन्हें भूमि के लिए भू-राजस्व के लिए परेशान कर सकते हैं जो उन्होंने पीछे छोड़ दिया था। प्रवासन के तथ्य 1945-47 के आसपास तब सामने आए जब गुर्जर और रायपुर में कश्मीरी लाल की भूमि पर रहने वाले ब्राह्मणों के बीच भूमि विवाद छिड़ गया। ब्राह्मण गुर्जरों को परेशान कर रहे थे और उन्हें अपने अधीन कश्मीरी लाल की भूमि से बेदखल करने की धमकी दे रहे थे। गुर्जर परिवार ने हमें हमारे वर्तमान गांव पाखरी, तहसील सांबा और जिला जम्मू (अब सांबा) में खोजा। तब तक मेरे दोनों दादा-दादी की मौत हो चुकी थी। रायपुर भू-स्वामित्व का कागज़ तैयार कराया गया जिससे कश्मीरी लाल का स्वामित्व स्थापित हो गया। राजस्व विभाग में कश्मीरी लाल के आश्रितों को भूमि की बहाली के लिए दावा करने से पहले, 1947 में विभाजन की उथल-पुथल मच गई। इसने मेरे परिवार को आगे की कार्रवाई को रोकने के लिए मजबूर किया। हालाँकि इस रिकॉर्ड ने मेरे पिता और अन्य लोगों को रायपुर भूमि रिकॉर्ड के आधार पर जम्मू-कश्मीर राज्य का स्थायी राज्य विषय प्राप्त करने में सक्षम बनाया। १९४७ के बाद आंशिक शांति के वर्षों की वापसी के बाद भी रायपुर गांव लंबे समय तक वीरान रहा।
मेरे पिता अपने बड़े भाई श. टिल्लू राम और उनकी तीन बहनें, केसरी, शाहनी और गुल्लन सभी का जन्म और शादी हो चुकी थी, जबकि परिवार पाटली में था। मेरे पिता की लंबाई 6 फीट से अधिक थी, मजबूत शरीर के साथ उनका रंग गोरा था।
हमारे परिवार को मेरी दादी के भाई द्वारा मोरी दरवाजा (गेट) लाहौर, अब पाकिस्तान में एक दुकान का कब्जा सौंप दिया गया था, जो दुकान में अपने मोची की काम कर रहा था। तो मेरे पिता और ताया जी दोनों बारी-बारी से लाहौर जूता मरम्मत की दुकान में काम करते थे। उन्होंने काफी पैसे कमाए इसलिए उनकी वित्तीय स्थिति आरामदायक थी। अपने समुदाय के कल्याण के लिए उनकी चिंता पूर्ति के अनुसार, उन्होंने लगभग 20 जूतों की मरम्मत और पॉलिश करने वाले कैरी बॉक्स बनाए थे। ये बक्से उन लोगों को मुफ्त दिए गए जो पहली बार किसी काम के लिए उनके पास आए थे। मुझे मेरे पिता ने बताया था कि कभी-कभी उनके साथ तीस- पैंतीस व्यक्ति रहते थे। वे सभी शहर में दिन में पैकमैन (फेरी-वाला) के रूप में काम करते थे और दुकान में रखे रसोई घर में भोजन करते थे। एक व्यक्ति प्रतिदिन काम से छुट्टी लेता था और बारी-बारी से भोजन तैयार करता था। इस तरह मेरे पिता और ताया जी ने अपने परिवारों के लिए आजीविका कमाने वाले कई लोगों को काम करने के साधन उपलब्ध कराए। ऐसे व्यक्तियों में से कुछ उनके रिश्तेदार थे, और अन्य केवल ज्ञात व्यक्ति थे, लेकिन सभी दरिद्र, भूमिहीन, बेरोजगार थे। यह वास्तव में असहायों के लिए एक बड़ी मदद थी। केवल मानव हृदय वाले दूरदर्शी व्यक्ति ही ऐसे सामुदायिक देखभाल कार्य कर सकते हैं।
मेरे परिवार के सभी बुजुर्गों में शिक्षा की बड़ी लालसा थी, क्योंकि उन्होंने लाहौर में पढ़े-लिखे व्यक्तियों को उच्च पदों पर आसीन और जीवन की सभी सुख-सुविधाओं को प्राप्त करते देखा था। मेरे दादाजी अपने सबसे बड़े दो पोते (अकलू उर्फ चरण दास और चार्तु राम) को अपने गांव पाटली से कुछ दूरी पर रोजाना स्कूल ले जाते थे। मुस्लिम मौलवी शिक्षक दलित बच्चों को स्कूलों में प्रवेश दिलाने में उदार थे। मेरे दादाजी तब तक बाहर रहते थे जब तक बच्चे स्कूल में पढ़ रहे होते। स्कूल के बाद वह उन्हें कभी-कभी अपने कंधों पर उठाकर सुरक्षित घर वापस ले आते।
लोगों ने उनको अपने पोते को ले जाने के लिए ताना मारा क्योंकि राम और लक्ष्मण दोनों को अहिरावण से मुक्त कराने पर भगवान हनुमान ने ले लिया था। ग्राम राम लीला अधिनियम में गांव के लोगों ने अहिरवा के दृश्य देखे थे। रावण के भाई अहिरावण उर्फ महिरावण, एक राक्षस, राम और लक्ष्मण को अपने देवता के लिए बलिदान करने के लिए पाताल लोक में ले गए थे। लेकिन हनुमना ने अहिरावण को मार डाला और दोनों भाइयों को अपने कंधों पर उठाकर सुरक्षित वापस ले आए। अहिराना कहानी कृतिवासी रामायण में दर्ज है और 1940 में एक तेलुगु में फिल्माई गई थी।
कश्मीरी लाल भी शायद अपने परिवार के निरक्षर शैतान को मारने के लिए कृतसंकल्प थे। उनकी यह इच्छा लगभग चार दशकों के बाद सफल हुई जब उनके सभी वंशज शिक्षित हो गए। पटली गाँव में ब्राह्मण आबादी का प्रभुत्व था और बेगार (मजदूरी के भुगतान के बिना काम) बड़े पैमाने पर था। एक ब्राह्मण ने झगड़ा किया और मेरे पिता को समय पर मुफ्त में काम पूरा नहीं करने के लिए गाली दी। काम एक (FALLAH) बैलों द्वारा खींची गई एक युक्ति बनाना था, जो गेहूं की फसल की कटाई को कुचलने के लिए पौधे की भूसी से अनाज को अलग करने के लिए था। फलाह एक कांटेदार कठोर लकड़ी के पेड़ की शाखाओं और जंगली झाड़ियों (सरकंडा) से बनाया गया था। मेरे पिता ने मुझे बताया कि देरी जानबूझकर नहीं की गई थी, लेकिन कई अन्य किसानों ने भी इस तरह के फलाह के लिए कहा था और वे सभी जल्दी में थे। मेरे पिता ने ब्राह्मण किसान को बुरी तरह पीटा। शाम का समय था जब हाथापाई हुई। हाथापाई के बाद मेरे पिता अपने ससुराल वालों के पास भागे, जो जम्मू के तहसील सांबा जिले के पाखरी गांव में थे, जो उस समय एक रियासत में था ।
मेरे पिता शारीरिक रूप से मजबूत और मानसिक रूप से हमेशा सतर्क थे। उसने हमें बताया कि एक बार जब वह लाहौर से घर लौट रहा था, तो उसकी ट्रेन देर रात गुरदासपुर स्टेशन पर पहुंच गई। उन्हें उस रात रेलवे प्लेट फॉर्म पर रुकना पड़ा। इसलिए उसे एक लकड़ी के बेंच पर लेटना पड़ा । एक पिक पॉकेट ने उसे सोते हुए ले लिया, इसलिए मेरे पिता के सिर की ओर पैर करके साथ उसी बेंच पर लेट गया। मेरे पिता ने धीरे-धीरे अपना पैर पिक पॉकेट की ठुड्डी के नीचे मारा और गहरी नींद के दौरान शरीर को आराम देने का नाटक करते हुए इसे जबरदस्ती दवाया । पिक पॉकेट जोर से रोया और खाली हाथ भाग गया।
मेरे पिता ने मेरे नाना जी (फग्गू राम), एक मध्यम भूमि स्वामी से कहा कि वह जमीन खरीदना चाहते हैं और पाटली गांव को हमेशा के लिए छोड़ देना चाहते हैं। विक्रेय कृषि भूमि की खोज की गई। एक ब्राह्मण परिवार ने गांव पाखरी में 10 एकड़ (लगभग 4 हेक्टेयर) कृषि भूमि लगभग तीन हजार रुपये में बेचने पर सहमति व्यक्त की। 1927 की बात है। उन दिनों यह बहुत बड़ी बात थी और चमार परिवार द्वारा ब्राह्मणों से जमीन खरीदने की पूरी खबर एक जंगल की आग की तरह तरह फैल गई। जमीन के लिए कुछ अग्रिम राशि का भुगतान किया गया था। जब वे बिक्री विलेख की तैयारी कर रहे थे, तो यह ज्ञात हो गया कि राज्य का स्थायी निवास सर्टिफिकेट है। स्टेट सब्जेक्ट सर्टिफिकेट की जरूरत थी, जो उनके पास नहीं था और न ही मौजूदा हालात में जल्दी मिलने की कोई उम्मीद थी। अतः ग्राम कौलपुर के श्री धन्नू राम पुत्र वधावा एवं केसरी के नाम भूमि क्रय/विक्रय विलेख पंजीकृत कराया गया। श्री धन्नू राम गिल्लू राम की बड़ी बहन केसरी के पुत्र थे । मुझे बताया गया कि एक रुपये के चांदी के सिक्कों में दो हजार और दो सौ रुपये की बिक्री विलेख के रूप में तहसीलदार सांबा के सामने भुगतान के लिए घोड़े की पीठ पर सांबा ले जाया गया। पैसे की गिनती सांबा तहसील के कल्ली गांव के जैलदार ने की थी. उन्होंने चांदी का एक भी सिक्का नकली नहीं पाया, यह कहते हुए कि उनकी कमाई 100% ईमानदार थी।इस तरह पूरा परिवार नई जगह पाखरी में चला गया। सिंचाई के लिए एक कुआँ भी खोदा गया था, इसलिए हमारी खेती अच्छी तरह से चल रही थी।
मेरे बड़े भाई चतुर राम और चचेरे भाई चरण दास की शिक्षा रामगढ़ सरकारी प्राथमिक विद्यालय में छठी कक्षा पास होने तक जारी रही। उन्हें स्कूली शिक्षा छोड़नी पड़ी क्योंकि इलाके में छठी कक्षा से आगे कोई स्कूल नहीं था। दोनों लाहौर में काम करने लगे। हालाँकि वे दस रुपये या उससे अधिक के मासिक वेतन पर पटवारी या स्कूल शिक्षक के रूप में सेवा में शामिल होने के योग्य थे, लेकिन वे लाहौर में काम करना पसंद करते थे जहाँ वे आसानी से मासिक लगभग तीस रुपये कमाते थे। मेरे दादाजी का ९५ वर्ष की आयु में निधन हो गया और कुछ वर्षों बाद दादी की मृत्यु हो गई लेकिन १९४७ की उथल-पुथल से पहले। दादी आंख में किसी समस्या के कारण वह अंधी हो गई थी। तो उसका बुढ़ापा दर्दनाक था।
पिता और उसका भाई दोनों अलग-अलग रहते थे। मेरे ताया जी के तीन बेटे थे (चरणदास, थंडू राम और कर्मो, कर्मो जल्दी मर गए, दो बेटियां सरो और कौशल्या)। मेरे पिता और ताया की सभी संतानों में से केवल तीन (जबरो राम, मैं और कौशल्या देवी) जीवित हैं। कौशल्या जम्मू के कुंजवानी में रहती हैं। हमारे परिवार आज भी हमारी पुश्तैनी जमीन पर खेती करते हैं। मेरे परिवार के हिस्से के रूप में मेरे पास जमीन का एक टुकड़ा भी है।
मेरे पिता पर एक दुर्भाग्य तब आया जब मेरी माँ की मृत्यु 194-42 के आसपास हुई, अपने पीछे चार बेटे और दो बेटियां (चत्रु राम, जबरो राम, हेम राज और मेरा सबसे छोटा भाई, जो बचपन में मर गया, बहन गयानो देवी और पुन्ना देवी) को छोड़ गई थी। मेरा सबसे छोटा भाई मेरी माँ की मृत्यु के कुछ महीने बाद तक ही जीवित रहा। मेरी मां की मृत्यु प्रसव संबंधी समस्याओं के कारण हुई थी। मैं भी इतना छोटा था कि मुझे अपनी मां के बारे में कुछ भी याद नहीं है। मेरे बड़े भाई चतुर राम और बहन जियानो देवी, हालांकि विवाहित थे लेकिन युवा होने के कारण अपने पिता के साथ परिवार का बोझ साझा करने में असमर्थ थे। जब मेरी बहन अपने ससुराल गई, तो मेरी भाभी श्रीमती विद्या देवी (अब ९० वर्ष से अधिक उम्र की) बहुत छोटी थीं, घर की जिम्मेदारियों को स्वतंत्र रूप से निभाने में असमर्थ थीं। इसलिए गिल्लू राम को अपने परिवार का संकट सहना पड़ा। कई रिश्तेदारों ने मेरे पिता को दोबारा शादी करने का सुझाव दिया क्योंकि परिवार की जिम्मेदारियों को अकेले निभाना मुश्किल था। लेकिन उन्होंने यह कहते हुए मना कर दिया कि उन्हें भाग्य पर विश्वास है। अब उसे अपनी क्षमता के अनुसार अपने बच्चों का लालन-पालन करना चाहिए। उन्होंने जमीन की जुताई से लेकर खाना पकाने तक, आटा पीसने के लिए चक्की (चक्की) पर काम करने, जानवरों को पालने तक की सभी पारिवारिक जिम्मेदारियों को निभाया। लेकिन उसने यह सब पूरे जोश और जिम्मेदारी के साथ किया और उसके चेहरे पर कोई पछतावा नहीं था। मेरे भाइयों और बहनों ने अपनी क्षमता के अनुसार उनकी पूरी मदद की।
मेरा परिवार अभी भी मेरी माँ की मृत्यु से उत्पन्न समस्याओं से जूझ रहा था, फिर 1947 के विभाजन की उथल-पुथल बम के गोले की तरह आ गई। हमारे घर सहित पूरे गांव को पाकिस्तानी हमलावरों ने जला दिया, कुछ लोगों की हत्या कर दी गई और उनके द्वारा संपत्ति लूट ली गई। कंडी बेल्ट में सुरक्षा के लिए लोग गांव से निकलकर ऊंचाई वाले इलाकों में गए। पठानकोट के नीचे जम्मू नेशनल (एनएचआईए, तब कोई नहीं) जम्मू प्रांत में गिरने वाले सभी क्षेत्र बंजर हो गए, फसलें नष्ट हो गईं, घर जल गए, पशु धन सहित संपत्ति लूट ली गई और कई लोग मारे गए।, जिससे लोगों को बहुत नुकसान हुआ। पास के एक गांव पलौता में एक आर्य समाजी चमार जाति महात्मा जियागोपाल गिरि (गद्दी नसीन पलौता साहिब) अपने शिष्यों के साथ तलवारों से काटे गएथे । पठानकोट और जम्मू के बीच कोई सड़क संपर्क नहीं था। पठानकोट और जम्मू के बीच हर मौसम में सड़क मार्ग उपलब्ध कराने के लिए राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग के निर्माण का काम युद्ध स्तर पर शुरू किया गया है. राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग के निर्माण पर श्रम कार्य ने लोगों को जीवित रहने का साधन प्रदान किया, जो कि गांवों से उखड़ गए। हमें कामिला, डागोर, सांबा गाँवों में शरण लेनी पड़ी और उन गाँवों के उच्च जाति के लोगों की जातिगत घृणा के साथ-साथ बड़ी कठिनाइयों का सामना करना पड़ा।
कई उखड़े हुए परिवार पास के पंजाब राज्य में चले गए। मेरे परिवार ने भी पंजाब जाने का फैसला किया। मैं मुश्किल से 6-7 साल का था और मुझे सांबा से पठानकोट तक पैदल ही जाना पड़ता था। हमने पहली बार पठानकोट में रेलवे कोच देखा। हम बेहरामपुर पहुँचे और गाँव पिंडी रंगरान में अस्थायी रूप से बस गए। यहाँ से हम अस्थायी रूप से बेहरामपुर शहर चले गए और फिर वड्डा सलीमपुर (गुरदासपुर से डेरा बाबा नानक रोड तक), अंत में हम गाँव कोटली शाह पुर में बस गए। ये सभी गांव गुरदासपुर के आसपास के इलाके में स्थित हैं। मेरा परिवार वहां खेत मजदूर के रूप में काम करता था और जूता बनाने (देसी जुट्टी) का काम भी करता था। मैं एक मुल्खा सिंह जाट जमींदार, लेकिन एक घातक शराबी विधुर के जानवरों को पालने और देखभाल करने में लगा हुआ था। उसने हमें अपने घर के परिसर में रहने की जगह प्रदान की थी, जिसे पहले एक मुस्लिम बुनकर ने पाकिस्तान जाने के लिए खाली कर दिया था । जानवरों की देखभाल करना
मेरी स्कूली शिक्षा यहीं से शुरू हुई। मुझे ज़ायोरा छत्रन प्राथमिक स्कूल में भर्ती कराया गया था। । लेकिन जल्द ही पास के गांव वर्सोला में एक स्कूल खोला गया। गांव का गुरुद्वारा स्कूल भवन भी था। मैंने वरसोला में नए स्कूल में प्रवेश लिया। स्कूल के समय में मेरे सामने अस्पृश्यता संबंधी कई समस्याएं थीं। एक ब्राह्मण लड़के सोमनाथ के कहने पर सभी जाट लड़कों ने दोपहर का भोजन यह कहकर फेंक दिया कि उनके साथ मेरे स्पर्श ने उनका भोजन दूषित कर दिया है। मैंने अपना दोपहर का भोजन भी यह कहकर फेंक दिया कि उन्होंने भी मेरा दोपहर का भोजन खराब कर दिया है। स्कूल में हेड मास्टर के सामने मामले का खुलासा करने पर, जो कि एससी से था, उसने अच्छी पिटाई की। ग्राम पंचायत ने मुझे स्कूल से दूर रखने और मुल्खा सिंह के जानवरों की देखभाल करना जारी रखने के लिए मेरे पिता को कुछ मासिक अनाज भुगतान करने का वादा भी दिया। एक ग्राम पंचायत को बुलाया गया और मेरे पिता ने मुझे स्कूल से नहीं निकालने पर सज़ा देना की धमकी दी। लेकिन मेरे पिता ने मेरी पढ़ाई और भविष्य के लिए यह सब ठुकरा दिया। जाट स्कूल जाने वाले लड़कों ने मुझे पीट-पीट कर भी मारा, ताकि मुझे स्कूल छोड़ने के लिए डरा सके। जाट स्कूल जाने वाले लड़कों ने मुझे पीट भी दिया ताकि मुझे स्कूल छोड़ने के लिए डराया जा सके, लेकिन अपने पिता के समर्थन के कारण मैं अपनी पढ़ाई से पीछे नहीं हटा। मेरे बड़े भाई श्री जबरो राम का विवाह सीता देवी और हमारी बहन पुन्ना देवी से श्री भल्ला राम के साथ दुल्हन विनिमय पुराने रिवाज पर हुए ।
मेरे पिता एक मेहनती कार्यकर्ता होने के साथ-साथ घटनाओं के अच्छे योजनाकार थे और सख्त आर्थिक अनुशासन रखते थे। सर्दियों का समय कठिन था क्योंकि क्षेत्र में कोई उद्योग नहीं था, कुछ लोगों को किसानों के साथ दो समय के भोजन या कुछ अनाज पर श्रमिक रोजगार मिला। हमारे पड़ोस में दो जाट भाइयों ने गेंहू की फसल काटते समय मेरे पिता से पूछा कि उन्होंने छह महीने की सर्दी किस तरह गुजारी। उन्होंने बताया कि किसान होने के नाते उनके पास बहुत सारे संसाधन हैं, लेकिन फिर भी सर्दी की कड़ी चुभन महसूस होती है। आपके पास 6-7 सदस्यों का एक परिवार है जो सर्दियों के कठिन समय का आप प्रबंधन करता है। मेरे पिता ने अपना पर्स निकाला और किसान को दिया, चेक करो कि उसके पास कितनी रकम है। चेक करने पर पर्स में 35 रुपये मिले। फिर मेरे पिता ने समझाया, उसने 18/- रुपये के जूते बनाने के लिए संसाधित जानवरों की खाल लाया, पूरे सर्दियों में काम किया और अंत में 35/- रुपये की बचत हुई, यह एक कुशल कार्यकर्ता का मूल्य है, अगर वह चीजों पर प्रतिबंध लगाता है अच्छी तरह से आपनी गतिविधियों की योजना बनाता है ।
1950-51 के आसपास मेरे पुराने गांव पाखरी के इलाके में लोग गांव लौटने लगे और आसपास के पाकिस्तानी रात के लुटेरों से लगातार परेशान होने के बावजूद खेती की गतिविधियां शुरू कर दीं। मेरे पिता और ताया जी भी वापस आ गए और वहीं रहने लगे और कृषि भूमि का पुनर्विकास करने लगे। गांव की किलेबंदी कर दी गई थी और पाक नाइट लुटेरों से गांव की रक्षा के लिए अधिकारियों द्वारा गांव की सेना के सेवानिवृत्त व्यक्तियों को 303 मार्क राइफलें भी आपूर्ति की गई थीं। हमारा परिवार वापस पाखरी शिफ्ट हो गया। मैंने पढ़ने के माध्यम के रूप में पंजाबी के साथ तीसरी कक्षा उत्तीर्ण की थी।
मैं केवल पंजाबी जानता था, जबकि जम्मू में स्कूल में हिंदी और उर्दू भाषा मुख्य विषय थे। मैंने घर पर थोड़ी-बहुत हिंदी पढ़ी थी, जो मेरे बचाव में आई और हिंदी विषय लिया। मैंने घर पर उर्दू का अध्ययन किया और जल्द ही उसमें पढ़ना और लिखना प्राप्त विशेषज्ञता कर लि। वित्तीय समस्याओं सहित कई कठिनाइयाँ आईं लेकिन मेरे पिता ने मुझे हमेशा अपनी पढ़ाई जारी रखने के लिए प्रोत्साहित किया, चाहे कुछ भी हो जाए। छठी कक्षा में मेरा स्कूल मेरे गाँव से ७ मील दूर था।
कई बार हमें पाकिस्तान की परेशानी के कारण गांव खाली करना पड़ा। 1957 में जब जम्मू-कश्मीर का संविधान लागू हुआ, तो पूरा क्षेत्र निवासी परेशान हो गए और लोग ऊंचे स्थानों पर चले गए। २६ जनवरी १९५७ को मैं अपने परिवार से घर में अकेला था। मेरे भाई को इस दिन अपने पहले पुत्र अशोक कुमार का आशीर्वाद मिला था। सीमा संकट के कारण मेरी भाभी सीता देवी मेरे गांव से दूर कंडी गांव गुराह सलाथियान गई थीं, जहां पिता की बहन का परिवार रहता था।
1956 में उच्च जाति के लोगों और अधिकारियों द्वारा उन्हें आवंटित भूमि से बेदखल करने सहित ज्यादतियों के खिलाफ तहसील हीरानगर (कठुआ) के ग्राम छन अरोरियन में जम्मू-कश्मीर दलित जातियों का एक आंदोलन चलाया गया। संगठन के मुखिया हरिजन मंडल और नेता स्वर्गीय बाबू मिल्खी राम थे, जो बाद में एमएलए bhi थे। आमरण अनशन शुरू हो गया था, जो 10 दिनों तक चला। दलित समाज से आंदोलन की सफलता के लिए हर संभव मदद करने की अपील की गई। मेरे पिता ने हमारे गाँव से नकद और राशन का दान लिया और छ अरोरिया को पैदल ले गए, मेरे गाँव से 40 किलोमीटर से अधिक दूर है। इससे पता चलता है कि मेरे पिता का अपने समुदाय के कल्याण और समाज के साथ सहयोग के लिए दृढ़ संकल्प था। मैंने अपने गांव के छोटे बच्चों में एक प्रदर्शन की व्यवस्था की जिसके लिए गांव नंबरदार से मारपीट की गई।
मैं अपने क्षेत्र का पहला नागरिक था जिसने 1957 में एक युवा शिविर में कश्मीर घाटी जाने के लिए हिमालयी बनिहाल चोटी को पार किया था। तब जवाहर सुरंग बनिहाल नहीं आया था। हमारे युवा शिविर के छात्रों ने पूरी घाटी का दौरा किया। मुझे अपने परिवार से बराबर का समर्थन मिला, जिसने मुझे कश्मीर घाटी को छात्र के रूप में देखने में सक्षम बनाया, घाटी के दौरे के लिए ५०/- रुपये दिए। कई अन्य छात्र गरीबी के कारण खर्च नहीं कर सकते थे और मैंने पड़ोसी गांव केसो से दो का समर्थन किया। इस दौरे की व्यवस्था में श्री बाबू परमानंद (बाद में हरियाणा के राज्यपाल), जो रामगढ़ हाई स्कूल में शिक्षक थे, ने उत्साहजनक भूमिका निभाई।
मैंने १९५९ में मैट्रिक पास किया और अपने गांव के इतिहास में मैट्रिकुलेट होने वाला दूसरा व्यक्ति बन गया। मैट्रिक की परीक्षा में मैं अपने विद्यालय में प्रथम आया। मुझे जी.जी. एम. Science महाविद्यालय जम्मू में शिक्षा जारी रखने के लिए प्रोत्साहित किया गया। कॉलेज जहां से मैंने नॉन मेडिकल विषयों के साथ इंटरमीडिएट (एफएससी, विज्ञान संकाय) पास किया। कई बार मेरे भाई ने मुझे अपनी पढ़ाई के खर्च को पूरा करने के लिए, और अनाज बेचने के लिये दिया।
अब यहां से मेरे लिए सिविल इंजीनियरिंग में स्नातक के लिए क्षेत्रीय इंजीनियरिंग कॉलेज श्रीनगर में शामिल होने का अवसर आया। मुझे कॉलेज की फीस और अन्य फीस के लिए करीब आठ सौ रुपये चाहिए थे। मेरे पिता और मेरे भाई जबरो राम ने मुझे प्रोत्साहित किया कि मैं अवसर न गंवाऊं। वे अपनी पूरी ताकत से मेरी पढ़ाई का खर्चा उठाएंगे। उन्होंने तरोड़ गांव के एक पंडित जी से और कौलपुर के मेरे भाई धनु राम से छह सौ रुपये उधार लिए, दोनों ने तीन-तीन सौ रुपये दिए। यह पैसा बाद में उन्हें आसान किश्तों में लौटा दिया गया। उनकी कृपा जीवन भर प्रार्थनाओं के साथ जानी जाएगी। दोनों की अब मौत हो चुकी है।
मैं REC(Now NIT) में शामिल होने से पहले अपने ताया जी को देखने गया और उनसे आशीर्वाद मांगा। उसने अपनी सफेद पगड़ी की ओर इशारा करते हुए मुझसे कहा "जाओ, बेटा जाओ, मेरा आशीर्वाद तुम्हारे साथ। लेकिन देखो मेरी सफेद पगड़ी किसी अन्य रंग के किसी भी छींटे से खराब न हो जाए तुम्हारे किसी अवांछित कृत्य के कारण: "यह मेरी उनसे आखिरी मुलाकात थी क्योंकि सर्दियों की छुट्टियों पर घर लौटने से पहले उनकी मृत्यु हो गई थी। लेकिन उनके उपदेशात्मक शब्द अभी भी मेरे कानों में गूंज रहे हैं।
परिवार के अन्य सदस्यों की सहायता से मेरे पिता के बलिदान और कठिनाइयों से, मैंने जम्मू-कश्मीर राज्य (अब यूटी) के इतिहास के पहले दलित (SC,OBC) स्नातक अभियंता होने का गौरव अर्जित किया, जब मैंने १९६६ में इस परीक्षा को पास किया। जम्मू-कश्मीर में एसटी में ऐसे मुसलमान शामिल हैं जिनके पास पहले भी कई इंजीनियर थे।
मेरे पिता साफ-सुथरी आदतों वाले व्यक्ति थे और सभी नशीले पदार्थों से दूर रहते थे। उन्हें डेयरी उत्पाद बहुत पसंद थे। हम कृषि कार्यों के लिए बैलों के अलावा दूध देने वाली गाय और भैंस रखते थे। एक बार ऐसा हुआ था, जब मेरे पिता लाहौर से आए (पूर्व 1947) और सभी गायों को सूखा पाया। उसने उसी दिन एक भैंस खरीदी और शाम को हमने दूध पिया। वह एक नियमित हुक्का (हबल-बबल) धूम्रपान करने वाला था। जब मेरे दोनों भाइयों और उनके परिवार के परिवार ने राधा स्वामी सत्संग ब्यास के सिद्धांत पर शाकाहार अपनाया, तो मेरे पिता ने 60-65 वर्ष की आयु में तुरंत हुक्का पीना छोड़ दिया। मैं जुलाई 1967 में सेवा में शामिल हुआ।
मेरे पिता की दूरदृष्टि, परिवार को शिक्षा के लिए उनकी लालसा ने लाभांश दिखाया है। वर्तमान समय में उनकी संतानों में से लगभग डेढ़ दर्जन इंजीनियर हैं, जिनमें से कुछ स्नातकोत्तर और एमबीए योग्यता और अन्य योग्यता के साथ हैं। इस महान आत्मा के दो पोते, जिनके पास खुद स्कूल जाने का सपना देखने का कोई मौका नहीं था, शिक्षा और सेवा के लिए सात समुद्र पार कर चुके हैं, अब यूएसए और कनाडा में हैं। मैं अपनी पत्नी सविता के साथ दो बार 2007,2013 में टूरिस्ट वीजा पर अमेरिका भी गया हूं।
मेरे पिता भी मेरे भाइयों के साथ राधा स्वामी सत्संग डेरा ब्यास गए थे। एक यात्रा पर उन्होंने नाम मान की उत्तेजना के लिए आवेदन किया। डेरा ब्यास की यह उनकी अंतिम यात्रा थी। उसे वह मिल गया। घर लौटते समय वह मेरी बहन सहित अपने सभी रिश्तेदारों से मिला। मुझे पता है कि वह हमारे रिश्तेदारों से मिलने के लिए घर से बाहर जाता था, जो मेरे गांव से अमृतसर तक फैल गया था। वह आम तौर पर पैदल ही जाता था, क्योंकि रिश्तेदार मुख्य सड़क से दूर गांवों में थे। हमारे गांव रामगढ़, चक सलारिअन के पास के गांव में राधा स्वामी सत्संग में वे नियमित रूप से शामिल होते थे।
१९७० में मेरे पिता को अचानक पेट में दर्द हुआ और उनकी जांच लीवर कैंसर, एक घातक बीमारी की गई। उन्हें जम्मू अस्पताल में भर्ती कराया गया था। वह पहले चरण के उपचार से लगभग ठीक हो गया था और हम एक-एक दिन में घर जाने की योजना बना रहे थे और फिर आगे विशेष उपचार के लिए राज्य से बाहर जाने की योजना बना रहे थे। तब मुझे उधमपुर में तैनात किया गया था, लेकिन मैं सेवा कर्तव्यों से छुट्टी लेकर अस्पताल में उनकी नियमित उपस्थिति में था। २० जून, १९७० को उन्होंने मुझे अपनी ड्यूटी पर जाने के लिए कहा। उसने मुझसे कहा कि वह ठीक है और हमारे गांव जाने से पहले मुझे कुछ दिनों के लिए अपने कर्तव्यों में शामिल होना चाहिए।
मैं उसी दिन उधमपुर गया था। लेकिन अगली सुबह मुझे एक टेलीफोन कॉल आया, जिसने मुझे अपने जीवन का सबसे बड़ा झटका देने वाला झटका दिया। मेरे पिता का २०-२१ जून १९७० की रात के दौरान अस्पताल में निधन हो गया था। जब उन्होंने अंतिम सांस ली तो मेरे भाई जबरो राम उनके बिस्तर के पास थे ।
एक नेक आत्मा का अंत 7 अशर 2027 विक्रमी को या 21-06-1970 सुबह हुआ। शाम को हमारे गांव में उनका अंतिम संस्कार किया गया। इस प्रकार एक ऐसे कोण का अंत हुआ जिसने स्वयं जीवन की सभी असुविधाओं का सामना किया लेकिन अपने परिवार के लिए किसी भी असुविधा के खिलाफ चट्टान की तरह खड़ा था। उन्होंने परिवार में शिक्षा को प्रकाश और सांसारिक सुख-सुविधाओं में लाने का काम किया। उन्होंने पारिवारिक जीवन से निरक्षरता शैतान को दूर भगाने के लिए कड़ी मेहनत की। उन्हें अपने परिवार के लिए समाज के अलावा यथासंभव सुख-सुविधाएं भी देनी पड़ीं। एक बार जब मेरे गांव के एक आदमी को पता चला कि मैं अमेरिका गया हूं। गाँव में मिलने पर उन्होंने पूछा, अमेरिका कितनी दूर था और यात्रा करना किसी के लिए बहुत परेशानी का सबब रहा होगा। मैंने उनसे कहा कि हालांकि अमेरिका बहुत दूर है लेकिन पाखरी से जम्मू (35 किलोमीटर) तक की यात्रा अमेरिका की यात्रा की तुलना में अधिक कठिन और समय लेने वाली थी। उनके परिवार के सदस्यों ने महाद्वीपों को पार किया क्योंकि हमारे पूर्वजों ने अपने बाल बच्चे के लिए बेहतर भविष्य का सपना देखा था। हम कामना करते हैं उनकी आत्मा को सभी सुख मिले?
शब्द 3623 (अंग्रेजी निबंध)
दिनांक 20-06- 2021।
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-25933487163958521372021-06-21T06:09:00.003-07:002021-06-21T06:09:40.288-07:00Mahatma Ayyankali—
He brought Revolution by Ridding Bullock Cart on Kerala Roads
Mahatma Ayyankali—(28 August,1863 to 18 June, 1941)
(Remembering the Great Kerla Revolutionay on his 80 the Death Anniversary falling on 18th June,2021 )
By: Er.H.R.Phonsa ( hrphonsa@gmail.com) Mob: +919419134060
• The socio economic condition of Dalits in Kerala was very dangerously risky and unsafe. At the same time it has a long history of social reforms too. All Indian Dalit leaders including Mahatama Jyotiba Phuley , Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, E. V. R. Periyar, Sree Narayana Guru, Padmanabhan Palpu and many more struggled for social system change where Dalits get back their lost dignity. They said if social system is restored others things shall follow it . No economic and educational progress can restore back lost dignity and honour of Dalit communities with out social system reforms.
Mahatma Ayyankali Shri Narayan Swami Padmanabhan Palpu , Kumaran Asan, Rao Sahib Ayyathan Gopalan with some more were nineteenth and twentieth century’s pioneers among Dalits leaders of Kerala. They relentlessly worked for emancipation of Dalit castes. Mahatma Ayyankali was born on 28th August 1863 in Venganoor, Thiruvananthapuram, Travancore . Venganoor is a very ordinary village near southern end of Kerala and is situated 13 km south of Thiruvananthapuram. He was one of seven children of his parents, who were the Pulaya considered untouchables/Dalits. He remained illiterate through out of his life in respect of school education, but played a vital role in cleansing the Hindu society of social evils. The Pulayar, also Pulayar, Pulaya, or Pulayas or Holeya or Cherumar, are an untouchable caste forming one of the main social groups in modern day Kerala and Karnataka as well as in historical Tamil Nadu or Tamilakam. In 2001 censes there were 68 Scheduled Castes in Kerala. The Scheduled Caste (SC) population of Kerala State as per 2011 census was 3,039,573 constituting 9.10 percent of the total state population of (3,34,06,061) . The Scheduled castes were clubbed as 99.9% Hindu, with a negligible number of Sikhs and Buddhists. There were 35 Scheduled Tribes, comprising 1.45% of the population and with 93.7% being clubbed as Hindus, were socially miles away from truth. The population of Pulayas in Kerala in 2001 was1,041,540 ,which worked out 3.27% of total population of this state also forming 33.3 percent of the total SC population of the State. This shows clearly that Scheduled caste population persons were predominantly Low caste Hindus with a substantial number of sub castes. The curse of sub castes is that every sub caste has a caste below it and a caste above, which mars their chances of uniting hands for unified efforts to cut their social slavery chains. The Scheduled Castes are overwhelmingly rural with 81.8 percent residing in rural areas. Pulayars are noted for their music, craftsmanship, and for certain dances which include Kōlam-thullal, a mask dance which is part of their exorcism rituals (evicting demons or other spiritual entities from a person, or an area) as well as the Mudi-attam or hair-dance which has its origins in a fertility ritual. Many of Pulayars were practicing hakims (Doctors) in Ayurvedic system of medication. As per Hindu social segregation and hate principles created by Higher Caste personsnwho also made religious laws, which debarred the untouchables to walk through public roads. Low caste women were not allowed to cover their breasts in public places. Their children were not allowed access to education. They were ridden under debit from business community or Vaishyas. Anybody who challenged these harsh laws against lower castes. However Social and religious reformists like Shri Narayana Guru,(1856-1928) , Ayyankali resisted inhuman prevailing situation. This grim situation prompted Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) to call Kerala a “lunatic asylum”. Robin Jeffrey, professor specializing in the modern history and politics of India quotes the wife of a Christian missionary, who wrote in 1860 that------... a Nair can approach but not touch a Namboodiri Brahmin: a Chovan [Ezhava Now OBC] must remain thirty-six paces off, and a Pulayan slave ninety-six steps distant. A Chovan must remain twelve steps away from a Nair, and a Pulayan sixty-six steps off, and a Parayan some distance farther still. A Syrian Christian may touch a Nair, though this was not allowed in some parts of the country, but the later may not eat with each other. Pulayans and Parayars, who are the lowest of all, can approach but not touch; much less may they eat with each other. Their entry in all Hindu temples was banned. When all other means of begging mercy and persuading peaceful means for change failed they resorted to satyagrah, a peaceful non violent protest known as Vaikom Satyagraha
The Vaikom Satyagraha , 30th March,1924 to November,1925, by untouchables was the first systematically organized agitation in Kerala against orthodoxy to secure the rights to depressed classes. For the first time in history, the agitation brought forward the question of civil rights of the low caste people into the forefront of Indian politics. No mass agitation in Kerala acquired so much all-India attention and significance in the twentieth century as the Vaikom Satyagraha. Vaikom is a small temple town in North Travancore on the eastern banks of the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. The town is famous for its Shiva temple, which in the early twentieth century was the castle of orthodoxy and casteism. As was the custom prevalent in those days, the Avarnas or untouchables were not allowed to enter the temples. But at Vaikom, they were not permitted even to use the public roads around the temple even after 60 years of the1865 order of Government of Travancore that all public roads in the state were open to all castes of people alike. This order was reaffirmed in July 1884. Besides Narayana Guru his disciple T. K. Madhavan, E. V. Ramasami Periyar, Mannathu Padmanabhan and, women activists like Nagamma with Mrs. Joseph, Mrs. T. K. Madhavan and Mrs. Govindan Channar participated.
In1888 Ayyankali got married to Chellamma. They had seven children. Their only daughter Thankamma was later married to TT Keshavan Sasthri, speaker of Kerala Assembly.
Mahatama Ayyankali played very important role in organizing and continuing this historic satyagrah. Congress and Mahatama Gandhi were also approached, who tried to solve the controversy in their own way. They said it was a local problem of Hindus and they should solve it amicably by themselves. Their mediation resulted in blocking some roads leading to temple permanently for Dalits. The struggle resulted because of adamancy of Brahmins in blocking temple entry for Dalits so how could M.K. Gandhi and his congress imagine that now they will agree to the view point of Dalits on this account. As ever before he toed the line of Upper caste superstitious Hindus. Gandhi himself was staunch follower of Churverna as permanent division of Hindus into four castes. However Pulayar, Chovan [Ezhava] , Chovan were out castes say lowest of low( present OBC’s).This satyagrah infused in Dalits a sense of unity and brother hood and restored faith in leadership of Dalit leaders .The Dalit leaders with saints felt they were not alone, so they stroked harder on existing caste system which had denied social , political, educational,human and economic rights to Dalits.
Then Dalits were debarred from using public roads, not to speak of their entry into schools, market places, natural water sources and public places. Mahatama Ayyankali started his uprising by daring to ride his bullock cart into the market through the public roads of Venganoor. He was fuming by his overconfidence. The upper-caste Hindus physically attacked him. But that did not discourage him from reaching his goal. His valor encouraged other Dalits to throw off the restraints of slavery. Mahatama Ayyankali also led a group of Pulaya youngsters to the village market. Inspired by him, other Dalits throughout southern Kerala launched a movement for civil rights. There dedication to movement brought fruits of success in 1900 when the Travancore Dalits won the right to walk along the public roads. Mahatama Ayyankali knew that lack of education to Dalits was the root cause of their poverty and hate. Although the Christian missionaries had opened schools for all. The Basel Mission (a Christian missionary society active from 1815 to 2001 with a slogan of “Education without discrimination,”) opened special schools for Dalits from 1893. But still much was needed to be done on this front, So Ayyankali opened a school to teach Dalit families children of Venganoor. Unfortunately his school was set ablaze by a group of upper-caste people. Rather than losing hope, Ayyankali launched another mass movement to ensure the right to education for all Dalits. Like his previous movement, this one was successful when in 1907 the Travancore government passed an order mandating that all Dalit children be admitted into public schools. Mahatma Ayyankali warned upper caste land lords saying “If our kids are not allowed to enter your schools, your paddies will grow mere weeds.” But many government officials whose views were stained by caste bias tried their best to annul 1907 order. This led to a clash between them and Ayyankali. After a tussle of three years the order was released to the public in 1910. Still the upper caste Hindus remained adamant on their religious norms of hate and suppression to Dalits. They opposed the higher education to Dalits, both touchable and untouchables. Bal Gangadhar Tilak is on record to have said in one of his speech dated 11November, 1917 ( Javatmal Maharashtra) “ would the tailors use sewing machine, the peasants that plough and the merchants the scale of balance in the council” Tilak & congress party stood for the Backward classes peopled to follow their ancestral trades, where only elementary educationwas needed.
On 15 April,1920 Chhatarpati Sahu Ji Maharaj ruler of Kohlapur state and himself an OBC replied thus to Tilak, “ Tilak would have been ashamed of expressing such thoughts in his speech Brahmin V/s Brahmantra . Tilak advised untouchables not to take higher education. He wanted them to learn the crafts of their castes, thus he believed in constitution of the caste profession for the untouchables and not in giving them the higher education to be officers in government administration.
Even before the establishment of any workers organizations in Kerala by the communist, Mahatma Ayyankali pioneered a movement for democratizing public places and asserting the rights of workers. Soon his movement became a movement of the untouchables in Kerala. He continuously associated himself with genuine social reformers who were aiming to restructure the degenerated Hindu society. This work of Ayyankali was so much appreciated and later he was nominated to the assembly known as the Sree Moolam Popular Assembly ( SMPA) or Praja Sabha of Travancore in 1910, by the then rulers as a mark of recognition of his leadership abilities. In the assembly, the higher caste members who laughed at Ayyankali being an illiterate from low-caste were wonder struck to listen the full of wisdom speeches of Mahatma Ayyankali. He was articulate speaker. Many upper caste educated members with their caste prides were no match to him.
With the opening of educational institution for Dalits, several missionaries based in Kerala were asking the untouchables to accept Christianity in order to escape caste discrimination. When Ayyankali was apprised of this situation, he questioned the missionaries as to why the numerous Syrian Christians who were already residing in the state practiced caste-based prejudices; Ayyankali disapproved lured conversion to Christianity saying it will not do untouchables any good. The dedicated work of Ayyankali received support from his well-wishers, Ayyankali established Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS) to help the Dalits by providing them education, finance and legal support. This most powerful welfare organization of Ayyankali’s coined the slogan ‘Progress through education and organization.’ Within a short period it had nearly a thousand branches in all parts of Kerala. Even some good hearted upper-castes people came forward to donate land for SJPS to setup offices. Besides Narayana Guru and Ayyankali Shri Chandran Kumarath Krishanan (1867-1938),T.K. Madhavan(1886-1930) , Swami Sathyavrathan and Kottukoikal Velayudhan with many others helped in changing the prevailing grim situation.
In 1893, he rode a bullock cart (villuvandi) with brass bells, draping a white lungi, white vest, a matching shawl, a white turban, along with a thick moustache. As riding animal carts was considered as an upper-caste prerogative in Kerala, Ayyankali’s “Pulaya cart” attracted the wrath of caste oligarchs who tried to stop him at many places, leading to violent clashes. His direct action against caste atrocities also shook the docility( meekness ) of Dalit communities that heavily depended on upper castes for jobs and food ( Ref: Scroll. in).
Both Shri Narayana Guru and, Ayyankali asked the Hindu society to reform itself in order to save it from dissolution. Ayyankali gave his unflinching support to the efforts taken by the Arya Samaj and the Hindu Mahasabha to eradicate caste prejudices. Ayyankali’s dedicated efforts against caste prejudices are beautifully described in the 1926 statement of famous historian N K Venkateswaran:“Pulayas are awakening at a rapid rate. They have a representative in the Praja Sabha. The angel of change has waved a torch over this land. The sparks from the torch will coalesce ( to Come together) to become a fiery flood. The old moth eaten social mores would be cleansed by fire. They will sit alongside those who call themselves ‘high ones’. They have already taken the initiative in organizing meetings and putting forward their just demands. It is a pleasing sight to watch their future culture on the rise.”
He took on the Caste apartheid dress code for Dalit women where Caste Hindus insisted Dalit women could not cover their upper bodies. His challenge overturned this measure in 1916 and sent a message that the upper caste sexual exploitation of Dalit communities was unacceptable.
Alas at an age of 78 on June 18, 1941, this daring son of Kerala passed away leaving behind a legacy of social reform, progress honour to all. Department of Post, the government of India, issued commemorative postage stamp on Ayyankali on 12 Aug. 2002, acknowledging the role he played in the social movement in India. Still this servant of humanity is not known to the vast majority of Indians out side Kerala. Now that the PM has made a historical gesture by honoring Mahatma Ayyankali on his 150th birthday celebrations and so whole of India got to know the life and teachings of this social reformist and a saint.
On 8 September 2014 was a historic moment when the celebration of Dalit icon Mahatma Ayyankali’s birth anniversary was attended by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narinder Modi . Shri Modi said that Mahatma Ayyankali was one of those renowned social reformers who played a vital role in cleansing the Hindu society of social evils.
Let us hope that the efforts made by many dedicated visionary personalities for the upliftment of the deprived section of masses is carried by the new generations till the goal of equal human rights is not reached. Mahatma Ayyankali will be long remembered for his selfless services rendered to those whom upper caste dominated governments were also biased for long.
Words 2520 Er. H. R. Phonsa
Dated 19 June,2021
Material source:- Google and Wikipedia
2. Dalit Movement in India and its Leaders By R.K.Kashirsagar
3. Scroll.in
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-5437134900027956362021-05-23T07:56:00.000-07:002021-05-23T07:56:25.194-07:00अकिन विचारक गुरू रवि दास और डॉ। अंबेडकर।अकिन विचारक
गुरू रवि दास और डॉ। अंबेडकर।
(श्री गुरु रविदास जी महाराज की 644 जन्म वर्षगांठ की पूर्व संध्या पर आज 27 फरवरी, 2021 को पड़ रही है)
जीवन लक्ष्य सदाचारी योद्धा, मित्र, मार्गदर्शक, शिक्षक और भारतीय अछूतों के मुक्तिदाता होने के नाते, डॉ बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर भी संत कबीर, गुरु रविदास, संत तुकाराम, महात्मा ज्योतिराव फुले और कई अन्य सामाजिक क्रांतिकारियों संतों के प्रबल अनुयायी थे। इन संतों में से अधिकांश निचली हिंदू जातियों से आए थे, लेकिन यह माना जाता था कि समानता, सम्मानजनक जीवन और सभी मनुष्यों के लिए न्याय एक ईश्वर प्रदत्त अधिकार था। ये सोने के दिल वाले रहस्यवादी संत हिंदू और मुस्लिम धर्मों के थे। अपने धर्मों के भीतर रहते हुए, उन्होंने अध्ययन किया और धार्मिक मुल्लाओं, प्रोहिट्स या टाईइंग मैन द्वारा प्रचारित अंधविश्वासों, हठधर्मिता, प्रार्थना के तरीकों को व्यर्थ पाया, बाहरी शरीयत को आध्यात्मिकता के साथ बनाया, और इसलिए खुले तौर पर उनकी जरूरत को खारिज कर दिया। सभी धर्मों ने देखा कि मनुष्य ने अलग-अलग सांसारिक नियम बनाए जिनके लिए रहस्यवाद की आवक (रोहनियात) को कहा गया था। धार्मिक पुस्तकों के विचित्र जीवन के अलावा कुछ भी सिखाने का विरोध किया गया। राजाओं और रानी की ऐतिहासिक कहानियों को बताना नैतिकता के निर्माण के लिए अच्छा हो सकता है। आध्यात्मिकता के लिए खारिज कर दिया।
यदि परमेश्वर ने आत्मा को परिभाषित किया है, तो मानव जन्म और मृत्यु प्रणाली सार्वभौमिक है इसलिए रास्ता होना चाहिए, मानव और ईश्वर के पुन: संपर्क का तरीका एक ही होना चाहिए। इन संतों ने इस तरह के झूठे दृष्टिकोण का विरोध किया और सार्वभौमिक प्रेम के लिए विनती की, और भाईचारे का मतलब शांति और मानवता के लिए समृद्धि पैदा करना है। उन्होंने अपने लोगों के अमानवीय व्यवहार का विरोध किया जिसे सुद्र कहा गया (दोनों छुआछूत और अछूत को IV-V वर्ग हिंदू कहते हैं)। डॉ बाबा साहेब अंबेडकर मनुष्य के लिए धर्म के समर्थक थे ताकि दुनिया को खुश करने के लिए इसे फिर से बनाया जा सके। डॉ अम्बेडकर ने धर्म और मनुष्य के बजाय ईश्वर और मोक्ष (W & S, English Vol.3 पृष्ठ 442) के केंद्र बनाने का विरोध किया । संतों ने यह भी दृढ़ विचार रखा कि धर्म मनुष्य के लिए है न कि मनुष्य धर्म के लिए। चूंकि गुरु रविदास, कबीर जी और कई अन्य संतों के बारे में बहुसंख्यक साहित्य उनके जीवन के दौरान संकलित नहीं किया गया था, लेकिन उनके निधन से बहुत बाद में, इसलिए उनके जीवन से जुड़ी घटनाओं और तारीखों के बारे में बहुत सारे मिथकों, चमत्कार कथाओं, विवादों में दरार पड़ गई।
डॉ। बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर ने श्री गुरु रविदास जी और अन्य भगवती आंदोलन के संतों को उच्च पद पर आसीन किया। उन्हें समानता, भाईचारे, समाजवादी गणतंत्र लोकतंत्र, एकता विचार समुदाय के साथ इन संतों के व्यक्तिगत सम्मान के दृष्टिकोण के लिए मोहित होना चाहिए था। उनका धार्मिक क्रांतिकारी और सुधारवादी दृष्टिकोण यूरोप में 16 वीं शताब्दी के प्रोटेस्टेंट आंदोलन के समान था।
गुरु रविदास और बाबा साहिब अंबेडकर दोनों ने लोकतांत्रिक मूल्यों के लिए मजबूत प्रतिबद्धताएं निभाईं, जहां व्यक्तिगत गरिमा सर्वोपरि थी। चूँकि श्री गुरु रविदास बड़े थे, इसलिए डॉ। अंबेडकर संघर्ष के मूल्य, सिर्फ तर्क के तर्क, श्रम मूल्यों, जीवन की गरिमा, मानव जाति, लिंग, मानव के धार्मिक विभाजन के विरोध में मोहित हो सकते थे। दोनों अपने निजी जीवन सुख-सुविधाओं की परवाह किए बिना अपनी प्रतिबद्धताओं के लिए तेजी से खड़े हुए हैं। दोनों ने अपने समय के ज्ञान के लोगों की कंपनी रखी और अपने समाज को जगाने के लिए दूर-दूर तक यात्रा की। अपने दूर-दूर के प्रवास के दौरान उन्होंने प्रेम और सार्वभौमिक भाईचारे के अपने संदेश का प्रसार किया और अपने प्रस्तावित सिद्धांतों की वैधता का परीक्षण किया। इसके लिए दोनों ने सार्वजनिक और शासक की बैठक में अपनी बात रखने के लिए भाग लिया। ऐसी बैठक को गुरु जी के संगतों (अनुयायियों) द्वारा SATSANGS कहा जाता था। दोनों के अधिकांश अनुयायी उपेक्षित, गरीब, अशिक्षित मानव वर्गों से आए थे। दोनों ने भगवान बुद्ध के विश्वास, प्रेम, अहिंसा और सभी मानवों के प्रति करुणा के संदेश को आगे बढ़ाया। दोनों ने सभी टाइप किए गए लिंग भेदों को त्याग दिया, इसलिए दोनों ने अपने पथ महिला अनुयायियों में पहल की, जिसे हिंदू धर्म कानूनों में प्रतिबंधित कर दिया गया था। बुद्ध ने मानव इतिहास में पहली बार गोतमी को अपनी महिला शिष्य के रूप में देखा। यह लिंगविहीन बुद्ध लक्ष्य की गति को निर्धारित करता है।
ये दोनों चिह्न आनंद के शहर BEGAMPURA के गुरु रविदास की अवधारणा के समर्थक थे। यह एक सामंती हस्तक्षेप नहीं है, जहां सभी समान हैं, रंग, नस्ल, लिंग का कोई भेद नहीं है और सभी को प्रगति के लिए जीवन में समान अवसर मिलते हैं। दोनों ने घोषणा की कि ऐसे आदर्शवादी कल्याणकारी राज्य के सभी निवासी उनके भाई हैं। ऐसा विचार सनातन लोगों के उपदेश के बिल्कुल विपरीत था। डॉ। अंबेडकर ने भारत को कल्याणकारी राज्य या बेगनपुरा सेहर (शहर) बनाने के लिए एक संविधान देने के लिए कड़ी मेहनत की।
डॉ। अंबेडकर ने पवित्रता को किसी पुस्तक, स्थान या मानव के साथ जोड़ने का विरोध किया और इस तरह का दृष्टिकोण घोषित किया जो मानव समानता के विचार में बाधा है। गुरु रविदास ने सभी धार्मिक पुस्तकों को भी व्यर्थ बताया, कहा कि कोई भी मानव निर्मित साहित्य, उपकरण, कानून मानव को आध्यात्मिक उद्धार में मदद नहीं कर सकता है। उन्होंने ऐसा करने के लिए वैध कारण बताए थे। गुरु रविदास की कविता "चारण वेद किया खंडोती, जन, रविदास, करे डंडोती अनुवाद :-( मैं, रविदास, घोषित सभी वेद बेकार हैं)। (केह रविदास चमारा द्वारा गुरनाम सिंह मुक्तसर पेज 216)
डॉ। अंबेडकर और गुरु रविदास दोनों ने यह विचार रखा कि वेद, जाति व्यवस्था के प्रवर्तक हैं जिन्होंने शूद्रों को बर्बाद किया। वेदों ने शूद्रों को "ब्रह्मा" निर्माता भगवान के पैरों से पैदा होने की घोषणा की, और ब्राह्मण, खाचरिया और विशय के क्रमशः के लिए सभी उन्नति के साधन खोले जो ब्रह्मा के मुंह, हाथ और पेट से पैदा हुए थे। गुरु रविदास और डॉ। अंबेडकर सदाचार के प्रचारक थे। गुरु रविदास ने कहा कि '' मन चंगा, कठुति में गंगा '' अर्थात् मानव शरीर गंगा नदी के पवित्र जल घोषित सनातनी के अवतार हैं। गुरु रविदास और डॉ। अंबेडकर दोनों ने समय के जानकार व्यक्तियों की प्रशंसा की। गुरु रविदास ने कहा "बहमन चटाई पूजिये जो होवे गुन हीं, पूजिये चरण चांडाल के जो होवे गुन परवीन,"
कई रविदास के समकालीन संतों ने रविदास की योग्यता की प्रशंसा की।
कबीर महाराज ने कहा "रविदास सच्चे संतों में सबसे महान थे"। "तो शुद्ध है गुरु रविदास, कि उनके पवित्र पैरों की धूल सभी पूजते हैं।" तो कहा गुरु नाभा दास।
"रैदास उर्फ रविदास मेरे गुरु, मैंने भगवान को पा लिया है", इसलिए मीरा, मेवाड़ रानी कहा।
साईं सागर में गुरु साईं "भगत रविदास ने एक चमत्कार किया जैसा कि उन्होंने पकड़ लिया और ठाकुर, मतलब निर्माता को गुलाम बना लिया"। यह गुरु जी की रहस्यवादी शक्ति की प्रशंसा थी। सांसारिक ताकुर का अर्थ है शक्तिशाली अत्याचारी व्यक्ति, जो गुरु जी को कभी नहीं डरा सकते।
महात्मा गांधी, एक भाषण में अपने समय के सबसे बड़े सनातनिक राजनीतिक नेता (आउट साइड II आर टेबल कॉन्फ्रेंस) ने कहा, "मेरे पास डॉ। अंबेडकर के लिए सबसे अधिक सम्मान है। उनके पास कड़वा होने का हर अधिकार है; वह हमारे सिर नहीं तोड़ते हैं।" अपने हिस्से पर संयम बरतने का कार्य। वह आज इस संदेह से इतना अधिक संतृप्त है कि वह कुछ और नहीं देख सकता है। वह हर हिंदू को अछूतों के एक निर्धारित प्रतिद्वंद्वी में देखता है और यह उसके लिए अपने दिमाग को बाहर करने के लिए काफी स्वाभाविक है ”।
इन दो सुपर इंसानों के अनुयायियों ने अपने जीवन के तथ्यों को दूर-दूर तक फैलाने के लिए बड़ी संख्या में उनके स्मारकों पर दुनिया खड़ी की है। डॉ। अंबेडकर जनता के नेता थे और सभी के कल्याण के लिए काम करते थे। गुरु रविदास ने पूरी मानवता के लिए संदेश दिया। स्वार्थी आदर्श वाक्य लोगों के साथ लघु उद्धृत, उन्हें अपनी जातियों में शामिल करने की कोशिश की। वे निम्न जाति के दलदल कमल की तरह थे जो सुगंध फैलाते थे। डॉ। अंबेडकर जुलाई 1938 में, परेल बॉम्बे में चमार समाज द्वारा रोहिदास (रविदास) एजुकेशन सोसायटी के सम्मेलन में भाग लिया। इस सम्मेलन में बाबा साहेब ने घोषणा की कि उनकी क्रांति समाज या जाति विशेष नहीं है क्योंकि वे जाति व्यवस्था को उखाड़ने के लिए थे, जिसने उनके लोगों को दुख की स्थिति में गिरा दिया है।
आइए हम गुरु रविदास के सबसे सहमत जीवन तथ्यों को खोजने की कोशिश करते हैं, जिसने डॉ। अंबेडकर को गुरु जी के प्रवचनों के माध्यम से व्यक्त विचारों के अनुरूप प्रभावित किया। मतभेद अपने समय में झूठ बोलते हैं। अन्य संतों के साथ गुरु रविदास ने मिट्टी तैयार की और डॉ। अंबेडकर ने इसकी रक्षा के लिए संविधान की छड़ी और बाड़ प्रदान करते हुए फसल बोई।
गुरु रविदास का जन्म विक्रमी संवत 1471 (1414 ई।) को माघ पूर्णिमा (रविवार) को श्री रघु और चमार जाति की श्रीमति माता कर्मा देवी के यहाँ हुआ था, जो अब बनारस के पास गोवर्धन पुरा में स्थित हैं। कुछ विद्वान अपने माता-पिता का नाम श के रूप में देते हैं। संतोष दास और श्रद्धेय माता कालसी देवी। गुरु रविदास ने १२६ वर्षों का जीवनकाल व्यतीत किया और १५४० ई। में अपने नश्वर फ्रेम को छोड़ कर वापस ब्लिस या ब्रह्मांड के निर्माता के सर्वोच्च महासागर में शामिल हो गए। हालाँकि, कुछ विद्वानों ने उनके जीवन काल के 151 वर्षों का उद्धरण दिया है, जो कि गुरु रविदास जैसी पवित्र आत्मा के लिए भी असंभव नहीं है। लेकिन प्रामाणिक जानकारी के लिए इस तरह की चीजें होना तय है।
गुरु रविदास का जन्म ऐसे समय में हुआ था जब रूढ़िवादी और अंधविश्वासी हिंदू और मुस्लिम पुजारी अनुष्ठानों, बाहरी शरीर की सजावट, जानवरों को डराने, विभिन्न स्थानों पर जाने, विभिन्न नदियों में स्नान करने, अपनी पवित्र पुस्तकों के पाठ आदि पूजा के तरीकों के रूप में प्रचार कर रहे थे। जन्म और मृत्यु के चक्र से बचने के लिए मोक्ष या रास्ता प्राप्त करें। हिंदुओं ने अपने सभी पूजा स्थलों (मंदिरों), स्कूलों, सरकारी सेवाओं में प्रवेश या सुदास के लिए सम्मानजनक राज्य सेवाओं को बंद कर दिया था। डॉ। अंबेडकर के जन्म के समय सभी सांसारिक प्रगति के साधन उनके लोगों के लिए अवरुद्ध थे।
श्री गुरु रविदास जी ने भगवान की प्राप्ति और सांसारिक जीवन के लिए हिंदू और मुस्लिम दोनों पुजारियों के सभी अप्राकृतिक तरीकों का खंडन किया, इसलिए उन्हें धार्मिक पुजारियों और शासकों के कड़े विरोध का सामना करना पड़ा। श्री गुरु रविदास ने जाति प्रथा की निंदा की और पुण्य की बात कही। डॉ। अंबेडकर का जीवन भी जाति के हिंदुओं द्वारा उठाए गए बाधाओं से भरा था, लेकिन उन्होंने अपने साहस और ज्ञान की शक्ति से उन सभी को मार डाला। डॉ। अंबेडकर ने यहां तक कहा कि हिंदू संतों द्वारा किए गए कार्यों के लिए कृतघ्न थे, जिन्होंने कुछ संशोधनों के साथ हिंदू धार्मिक नियमों का वर्षों तक प्रचार किया।
गुरु रविदास ने महान क्रांतिकारी लोकतांत्रिक सोच को गति दी, इसलिए शासकों को सलाह दी कि वे अपने सभी विषयों के लिए आजीविका के समान और सभ्य साधन प्रदान करें और उन्होंने कहा: -,
मैं उन राज्यों को चाहता हूं जहां सभी लोग अच्छी तरह से भोजन कर रहे हैं, और सभी को सद्भाव में रहना चाहिए, रविदास तभी खुश हैं।
गुरु रविदास ने अपनी गुलामी की जंजीरों को काटने के लिए धार्मिक रूप से ग़ुलामों को ग़ुलाम बनाने की नसीहत दी और उन्हें सलाह दी
प्रदीन का ढेना काया, प्रधन बिन धेन, अर्थ: -इस दासता का कोई धर्म नहीं है जैसे सभी लेते हैं या
रविदास दास प्रेदेन को सब ही समाजी हेने ने उन्हें कमजोर और अछूत माना
श्री गुरु रविदास ने भी अछूतों को कमजोर होने की भावना को दूर करने और उनकी दासता की जंजीरों को हर तरह से काटने की सलाह दी उसने बोला:-
प्रधेन पाप है, जान ल्यो हे मीत अर्थ: - दासत्व अभिशाप है
रविदास दास प्रधेन को कोन करे है प्रीत। और n o बॉडी रविदास का सम्मान करती है या उनसे प्यार करती है
गुरु रविदास ने सर्वशक्तिमान के शासन का उपदेश देते हुए कहा कि सर्वशक्तिमान ने सभी को समान बनाया है और जातियों या धर्मों के भेदों पर लोगों के बीच कोई अंतर नहीं हो सकता है।
उन्होंने कहा: यदि दुनिया उत्पन्न हुई है, उसी पवित्र आत्मा (भगवान) से, कोई भी सांसारिक शरीर किसी भी भेद को कैसे ला सकता है? उच्च और निम्न, ब्राह्मण या मोची (चमार) के बीच।
उन्होंने आगे यह कहते हुए विस्तार से कहा, जाति नहीं पूछें "ओ" रविदास, वंश या जाति में क्या है?
ब्राह्मण, क्षत्रिय, वैश्य या शूद्र, सभी एक ही जाति के हैं।
उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि "यदि आप ब्राह्मण (जन्म से श्रेष्ठ) माँ से पैदा हुए हैं, तो आपने एक अलग शरीर के छिद्र से जन्म क्यों नहीं लिया है।" ब्राह्मण के जीवन को बचाने के लिए एक चमार का रक्त एक ब्राह्मण को दिया जा सकता है। जट्टी, प्राकृतिक प्रभागों या समूह में गायों, कुत्तों, सांपों, शेरों, भेड़ियों, गौरैया, बंदरों जैसे जानवरों में हो सकते हैं। पुरुषों को गोरे, अश्वेत, यूरोपीय, भारतीय, बांग्लादेशी, चाइन आदि के रूप में वर्गीकृत किया जा सकता है, न कि ब्राह्मण, खत्री, वैशा, सुद्रा।
यह अप्राकृतिक विभाजन उन पर नियंत्रण रखने के लिए श्रमिकों का एक विभाजन था
रविदास जैसे सच्चे संत इस दुनिया में भगवान की प्राप्ति, मानवता, प्रेम और भगवान के प्रति समर्पण का संदेश देने के लिए आते हैं और एक व्यक्ति कैसे सांसारिक जीवन में खुश रह सकता है। संतों ने धर्मों को हठधर्मिता और कर्मकांड बताया। गुरु रविदास ने कहा, जो लोग आंतरिक रूप से प्रेम में रंगे नहीं हैं, लेकिन केवल एक बाहरी प्रदर्शन करते हैं,
वे मृत्यु की दुनिया में जाएंगे, सच में रविदास राज्य।
गुरु रविदास के भजनों की आध्यात्मिक समृद्धि को ध्यान में रखते हुए, उनमें से 40 को पवित्र ग्रंथ साहिब में शामिल किया गया था। एक अन्य पवित्र, पंजाबी संकलन, संत समाज (डेरा सच खंड बल्लन जलंदर) द्वारा "अमृतवाणी गुरु रविदास जी" है, इसमें 140 भजन, 40 पेड़े, पेंटी अँखरी, बानी हंसा-वर, बानी पंडरान तीथी, बरन मास अपडेश, डोहरा, शामिल हैं। सांड बानी, अनमोल वचन, लावण, सुहाग ustat, मंगलगृह (विवाह समय वाणी), इसके अलावा गुरु ग्रंथ साहिब में निहित 40 भजनों के साथ 231 सालोक। इसी प्रकार डॉ। अम्बेडकर की साहित्यिक कृतियाँ बहुसंख्य पाठकों / लेखकों द्वारा 64 विषयों में साझा की जाती हैं, डॉ। अम्बेडकर अपने जीवन के दौरान जानते थे। उनकी कुछ पुस्तकों को कुछ विदेशी संस्थानों सहित कुछ शैक्षिक संस्थानों में पाठ्य पुस्तकों के रूप में निर्धारित किया गया है।
एक जीवित मास्टर (गुरु) की आवश्यकता - चूंकि ईश्वर निराकार है, इसलिए मनुष्य के लिए उसे देखना या उस तक पहुंचना संभव नहीं है, जिसके बिना मनुष्य अपूर्ण या अपूर्ण है। ईश्वर तभी सुलभ हो पाता है जब वह मानव रूप लेता है और इस दुनिया में मानव के स्तर पर आता है। शुद्ध आत्मा के इस मानव रूप को संतों द्वारा गुरु कहा जाता है।
तो उनका स्वरूप दिखाने के लिए गुरु भगवान का अवतार है। साईं बुल्ले शाह ने कहा "भगवान (मोला) ने मनुष्य (गुरु) का रूप ले लिया।"
गुरु अर्जुन देव जी ने कहा: नानक कहते हैं, यह राम का शासन है (भगवान के कई नामों में से एक),
गुरु (गुरु, शिक्षक, सर्जक) के बिना किसी को भी मोक्ष नहीं मिलेगा
सत गुरु कबीर ने कहा "भगवान के सच्चे उपासक की पूजा करो।"
गुरु रविदास ने कहा, भगवान, गुरु और संत, एक ही हैं (मन की चेतना स्थिति में?)
यह सभी धर्मग्रंथों का अनिवार्य सत्य है, "उनके बीच कोई अंतर न करें, यहां तक कि, अगर, आपको एक आरा के साथ काटे जाने का दर्द उठाना है"। इसलिए उन्होंने इंसानों को एक झूठ को स्वीकार न करने की सलाह दी, यहां तक कि एक जीवन के जोखिम पर भी।
डॉ। अंबेडकर ने बुद्ध, कबीर, गुरु रविदास, महात्मा ज्योतिराव फुले, जे.एस. मिल, बुकर सहित ज्ञान के पुरुषों के बारे में विशेष उल्लेख किया। टी, जॉन ड्यूरी, सूबेदार रामजीदास सखपाल के साथ कुछ और, जिनसे उन्होंने जीवन मूल्यों को सीखा।
निर्गुण भगवान की पूजा ।:- गुरु रविदास ने सर्वोच्च रहस्यमय शक्ति की आराधना की, जो कॉलोनी, समय, आकार, शरीर के आकार, उनके जीवन काल गुणों आदि की सभी योग्यताओं से परे की कल्पना की। उन्होंने सगुण (योग्य) आवर्धन या अवतारों की सभी अवधारणाओं को परिभाषित किया। डिवाइन। हालाँकि भगवान का नाम "राम" श्री गुरु ग्रंथ साहिब में २५३३ बार आया है, और गुरु रविदास के ४० भजनों में २२ बार, फिर भी गुरु रविदास ने भगवान राम को इस ब्रह्मांड के भगवान या निर्माता के रूप में भगवान राम को मान्यता नहीं दी और उन्होंने कहा:
रवि दास हमरो राम जी दशरथ कर सुत (पुत्र) नाहिन, राम हमु महिन राम रहियो, बिसब कतंभ महिन"
रविदास कहते हैं, उनके राम राजा दशरथ के पुत्र (शूद्र शुक ऋषि को मारने वाले) नहीं हैं। उनका "राम" पूरी सार्वभौमिक रचनाओं में उनके साथ मौजूद है -----
(रेफरी: रवि दास दर्शनचरिया पृथ्वी सिंह आजाद)
गुरु ग्रंथ साहिब जी अंग 340 अभिलेखों में कहा गया है: बावन अक्षत, लोक त्रे, सब कुश माहिं में ---------
मतलब भाषा के 52 अक्षर सभी सार्वभौमिक शब्दों को लिख सकते हैं और सभी निर्माता तीन शब्दों (पृथ्वी, जल, आकाश) में रहते हैं लेकिन निर्माता "नाम" उनके वर्णन की शक्ति से परे है।
नाम के प्रति समर्पण: - सभी संत कहते हैं, सर्वोच्च भगवान नाम के माध्यम से प्रकट होते हैं और सच्चे नामांकित संत केवल ब्रह्मांड में उनके प्रतिनिधि हैं। श्री गुरु ग्रंथ साहिब का उद्घोष
"सब कुछ नाम (गुरु के ज्ञान के शब्द) द्वारा बनाया गया था,
बिना नाम कोई भी परमेश्वर के राज्य में प्रवेश नहीं कर सकता है, ”।
गुरु रविदास ने कहा:
केवल नाम ही सत्य है, "ओ" रविदास यह शुरुआत में था, यह अंत में ऐसा ही रहेगा;
यह सभी पापों और कष्टों को नष्ट करता है, और यह वास्तव में सभी आनंद की खान है।
एकता, द डिवाइन बूम: - गुरु रविदास जी ने "सत्संग मिलत-राही-ऐ माँदा-ओ जायसे मढ़प मचेरा।" "यूनाइटेड वी स्टैंड, डिविडेड वी फॉल" की घोषणा की। यह फिर से लोकतांत्रिक तरीके की ओर इशारा करता है और एक सार्वभौमिक सत्य है, फिर भी वैध है, क्योंकि यह कमजोर अल्पसंख्यकों के शक्तिशाली अतीत के अत्याचार का सामना करने के लिए अतीत में था।
एक स्वच्छ जीवन का नेतृत्व करें। - संत कहते हैं, हर प्राणी इस दुनिया में बार-बार आता है और अपने पिछले कर्मफल भार (कार्य) के कारण, इस से आसानी से छुटकारा नहीं पा सकता है, बाहर का रास्ता संतों और नाम के प्रति समर्पण है। सभी सच्चे संत अपने शिष्यों को एक स्वच्छ जीवन जीने के लिए मार्गदर्शन करते हैं ताकि कामस के अपने भार में न जोड़ें और आत्मा की मुक्ति के लिए शब्द प्रेम और घृणा के बंधन को तोड़ सकें। नाम सिमरन के साथ अपने संबंध को जारी रखते हुए, ईमानदारी से कमाई के उदाहरण का अनुसरण करते हैं। गुरु नानक, कबीर, नाम देव, गुरु रविदास और अन्य मनीषियों जैसे सभी संतों ने ईमानदार तरीकों से अपनी आजीविका अर्जित की।
डॉ। अंबेडकर ने एक दिन में एक ही रोटी और एक कप कॉफी पर ज्ञान हासिल करने के लिए एक साथ काम किया। अपने असफल स्वास्थ्य के बावजूद भारतीय संविधान को लिखने के दौरान वह पर्याप्त आराम करने के साथ निरंतरता में कई दिन और रात काम करते हैं। वह भारतीय राजनीति में एक दुर्लभ उदाहरण है जहां कोई भी अपने चरित्र पर संदेह नहीं कर सकता है और काम करने में ईमानदारी, आजीविका कमा सकता है। जब सोभा सिंह (कुशवंत सिंह भारतीय लेखक के पिता) ने एक महान बिल्डर का आह्वान किया, तब डॉ। अम्बेडकर ने वायसराय की कार्यकारी परिषद के सदस्य थे और दिल्ली में अपनी कोठी में श्रम विभाग संभाल रहे थे। भैया साहब जसवंत अम्बेडकर भी उपस्थित थे। सोबा सिंह ने डॉ। अंबेडकर को एक प्रस्ताव दिया कि वे अपने बेटे को पूर्व के व्यवसाय में शामिल होने दें। सोभा सिंह पैसा निवेश करेंगे लेकिन लाभ में यशवंतराव का 50% हिस्सा होगा। इस पर डॉ। अंबेडकर फेर हो गए और शक्तिानंद शास्त्री ने सोभा सिंह को कोठी से बाहर करने को कहा, जो शास्त्री ने किया था। यशवंतराव को भी उसी दिन बंबई भेजा गया था।
गुरु रविदास ने उपदेश दिया "अपने हाथों को अपने काम में और अपने मन और अपने अनन्त मित्र को ध्यान में रखो।" सभी संतों ने अपने शिष्यों को सलाह दी है कि वे जानवरों को न मारें और कार्मिक भार को नियंत्रित करने के लिए नशीले पदार्थों का सेवन करने से बचें। सभी प्राणियों के साथ हमारे संबंध को दिखाते हुए, गुरु नानक ने कहा कि वह (भगवान) सभी जीवों के निर्माता हैं,
सत गुरु कबीर ने कहा, "जो अनाज खाता है वह मनुष्य है, जो मांस खाता है वह कुत्ता है, जो जीवित प्राणियों को मृत घोषित करता है, एक शैतान अवतार है।" संत मलूक दास ने कहा, "सभी का दर्द समान है।"
गुरु रविदास ने कहा, "जो लोग मांस खाते हैं, वे वास्तव में अपना गला काटते हैं,
जो कोई भी मांस खाने वाला है, उसे नरक सईथ रविदास के पास जाना होगा। ”
नशा: नशा करने वाले व्यक्ति को एक जानवर के स्तर तक ले जाते हैं, इसके माध्यम से वे अपनी इच्छा शक्ति को अपंग करते हैं। ये सामाजिक बुराइयाँ हैं और सांसारिक और आध्यात्मिक, दोनों तरह से बड़ी बाधा हैं। सभी संतों ने नशीले पदार्थों के सेवन की मनाही की है। गुरु रविदास ने कहा,
"यहां तक कि अगर गंगा के पवित्र जल से शराब बनाई जाती है, तो संत इसे नहीं पीते हैं।" वह "नाम अमृत" पीने की सलाह देते हैं, क्योंकि एक बार नशे में होने के बाद, एक व्यक्ति हमेशा के लिए नशे में रहता है।
गुरु रवि दास ने सभी के लिए प्रेम, मानव, भगवान, सार्वभौमिक भाईचारे, आजीविका के लिए ईमानदारी से कमाई के लिए प्रेम का संदेश फैलाया। ऐसा करने से एक व्यक्ति प्रभु के साथ एक हो गया। भगवान शक्ति का स्रोत, मोक्ष सभी से अमीर, गरीब, उच्च या निम्न जाति का है। यह सबातिनी के प्रचार के लिए तिरछा था। उन्होंने कहा,
मेरी गरीबी देखकर सभी लोग हंस पड़े; ऐसा वास्तव में मेरा राज्य है,
लेकिन अठारह दिव्य निधि और शक्तियां, मेरे हाथ के नीचे हैं,
यह सब आपकी कृपा है "हे" भगवान।
गुरु रविदास और डॉ। अंबेडकर ने अपने संदेशों को फैलाने के लिए दूर-दूर तक यात्रा की।
उनकी यात्रा सहित दृष्टि के पुरुषों से मुलाकात करना था। गुरू जी ने अपने काल के दौरान केदारनाथ, बद्रीनाथ, कुरुक्षेत्र, और द्वारकापुरी में कई धार्मिक गुरुओं से मुलाकात की होगी। डॉ। एल.आर. द्वारा खींचे गए नक्शे के अनुसार परवाना अपने पंजाबी भाषा के ग्रन्थ “गुरु रविदास जीवन कीर्तन” में, श्री गुरु रविदास ने बॉम्बे (अब मुंबई), काठियावाड़, कराची, क्वाटा, पेशावर, मुल्तान, खीर दर्रा (अब पाकस्तान में), श्रीनगर (कश्मीर), जम्मू, जम्मू का दौरा किया। पंजाब (डलौसी जलंधर, फगवाड़ा, अंबाला, कुरुक्षेत्र) भागलपुर, बीकानेर, जैसलमेर, जोधपुर, अलवर, अजमेर, जयपुर, मथुरा, बिंद्राबन, आगरा, प्रतापगढ़, शाहजहांपुर, कानपुर, गोरखपुर, मारवाड़, चित्तूर, बौंसी, इलाहाबाद, अहमदबाद, काजीपुर। , मिर्जापुर, कोटा, जानसी, उज्जैन, भोपाल, बीकानेर, चुनार, तेजपुर, स्कंद्राबाद, हैदराबाद और कई अन्य स्थानों पर। यात्रा के साधन तब पैदल थे।
गुरु नानक देव जी के साथ गुरु रविदास की बैठकें: गुरु रविदास के गुरु नानक देव जी के साथ तीन गोष्ठी (बैठकें) हुईं। छुरखाना (ननकाना साहिब) में पहली बैठक, जब बाबा नानक जी बहुत छोटे थे। दूसरी बार सुल्तानपुर में (साइट को बेर साहिब गुरुद्वारा का वर्तमान स्थल कहा जाता है) और तीसरी बार कांशी में श्री गोपाल दास (वर्तमान गुरुद्वारा गुरु का बाग) का स्थल।
संक्षेप में, गुरु रविदास के दर्शन या शिक्षण को संक्षेप में प्रस्तुत किया जा सकता है
क) ब्राह्मणकाल वर्णाश्रम की घोषणा करना।
b) पुरुषों और महिलाओं के बीच समानता सहित मानव जाति की समानता को बढ़ावा देना।
ग) ब्राह्मणकाल वेदसंध अन्य धर्मों में मनुष्यों के बीच श्रेष्ठता और हीनता का प्रचार करने का अधिकार अस्वीकार करता है।
d) मोक्ष की प्राप्ति के लिए विभिन्न नदियों में अनुष्ठान, हठधर्मिता और स्नान को अस्वीकार करना
) जीवन में नैतिकता और मानवीय मूल्यों पर जोर देना
च) नाम सिमरन के लिए निरंतर ध्यान के माध्यम से केवल एक जीवित मास्टर के माध्यम से मुक्ति की संभावना।
छ) नशे और अनैतिक तरीकों से बचना
ज) ईमानदारी के माध्यम से जीवन यापन करने का निरंतर प्रयास करना और पारिवारिक जीवन की निंदा करके समाज से परजीवी नहीं बनना और भीख या दान का सहारा लेना।
द्वारा संकलित: Er.H.R. फोंसा hrphonsa@gmail.com M-09419134060
दिनांक: -17-2-2021
मटेरियल सौस: डॉ। बाबा साहेब अम्बेडकर (हिंदी) बसंत चंद्रमा द्वारा।
(रेफरी: रवि दास दर्शनचरिया पृथ्वी सिंह आजाद) RSSBeas द्वारा गुरु रविदास गुरनाम सिंह मुक्तसर द्वारा केह रविदास चमारा पृष्ठ 216) (पंजाबी) गुरम सिंह मुक्तसर द्वारा जुते माट बोल रे पांडे (- ----)
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-79821331478326188122021-04-15T01:05:00.001-07:002021-04-15T01:05:32.586-07:00Was Baba Saheb Dr Ambedkar Messiah of Dalits only?
Bharaat Ratna Dr Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar
(Remembering Mahamanav Bodhisattva On His 130th Birth Anniversary falling on 14th April, 2021)
Topic: Was Baba Saheb Dr Ambedkar Messiah of Dalits only?
By: Er.H.R. Phonsa ( hrphonsa @gmail.com)
Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, was an Indian jurist, political leader, Dalit leader, philosopher, thinker, anthropologist, historian, orator, prolific writer, economist, women emancipator, human rights profounder, valiant upholder of human rights. an eminent and erudite scholar, editor, revolutionist and a revivalist for Buddhism in India , now has many memorials in the foreign lands. Many of his life connected event days are celebrated in his memory as Vidharithy Diwas , World Equality day, World Knowledge Day . Many surveys have been carried world over after Baba Sahib’s death which selected him as first among many world personalities. Number One student out of 100 in Colubia University in its 2004 survey, Greatest Indian after Gandhi. He was awarded Bharat Ratna ( Posthumously) in 1988, the highest Civilian Reward by grateful Nation for his numerous services. He is only Dalit among 48 Bharat Ratna awardees.
It is said that some are born great others are made great and still others become great by surmounting hurdles in their paths by themselves. Another philosopher said that some people read history, some teach history, some people make history and a few become history. Dr. Ambedkar fell in the category of people who become history.
By reading life events of Baba Saheb one finds there was not even a singly hurdle free step in his life. There was not even a single act of his life which he earned through favour or courtesy of others. All is life he had to row against the currents. He was born in rags and died with rupees forty thousand debt, bore loincloth in school, sat alone on the corner of classroom floor, remained thirsty for hours even days . Once a school inspector put question to his class students “Name a distant object” Students gave answers as moon, sun, stars. But Bhim pointed toward a water pitcher kept out side, saying for him it is far away object. Although he was gentle, shining but hated being untouchable by his Indian barber, classmates, teachers, students, follow politicians including his office Brahmin peon. He slept on floor, lived night through on single loaf of bread, still was first to reach the entry gate of London Museum and last to leave it. He was termed as poor man’s lawyer; still he won cases declared as impossible by other caste Hindu lawyers. He was called traitor by his opponents for his caring to those to who even God never cared. He over worked at the cost of his life and comforts of his family as he ofter said his time is short but work is more. He lost his poise and caring wife in her young age, and four children (Three sons Romesh, Gangadhar, Rajratana and daughter named Indu) for want of care, money to buy medicines. On the death of his loving son his wife had to tear out a part of her sari to cover the dead child before giving burial. Despite all such hurdles, pains, sorrows, he never deviated from the set goal of working to change life conditions to his people, whom he loved even dearly to his life. They too stood by him in thick and thin, in large number. He often said he was born to safe guard interests of all oppressed, deprived majority to whom caste mentors had declared Shudra ( both touchable and untouchable), and he had bowed to offer any sacrifice for restoring them their lost human rights. He remained awake even during nights to guard their interests, when other caste and party political leaders were in sleep.
Bodhisattva, a lifetime committed helper of weak, Dr. Ambedkar as know in childhood Bhima or Bhiva, , Son of Subedar Major Ramji Malogi Sakhpal and Bhimabai, was born on 14th April,1891. He worked till after 12 O’clock in the night of 5th December, 1956 and after a few hours sleep, he slept forever. He was found dead on early morning of 6th December, 1956 by his wife Savita Ambedkar.The immense affections he enjoyed of his followers, was demonstrated by a funeral procession of laces, with wet eyes, crying ,chanting long live Baba Saheb slogans breaking all previous Bombay history records.
Was Baba Saheb only Messiah of Dalits ?
Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar is often referred as Messiah of Dalits while remembering his services, which it is not even half truth. Let us examine it in some details with facts and figures.
Although his opponents addressed him at times a traitor, stooge of British, but actually he never acted against the interests of his country.
In his1946 London press conference Baba Saheb stressed the British leaders to enforce 1935 Act and hand over united India to Indian Parties may be after 10 years, proving wrong to those who claimed that Baba Saheb was supporter of division of India on caste lines.(Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar By Dhanjay Keer pages 139, 384).
When British Prime Minister, Churchill directed the Indian Governor General to arrest all Indian leaders and send them to Andemans and Seyshells jails, on their“ Quit India resolution” decision of 14 July to launch “ Quit India Movement”. At the end of July 1942, Executive Council meeting was called by the Viceroy, to discuss the proposal and whether to put all congress leaders in jails or not. There were Hindu, Muslim, Parsee, Christian Council members, all signed the proposal of the Viceroy to put leaders in jails, which only Baba Saheb objected. He said Gandhi, Nehru, Rajinder Babu etc. were national heroes. Baba Saheb pleaded the congress leaders were fighting for independence of their country, which was not a crime. Only he could muster courage to object, not sign British Proposal , when other fell in line with British expecting award of royal titles like Sir’s, Rai Sahib’s, Rai Bahadur’s, Dewan Sahib’s etc.
British offered Knighthood title Baba Saheb and promise to support to Baba Saheb’s proposals for empowering his SCs/ST people, if he opposed the proposal of Independence against the British. Also the Hyderabad Nizam offered Baba Saheb a cash of cores if he got converted to Islam with his people. The Maharaja of Patiala offered him post of Prime Minister had he proposed his people to accept conversion to Sikhism amass . He refused all such temptations, proving his opponents wrong who termed him as enemy of Hindus.
His opponents could not win him by arguments, so adopted unconstitutional, deceitful methods, like caste hate propaganda , hunger strikes, and spreading other false rumours. Here also he remained committed to the cause of India and its people. Had Baba Saheb not agreed to sign Poona Pact in 1932, which he never wanted as per his free will, India might have faced worst human tragedy including huge loss to properties . Had Gandhi Ji died during his fast, lakhs might have been assassinated by religious reactionary’s clashes besides all time love lost between Indian communities. This was saved by visionary Baba Saheb knowing well he was losing a right of his people for which he worked all those years. Despite this Hindu leaders including Pt. Madan Mohan Malvia, who signed Poona Pact 1932 , sprinkled Gangajal on them to get purified of the pollution they said to have got by touching Scheduled Caste leaders like Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar (My memories and Experiences of Baba Saheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar by Shankranand Shastri Page 34 , 116&151).
In November 1930 he fearlessly asked British in their London bastion, during first RTC that they must free India immediately as they have failed to watch Indian interests while ruling. His people more than population of England, German were reduced to a level even worst than serf or slaves.
He said in Bombay Legislative Council as its member in 1927 “Whenever there is a conflict between my personnel interests and the interests of country as a whole, I have always placed the claims of the country above my personnel claims --- when there is a conflict in interests between country and the Untouchables, the untouchable’s interests will take precedence over the interests of the country”. In another statement Baba Saheb declared that he was Indian all through, unlike those who are the Hindu, the Muslim, the Sikh, the Christian first then Indian. Against all odds he did what he thought fit for his peoples and country. He struck to his words and fulfilled promises with his people.
If analysed with analytic, unbiased Visionary mind Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar’s thought, struggle, work was for all humanity in humanity in general and his motherland in particular. No double his struggle was also for the up lifting his downtrodden like a Divine Angle. He argued that major chunk of India population consisting of Shudras, deprived, oppressed, depressed people needed his help for restoration of their denied human rights for centuries.
By deep analysis of his work and mind, he was common to all, possessed no ill will even towards his sworn opponents. At angry moments, he exhibited bitter tongue but always carried a mother’s heart inside. His such actions were like a potter and guide as per Kabir said “ Antar Hatt Sahar Ki Bihir Marre Chot”. A potter and teacher while moulding an earthen pot and a disciple, keep a soft pad on side while striking on the outer surface.
Let us analysis his more common interest contributions:
Baba Saheb a “Symbol” of knowledge was world class student, with many of his research finding put challenges to surpass. His academic records of knowledge as DSC in Economics ( Perhaps only Indian till date) PhD’s has helped spread knowledge to world students. His score of 32 Degrees ( Hon. Included) , knowledge of over 64 subjects and ten languages still remains a challenge for world students to cross. His dedicated work for deprived millions of his people which gives him recognition in the line of world intellectuals, like Nelson Mandela, Stalin, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Karl Max, Mahatma Gandhi and many more.
His private library with about 50,000 books, worth many laces was donated to educational institutions, where scholars of all caste, religions read and get benefitted.
The Peoples’ Education Society he founded in 1945 now runs 12 University affiliated colleges, 6 of which are affiliated to the University of Mumbai, 5 to the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University and one to University of Pune imparting University Education to as many as 30,000 students of whom over 15,000 belong to the under privileged classes and rest to general categories.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the Savior of Labors in India . Labour come from all sections of society not Dalits only. His work to get enacted Acts and rules of common benefits to people from all sections of societyl. As Labour Executive Member of the Viceroy ( 1942 and 1946) , he was sworn on July 7, 1942. Dr. Ambedkar did a pioneering work . Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar believes that caste is not merely the division of Labour but division of labourers based upon the graded inequality As Chairman of 4th to 7th sessions of Indian Labour Conferences held in 1942-45 he laboured a lot to get labour benefit rules passed, some details of those rulesis given here under.
• Reduction in Factory Working Hours (8 hours duty) : cuurrently the working hours in India per day were about 8 hours.
• Health Insurance Scheme.
• Labour Welfare Funds
• Provident Fund Act.
• Factory Amendment Act.
• Minimum wage
• Dearness Allowance (DA) to Workers.
• Leave Benefit to Piece Workers.
• Revision of Scale of Pay for Employees.
• Coal and Mica Mines Provident Fund:
• Employees State Insurance (ESI
• The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 was enacted to provide for the investigation and settlement of industrial disputes, to prevent illegal strikes and lockouts, to provide relief to workmen during lay-off or after retrenchment or wrongful dismissal.
• The Indian Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill:
• Mines Maternity Benefit Act,
• Equal wages for equal work irrespective of Sex and caste of the labourer was brought in India.
• Women Labour welfare fund,
• Women and Child, Labour Protection Act,
• Leave Benefit to Piece Workers.
• Maternity Benefits for women Labour,
• Restoration of Ban on Employment of Women on Underground Work in Coal Mines,
• Indian Factory Act.
• National Employment Agency (Establishing Employment Exchanges), Sates and Union Public Commissions.
• Women and Child, Labour Protection Act.
• As world supper economist Baba Saheb ‘s research experiences of PhD, DSc helped in establishment of RBI and many other financial institutions including Finance Commission, planning commission Besides these Baba Saheb framed policy to establish
• The Damodar valley project, Hirakund project, The Sone River valley project, Bhakhara Dam on mighty Satluj river
• India’s Water Policy and Electric Power Planning
• Post War Economic Planning
• Indian Statistical Law
• He was chosen as Chairman of Constitution Drafting committee to write Constitution for free India, when some foreigners asked to write Indian Constitution by Indian Primer denied. His constitution is unique law Statue Book in the world. Its pledges to secure justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Before this document came into force even individual liberty, justice, equality, indivial dignity rights were graded. Universal adult franchise including women is a unique beauty of this statue. Despite his failing health he laboured for 2 years,11 months and 18 days to give this Constitution to benefit all Indian.
• The India women cannot forget him for his efforts of getting piloted the Hindu Code Bill, was not passed due to stiff opposition of Hindu Reactionary forces in and outside the Parliament, he resigned in protest from Union Law Ministry, creating a world history of sorts.
The political parties in power could not arrest the movement he initiated through the Hindu Code Bill and so had to pass it may be in parts over the years. Due to Baba Saheb’s efforts Indian woman now enjoys her centauries denied rights. He contested for all Indian women not only Dalit women.
Besides this he worked for specific benefits for the Depressed Classes (presently known as SCs, STs, OBCs) besides other minorities. He organised them to face religious social, political challenges in future India. His agitation to get right of drinking water from the public sources he suffered beating, abuses besides pleading his case for ten years. His guidance to continuous 5 years agitation for entry to Kala Ram Temple Poona ( Now Pune),Reservation in political and in State Employments is a unique right he got by convincing its need, in Constitutional Assembly of elected 299 members many of whom were Princes of else while states, High calibre British time Bureaucrats, Jurists, political leaders, and religious leaders. By high lighting contributions of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, I do not mean undermine contribution of other leaders of his time each one of whom was great in his /her field, spheres.
Despite all his services to his Samaj, country, world, he never asked any favour for his self or his family. The story narration of his contribution cannot be summed up in few pages, and even this small brief can say with confidence, that Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar was not a Messiah, Savoir, Guide, Emancipator, friend, well wisher of Dalits, Depressed masses of India but for all Indian irrespective of caste, creed, sex, place of birth, economic or education status of persons.
Words: 2600
Material Source:-
1.Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar by: D.Keer
2. My memories and Experiences of Baba Saheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar by Shankranand Shastri.
3. Dr.Baba Saheb Ambedkar by Basant Moon ISBN 978-81-237-0941-3 ( Hindi)
4. DR.B.R.Ambedkar "The Messiah of the Down Trodden" by Janak Singh published by KALPAZ Delhi-52(2010)
5. Dr Ambedkar Jiwan Ate Mission (Punjabi) by L.R. Bali Jalander,
6. Last Few years of Dr. Ambedkar by Nanak Chand Rattu Amrit Publishing House New Delhi 1997
7.Dalit Movement in India and its Leaders(1 857-1956) by R.K. Kshirsagar M.D Publications New Delhi 1994
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-79478171702335310772021-04-04T07:06:00.004-07:002021-04-04T07:06:50.352-07:00RAI SAHEB G.T MESHRAM (1895-1953)RAI SAHEB G.T MESHRAM (1895-1953)
(Let us Salute to the memory of this Dalit icon on his 67th Mahaprinirvan falling April,2021)
By: Er.H.R.Phonsa
Shri Gobindrao Meshram was son of a Mahar Shri Tukaram Meshram who was a soda factory worker at Nagpur. Shri Gobindrao Meshram was born on 30 thSeptember 1895 at Indore, Nagpur. Indore is the commercial capital city of central India and is 190 km west of the Madhya Pradesh state capital Bhopal. Earlier Indore along with Nagpur was part of the Central Province. However, after reorganization of the state in 1956, Indore became part of MP and Nagpur of Maharashtra. Shri Gobindrao Meshram married Smt. Sarubai and had one son and two daughters.
Shri Gobindrao T. Meshram passed the Matriculation examination in 19RAI SAHEB G.T MESHRAM (1895-1953)15 from the Roman Catholic High School of Nagpur. After matriculation, he joined the Indian Army for some time and soon resigned. On leaving Army, he became member of the Nagpur municipality. He met Dr. Ambedkar, who convinced Meshram G.T. by his philosophy of Dalit empowerment. Dr. Ambedkar was sure enough that the Caste Hindus were not prepared to recognize the human rights of the Dalits. Therefore at Yeola on 1 3th October 1935 Dr. Ambedkar had decided to leave Hinduism and embrace some other religion .This announcement was made by Baba Saheb when over 10,000 Dalits were present at Yeola. Shri GT Meshram strongly supported his mentor .A great Dalit leader Shri L. N. Hardas, member ILP, passed away on 12th January 193 9, who was a member of the CP and Berar Legislative Assembly from Kamathi Nagpur reserved seat. Therefore this reserved seat fell vacant and Shri G.T. Meshram was nominated by the ILP party to contest this seat in the election held in February 1939.
Despite the fact that ILP formed won 14 seats in the elections held in 1937, it failed to align all Untouchables behind it as many of them were more interested in their good prospects of short cuts. So it was decided to launch a new political party. A meeting was arranged on18th, 19th and 20thJuly 1942 at Nagpur. Shri G.T Meshram was elected as Chairman of the reception committee. In this conference the All India Scheduled Castes Federation, the first national level political organization of the Dalits, was formed at the initiative of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar . Shri Rai Bahadur N. Shivraj was elected as its president. Also the state branches of SCF were formed on 2nd January 1943 and Shri G.T. Meshram was elected as its president for his area.
Shri Meshram had gained nearness to Dr. Ambedkar when he was the labour member in the Viceroy's Executive Council (July 1942-july1946). Dr. Ambedkar proposed Sh. Meshram to join the Government of India service as an estate officer. Shri Meshram agreed and joined as an estate officer and rendered commendable service. For his excellent service the Governor-General of India gave Shri Meshram the honorary title of Rai Saheb. Shri Meshram retired as estate officer in the year 1951. He remained closed associated with Dr. Ambedkar in his activities to educate Dalits in particular and public in general. Dr. Ambedkar launched the Peoples Education Society Bombay on 8th July 1945.
Shri G .T. Meshram was among of the founding members and trustee of the People's Education Society Bombay. This society founded the Siddharth College of Bombay. Currently it runs 12 University affiliated colleges, 6 of which are affiliated to the University of Mumbai, 5 to the Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Karnataka University and one to University of Pune imparting University Education to as many as more than 30,000 students of whom over 15,000 belong to the under privileged classes. When Dr. Ambedkar decided to open the Milind College at Aurangabad in 1953, Shri Meshram was made the registrar of the college. Dr. Ambedkar stayed in July-August 1953 at Aurangabad to oversee the construction of the college. It was due to the efficient management of Shri Meshram that the magnificent college building was constructed in a record time.
During the first general elections Shri Meshram unsuccessfully contested from Nanded constituency as SCF candidate. Shri Meshram, who was an untiring devotee to the public cause and was bestowed with excellent organizing capability, breathed his last on April 1953 at the age of 57 at Aurangabad. He shall be long remembered in the history of Dalit liberation struggle.
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-72426408740903832262021-04-04T07:03:00.000-07:002021-04-04T07:03:06.142-07:00 Veerangini Jhalkaribai Kori (1830-58) Story of courageous Dalit woman in colonial India. Veerangini Jhalkaribai Kori (1830-58) Story of courageous Dalit woman in colonial India.
( Bowing our heads in reverence on her 164th Shaheedi Anniversary falling fallingtoday the 4th April, 2021)
Revised and updated By:Er.H.R.Phonsa,Jammu
This is the story of a courageous woman who came from a humble background but rose to the occasion to fight for her people and country. Like any other Dalit heroes who attained martyrdom in any war she had no ambition to own a palace, become a queen to rule a kingdom, become a heir to the throne , earn fame but sacrificed for the freedom of India may be 1857 freedom struggle or any other movement for motherland’s freedom.
The history of India is full of rulers -- both men and women -- who combined bravery with a strategy to repulse attacks by foreign invaders down the ages. Members of ruling families fought for the sake of gaining control over other’s territory or to defend their kingdoms, but for Dalits it was their commitment to their country with no personnel ambitions to full fill.
Jhalkaribai Kori’s story is a saga of courageous and selfless sacrifice for her mother land Jhansi. Her resemblance with Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi matched like mirror image or as 'doubles . Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, the legendary warrior who fought the invading British army in the first War of Independence, when her kingdom was annexed by the British as her husband Ganga Dhar Rao had died heirless. A little known figure in Indian history, Jhalkaribai lives on in the folklore of the Bundelkhand region. Bundelkhand was once a Buddhist region and also called Budha-khand.
Jalkaribai was born on 22nd November 1830 in village Bhojalla on Balaji Marg. Her father was Sadova Singhan army solider, and mother named Dhania but some authors say her father was named as Mool Chand & mother Jamuna Devi. They were agriculturists, belonging to Kori Caste of Untouchables having Laria Gotar. Kori Caste has a glorious history as Kories are said to have been rulers of this country . Shamba Asur Maharaj was a Kori ruler as also revered Yashodhara wife of Gotam Budha was too from Kori Caste. How this so warrior and prosperous Kori peoples were reduced to a unknown position is a mystery. Jalkari Bai also nicknamed as Chaloria being the only child of her parents .She lost her mother at a very young age. Therefore she was brought up by her father with utmost care, love and affection. Jalkari Bai grew into a strong, courageous, beautiful girl. At the age of 12 years when she went to bring wood for cooking in forest area she was attached by a panther. She also attacked it with her axe but missed and the axe fell from her hands. Then she courageously caught the animal from its both jaws and tore them apart. In this fight she also got scratches, some wounds on her self and her clothes were torn. This news spread in the Jhansi town like wild fire and adjoining areas. All people praised her bravery. On another occasion, she challenged a gang of dacoits who raided the house of a village businessman and forced them to retreat.
History records show this to have been narrated by one Pooran of Namapur Jhansi, himself from Kori caste, a courageous and famous wrestler. He had experience in archery besides having gained expertise in horse riding, fire arms, sword yielding. Pooran asked his mother that he wanted to marry brave Jalkari Bai .This idea was accepted by father of Jalkari Bai, and their marriage was ceremonised with religious gaiety in 1843. Pooran was ordnance solider, canon operator at main gate of Jhansi. Jalkari Bai learnt the art of cloth weaving the job carried by her in-laws . This union of two healthy bodies & souls impressed Jalkari Bai to have military training and Pooran supported her idea .He stated training her in all types of martial arts both defensive & offensive. This was not liked by the elders from their society, who were under influence of Hindu law codes which preached that women had no choice of out door military activities, but to serve their husband as gods, rare children and confine to house hold duties only. But this new couple did not bother to this type of criticism. She also used to go to Raj Darbar with her husband. Rani used to invite women from the area on Gouri Pooja day & encouraged them in putting Turmeric-saffron marks on fore heads day. Jalkari Bai also went to palace wearing new clothes as new bride along with her mother- in -law and other women to pay obedience to Laxmibai the Rani of Jhansi on Gouri Poja day. On conversing with Jalkari Bai the queen found her fearless . Laxmibai was struck by Jhalkari's mysterious resemblance to her . Rani felt as if Jalkari Bai was her separated sister. Jalkari Bai‘s pleasing & stout body contours impressed the queen. On enquiring further Jalkari Bai put forward her desire to join army. After being told about her courage tales by other women Rani ordered Jhalkari's induction into the Durga Dal or Women Army of Jhansi. Jhalkaribai was asked to see the Rani daily. Jalkari Bai was trained by Rani herself into the art of archery, horse ridding, shooting, wrestling and other physical exercises. Jhalkari, along with the other women, was trained in shooting and igniting the cannons at a time when the Jhansi army was being strengthened to face any British intrusion. Jhalkari was subsequently made its commander. The Durga Dal recruits repeatedly foil attacks by the British army. But for the betrayal by one of Laxmibai generals, the Jhansi fort would have remained invincible for at least some more time.
Varanasi born Brahmin young girl Manikarnika Karhade , at an age of 14 years got married to Gangadhar Rao Nawalkar (1797-1853) , 5th Raja of Jhansi in 1842. Both Karhade and Nawalkar are Peshwa’s castes.Some authors write her age 8 years when married. Both Karhade and Nawalkar are said to be Brahmin castes. After marriage Manikarnika was renamed as Rani Laxmibai. It was Gangathar Rao’s second marriage after death of Ramabai, his first wife in 1842 who died issueless. Rani Laxmibai gave birth to a male child 1851 who was named Damodar Rao. The child died of a chronic illness only after 4 months. On the death their son in fancy , king Gangadhar Rao fell ill due to shock . On November 19, 1853 ,Gandadhar Rao adopted Anand Rao, a child aged 5years being King’s distant cousin . Gangadhar Rao also applied for heir ship in favour of Damodar Raoalias Anand Rao along with Rani as Regent to Major J.M Ellias, who was Assistant Political agent at Jhansi. King Gangadhar Rao died on 21 November 1853. Despite Rani’s strong arguments for accepting Damodhar Rao, her adopted son as successor. She contested her case before the British authorities but all Rani‘s request were declined by Lord Dalhousie ,under the Doctrine of Lapse1848,despite it being supported by sub-ordinate officers. A new captain Alexander Skene was ordered to take over the charge of Jhansi.
The Doctrine of Lapse1848 was made applicable with effect from7thMarch 1854 merging Jhansi into the East India Company’s dominions in India. Rani was sanctioned annual Pension of Rs, 60,000 with instructions to keep the palace as her personnel residence and pay her husband’s debits from it. Damodhar Rao inherited king’s personnel estate but neither his title nor kingdom. On 13th March 1854 Major John Malcolm Ellias presented this order to Rani and Rani said “I shall not surrender Jhansi to any body on any conditions” so Allis went back quickly. All the petitions of the Rani to retain power were rejected by early 1856. Thakur Laxmin Singh a famous historian writes that Rani of Jhansi ruled Jhansi in 1855-56 on behalf of British. Rani was asked to vacate fort and shift to her private palace to live there on a monthly pension of Rs 5000/- On this Rani decided to fight back the British, who had started to commit other excesses also in her area.
When the Mutiny erupted in 1857 in Meerut and subsequently its spread in Jhansi . Indian Sepoys of the East India Company took up arms against the British, Rani continued to remain loyal. She aided the rebels only at the point of their guns, and immediately informed the British of events. The British appointed her as their agent and gave her full authority to govern, which she did without wavering in her duty despite the foul blow dealt to her infant son by the British.
On 8 June, 1857 between 72 and 92 European men, women, and children were ruthlessly massacred by the rebellious troops who had promised them safe passage from Jhansi. The British pinned the responsibility on Rani though she was said to not involve. The British, however, did not trust her and soon it became evident to Laxmibai that when law and order was restored in Central India, including Bundelkhand including Jhansi, they would come for her arrest as a traitor.
Faced with the imminent likelihood of execution, Laxmibai then revolted against the British. It was hard fact that none except Dalits in rebellion were fighting for an “independent India”, because such a concept did not exist then. All upper caste kings and knights entered1857 rebellion with selfish mottos of getting heir ship for their wards, restoration of stopped pension, oppose Doctrine of Lapse .These kings were even against social changes ordered by British saying such changes was“ Interference in their Religious Affairs” .
So Laxmibai decided to fight back the British. Her generals and the people of Jhansi rallied round the queen and resolved to take up arms against the British instead of surrendering to them. On March 22, 1858 Sir Hugh Rose opens the siege of Jhansi. The pounding of Jhansi fort begins on March 25 and the Rani’s troops responded in kind, refusing to give way.
Nathe Khan ,Dewan of neighbouring raja Orcchha, too invaded Jhansi with 20,000 strong army from Orshey side to help British forces. Pooran Kori, Bhau Bakashi, Jhalkari Bai, Jawahar Singh, Gulam Goas were fighting from Rani Jhansi side. A fierce fight was going and at lost Nathe Khan lost and was forced to run leaving behind lot of ammunition. Peer Ali joined hands with British and asked them to attack Jhansi from Jar hill side. Tantya Topey was advancing towards Jhansi with his army to help Laxmi Bai. He was forced to move to another side from Kalpi front resistance of British army. Like Peer Ali Dewam Dulha also deserted Rani & joined enemy force and opened Orsha Gate of Jhansi Fort. The British army got entry into th fort, Rahi asked Pooran Kori, Bhau Bakashi, Jawahar Singh ,Gulam Goas and Bhopatkar to resist entry of enemy from outside the fort. Soldiers were being killed in large number. Meanwhile Jhalhari Bai Kori a close confident of Rani , along with Bhopatkar asked Rani to escape from the fort with her adopted son, as survival of Rani was important to continue the fight for Jhansi’s freedom. Rani Laxmi Bai escaped from Jhansi fort in the darkness of 4th April 1858 night on horse back through Bhanderi Gate under the charge of Pooran Kori topchi ,carrying her son along.
Jhalkaribai being a close resemblance of Laxmibai wore Rani’s robes and went on fighting & leading Jhansi army. On reaching Bhandari gate she found her husband Pooran Kori attained martyrdom while fighting. She was shocked to see her husband dead. She saluted his body and with out mourning much she stated fighting with greater fierceness. Her sole aim was to get engaged enemy forces till Rani escaped to some safe destination. She worked out a plan to deceive the British. She dressed up like Laxmibai and took command of the Jhansi army. She asked some women soldiers to follow her with loudly sloganeering “Rani Jhansi Ki Jai”.
There after she marched out of the fort towards the camp of British General Hugh Rose. On reaching the British enclave, she shouted that she wanted to meet the general Sir Hugh Rose. She was captured. Besides capturing Jhansi, the British thought they had caught the queen alive. When the general Sir Hugh Rose -- thinking she was the queen -- asked Jhalkari what should be done to her, she firmly said, ‘‘Hang me.'' But Dulha Joo a Brahmin, identified and said she was not Laxmi Bai the queen but Jhalkaribai Korin. Jalkaibai spitted on the mouth of Dulha Joo for this revealing . Jhalkaribai was shot at by the British General on 4th April 1948,thus this Dalit Veerangini along with her husband Pooran Kori attained Martyrdom for the freedom of their country for none of their personal "ambition".
Bundelkhand legend say that her reply stunned the general, who said on 4th June, 1858 that if even one per cent of Indian women were like Jhalkari; the British would soon have to leave India. All out efforts of Indians forced the British to free India nine decades later , in 1947.
This is in brief the saga of bravery of one of the rare courageous women soldiers of Indian forces. She made way for the safe escape of Maharani Laxmibai sacrificing her life along with life of her Husband. But alas the discourteous caste infected historians for long did not mention the contribution of Dalit women & men who laid their lives purely for the freedom of their mother land despite being treated even worst than animals in their mother land. Dalit martyrs did not have any personnel axe to grind in the form of kingdoms, titles, estates ,heir ship rights demands of rulers fighting in sepoy Mutiny or First war of India1857, but love for the freedom of their country .The recent research work by independent writers is trying to dig out truth from the debris of the one sided history materials written by self interested biased writers . To call Rani Laxmibai astonishing woman single fighter for Indian freedom, and to posthumously bestow on her the highest laurels as one of the main rebel leaders, is how much accurate by ignoring her Dalit commander Jhakaribai Kori’s rights . Jhalkaribai made way for Rani’s safe escape from fort ,fought war in Rani’s Army costumes , lost her husband in battle field, actually captured from battle field and shoot dead in Jhansi by enemy, only unbiased future historians shall decide .
Words:-2570
Dated:-4th April,2021 Er. Hem Raj Phonsa
hrphonsa@gmail.com Mob:+91934060
Bibliography:-
1) Veerangana JhalkariBai (Hindi)by Mohnash Namishry Samyak Prakashan32/3,Club Road Pashachim Puri NewDelhi-63
2) 1857 KiKrantiMeinDalitonKaYogdan(Hindi)by Satnamsingh Samyak Prakashan32/3,Club Road Pashachim Puri New Delhi-63
3) Sawtantra Sangram Mein Ashutoyan Ka Yogdhan( Hindi) byD.C. Dhenkar Gotam Book Centre,Chandan Sadan,C-263-A,Gali No-9 Hardev Puri Shahdara Delhi-110093
4) History Net, Window Internet Explorer( Weikipedia)
5) The photograph given here is from “Veerangana JhalkariBai (Hindi) by Mohnash Namishry Samyak Prakashan” 6) https://www.historynet.com/lakshmi-bai-the-rani-of-jhansi.htm
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-25497972865481684802021-03-09T06:50:00.002-08:002021-03-09T06:50:41.578-08:00International Women’s day 2021 International Women’s day 2021
(We salute all those strived hard to arouse self dignity feeling in women folks of world in 1908 till day on 113th IWD)
By: Er. H. R. Phonsa(Contact, hrphonsa@gmail.com)
The old historical facts show that women all around world were not treated equal with men. Men dominated them despite the facts that their contributions were no way less in family raising, nursing and supporting. The variety of works females carried made life and working easy for family including men. She worked world over for food cooking, give birth and nurse children. She helped in farming, horticulture, harvesting, arranging fodder for animals, fire wood for cooking, arranging water supply, even when these re-resources were scare and scattered. She was of great help in arts, crafts weaving, working, animal rearing maintaining family and society hygiene. The women served men as mothers, sisters, wives husbands, nurses, but had to have meals after all others, at times left over, even remained half fed. The life dependency conditions for females became hardened with change in family patronage from Matriarchal to patriarchal. This later was said to be an organised mischief by men. Although women were not bodily weaker than men and must have equally helped males during animal hunting for food and clothing. But during menstruation, pregnancy, and child birth she needed support. Due such weakness she was over powered by men and enslaved. Even religions sided with men, so fair sex got enslaved with more and more dependency on males. The caste distinctions, a creation of religion, divided workers so made them weak losing sympathies for workers outside their own caste cages. This further downgraded life conditions for women,more so in India. Although
many "hagiography", of nobles women (Saints) are found in many religions, but what specific worldly women welfare deeds they performed, remained confined to history ,religious books and preachers. This remained allusive from majority ground level suffering female of their times and even now. These narrations serves as alms acing for religious discourses deliverers say Pujaries , Bhayies, Mullas, ulamas , Christian clergies for their self supporting and raising worldly institutions . The inferiority complex in women was created, by duo, religious peers and men of terrors. Majority Vedic Hindu Pujaries avoided taking food cooked by even their house ladies, so cooked their food themselves. Every upper caste male child had to undergo sacred thread (Yajnyopavit) ceremony to get pollution free from the birth pollutions, he got from his mother. Every Hindu woman was treated even worse than an outcaste with only right to bear children.
With the passage of time, enlightenment evolved, giving new thought processes for evolution of new techniques, theories and governances .The new evolved systems developed on ideas of self government, monarchical, autocratic etc. But none provided relief to ,or rescued women from her hell like life in male domination societies. Subsequently birth of democratic and industrialization in Modern Era changed life conditions drastically in many ways. However to have parity between men and women’s equality rights in wage and working, it took long time to materialise. Lot many public agitations, government resistances, law suits, beatings, killings, policing, in-comforts had to be surmounted by women before reaching present level comforts. But such things are still a dream in some places, communities, countries. Some women denounced world for different reasons, spent their lives in service of mythological Bhaghwans , Gods, Deity’s, but their exploitations continued . In prehistoric times some 25 centuries before Christ Lord Buddha gave message of love, compassion, non violence for all including women. He allowed entry of women into his Dhamma.
In India many male visionary souls from early modern era joined extending helping hands to women to shed their feeling of inferiority. Rare of the rarest example was initiation into Bhagati Movement of Meerabai Rajput (1498-1547), Jhali like queens by a low caste (Chamar) Guru Ravidas (1377-1528CE) Ji Maharaj, blowing to winds the man made distinctions based on caste and sex. This acted as a democratic thought wave spouting for future guidance to give democratic government a chance. Although it was a localised teaching of a supreme mind but must have professed the future line of thinking for equal rights all including the world of women. He knew that it was the only way out to give universal brotherhood a chance to grow and flourish for world peace and prosperity. But this had very little effect in caste infested India, as the women and untouchable were badly enslaved falsely in the name of Divine assigned duties to improve their next birth. This thought even crossed seven seas assuming name as Protestant Movement of Christianity. One of the earliest efforts to empower women starting from their education was started in India, by Mahatama Jyotiba Phuley (1827-1890) and his visionary wife Mata Savitibai Phuley (1831-1897) by opening a series of schools ( 18 in Number) some with co education . They opened first girl’s school on 1-1-1848 at Poona ( Now Pune) Maharastra , India, despite life threats from upper caste Hindus. The upper castes Hindus had declared education to girls was an irreligious act. Fatma Bibi , a Muslim and Sagunabai,cousin sister of Jyotirao with some Christian Missionaries helped the Phuley couple in their revolutionary step to educate girl children. Their thought process of equal rights for Indian women, achieved desired goals, when Dr Baba Saheb B.R. Ambedkar’s, written Indian Constitution, was passed and adopted by the Constitutional assembly of 292, Indian elected house on November 26, 1949 adopting adult suffrage including women attaining 21year age. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar himself was a great champion of women freedom. He worked hard to get freed Indian woman from religious exploitations preached and supported by religious Pandits , Mullahs, clergy’s etc. Dr Baba Saheb often said that he measured the progress of a society, by the progress achieved by its women. He also said meaning of freedom without freedom to women is meaningless. Women should strive to be friend to their husbands rather than slaves.
The political uprising in West countries over all shook the society from late14th century to care women. Women like Christine de Pisan (1364 – c.1430) from Italy, challenged prevailing undesired attitudes toward women with a bold call for female education. Her action prompted three American well meaning women Joining hands in giving flip to women right movement . They were Elizabeth Cady Stanton ( 1815-1902), Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) and Lucretia Mott (1793-1880) who helped bring in an era of women welfare They organised women for their social equality ,education and suffrage rights. They were holding conventions, demonstrations and put up strong challenge to get all their human rights including abolishing their slavery. The British writer, philosopher, and advocate of women's rights Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1997) analysed the conditions for a modern woman. She questioned truth of J-J Rousseau’s (1712-1778) theories like “social contacts” challenging, how women were inferior men. That earned her a distinguished presence among women friendly persons. This movement was joined with more of such human hearted women and it spread over whole world. The result was encouraging results. New Zealand, an island country on 19,September 1893 became first world country to grant suffrage to women in that country. The women unity continued to achieve their equal rights.
On February 28, 1909 the Socialist Party of America (1901-72) organized a Women's Day in New York City. The lineage of first ever celebration of IWD can be traced back to 1908, when 15,000 female workers marched in New York City roads , as they sought more humane working hours, better pay and the right to vote for women.
In German a woman named Clara Zetkin ( 5 july,1857 to 20 June 1933), a teacher by profession and she was interested in women's politics. She wanted equal opportunities and women's suffrage by adopting socialist means. She worked in women folk to make them aware of their equal rights with men, prepare them to fight for their rights. In 1910, Clara Zetkin floated the idea to celebrate International Women Day annually. She tabled a motion during a conference of 100 women delegates from 17 countries , and the moton was adopted unanimously. It was first time celebrated in 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland . Since then the International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8th March. With rising awareness level and, unity among women world over governments were forced to change their attitudes towards about half of world population. After women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia March 8. 1917 and the day became a national holiday there. On 21 November 1918 British Parliament allowed voting rights to its women on attaining 21 years age. The American Constitution granted American women the right to vote from August 18, 1920, conceding to over 100 years continuous demands and protests by women. The United Nations Convention1952, adopted that “women shall be entitled to vote in all elections on equal terms with men, without any discrimination.”
Currently barring a highly religious place democracy “Vatican City” women enjoy suffrage in all world democracies. The women suffrage struggle was awarded when in the world history Madam Khertek Anchimaa-Toka, a soviet woman served as Chairwoman of the Tuvan People’s Republic, called the Little Khural, from 1940 until 1944. She proved her excellent head qualities by serving in most difficult times as
II- WW. The race to occupy world countries’ top political and administrative positions by women is continuing with many new annual additions.
Indian Constitution legally removed all age old road blocks in the progress of women and underpriced sections of Indian society. It banned all old rules from Indian soil which do not commensurate with the statue laws. But alas the condition of rural women has not improved to the desired level. Still there exits sky differences in urban and rural level education, economic, individual dignity of Safaikaramchari, sex workers, slum dwellers.
The UN began celebrating International Women's Day from the Year 1975. Today, International Women's Day is a public holiday in some countries, filled with joyous celebrations. IWD is yet ignored in some countries, a day of protest in others. On this day countries celebrate women achievements besides over all progress made by their countries with women contributions.
To marrow the 8th March, 2021 , the world will celebrate One Hundred and thirteenth IWD with the theme topic "Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world" highlighting the impact that girls and women worldwide had made as health care workers, caregivers, innovators and community organizers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let us all remember all those bravo women of yester years, who fought hard to get equal rights for their sisters. We should also salute those who pledge on IWD to carry forward commitments made in 1910 by their sisters, mothers, grandmothers and womenfolk world over.
Words 1800
Dated 7th March,2021.
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044602782158702956.post-11484085023964804482021-02-22T06:23:00.000-08:002021-02-22T06:23:32.524-08:00GURU RAVI DASS –A – Par-Excellent Mystic Bhagti Saint GURU RAVI DASS –A – Par-Excellent Mystic Bhagti Saint . ( Revised and Enlarged
(On the Eve of Sant Shromani Shri Guru Ravi Dass Ji’s 644 th Birthday which falls on Saturday the 27th February 2021)
By: Er. H. R. Phonsa
Among the Saints, Ravi Dass is the true saint, thus sayeth Sat Guru Kabir “So purifying is Guru Ravi Dass, that the dust of his holy feet is worshiped by all.” said Guru Nabha Dass.
“Having found Raidas my Guru, I have found God”, so said Meera
Guru Sain Ji writes in Sain Sagar “Bhagat Ravidas did a miracle as he caught hold and enslaved Thakur, means Creator”.
Guru Ravi Dass was born on Magh Purnima (Sunday)in Samvat 1471 ( 1414 AD ) to Shri Raghu and Shrimati Mata Karma Devi of Chamar caste at Mandiva Thein ,now called Goverdhan Pura ,near Banaras Some scholars give the names of his parents as Sh. Santosh Dass and revered Mata Kalsi Devi Guru Ravi Dass lived an exalted life span of 126 years and left his mortal frame in 1540 AD to join back into the supreme ocean of Bliss or the Creator of Universe. However, some scholars quote his life span of 151 years which too is not impossible for such a pure soul as Guru Ravi Dass, happened to be. But for want of authentic information such things are bound to happen. Now a beautiful memorial 7-storey Mandir (temple )stands erected at Guru Ravi Dass Ji’s birth place at Seer Govardhanpur, near Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi(UP) by the Guru Sangat Also a Sawrna Palki or (Golden Palanquins) has been installed there in honour of the Great emancipator of Dalit. The Birmingham (UK) devotees collectively donated for the Swarn Palki. Swarn Palki was unveiled by Behan Mayawati Ji, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on 21st February, 2008 – on Paramsant Guru Ravidass Jyanti Day.
Guru Ravi Dass was born at a time when the orthodox and superstitious Hindu and Muslim priests were propagating rituals, exterior body decorations, scarifying animals, visiting different places, bathing in different rivers, recitations of their Holy religious books etc. as methods of worship to attain salvation or way to escape from the circle of births and deaths. The Hindus had closed all their places of worships (temples ), schools, entry into Government services or honorable state services for Sudras ,instead the upper caste people assigned them most dirtiest duties for the Brahmans , Khatriyas and Vaishayas, as per Rules framed by Manu All decent means of livelihood, dignity of life and progress were codified as unlawful for them.
Many other saints like Guru Nanak Dev, Kabir, and Namdev, Gora ji Maharaj, Trilochan, , Farid, Dadu Sahib etc. denounced this unnatural ways of both Hindu and Muslim priests. These Holy saints tried to liberate souls from religious cage clutches of priesthood. This was also challenged by Shri Guru Ravi Dass Ji and he had to face a very tough opposition from the religious priests and rulers. Sri Guru Ravidas denounced caste system and upheld Virtue by saying;
If a Brahmin is virtue less, Offer him no worship ‘O ‘Ravi Dass,
Worship instead the feet of a Chandal, If he is Found full of virtue.
(Chandal is defined as a person born from the wed locks of a Brahmin Mother and a Chamar father and was considered lowest of the low castes For details see Harijans in Indian Society by Srivastva page 19).
Guru Ravidass set in motion great revolutionary democratic thinking so advised the rulers to provide equal and decent means of livelihood to all their subjects and he said:-, I want kingdoms where every one is well-fed,
And all should live in harmony, Ravidass is happy only then.
Guru Ravidass gave a call to religiously enslaved un-touchable to cut the chains of their slavery and advised them
Pradeen Ka Dheen Kaya, PraDheen Bin Dheen, Meaning:-The enslaves have no religion as all take or
Ravidass Dass Pradheen Ko Sab Hee Samjey Heen treat him weak and untouchable
On the same subject Shri Guru Ravidass advised untouchable to shed away feeling of being weak and cut chains of Enslavement ,
He said:- Pradheen Pap Hai, Jan Liyo Hey Meet Meaning:- Enslavement is curse and n o body respects or loves to him sayth Ravidasss
Ravidass Dass Pradheen Ko Koun Kare Hai Preet.
Guru Ravi Dass preached the rule of Almighty, saying Almighty has created everybody equal and there cannot be any difference between persons of different castes or religions . He said,
If the world has arisen, From the same Holy SPIRIT (God )
How can any wordly body bring about any distinction ?Between high and low, Brahman or cobbler (Chamar).
He further elaborated by saying, Ask not caste “o” Ravi Dass, What is there in clan or caste?
Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaish, or Shudra, All belong to the same caste.
He also said “If thou are born to Brahmin (Superior by birth) mother, why you have not born through a different body aperture .”
The true saints like Ravi Dass come to this world to preach true message of God realization, Love and devotion to Lord, they don’t denounce other religions but dogmas and rituals they oppose with full force. Guru Ravi Dass said,
Those who are not dyed internally in love,But merely make an outer display,
They will go to the world of death, Truly doth Ravi Dass state.
Keeping in view spiritual richness of Guru Ravi Dass’s hymns, 40 of them were incorporated into the Holy Granth Sahib by Shri Guru Arjun Dev ji, the 5th Sikh Guru the compiler of it .Another sacred, Punjabi compilation, by Sant Samaj (Dera Sach Khand Ballan Jalander) “Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji” contains 140 Hymns, 40 pade, painti akhri, bani haftawar, bani pandran tithi, baran maas updesh, dohra, saand bani, anmol vachan (milni de samen), laawaan,suhag ustat,manglachar, besides 231 saloks along with 40 Hymns contained in Guru Granth Sahib.
Need of a living Master (Guru).;- Since God is formless, so it is not possible for humans to see or reach Him, without which man incomplete or imperfect. God becomes accessible only when He takes human form and come to the level of human in this world . This human form of pure spirit is called Guru by the saints.
So Guru is God’s incarnation to show His form. Sain Bulleh Shah Said “God (Molla ) hath taken the form of man (Guru)”
Guru Arjun Dev Ji Said: Nanak Says, this is the rule of Ram (One among numerous names of God),
Nobody shall get salvation, With out Guru (Master)
Sat Guru Kabir Said “Worship thou the true worshiper of the Lord.”
Guru Ravi Dass Said, God, Guru and Saint, Are the same (in supper consciousness state of mind?)
This is the metaphysical essential truth of all scriptures, Make no difference between them,
Even, if, you have to bear the pain of being cut with a saw.
Worship of Nirguna God.:- Guru Ravi Das worshiped supreme Mystical power, conceived as beyond all qualifications. He defied all concepts of Saguna ( qualified) magnifications or incarnations of the Devine. Although God’s name as “Ram” has come 2533 times in Shri Guru Granth Sahib, and 22 times in the 40 hymns of Guru Ravidass, still Guru Ravidass did not recognize Lord Rama the Ramayana Hero as God or creator of this universe and he said:
“Ravi Das Hamaro Ram Ji Dasrath Kar Sut ( son) Nahin , Ram Hamyu Mahin Ram Rahiyo,Bisab Katumbh Mahin”
Ravidas sayth , his Ram is not the one who was Raja Dasrath’s son , (who killed Shudar Shabuk Rishi) . His “Ram” is present in him along with His whole universal creations ----- (Ravi Das Darshan byAchariya Prithvi Singh Azad)
Devotion to Nam:- All saints say, The supreme Lord manifests through Nam and the true Nam dyed saints only are His representatives in the Universe.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib proclaims “Every thing was created by Nam, With out Nam None can enter the kingdom of God,”
Guru Ravi Dass said: The Nam alone is the Truth,”o,” Ravi Dass It was in the beginning, It shall remain so in the end,
It destroys all sins and sufferings, And it is truly the mine of all Bliss.
Unity , the Devine boom:- Guru Ravi Dass Ji proclaimed "Satsangat mil rahee-ai maaDha-o jaisay maDhup makheeraa. " "United we stand, Divided we fall". This again points towards the democratic way and is a universal truth still valid as it was in the past for the strength of the weak to crush the tyranny of the powerful minority.
Lead a Clean Life. - We come to this world again and again due to our unpaid load of past Karmas (Actions) One, cannot get rid of this easily with out Devotion to Saints and Nam. All true saints guide their disciples to lead a clean life so as not to add tor the load of Kamas and to break the bondages of love and hate for liberation of Soul. Saints follow the example of earning by honest means while continuing their connection with Nam Simran. All Saints like Guru Nanak, Kabir, Nam Dev, Guru Ravi Dass and other Mystics earned their livelihood through honest means. Guru Ravi Dass Preached “Keep your hands engaged in work and your Mind and attention to your Eternal friend GOD).” All Saints have advised their disciples not to kill animals and to abstain from taking Intoxicants, as by doing so , their Karmic load get burnt.This Karmic load alone keeps us bound in this universe. While showing our relationship with all creatures, Guru Nanak Said “He (God) is the creator of all Beings,”
Sat Guru Kabir Said,“ A Who eat grains is man, who eat meat is dog, who renders living beings dead is a devil incarnation.”
Saint Maluk Dass said, “The pain of all is the same.”
Guru Ravi Dass said, “Those who eat meat, they in fact cut their own throat,
For whosoever is meat eater, he will have to go to hell Sayeth Ravi Dass.”
Intoxicants: Intoxicants degrade a man to the level of a beast, through it they cripple their will power. These are social evils and great hindrance in spiritual progress All saints have forbidden the use of intoxicants. Guru Ravi Dass said,
“Even ,if wine is made with Holy water of Ganga ,Saints drink it not.” He advises to drink Nam Nectar, as once intoxicated with it, one remains intoxicated forever.
Guru Ravidass spread the message of love for all, devotion to Lord, universal brotherhood, honest earning for livelihood and to discard all that does not help in God realization of human help. By doing so he became one with Lord. He Said,
All men laugh at seeing my poverty, Such indeed is my state,
But eighteen Divine Treasures and Powers, Are under my hand,
This is all thy grace “O” God.
To spread his Divine message Guru Ravidass traveled far and wide and held discussions on matters of Divinity with many Holy Men and rulers of his times. They included Sahib Guru Nanak Dev, Sadguru Kabir , Soami Ramanand, Sikander Lodhi, Guru Gorakh Nath , Mashandar Nath and Shankeracharaya . Guru Ji must also have met many Religious Gurus at Kidarnath, Badrinath, Kurukhestra, and Dwarkapuri during his sojourns. As per the Map drawn by Dr L.R. Parwana in his Punjabi language granth “Guru Ravidas Jiwan Ate Kirtan” Shri Guru Ravidass visited Bombay (now Mumbai), Kathiawar, Karachi, Quatta, Peshawar, Multan, Khebar Pass( Now in Pakistn), Srinagar( Kashmir), Jammu, old Punjab(Dalousi Jallandhar, Phagwara, Ambala, Kurukeshtra ) Bhagalpur, Bikaner, Jasalmer,Jodhpur, Alwar, Ajmer, Jaipur, Mathura, Bindraban, Agra, Partapgarh, ShahJahanpur, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Marwar, Chittoor, Bondi, Allahabad, Ahmadabad, Qazipur, Mirzapur, Kota, Jansi, Ujjain, Bhopal, Bikaner, Chunar, Tejpur, Scundrabad, ,Hydrabad and many other places. The means of travelling then were by foot.
Meetings with Guru Nanak Dev Ji : Guru Ravidass had three Goshties( Meetings) with Guru Nanak Dev Ji.First meeting at Chhurkhana( Nankana Sahib), when Baba Nanak Ji was very young. Second time at Sultanpur ( Site is said to be Present site of Ber Sahib Gurudwara) and third time at Kanshi in the archard ( Bageechi) of Shri Gopal Dass ( the site of present day Gurudwara Guru Ka Bagh)
In short, the philosophy or teaching of Guru Ravidas can be summed up briefly as
a) Denouncing Brahmincal varnasharama.
b) Promoting equality of mankind including equality among men and women.
c) Rejecting authority of Brahmincal Vedasand other scriptures preaching superiority and inferiority among humans.
d) Rejecting Rituals, dogmas and bathing in different rivers for seeking salvation
e) Stressing on morality and human values in life
f) Possibility of Salvation only through a living Master through constant attention to Nam Simran .
g) Refraining from intoxicants and immoral ways
h) Constant efforts to earn living through honesty means and not to be parasite on society by denouncing family life and resort to begging or charity.
Dated:-17-2-2021
Hem Raj Phonsahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533810658888517986noreply@blogger.com0