– Ramesh Chander
(Samaj Weekly)- Bharat that is India has come a long way in its ‘tryst with destiny’ in its journey started with Independence in August, 1947 and duly codified with the constitution of India that is Bharat in January, 1950. Every successive year saw the profile of Bharat rising not only to alleviate poverty and bring about development but also getting due space and share in the international sphere. The successful conclusion of the G-20 Presidency of Bharat is the high point which requires full appreciation of the GOI headed by PM Narendra Modi and the Indian diplomacy – Bhartiya Kootniti led by Dr. S. Jaishankar. I take this opportunity to congratulate both the PM and the EAM and their teams for taking caravan of forward to make India a 
developed country by 2047, the Amrit Kaal of Bharat. Indian diplomacy has come full circle. The just concluded G-20 has clearly established that India has arrived. We need to keep engaged ourselves in activities and endeavors to make Bharat reach by 2047 as asserted by PM Narendra Modi at the G-20 to achieve the lofty ideals of ‘Vashudhaiva Katumbakam’ – One Earth – One Family – One Future.
There are many idea and proposals under consideration of the GOI in this regard to make Bharat’s presence felt in the comity of nations. Bharat has succeeded in flagging these issues in the recent past with the time tested tool of our ‘Soft Diplomacy’ – 2nd October, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi as International Non-violence Day and 21st June as International Yoga Day to celebrate and promote the Indian thought of physical and spiritual wellness of mankind. With a view to strengthen our take and reach under the ‘Soft and Cultural Diplomacy’, a proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution and one of the prominent champions of Equality and Fraternity was made to the GOI in June, 2015 in the run up to celebrate and observe 125th birth anniversary of one of greatest sons of Bharat in the contemporary times. The proposal is resting with the MEA in New Delhi since 2015. We have been reminding the concerned authorities and the stakeholders of the proposal on International Day of Equality but GOI is blissfully silent as of now. It goes without saying that International Day of Equality will not only be yet another feather tin the Soft Diplomacy of Bharat but also be a firm step towards realizing the objective of the UN of establishing a ‘Just Word Order’. With this background, I have taken the liberty of writing again to the EAM, Dr. S, Jaishankar and PMO on the proposal on International Day of Equality with the hope that PM or EAM may like to take the matter to UN in the forthcoming UNGA in New York towards the latter half of the month of September, 2023. My letter dated September 11, 2023 may be seen below.
Har Dardmand Dil Ko Rona Mera Rula De,
Behosh Jo Pade Hain Shayad Une Jaga De
Text of the letter dated September 11, 2023 to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar with an endorsement to Principal Secretary to PM, P.K. Mishra
September 11, 2023
Respected Sir,
First of all, I congratulate you and the GOI on the successful G-20 Meet yet another feather in your hat. I take this opportunity to wish you further success in the days to come.
I am writing this again, Sir, to remind you on the proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality in the ambit of Bharat’s Soft and Cultural Diplomacy. I have been writing to you and other stakeholders in this regard. My last letter dated May 6, 2023 to you in this regard is enclosed for ready reference. Meanwhile, more than 30 organizations pertaining to Babasaheb Ambedkar, Gautam Buddha and Guru Ravidass in the UK submitted a Memorandum to the High Commissioner of India in support of the proposal. I am sure the HC must have forwarded the Memorandum to the MEA. I wrote a blog on this which may be accessed at:- http://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-more-merrier-all-buddhist-and-guru.html
I also wrote an open letter to the BJP leadership with a view to sensitize them and solicit their understanding and support which may be seen in my blog:- http://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2023/05/an-open-letter-to-bjp-leadership-april.html
You would appreciate that, Sir; International Day of Equality is an important proposal which would tend to strengthen Bharat’s soft diplomacy on one hand and honour one of the greatest sons of India, Babasaheb Ambedkar on the other. The timing of this submission is to catch up with the forthcoming UNGA in the last week of September, 2023. You may like to take advantage of your presence and participation in the UNGA to take up the proposal on International Day of Equality in your address to the international community.
With regards and all the best wishes,
Yours truly
(Ramesh Chander)
Dr. S. Jaishankar,
Minister of External Affairs,
South Block, New Delhi
Copy to:-
Shri P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM, PMO, South Block, New Delhi
