(SAMAJ WEEKLY)- Ambedkar International Mission (AIM) London , celebrated Buddha Purnima on Sunday 19 May 2024 and 133rd Birth Anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at the Buddha Vihara, 1a Westminster Gardens, Barking, Essex, IG11 0BJ. AIM London inaugurated a new Meditation Hall, naming the centre as Indian Buddhist Cultural Centre, to promote Vipassana meditation. The most Venerable Dr K Siri Sumana, Chair and Patron of AIM together with Venerable Mahanama of Sri Sambodhi Foundation, based in Plaistow, East London blessed the occasion.
Buddha Purnima celebrations were held in the morning with large gathering of Sri Lankan and Indian Buddhists. Ambedkar Jayanti was celebrated in the afternoon concluding with informal brief discussion held on the state of Ambedkarite movement. A number of stalwarts participated in the lively discussion namely, Mr C Gautam , Mr Pankaj Shamkunwar, Mr and Mrs Ranjit Baudh, Mr Balaram Siddhu, Kundan Jummat and others.
Mr. Satpal Muman, secretary of AIM, shared his views about the past, present, and future of the Ambedkarite movement, which he referred to as the Ambedkarian movement. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to rekindle the spirit of Ambedkarite movement in the UK. Mr. Muman reflected on the trajectory of the movement, noting its significant evolution over the decades.
The movement began to gain momentum in the late 1960s and 1970s, heavily inspired by the teachings of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, with a strong focus on social justice and equality. This era saw the rise of various organizations and community efforts dedicated to promoting Ambedkarite principles. During late 1980s early 1990s, the movement reached its zenith, marked by vibrant community activities, widespread awareness campaigns, and significant strides in advocating for Dalit rights. The collective efforts during these years were pivotal in disseminating Dr. Ambedkar’s message to a wider audience in the UK.
However, in recent years, the movement has faced a decline, primarily due to a lack of participation from the younger generation. Despite the robust foundation laid by earlier activists, maintaining momentum has been challenging without their active engagement.
Mr Muman highlighted the critical need to engage and inspire the youth to carry forward Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy. Their fresh perspectives and energy are vital for revitalizing the movement and continuing the pursuit of social justice and equality. In Mr Muman’s views the importance of using Buddhism to attract and engage people rather than pushing Ambedkarism alone. He suggested that the spiritual and philosophical appeal of Buddhism could serve as a more compelling and inclusive approach to drawing individuals into the movement. By emphasizing the universal values of compassion, mindfulness, and equality inherent in Buddhism, the movement could attract a broader audience and inspire deeper commitment to the principles of social justice championed by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
This strategy aims to create a more holistic and appealing entry point for the younger generation and others who might be more receptive to the spiritual teachings of Buddhism. By aligning the Ambedkarite movement with the teachings of Buddha, it can foster a stronger, more unified community dedicated to continuing the fight for equality and justice.
-Pankaj Shamkunwar
