– Arun Kumar
Bedford (Samaj Weekly)- To celebrate the 132nd birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar, on 30th April, 2023, a function was arranged jointly by the Ambedkar Mission Society (AMS), Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (SGRS) and Bhagwan Valmik Sabha (BVS), Bedford, at the Shri Guru Ravidass Community Centre Bedford. Keeping in view the Local Council Election in Bedford on 4 May 2023, this function became very significant as the candidates for the election had an opportunity to share their point of view on a number of issues that affected the community. A number of councillors from different political parties participated.
Jaswinder Kumar, President, SGRS welcomed everybody and said that Bedford is the only town in whole of the UK that all these organisations are working together and have been celebrating Babasaheb’s birthday jointly for a number of years. As a result of joint efforts by Ravidassi, Ambedkarite and Valmiki communities, a man was charged for the hate speech on social media and got 18 months imprisonment and a £240 fine. He used derogatory and casteist remarks against the Ravidassi and Valmiki Communities. Jaswinder said “Whenever such incidents happen we get together and take action”. Prithavi Randhawa, General Secretary, SGRS termed Ambedkar as an iconic figure who sacrificed whole of his life for the welfare of humanity. Tarlok Gharu, President, BVS also spoke about the contribution of Dr Ambedkar to uplift the conditions of supressed people of India.
Arun Kumar, General Secretary of AMS talked about the recently published book ‘Ambedkar in London’ co-edited and co-authored by Dr William Gould, Ms Santosh Dass MBE and Dr Christophe Jaffrelot. This book explores the lessor known facts about Dr Ambedkar’s time at the London School of Economics, Gray’s Inn, Round Table Conference (1930-32) and during his visit in 1946. It also explores his legacy in matters of the anti-caste and Ambedkarite movements in the UK. The book includes a detailed account of the purchase and converting into an Ambedkar Museum, 10 King Henry’s Road property where Dr Ambedkar stayed during his studies at the LSE and Gray’s Inn. He further added that he was honoured to share a chapter with Santosh Dass. Arun expressed his happiness that our proposal to declare Babasahaeb’s birthday as an equality day is getting wider support. In India, state government of Tamil Nadu and a number of city councils in Canada, America and here in Coventry have declared 14 April, Dr Ambedkar’s birthday as a day of equality. He hoped that all councillors here in Bedford would also support this proposal and hopefully next year we would be celebrating Dr Ambedkar’s birthday in Council Chambers as a day of equality.
Mohammad Yasin MP spoke about the discrimination Dr Ambedkar faced in his life and chose to fight the prejudice. He added “Dr Ambedkar is credited for the drafting of the Indian Constitution in which he made provisions for eradicating this evil of caste discrimination”.
Mohammad Yasin said he fully support the legislation against caste discrimination in the UK, even he raised the question in the Parliament.
Councillor Pinder Chauhan, parliamentary candidate from Bedford, was happy to see that the Ravidassi, Valmiki and Ambedkarite communities are working together and celebrating Dr Ambedkar’s life and his works together. She said “Dr Ambedkar fought against caste discrimination and was ardent feminist. He saw that women were marginalised in society and brought provisions of equality through education, employment, social and economic rights. It is due to Dr Ambedkar’s legislative reforms that today women in India can be self-dependent”.
Ram Pal Rahi, Vice President, Federation of Ambedkarite & Buddhist Organisations, UK (FABO) said “Dr Ambedkar is generally considered as a Dalit leader. It is not true. When Dr Ambedkar talks about equality, liberty and fraternity, it is not for one section of society. It’s for everybody. By giving the wonderful Constitution and the Hindu Code bill, he has transformed the lives of millions of men and women of India”.
Sudesh Rani, a candidate for Council, said that she is actively involved in the union. In the next meeting of Unison, she would be bringing a resolution condemning caste discrimination and bring into their policy statement. If she is elected, she would fully support equality day.
Suresh Sunda, Harish Thapar, Jas Parmar (Council Election candidates), Balraj Sidhu, Councillor Collin Atkins also gave their best wishes Dr Ambedkar’s birth anniversary and acknowledged Dr Ambedkar’s life long contribution to society . Councillor Faujia, Councillor Nasreen, Councillor Abu Sultan also attended the celebrations.
Popular singer from Punjab, Roop Lal Dhir entertained with his melodious voice. Giani Rakesh Singh and Ms Santosh Gill also recited songs.
Arun Kumar and Binder Baroli anchored the proceedings.
