Er. H.R.Phonsa Chartered Engineer(I)
BE.(Civil)
MIE, LMIRC ,FIV(INDIA) (
-0191-2432712,9419134060/93136
Ex. EXECUTIVE
ENGINEER
OFF/R #63/5
Recipient of NANAK NAGAR,JAMMU
TAWI 180004.
i)DrAmbedkarNationalAward 2012 Email:zenithrs@yahoo.com
(ii)Dr.B.R.AmbedkarStateAward ( J&K State)
1994
hrphonsa@gmail.com
(ii)Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Award ( 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 Award2014 S/C,S/T& OBC employees Association of JU.
Writer of Dr.Ambedkar and His
Associates
Spokesman the Bhartiya Dalit
Sahitya Akademy Delhi, J&K ( Regd)
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Importance of February Month for Dalit Movement
Come
February and the memory of a number of Dalit personalities, Saints and freedom
Fighters is afresh again in the minds of
Dalit Samaj. As the circle of birth and death is continuing since the man was
born on the earth planet. So people born and die daily. Unbiased historians
record the contribution of dedicated persons of vision for the welfare of the
society as a whole and the sect in which a particular person is born. It is a
well recognized fact that since the past historians were from the higher Hindu
Castes, so they ignored writing about the historic contribution of Dalit
personalities. In respect of Dalit men and women of vision, the past historians
have shown contempt. With the dawn of 19th
century some education institutions, particularly of Christian missionaries
started parting education to all including poor, low caste, and untouchables.
With this a change was brought in the whole education and writing history. Many
Dalits also not only started churning out history books and consolidated truth
out of existing literature but many challenged the inhuman treatment met out to
them and their ancestors. Out of the limited material available I have tried
here to find out the importance of February month in the Dalit history.
The following Dalit personalities, who
contributed for the welfare of all in general and Dalits in particular were
born in Feburary.
1 Varale Balwantrao
Hanmantrao (1901 -1977)
( His 115th B.D falls on 2nd Feb,2016 )
Shri Balwantrao Hanmantrao Varale an active
participant of the Mahad Satyagraha of 1927 was closely associated with the
movements of Baba Saheb. He was born on 2nd February 1901 at village
Benadi in Belgaum and passed away in Mumbai on 9th August 1977
working with dedication for the cause of Dalits. He was personally very close
with Dr. Ambedkar and was his trusted lieutenant in Dalit Emancipation
programs. When Baba Saheb formed the Independent Labour Party (ILP) on 15
August, 1936, he was called to contest on ILP ticket for the Mumbai Legislative
council election in 1937 which he won. In all along with Dr. Ambedkar fourteen
candidates of ILP won for the election held on 17th February 1937.
Shri Balwantrao Hanmantrao Varale got elected from Belgium. He was also a die
hard volunteer of the scheduled Castes Federation founded by Dr. Ambedkar in
1942. When the Peoples Education Society (Registered in1945-46) established a
college at Aurangabad in 1950, the college premises were named as Nagsen
Van. Mr. Varale was present at college premises when Bodhivrisha (Buddha
tree) was planted there by Baba Saheb. This college was renamed by Baba
Saheb as Milind College, Aurangabad. Mr. Varale became the first Registrar of
Milind College, Aurangabad. It is said Mr. Varale insisted Dr. Ambedkar to get
sculptured his bust from Mr. R.B. Madilgekar in 1950, which the latter
accepted. He accompanied Dr Ambedkar to attend the fourth Katmandu World
Buddhist Conference. Mr.B.MVarale was the President of the people’s Education
society from 1975 to 1977. He died on 8th August 1977. Although he
lived only for 50 years, he made un- matching contribution for the welfare and
well being of the Dalits.
2. Jagdeo
Prasad the Lenin of Bihar was
born on February 02, 1922 at Kurtha of Jehanabad district of Bihar. He belonged
to Kushwaha caste who are vegetable growers. The Kushwaha have richly
contributed to the struggle for social justice and democracy. The born radical that he was, JP prevailed upon his
grandfather to not perform ‘Shraddh ’ of his father. Instead of ‘Shraddh’ rituals,
there a condolence meeting and a small meal was held, all without any Brahmin
priest. This was not the only incident of caste-based exploitation. In 1950 he graduated.
He along with 6 of his collegues won
Bihar Stae Assembly Bye Elections-1969
on –Shoshit Dal Party. Shoshit means oppressed and exploited. His efforts
elevated Kapoori Thakur as Dy Chief Minister in an OBC leader in
1967. Credit goes to Jagdeo Prasad for breaking the monopoly of upper
castes on the post of Chief Minister of Bihar. Bihar saw first non-Congress
government in 1967 under the leadership of Mahamaya Prasad Sinha. Subsequently
Kapoori Thakur was chief Minister of
Bihar(1970-71 & 1977-79).Shri. Satish
Prashad Singh and shri B.P.Mandal
another OBC Leaders was also chief Minister of Bihar in 1968. This
practice is continuing intermittently. Jagdeo Prasad a master politician pulled
down government of Mahamaya Prashad Sinha run with the support of Jansang and
CPI for making space for Backward class Chief Minister. This brave son
of Bihar was shot at and killed on September 05, 1974 in a conspiracy had been
hatched by the feudal lords to kill him His funeral was attended by lakhs and
condolence meeting on 7th Sep,1974 was attended among others by JP
Narayan, Kapoori Thakuer,and R.S.Verma
Jagdeo Prasad coined slogan sums up many
ideals.
“ We the exploited are
ninety, ninety is our share in land, wealth and power, the ninety will not
allow the rule of the ten.”
3. GURU RAVI DASS –A- PREEMINENT MYSTIC
( Guru Ji’s birthday falls on 22 nd Feubary,2016 )
“So
purifying is Guru Ravi Dass, that the dust of his holy feet is worshiped by
all.” Said Guru Nabha Dass.
Since in majority cases not much was
written down about the lives of the saints, by saints themselves or their
educated devotees. Saints never wanted anything in their glorification and
there was wide spread illiteracy among their devotees. Many things about their
life events are carried orally through ages.
So confusions and contradictions mixed up later about their parenthoods,
places of birth, family details, religion or castes, dates associated with
their life facts including births and deaths. Later writers collected different
clues from different sources forming their own views, at times varying with one
another. In case of Dalit saints this version had more relevancies. After long
discussions and comparison of different research works by different scholars,
some facts were churned out to be most acceptable. The largely accepted facts
about the life of revered Goru Ravi Das are given here. Whereas differences in
different writers still persists.
Guru Ravi Dass was born on Magh Purnima
(Sunday)in Samvat 1471 ( 1414 AD ) to
Shri Raghu & 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 & Shrimati Mata Kalsi Devi . Guru Ravi Dass lived an
exalted `life span of 126 years & 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. But for want of authentic
information such things are bound to happen.
Guru Ravi Dass was born at a time when the orthodox and superstitious
Hindu & Muslim priests had adopted rituals, Exterior body decorations,
scarifying animals, visiting different places, bathing in different rivers,
recitations of their Holy religious books etc. as sole methods of salvation
from the circle of births & deaths. The Hindus had closed all their places
of worships (temples), schools, entry into Government services or honorable
services in private sectors for Shudras. ,Instead Shudras assigned to them most
dirtiest duties for the Brahmans , Khatriyas & Vaishayas as per Rules
framed by Manu All decent living were ruled out for them. Keeping richness of
Guru Ravi Dass’s verses in view, 40 of them were incorporated into Sri Guru
Granth Sahib by Guru Arjun Dev ji,
Guru
Ravi Dass denounced caste system which is based on un-natural laws & 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.”
Guru Rravidas further said “If
thou are born to Brahmin (Superior by birth ) mother , why you have not
born through a different route .”
Guru Ravi Dass advised the rulers to provide equal
& decent means of livelihood to all their subjects & he said,
“I
want kingdoms where every one is well-fed,
And
all should live in harmony, Ravi Dass is happy only then”.
Guru Ravi Dass preached the rule of
Almighty, that He has created everybody equal and there cannot be any
difference between persons of different
castes. He said,
“Ask not caste “o” Ravi Dass, What is there in clan or caste?
Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaish, or Shudra, All
belong to the same caste”
Guru Ravi Dass preach to the
world true message of God realization, Love & devotion to Lord, through
loving His creations he didn’t denounce other religions but dogmas &
rituals. Guru RaviDass 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”.
Sri Guru Ravidas, preached that God realization can only be through
devotion to a true Naam dyed or realized
saint and , not through Persons who preach dogmas, animal scarifying, roaming
in jungles ,observing austerities, etc. He said those who are not dyed
internally in love, but merely make an outer display shall not find peace after
death. God becomes accessible only when He takes human form & come to the
level of human in this world, as idols are lifeless, the animals & birds
cannot communicate with us, the past respectable Saints and Noble persons/
Souls are as far away as God, so a living Saint or Master can only guide
us. This human form of pure spirit is
called Guru by the saints. So Guru is God incarnation. Sain Bulleh Shah Said “God (Molla ) has taken the form of man
(Guru)” Sat Guru Kabir Said “Worship thou the true worshiper of the Lord
.”
Guru Ravi Dass Said “God, Guru & Saint, Are the same in consciousness.” Among guru
Ravidas’s disciples were Meerabai, Raja Peepa ,Rana sanga many more. Guru
ravidas is said to have Three meetings with Guru Nanak.
Guru Ravidas advised his disciples to lead
a clean life, refrain from animal killing for eating or scarifying before gods
& Goddesses, never take wine or any other intoxicants. 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.” He further said,
“Even ,if wine is made with Holy water of Ganga ,Saints drink it
not.”
Guru Ravi Dass spread the message of love
for all, devotion to Lord, universal brotherhood, honest earning for livelihood
& to discard all that does not help in God realization. By doing so he
became one with Lord. Said, Ravidas. Guru Ravi Dass’s 639th birthday
is falling on03th Feb. 2015 and the same shall be celebrated throughout India
besides in many foreign countries with reverence. The best way to remember Guru
Ji is to follow his ideals.
4.Mata
Ramabai Ambedkar( Her birthday falls on 7th
Febuary,2016)
Revered
Mata Ramabai Ambedkar wife of Bharat
Ratana Baba Sahib Dr.B.R.Ambedkar was
born on 7th Febuary 1898 . It is rightly said, “There is a lady at the back of
very successful man”.it was so in the case of Goswami Tulsidass, Shatrarpati
Shiva Ji Maharaj, Tilak, Gandhi Veer Savarkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Baba
Sahib B R Ambedkar and may other personalities, who made history of sorts. The
success of Dr. Ambedkar had incalculable contribution of his noble wife Smt. Ramabai
Ambedkar, She was intelligent, kind, poise, obedient, chaste, religious,
possessing high character, besides having simplicity of style and taste. This
saintly lady although lived in extreme poverty but without a whisper of
complaint on her face. Always turning her eyes towards God for the safety and
prosperity of her husband. She was gentle by temperament, sober in manners,
weak in constitution but modest in speech. Revered Ramabhai a sober and good
girl came of a good but poor family. She was the second daughter of Bhiku
Walandkar, a resident of Walang village near Dapoli in Konkan in central India.
He worked as porter at Dopli. He used to carry fish loads on his head from sea
side to the bazaar. His earning was so meager that he could hardly make both
ends meet. Rama bhai was born on 7th Febuary 1898. Her childhood name was
Ramibhai and she has two sisters Gorabhai and Meerabhai and one brother named
Shanker Dhutrey. Shanker Dhutrey also called Shanker Walangkar who worked in a press. These unfortunate
children lost first their mother & after some time their father too in
childhood so were brought up by their maternal and parental uncle in Bombay
(now Mumbai). Bhiva later called Bhimrao Ramji Dass Ambedkar and Ramibhai
(later Ramabhai) were married when they were 16 years and 9 years old
respectively: The marriage was ceremonised shortly after Bhim had passed his
matriculation examination. The marriage pandal was an open shed of the Byculla
Fish market in Bombay, after the days market was over. At night the bridegroom
and his relatives were lodged in one spacious corner of the open shed and that
of with her relatives in another corner. The small stone plate forms in the
market served as benches, where a small gutter of dirty water flowed underneath
their feet. The marriage place was vacated in the early morning before sunrise
to enable the merchants to carry their daily business. The marriage was ceremonies
with religious rites and jollity. Ramibhai was renamed Ramabhai after marriage
and later earned the distinction of being called Mata Ramabhai Ambedkar.
Rambhai Ambedkar was initially illiterate but her husband later taught here
simple reading and writing. Educationally there was world of difference between
the two but they loved and respected each other from the core of their heats.
Love, faith, sincerity, sacrifice and understanding links, between the two
persons formed unbreakable chain to live happily, despite both being educationally
poles apart. Bhim used to call his wife affectionately as “Ramu” and she called
him “Sahib”. She was deeply proud of her husband and Bhim respected here
immensely. As Dr. Ambedkar was always busy in reading & could devote very
little time for house hold affairs. At times she used to press here sahib’s
feet in the evening, when he was reading & slept on the floor under his
feet. But Ramabhai ensured that nobody disturbed him during this study or
working. She cared for the health and welfare of her husband by all means.
When Ambedkar was in America, she lived a
life of destitute but without any regret. It is rare historical example of
courage & conviction of a wife (Ramabhai) who used to make cowdung cakes
and carry the same on her head, to use them as cheap household fuel, despite
taunting remarks from neighboring women folk, when her husband (Dr B R
Ambedkar), also in acute financial crisis was struggling to obtain world’s
highest Academic degrees including Doctorate of Science in foreign lands.
Despite financial crisis for studies and at home. Dr Ambedkar became Barrister
reinforced by a London Doctorate of Science, an American Doctorate in
Philosophy and Studies of Bonn University, which reflected immense sacrifices
of his wife. When Ambedkar was preparing to go to America for higher studies,
the neighboring women advised Ramabhai to stop her husband from going abroad,
as he may marry a Mem (English lady)
and desert her. But Ramabhai had unflinching faith on her sahib and replied to
those ladies that’ she knew her husband well and he cannot do so”.
Despite Ramabhai‘s little education she
was an expert housewife and knew well to run her house hold affairs. On getting
money for monthly household expenses from Ambedkar she used to divide the money
into 30 parts keeping each part separately. Daily she opened one part and used
it, so as not to run penniless on last dates of the month. Her economical
habits and faith in her husband, enabled the couple to get constructed their
palatial house namely, Rajgrih in Bombay. But even after moving into Rajgrih,
it did not affect her simple habits.
The wedlock of this ideal couple was
blessed with four sons and one daughter, Out of his four sons namely, Ramesh,
Gangadhar, yashwant and Rajratna and one daughter Indu only one son namely
Yashwant Ambedkar (Father of Sh Parkash Abmedkar MP) survived, and others died
mostly in fancy. This gave the couple great pains and sorrows. On the death of
his youngest son Rajratan on Ist July 1926, Dr Ambedkar wrote on 16th
August to one of his friends, “There is no use pretending that I and my wife
have recovered from the shock of our Son’s death and I don’t think that we ever
shall. - - - - - - - with the loss of our kids the salt of our life is gone - -
- - “ After a long period of mourning & on the insistence of his well
wishers, Dr Ambedkar settled down on the work for emancipation of down trodden
but Ramabhai Continued in grief. This acted upon here health badly and she fell
gravely ill. She being highly religious even during illness, she continued
observing fasts on Saturdays took only water and black gram, worshipped God for
His blessing on her husband. Her thoughts, mind and eyes were devoted to the
service of her Sahib. At this she would say,’ Sahib what is there in having so
many Degrees, cannot we live happily with lesser education , perhaps she did
not know that the emancipation of million of untouchables was possible only
with knowledge of order which Dr Ambedkar acquired before plunging into the war
to break the age old chains of slavery of his brethren.
On Ramabhai’s insistence and life long Dr
Ambedkar took Ramabhai to Pandharpur for pilgrimage of Vethal Ji Maharaj, in
whom she had lot of faith. But being untouchables they were not allowed to go
near the temple, so they had to stand at a distance from the temple idol to
offer prayers. It irritated the self-respecting Dr Ambedkar and he said “What
of that Pandherpur, which prevents its devotees from seeing the image of God,
by our own virtuous life, selfless service and spotless sacrifice in the cause
of downtrodden humanity, we shall create another Pandharpur. Another Pandharpur!
He kept his promise by leaving Hindu religion and embracing Buddhism and
re-establishing Buddha in His motherland after centuries. Illness at last over
power the weak body physique of Rama Bai Ambedkar. She was even taken to
Dharwal by Dr. Ambedkar for change, but this to did not help in improving her
health. No medicine could give her relief and at last on 27th May
1935 unfortunate happen. She passed away at her residence.
Thus came the end
of the nobility of mind and purity of heart. But fortunately Dr Ambedkar was by
the side of her death bed. About 10,000 people rich and poor, educated and
illiterate, important and common attended here funeral procession. Her son
Yashwant Ambedkar preformed all Hindus rites at the bidding of a Maha priest
Sambhoo More, who was Baba Sahib’s colleague since their school days. After the
death of Ramabhai, Baba Sahib was a completely broken person. Over a week he
kept weeping like a child and it was difficult to console him. He put on a
dress of a hermit and got his head tonsured. The saintly saffron robe indicated
a hermit with world negating attitude. On the repeated requests & advice of
his trusted friend and well – wishers he again took in his hand the oar to sail
across his suffering fellowmen and to cut their age old chains of slavery.
5. Sri Sri Guru Chand Thakur ( His
death anniversary falls on 9th
February ,2016) Photo here is of his
father sri sri Hari Chand Thakur
Sri
Sri Guru Chand Thakur son of Sri Sri Hari Chand Thakur a social reformist of Bengal ( Now Bangla Desh) reportedly
passed away on 9th February 1897. He was born in Namasudra or
Namassej(also called Chandal ).From early age he had inclinations for
reformist. His father Sri Sri Hari Chand Thakur
who founded “Matua Mahasang”was
born on 11March,1811 and passed away in 1877 .The
Matua believe that male and female are equal. They discourage early marriage. Widow
Remarriage is allowed. Both men and women can be religious teachers.Main
principles Namasudra were: (1) No necessity of entering the temples of higher
castes for the purpose of worship, (2) Discarding Brahmin priest for any
ceremony, (3) Worship on Shri Hari, (4) Not to worship idols and not to visit
pilgrimage centers of Hindus and (5) Maintain good moral conduct and lead an
ideal family life. The sect became popular in East Bengal (now a part of
Bangladesh) and he led the untouchability movement called the Chandal movement
in India. He built an English high school at Orakandhi ( now in Bangladesh )
for the people of lower community called Nama Shudra (untouchable
community). He united the people of this community, but was against religion
conversion. However some Bengali Brahmins have made him a Maithili Brahmin.
Harichand’s doctrine is based on three basic principles-truth, love, and
sanctity. The doctrine treats all people as equal. Shri Shri Harichand Thakur
and his son Guruchand Thakur were great social reformers who worked to reform the society of chandal (charal).
Guruchand Thakur started Namasudra Welfare Association.He called an all Bengal
Namasudra Conference in 1881 at
Duttadanga in Khulna district( Now Bangladesh). He united the people of lower
community people, and protect them from religion conversion. Guruchand Thakur
appealed to the then Governor of West Bengal and Assam to give employment to
Namasudra in Government services.He also worked to get removed Chandal,a
disdraceful name by a new name. In the
censes of 1911 Chandal word was substituted by four different clans or Gotras.( Source:-Wikipedia)
6. Shri Sant Ram B.A. ( His
birthday falls on 14th Feb,2016
)
Shri Sant Ram B.A. a Dalit( Megh) by
caste was born on 14th Feburary 1887 at Puranni Bassi Hoshiarpur(
Punjab).He
had studied up to B.A. and
there after devoted himself for Dalit upliftment social work. He was also a
devoted Arya Samaji sect of Soami Dayanand Saraswati. To abolish caste system
he worked to establish his own organization “Jat-Pat- Todak Mandal”. One of the
plank of his organization was to promote inter caste marriages and to get
abolished caste system from with in the Depressed classes. Since Arya Samajis
did not co-oprate with Jat-Pat Todakl Mandal ideals, so Sh.Sant Ram made it an independent organization to
continue his efforts for achieving his set goals.
Shri Sant Ram
invited Dr.Ambedkar to preside over 1936
annual convention of the Jat-Pat Todak
Mandal to be held at Lahore and also deliver his presidential address.
Dr.Ambedkar wrote the Presidential address,but the Mandal committee wanted some changes in it,to which
Dr. Ambedkar did not agree. The convention was cancelled and the presidential
address was published by Baba sahib as “Annihilation
of Caste” in 1936 itself and this book is considered as one of the best
books written by the author. It has gone into so many reprints since then. Sant
Ram himself translated into Hindi and published in the Kranti an Urdu monthly magazine. Sant Ram authored
many books as well. He breathed his last on 5th June 1988.
7.Mahatma Jyotirao Phule (
His birthday falls on 20th Feb,2016 )
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was born on 20-2-1827 to revered couple
Gobindarao and Chimnabai in village
Khanbari of Poona. He earned the title of Mahatma and title of Bukar
T.Washington (American President and a great leader against acts of slavery
& apartheid).Since Gobindarao and his two brothers served as florists under
the Pashwas, so they were called Phules.Chimnabai died when Jyotiba was 9
months old..Gobindrao wanted his son to get a higher education so as to spread
the Gyan Jyoti for the humanity at
large and Dalits in particular..Jyotirao completed his secondary education in
1847 and decided not to accept any government job but work for the upliftment
of downtrodden( Women included ) and to spread education among them.
One day when Jyotirao
accompanied the Barat of his Brahmin friend, but was insulted and abused as
to how a Dalit dared to take part in
Barat (Marriage Party) of a Brahmin. After this incident Jyotiba made up his
mind to defy the caste system and decided to serve the shudras and women who
were deprived of all of their human rights under the caste system.Jyotiba was
married
in 1840 to Savitribai. Savitribai Phule, worked as
the true disciple and co-missionary of her husband. They changed the history by
opening a school on 1-1-1848 for girls in Poona where Savitirbai was admitted
as first Student along with four Brahmin girls, one Maratha girl and sixth a
shepherd family girl.Jyotirao Phule continued this school despite opposition
form orthodox Hindus, who considered this act against their religion, as Hindu
scriptures considered educating girls & Dalits as a great sin , defying the
Hindu scriptures & Orthodox preaching of Caste proudly Brahmins , they
opened 18 such schools including some having co-education. Thus the Phuley
couple became father & Mother Women
Edfucation in India.
Feeling pity on the condition of orphans
Jyotiba Phule opened orphanage, perhaps
first such institution by a Hindu. Jyotiba Phule gave protection to widows
& assured them that his orphanage shall take care of their
childrenirrespect of casteor colour.. It
was in this orphanage that a Brahmin widow gave birth to a male child in1873
and Jyotirao Phule adopted him as his son & educated him to become a
qualified doctor.
He published his
controversial book “Slavery,” in 1873 ,in which he declared his manifesto
that he was willing to dine with
all irrespective of their caste, creed,
or country of origin Jyotirao Phule
formed “ Satya Shodhak Samaj on 24 th September 1873. The
main objectives of this organization were to liberate the Shudras, Ati Shudras
& to prevent their exploitation by the Upper caste Hindus. He refused to
regard Vedas as sacrosanct & denounced Chaturverna & instead published
his book “Satya Dharma Pustak in 1891.
According to him all men & women
are equal so are entitled to
enjoy equal rights & it was a sin to discriminate between human beings
Widow remarriages were banned and child marriage was very common among the
Hindus Society Jyotirao opposed both & worked to benefit them and got re- married one Shayani caste widow on 8th
march 1890 against strong protests He
opposed the evil customs too.
He edited a
weekly news paper “DEEN BANDU,” from 1st January 1877 Jyotirao Phule
got his right hand incapacitated in an illness, so he stated writing with his
left hand & wrote a book titled as “ SARIVJANIK SATYA DHARAM , “ After
ceaselessly working for over 63 years Jyotirao Phule passed away on 28 th
November 1890 about 138 days before the birth
of Dr. BR Ambedkar another luminary, Father of free India’s Constitution
, who too worked lifelong for the emancipation of Dalits , depressed, weak & women Jyotirao Phule shall be
remembered for the centuries to come for the
good work he did for the Dalits & Depressed peoples of society.
8.GADGE JI MAHARAJ( His
birthday falls on 23rd Feb,2016 )
A great social &
religious reformer of 19th century was born on 23 -02-1879 in the
village Ron of Maharastra, to respected Sh. Singraji Janorkar & Mata
Shrimati Sukhbai of Preet caste, a watermen’s community. He was married in
childhood to Shrimati Kunnabai & both parented one girl child. Dabuji was
his childhood name. Once Dabuji dared to take meals in a community function
along with his community persons in the same row where upper caste Hindus were taking
meals, but he was turned out. This incident made unforgettable dent on his
tender mind, so in later years he opposed caste System with all his might. He used to say
that there are only two castes created by God namely man& woman. We are all
human & Dalits or untouchables have nothing different than upper Caste
Hindus. The superiority claims of upper Caste Hindus is nothing more than cheating & deception .He advised
all to take lessons from the Sun, the Fire, the Trees the Animals, the Birds ,
the mother Earth , who provide equal services to all irrespective of caste,
creed, sex , religion or place of birth of a person. He always wore rags &
carried a Garwa (Water pot with a curved short, spout ) ,so he was called as
Gadge Ji Maharaj . He said, “God realization is not in observing fasts,
worshiping idols, undertaking long journeys to identified religious places,,
listening to religious sermons but in service to humanity, particularly those
who are poor, deprived , sick & needy .” he preached not to slaughter
animals to please gods & goddesses,
do not waste money on pilgrims , do not drink wine , but serve your parents
& poor’s well, do not indulge in
untouchability , do not be under the inferiority complex , cut your expenditure on marriage
functions and do not take or offer
dowry. He decried / cursed those who took the services of animals like
cows, goats, horses, donkeys; buffalos etc during their youth but did not care
them in their old age.
In
1949 when Dr. BR Ambedkar, the
then Law Minister of Indian Union met Gadge ji , he advised
his Visitor to leave the Hindu religion, which is resistant to reforms,
but also not to embrace Christianity or Islam. Dr Ambedkar followed advice of
Gadge Ji & converted to Buddhism in 1956.
Gadge Baba dedicated Sant Chokhamela Dharmashala, Pandharpur to Dr
Ambedkar for his love for Dr Ambedkar.
On way to Amravati Gadge Baba ji passed away on 20th December
1956 on the Bridge of Perry River. On
the Tappi river between Khandla & Nagpur is situated his Samadhi named Shri
Gadgeji Maharaj, “ GYANI DHAM ,” .In his Samadhi here an Asti-kalash or a pot containing
Gadgeji’s ashes is stored in the basement of the memorial . Gadge Baba
ji shall be remembered as a great emancipator & true guide of Dalits, who
preached to live with dignity, compassion,love and mercy His main teaching are
as;- Give food to the hungry
Give
Shelter to the needy
Protect the
environment.
Protect Animals.
· The Indian postal deptt issued a memorial
postal stamp “ Baba Gadge” on 20th Dec.1998 to mark 42nd
Death Anniversary Baba Ji.The Government
of India has instituted a national
award’ sant Baba Gadge Swachata Abhiyan”in 2000-01.
sant Baba Gadge
Swachata Abhiyan” should be adopted by Indian Prime Minister in his crusade for cleanliness.
This saint shall be
remembered as a great emancipator & true guide of Dalits, who preached them
to Live with dignity.
9. Shri Joginder
Nath Mandal (1904-1968)
( His 118th B.D.falls on 29 Jan.2016)
Shri Joginder Nath Mandal
was a trusted lieutenant of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and became the first Law
Minister of Pakistan and also the Chairman of Constitution Drafting committee
of Pakistan after the partition of India. Prior to the partition of India Shri
Joginder Nath Mandal gained national prominence for winning the election in
1946 on SCF ticket and for being included in the interim Ministry of Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru. Then Babu Jagjivan Ram was another prominent Dalit leader of
Congress party and a minister in the Interim Ministry. In free India Babu Jagjivan Ram served in
different capacities including Deputy Prime Minister .
Shri Joginder Nath Mandal
was also fondly called Mahapran. Shri
J.N. Mandal was born in Namashudra
caste of Scheduled Castes on January 29th, 1904. He was born to
a farmer Shri Ramdayal Mandal and Shrimati Sandhaya Devi of village Maister
Kandi in Barisal district of undivided Bengal. He was admitted to a school when
he was eight years old. He was meritorious and passed his Matriculation
examination securing First Division in 1924. After passing his B.A. from B.M.
College at Barisal in 1929 he secured admission for M.A. in Dacca University.
Due to his weak financial position, he discontinued studies at Dacca
University. However later he passed Law Degree in 1934. He was aware of the
suppression of the Scheduled Castes by the upper Caste Hindus, who were denying
them their due share in political, educational, social, religious and
economical fields. He thought that only political power can mitigate the
Shudras from their man made miseries. So he entered politics and contested his
maiden election as independent candidate for the Bengal Legislative Assembly in
1937. He defeated congress candidate, a very powerful and rich landlord.
Therefore he became the member of the Legislative assembly when he was only 33
years old. There were 20 other Independent Scheduled Caste party leaders. Shri
J.N. Mandal was elected as secretary with Shri Hem Chander Naskar as President
of the Independent Scheduled Caste Party. The joint effort of the M.L.As
succeeded in securing 15% reservation in services for Scheduled Caste
candidates in Bengal. Observing sincerity, intelligence and organizational
qualities of J.N. Mandal, Jenab Khawaja Nizamudeen, the Chief Minister of
Bengal, inducted him as a minister in his cabinet along with two others from
Scheduled Castes. So Shri J.N. Mandal became undisputed political leader of
Scheduled Castes in Bengal.
The Independent Labour Party
(IPL) formed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on15th August 1936 had got itself engaged in
the welfare and the struggle to secure political power for Scheduled Castes.
When in 1942 Dr. Ambedkar tried to broaden IPL’s base so changed its name to
The Scheduled Castes Federation (SCF). Units of SCF were established in several
states including Bengal. The unit in
Bengal was given the name of Bengal Provincial Scheduled Caste Federation.
Meanwhile Shri J.N. Mandal started a weekly paper called “Jagran” through which he continued the crusade to enlighten the
Dalits about their just rights. This
paper could not last long. He also started another weekly paper “The People’s Herald” in 1943 and in its
inaugural function Dr. Ambedkar was present to bless the project.
On defeat of the ministry in 1935, fresh elections were ordered in 1946.
Shri J.N. Mandal contested as a SCF party candidate from a general seat and
won. After the elections, a new ministry under Jenab H.S. Surahawardy of Muslim
League was formed. Shri J.N. Mandal was again included in the Ministry. Under
Cabinet Plan in 1946, the Muslim League also joined the interim ministry formed
by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and Shri J.N. Mandal was included from Muslim League
quota and allotted Law portfolio. The
SCF in its convention held at Agra passed a congratulatory message to
congratulate Shri Mandal on his selection to the interim ministry. The
Provincial assemblies had the right to choose their representatives to form
Constituent Assembly. Since Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had failed to win a seat from
Bombay on SCF ticket, the prospects of his election to the Constituent Assembly
were blocked. Sardar Patel said that all
doors and windows of the Constituent Assembly were closed to Dr. Ambedkar and
now he cannot enter it. Here stepped in Shri J.N. Mandal to suggest that Dr.
Ambedkar should contest for Legislative Assembly from Bengal. Dr. Ambedkar agreed and so with the support of
Scheduled Caste and Muslim members, he was elected from Bengal Legislature to
be a member of Constituent Assembly of India. Subsequently Dr. Ambedkar was
selected as the chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, thanks to the
vision of Shri J.N. Mandal.
Shri J.N. Mandal had clear
vision of the rights of the Scheduled Castes, but declared that congress
leaders were adamant not to give any such rights to the Scheduled Castes in
free India, so the rights will have to be secured by dint of their unity. He
was a strong supporter of united Bengal. He pleaded that political turmoil of
partition was temporary and shall pass off soon.
Things changed with the
formation of the new country Pakistan on 14th August1947. Every
individual was given the right to choose the country of his or her choice to
live in. Shri Mandal opted to be a citizen of Pakistan to oversee the interests
of the Scheduled Caste people left over there.
Jenab Liaquat Ali Khan became first Premier of Pakistan. Sh. J.N Mandal
was included in the first Pakistan government as the Law ,Justice and Labour
Minister. He was also the second minister of commonwealth and Kashmir affairs. So in the divided India
both countries had the first law Ministers from among the Scheduled Castes.
Shri J.N. Mandal as Law Minister had the honour to preside over the first
meeting of the Pakistan Constituent Assembly. Since Pakistan Government was not
prepared to grant constitutional rights to scheduled casted in Pakistan, so
Shri J.N. Mandal decided to come back to India. He resigned on October 8, 1950
as Law Minister and as President of Pakistan's Constitution Drafting Committee.
He came back to India in 1950 to continue his struggle for the rights of
Dalits.
After returning back to India he
continued his work for the up liftment of Dalits. He played an important role
in Dr. Ambedkar’s dream project of establishing the Republican Party of India
(RPI). Shri J.N. Mandal contested for Lok Saba as an RPI Candidate from a
general constituency in West Bengal in 1967 but lost.
This son of the soil, one of the important and brave soldiers of Dalit
cause passed away in Calcutta (now Kolkata) on 5thOctober, 1968. He
shall be long remembered for his life long fight for the Dalit cause
Words 6,275 Dated 15-01-2016 By:- Er.H. R. Phonsa Jammu
Source material References:-
1. Wikipedia
2. Galit Movement In India and Its Leaders
by;-R.K. Kshirsagar
3. Dr Ambrdkar and His Associates by
“ Er.H.R.Phonsa”.Jammu
