Tribal rallyFor the implementation of Forest Act, 2006  & opposing Vijaynagar police firing on Tribals, on 29 Feb. at Vyara, District Tapi ( Gujarat)

Followed by several other rallies in Gujarat & Maharashtra

As you are aware that the rules for the implementation of Scheduled tribes and traditional forest dwellers (recognition of forest land) Act, 2006 are declared by the central government with some flaws, after a long delay. In the mean time, massive attempts were made by forest officials for the harassment and eviction of forest dwellers from their occupied land, nationally, which is now needed to undo according to the objective of Act. But it is difficult task; the Government policies running under the neo-liberalism are already abdicating its pronounced commitment. It is acquiring the fertile agricultural land and forest land for MNCs and big corporate houses for the special economic zones (SEZ) & the mining purposes, at one hand and the other hand declaring the rules for the implementation of FRA providing legal rights to the tribal over the forest land. The whole exercise is looking ridiculous and contradicting to each other.

Friends, while the conservationists, a section of forest bureaucrats, paper & pulp companies and other wastage interests are campaigning for its non- implementation, only the people’s struggle with the powerful mobilization can employ it in the interest of Tribals. However, after the notification, the act required state governments to constitute committees at different level for the commencement of the Act.

At this juncture, Lok Sangharsh Morcha has decided to hold a series of tribal rallies in Gujarat and Maharashtra for the implementation of FRA. It is started from Vyara; district Tapi on 29 th February, 08 (rally ground is behind DNC market). Twenty thousand participants including the Tribal women are expected to come in this rally from different part of district.

Rally would be followed by other rallies to different districts of Gujarat and Maharashtra like 13 March at Sagbara ( Gujarat) Bhusawal on 28 Feb., Yaval on 3 March, Chopra, Dharangaon, Chalisgaon, Nandurbar, Shahda, Taloda and Shirpur (Maharastra). The condemnation of police firing on tribal held on 13 February at Vijaynagar Taluka ( Gujarat) demanding for expulsion of culprits would be the other major issue of the rally.

The implementation of Fifth schedule of constitution ensuring tribal self rule in Gujarat is also one of the prominent issues.

Please makes sure your participation in the struggle. With regards,

Ambarish Rai ( President), Pratibha Shinde (General Secretary ) LOK SANGHARSH MORCHA (LSM)

Posted onwww.ambedkartimes.com ( February 28, 2008)

DR. AMBEDKAR BIRTH DAY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE ORGANIZED

TOP PICTURE: From front: Anand Balley, Raj Paul Bagha, Jit Singh Mattu, Mohinder Sallan, Ashok Sandhu, Sukhdev Thaper, Banta Ram, Maget Sahota, From back: Gain Kaura, Malkiet Heer, Ram Lobaya, Hermesh Sandhi, Ashwani Sandhu, Hans Raj, Ajit Lear, Jagdish Gil & Rakesh Sallan

The meeting took place in the Indian Buddhist Temple (Est. under Dr. Ambedkar Mission Toronto). The committee consists of Ambedkar Mission Toronto, Bhagwan Valmik Sabha Toronto and Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha Ontario . Dr. Ambedkar birth day celebration, chosen committee members: Gain Kaura, Mohinder Sallan, Hans Raj, Banta Ram, Rakesh Sallan, Malkiet Heer, Anand Balley, Ajit Lear, Ashok Sandhu and Sukhdev Thaper, Ashwani Sandhu, Maget Sahota, Jagdish Gill, Jit Sigh Mattu, Harmesh Sandhi, Raj Paul Bagha. The committee decided for Baba Shaib Birth Day celebration in the first week of May 2008. Date and Place will be announced shortly. Please keep visiting www.ambedkartimes.com for more info. This year’s celebration will be to a large extent than last year, probably more successful and better accomplish in our mission.

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( February 10, 2008 )

SHRI GURU RAVI DASS SABHAS CELEBRATED BABU MANGOO RAM MUGOWALIA’S 123rd BIRTH ANNIVERSARY IN NORTH AMERICA

(Ambedkartimes.com News Bureau)

Ambedkartimes.com congratulates all the Shri Guru Ravidass Sabhas in the entire North America for their great endeavor to celebrate 123 rd Birth anniversary of the founder of the glorious and the first Dalit Movement, popularly known as the Ad Dharm Movement, in Punjab and a renowned Ghadarite Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia who not only envisioned but actually worked for the total emancipation of the Dalits from the clutches of the most oppressive caste based hierarchical social order and their genuine empowerment through their cultural transformation and spiritual regeneration.

In fact, what is more exciting is that it is perhaps for the first time in the history of Dalit diasporas that the 123 rd birth anniversary of Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia, the founder of the Ad Dharm movement, is celebrated at such a grand scale in U.S.A. and Canada. This is a clear indication of the rising level of Dalit consciousness among the community members abroad; quite interestingly a large majority of them also come from the very region to which Babu Ji belonged. Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia’s birth anniversary is celebrated along with the independence celebrations & birth anniversary of Km. Mayawati Ji

Ambedkartimes.com pleads for (1) the declaration of official holiday in the name of Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia , (2 ) naming of I.T.I at Garhshankar after his name and (3) celebrating his birthday as an Ad Dharm day .

Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia was born on January 14, 1886 in a Chamar family in village Mugowal, District Hoshiarpur, Punjab . His father had a business of selling hides. In 1909, Mangoo Ram immigrated to America where he came in close contact with the Gadhar Party (a militant nationalist organisation). On his return home in 1925, he started organizing Scheduled Castes against the system of untouchability and founded the Ad Dharm movement. In January 1928, he led a deputation of 150 prominent Ad Dharmis to the Simon Commission and gave memorandum for equal rights for the Dalits. In 1932, he also met the Lothian Committee at Lahore asserting that Dalits were neither Sikhs, Hindus, Christians nor Muslims. He reiterated the fact that they were, in fact, the indigenous people of India whose religion was Ad Dharm. He also sent telegrams during the Roundtable Conferences in London (1930-32) pledging Ad Dharm support for Dr. B. R. Ambedkar as the leader of the untouchables in India instead of M. K. Gandhi. In 1946, he was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly and remained in legislature till 1952. On 25 July 1976 , he was invited as a Chief Guest by Ad Dharm Brotherhood, UK , at the Ad Dharm Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Ad Dharm Brotherhood, UK honored him with a pension of Rs.100 per month which he received till his death. On 15 August, 1972, Indira Gandhi, the then Prime minister of India, honored him with a Tamra Patra and a pension of Rs.200 per month for the services he rendered in the Gadhar Party during India's struggle for freedom. He died on April 22, 1980.

Among the societies who celebrated this special day: Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Vancouver (Canada), Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Calgary (Canada), Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Ontario ( Toronto, Canada), Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Toronto (Burlington, Toronto Canada), Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha of New York (New York, USA), Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Sacramento (California, USA) Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Pittsburg (California, USA) , Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bay Area (California, USA) Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Fresno (California, USA) , Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Selma (California, USA) , Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Yuba City (California, USA), Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Huston (Texas, USA) Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Seattle (Washington., USA) , Ambedkartimes.com (California, USA), Ambedkar Mission Toronto (Canada) & Indian Buddhist Society Toronto (Canada) etc.

Among the prominent personalities who paid tributes to Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia, Bharat Ratan Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Km. Mayawati included Mr. Kewal Bolina (President of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Sacramento), Mr. Prem Kumar Chumber (Editor of Ambedkar Times), Mr. Ajit Ram Bangar (Chairman of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Sacramento), Mr. Sonu Ambedkar (Vice President of IBO California), Mr. Mohan Gill (at Shri Guru Ravi Dass Temple Yuba City), Dr. Harmesh, Mr. Dashvinder Paul (Secretary of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Pittsburg), Mr. Ajay Kataria (President of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Pittsburg), Giani Bal Singh, Giani Harblas Singh, Mrs. Ginny Bhatia, Mr. Des Raj Bangar (Secretary of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Fresno), Mr. Bansi Lal Bangar (President of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Fresno), Giani Avtar Singh Maheru (Granthi of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Fresno), Mr. Harbans Singh Mahey, Mr. Mr. Lahori Ram Commissioner, Mr. Randhir Suman, Mr. Baldev Suman (Chairman of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Bay Area), Mr. Vinod Chumber (President of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Bay Area), Mr. Ram Murti Saroya, Mr. Balbir Thind, Mr. Sucha Ram Bharta, Mr. Balbir Singh Royal, Mr. Balbir Singh Sheemar, Mr. Pinder Paul ((President, Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha of New York), , Mr. Pirthi Paul Bangar, Mr. Sita Ram Ahir (New York), Mr. H. P. Karrah (Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Calgary), Mr. Kuldip Mehmi (Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Huston), Mr. Harmesh Sandhi (President of Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Ontario), Mr. Anand Balley (General Secretary of Ambedkar Mission Toronto), Mr. Daulat Birdi, Mr. Hardev Bangar, Mr. Raj Kumar Oshoraj (Vice President of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto (Canada) at Shri Guru Ravidass Gurudwara Burlington (Toronto, Canada ), & Mr. Prem Kumar Chumber (www.ambedkartimes.com) etc.

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( February 1st, 2008 )

SHRI GURU RAVI DASS SOCIETIES CELEBRATING

BABU MANGOO RAM MUGOWALIA’S 123 rd BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

(Ambedkartimes.com News Bureau)

Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Vancouver, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha of New York, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Seattle, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Sacramento, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Pittsburg, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bay Area, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Fresno, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Selma, Shri Guru Ravidass Temple Yuba City & Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Burlington ( Toronto ) will celebrate the birth anniversary of Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia who was a great revolutionary, freedom fighter & founder of the Ad Dharm Movement in Punjab in the early 1920s. He was one of the very few Mulnivasi visionaries who correctly realized that the real salvation of the downtrodden lies in their total social and cultural transformation.

The birth anniversary celebration will be held on Sunday January 27 th 2008 at Shri Guru Ravi Dass Temples except Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Bay Area and this Sabha will celebrate at Newark Pavilion 6430, Thornton Avenue Newark ( California ). All sangat is requested by the Shri Guru Ravidass Societies to participate in this celebration with families.

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( January 25, 2008 )

Seminar on Sources of Dalit Consciousness in Punjab Organised by Dalit Chetna Manch Punjab (Regd.) At Mohali

(Ambedkartimes.com News Bureau)    

The Ad Dharm movement gave a distinct social identity to the socially excluded people of the state who came to have their own religion (Ad Dharm), their own Gurus (Sat Gurus Ravidass, Kabir and Valmiki Ji) their own symbols (Sohangh and Har), their own way of address (Jai Guru Dev and Dhan Guru Dev) and their own ardas (Nam Tero Aarti and Jo Bole so Nirvaih, Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ki Jai). Dr. Ronki Ram      

Chandigarh : - Dalit Chetna Manch Punjab (Regd.) organised a seminar on "Sources of Dalit Consciousness in Punjab " at Mohali on January 20, 2008 . Speaking on the topic of the seminar Dr. Ronki Ram of the Department of Political Science, Panjab University emphasised on the role of the Ad Dharm movement of Punjab , founded by Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia, in the generation of Dalit consciousness in the state. He said this movement gave a distinct social identity to the socially excluded people of the state who came to have their own religion (Ad Dharm), their own Gurus (Sat Gurus Ravidass, Kabir and Valmiki Ji) their own symbols (Sohangh and Har), their own way of address (Jai Guru Dev and Dhan Guru Dev) and their own ardas (Nam Tero Aarti and Jo Bole so Nirvaih, Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ki Jai). In addition, he refered to the role played by various Ravidass Deras in the consolidation of the Ravidassi Samaj in Punjab , particularly Dera Sach Khand Ballan. He also highlighted the role played by the Dalit Diaspora in the creation of Dalit Consciousness in the state. Organisation of International Dalit conferences in Europe and North America, construction of Ravidass Temples in different cities abroad, launching of web sites, newspapers and magazines are some of the most prominent activities of the Dalit Diaspora.    

Mr. Sri Ram Arash, a noted poet of the region, deliberated in detail on the contribution of the Bhakti movement and the Gurus in the proliferation of Dalit consciousness in Punjab . He said though religion has been the prime cause of untouchability and casteism in our country, but it was also used to cut the roots of this very social evil. Mr. Shamsher Purkhalvi, President of the Dali Chetna Manch, said that lack of proper leadership and social consciousness could be held responsible for the sorry state of affairs of the Dalits and the only way out for its peaceful resolution is the articulation and proper dissemination of Dalit consciousness in the state and the entire country. He assured that his Manch would continue to struggle towards that end. Mr. Bhupinder Singh of the Manch read the annual report of the organisation and underlined the fact that by now the Manch has spent about 60 lacks rupees on the development of the Dalits.    

Mr. Jasjit Singh Banni, Chairman of Punjab State Co-operative Bank, was the chief guest on the occasion. In his concluding remarks he appreciated the efforts of the Manch and the leadership provided by Mr. Purkhalvi. He said that social service is the supreme and respectable service towards the mankind. If this service is done towards the downtrodden, its importance increases even further many folds. He also released the New Year Calendar of the Dalit Chetna Manch.

Other dignitaries who participated in seminar included Councilor Mrs. Baljit Kaur Purkhalvi , Vice president MC Harmanpreet Singh, Councilor Mohanbir Singh Shergill, District Public Relations Officer Ms. Uma Sharma, Madam Rajwant Kaur, Bhajan Singh Baghri, Inderjit Singh Chandigarh , Mr. Chaman Lal among others.  

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( January 21, 2008 )

Celebrations of India ’s Republic Day and Birthdays of Ghadri Baba Mangoo Ram Mugowalia and Kum. Mayawati 

By Jai Birdi

The past weekend turned out to be full of celebrations and events in the Vancouver area .

(Vancouver): Saturday, January 26, marked the 59 th Republic day of India and it was observed by flag-hoisting ceremony and reception hosted by the Consul General of India, Shri Ashok Kumar.  The ceremony included consul general reading President Pratibha Patil’s address to the nation that she made on the eve of the republic day.

While Indians and persons of Indian origin were cherishing Indian’s Republic Day Celebrations, a number of Christian missionaries were celebrating Mission Fest 2008 at the Vancouver Convention and Trade Centre, just a few meters away from the consulate general premises. The Mission Fest is based on the principle of local churches working together to reach out to the world.  To reach out to the world, the Surrey-based Dalit Freedom Network screened a film, “India’s Hidden Journey”- showing child labor, trafficking of young girls under the guise of temple prostitutes, and other forms of subjugation faced mostly by Dalits in India.  While the organizers acknowledged that India has made significant changes and continues to make progress in many fronts, mind sets of a lot of people still needs to be changed.

On the following day, members of Chetna Association of Canada and Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha of Vancouver observed India ’s Republic Day and birthdays of Chief Minister Mayawati and the late Ghadri Baba Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia.  A one-hour film on the achievements of CM Mayawati was screened and a message written by Babu Mangoo Ram Mugowalia was read at the Dr. Ambedkar Library in Burnaby , located in the premises of the Shri Guru Ravidass Community Centre at 7271 Gilley Avenue .

According to Prof. GS Ball, “Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia represents a rare example among the revolutionaries Ghadrites philosophy. In those dark days, it was rare for an untouchable to understand the essence of revolution against imperialism. But he rose to the occasion and proved his mettle. He joined the Ghaddar Party when he went to California (U.S.A.) in 1909 A.D. As its active member, Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia; it appears desired an establishment of society which must be based on Equality. And he saw one being fought for by the Ghadrites as they had abolished all social distinctions among themselves first-which, perhaps, is not the practice with the modern community or who profess change of the sort. As Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia spoke of the Ghaddar Party, "It was a new society; we were all treated as equals".

On Sunday January 27 in the evening, the Republic Day celebrations were hosted by All India Congress Association of Vancouver ( Canada ) at the Fraserview Banquet Hall.  The reception stated by recital of Indian and Canadian national Anthems, opening address by Gopal Lohia, and cultural performances.  The ceremony also included the Consul General of India, Shri Ashok Kumar, garlanding the portrait of Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar, Father of Indian constitution.  The consul general was joined by the office bearers of All India Congress Association, Chetna Association of Canada, and the Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha of Vancouver .  Number of key dignitaries who took part in these celebrations included MP Sukh Dhaliwal, MLA Harry Bains, MLA Dave Hayer, and Councilor Sav Dhaliwal.  Arun Suri, chairperson of this organization expressed his gratitude to all for joining in these celebrations.

Seeing the work and vision being acknowledged by the mainstream organization was a powerful experience for many.

“I think this is a remarkable gesture and step taken by the Indian National Congress of Vancouver to acknowledged and pay tributes to Dr. Ambedkar on the Republic Day.  I think this is the first time it has happened in Canada where a non-Dalit took this type of initiative”, said Bill Basra, president of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha of Vancouver .

Harbir Batra, General Secretary of the Indian National Congress (Vancouver) sees it as everyone’s responsibility to pay tributes to national Fathers such as Dr. Ambedkar.

“It was our moral duty to pay regards and tributes to our learned great leader with whose efforts and contributions to Indian polity we are getting purity in our society day by day. The name of Baba Sahib will always shine in the sky of India as father of the constitution which paved path for equality and eradication of social evils”, said Batra.

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( January 31, 2008 )

World Religion Day Celebration 2008

Dr. Ambedkar Mission ( Toronto ) takes part in the World Religion Day. Ven Gayanosiri Chief Abbot of Indian Buddhist Temple (Established under Ambedkar Mission Toronto ) did a Buddhist prayer, along with a speech on Buddhism. Anand, Punam , and Benjamin Balley and Jagiri and Shinder Bance attended this celebration. Along with the Mayor of Pickering , Shashi Bhatia, Toronto Police Chief and the Indian Consulate General. Including Joanie Gerter, Nick Preston, Donald Igbokwe and Perry Halls, who are member of the organizing committee.

DR. SAWRAJ SINGH’S VISIT TO CALIFORNIA 

Picture (1): Dr. A J Sekhon presenting a plaque to Dr. Sawraj Singh Left to Right: Rabinder S. Atwal, Harbans Jagyasu, Mohinder S. Ghagg, Tara S. Sagar, Dr. Sawraj Singh, Dr. Arjinderpal S. Sekhon, and Attorney Jaspreet Singh Picture (2): Dr. Swaraj releasing Tejinder S. Thind's book on Punjabi 'Gazal' Left to Right: Harbans S. Jagyasu, President Punjabi Sahit Sabha, Dr. Swaraj Singh, Tejinder S. Thind, Manjit Kaur Sekhon, Nirmal S. Lalli. Picture (3): Participants in discussion on "Sikh Ideology and the Menace of Globalization' organized by Amritsar Times Newsgroup, San Jose . Left to Right: Jasjit Singh, Sarbjit K. Cheema, Prof. Pritam Singh Cheema, Jaswinder S. Jandy, Dr. Swaraj Singh, Ajmer Singh, Kamal Banga, Jaswant S. Hothi, Resham Singh, Harjot S. Khalsa and Jagjit Naushehrvi.  

Dr. Amrik Singh (Sacramento)  

Sacramento : - Dr. Sawraj Singh is a well know cardio-vascular surgeon and a prolific writer, columnist and social scientist. He is chairman, Washington State N etwork for Human Rights. He has authored more than nineteen books on South Asian politics and religions. He believes that South Asia has a lot to give to the world in restructuring international human relations.

During his three day tour in California , Dr. Sawraj Singh had a very hectic schedule. On Saturday, January 19, 2008 , he joined wedding ceremony of Sabrina K. Dhillon with Parmjit S. Bains in Sikh Temple El Sobrante ( California ) . Sabrina is the daughter of Harbhajan Singh Dhillon, one of the popular Punjabi poets of California . Addressing a distinguished gathering in El Sabrante Gurdwara, Dr. Swaraj Singh explained meanings of ‘Shabad’ recited on performing wedding ceremonies.

In the afternoon, he was invited by Amritsar Times Newsgroup in San Jose , California for joining the discussion on “Sikh Principles and the Menace of Globalization” Later; he paid a visit to the historical Sikh Gurudwara in Stockton . On Sunday, Dr. Sawraj Singh addressed the congregation in Gurudwara West Sacramento. Then, he proceeded to Yuba City to attend a meeting of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha California .

Posted on www.ambedlartimes.com ( January 25, 2008 )

FOUNDATION OF BUDDHA VIHARA WILL BE LAID BY SHERWAL  

Respected all Namo Buddhay! Jai Bheem!!      

1. The programme of the Foundation of Buddha Vihar has been fixed now. It is on Sunday, 17 Feb, 2008 . 2. It is to be made on Chhutmalpur (Fatehpur) – Kalsia Road , Distt- Saharanpur, (UP) 3. In addition, An English Medium Public School plus a Bauddhacharya School will be a part of this holy place. 4. THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THIS BUDDHA VIHAR WILL BE LAID BY OUR CHIEF GUEST, HONUORABLE RAHUL KUMAR SHERWAL FROM CALIFORNIA , ( USA ) . 5. A grand ceremony will be held on this auspicious occasion. So, all are cordially invited to attend the function. 6. I once again thank you all for your liberal generosity to this noble work. THIS IS OUR DONORS SUCCESS. BUDDHA VIHAR IS ESSENTIAL TO CARRY FORWARD BABA SAHEB’S MISSION . May Lord Buddha bless you all pleasures and happiness! With deep bow down,

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( January 25, 2008 )

Phagwara (16 January, Wednesday): Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Parkash Singh Badal Inaugurated Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Bus Terminal PRTC, newly built Ultra-Modern, at a cost of Rs. 3.22 crore on BOT basis in 25 Kanal of land at Phagwara. On that occasion addressing the large gathering M. Mohan Lal and Ch. Swarna Ram Cabinet Ministers appreciated the Founder of the Indian Constitution Dr. Baba Sahib Ambedkar and his contributions.

Dr. Ambedkar was one of the illustrious sons of the India who struggled throughout his life to restructure the Indian Society on humanitarian and egalitarian principles. He was not only a great national leader but also a distinguish scholar of international repute. He not only led various social movements for the upliftment of the depressed sections of the Indian Society but also contributed to the understanding of the Socio-Economic and Political problems of India through his scholarly works.

It is pertinent to mention here that the question of naming the new Bus Terminal of Phagwara after the name of Dr. Ambedkar was raised by Advocate Virdi in the Panchayat Samiti Phagwara's meeting, held on 23rd November, 2007 under the chairperson Smt. Krishna Kainth, which was unanimously passed by the whole house and the same was supported by the three dozen leaders of social, religious bodies, members of the Phagwara MC Councilors, Village Panchs and Namberdars and Social Organisations.

Advocate Virdi thanks to Mr.Charanjit Hans district President, Bhagwan Valmik Dharam Yud Morcha Kapurthala, Gurmukh Singh President, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Society, Kapurthala, Harinder Seetal President, Bharitya Valmik Trekal Kapurthala, Surinder Singh Mattu President, Bhagwan Valmik Braham Gian Punjab, Ram Pal Bangar President, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Kapurthala, Puran Singh Zonal President, All India SC, ST Employes, Dharam Pal Panther Gen. Secy. Dr. B R Ambedkar Society, RCF Kapurthala, Mr. Kashmir Singh Mahi, Smt. Jasbir Kaur Khera members of Zila Parishad, Kapurthala, Smt. Surinder Kaur Councilor Phagwara, Darshan Lal, Sarpanch, Madhopur, Gian Chand Sarpanch, Ranipur Kamboan, Chaman Lal Sarpanch, Mauli, Mohinder Pal Sarpanch, Chaheru, Kashmiri Lal Sarpanch, Bhanoki, Jatinder Singh Sarpanch, Pipa Rangi, Mehanga Ram Sarpanch, Gobindpura, Tirath Ram Sarpanch, Bhula Rai, Gurparshad Bagga Sarpanch, Kot Rani, Chainchal Ram Sarpanch, Nangal, Surinder Kaur Sarpanch, Chachoki, Surjeet Kumar Sarpanch, Khera, Kulwinder Kaur Sarpanch, Birk, Jasbir Sarpanch, Khalwara, Kamla Devi Sarpanch, Amrik Nagri, Charanjit Singh Namberdar, Narur, Somnath Namberdar, Jagatpur Jattan, Raunki Ram Namberdar, Darvesh Pind, Bakshi Ram Namberdar, Abadi, Niranjan Dass and Mehanga Ram Namberdar, Phagwara, Hukam Singh, Smt. Kamaljit Kaur, Shangara Ram, Ram Saran, Vijay Laxmi, Rupinder Kaur etc. all Block Samiti members also supported and signed the memorandum. Dr. Ambedkar Welfare Society, Birk, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha, Urban Estate, Phagwara, Mohinder Singh, Gen. Sec. Pragtisheel Vichar Manch, Phagwara, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Welfare Committee, Phagwara for co-operation and support the same.

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( January 18, 2008 )

THE WORKSHOP ON DALIT STUDENTS’ POLITICS & RELEASE OF INSIGHT ISSUE 

Anoop Kumar
Insight Editorial Collective  

Date: - 3rd February 2008 Time: - 2.30 pm  Venue: - Qaumi Ekta Trust (Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Bhawan) 31, Bhai Veer Singh Marg, Gole Market, New Delhi – 110001

I nsight Editorial Collective cordially invites you to the release of the next issue of 'Insight: Young Voices' on 3rd February (Sunday). The release will be followed by a workshop on 'Dalit Students' Politics: Challenges and Directions', where Dalit student activists from different universities/institutions will share their campus experiences as well as deliberate on the different issues concerning Dalit students.

The recent report of Prof. S.K. Thorat Committee exposing the caste discrimination faced by the Dalit students in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and complete inaction from the Indian Government has reinforced the need for a vibrant and autonomous Dalit students' activism. Dalit movement has a long history of youth participation. However, due to various reasons, a strong Dalit students' politics, that could have a major impact both inside as well as outside the campus, has not emerged. Though every educational campus of this country is simmering with Dalit Consciousness, yet it will take some time and huge efforts to channelise Dalit students' energies towards our common cause.

Being itself the product of Dalit students' activism, 'Insight: Young Voices' is committed towards a strong and autonomous Dalit student politics. Apart from regular articles and interviews on various issues, the cover story of our next issue of 'Insight: Young Voices' tries to map the emergence and role of Dalit students' politics in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Hyderabad Central University and Meerut University (UP), as these have become one of the most important centers of Dalit students' mobilisation and articulation.

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( January 31, 2008 )

SCREENING OF FILM “KAMMO”
AND A DISCUSSION ON SOCIAL ISSUES

(1) Prabhjot Sandhu- reads a letter in which an "unborn girl" pleads her parents to not abort her just because she is a girl. Written to her parents (2) Prabhjot Sandhu, along with other members, displays poster with a letter from an "unborn girl" (3) Gurdeep Bhullar receives award of recognition from Chetna Association of Canada for his film "Kammo".

Photos: Paramjit Kainth & Report by Jai Birdi

Vancouver (Canada): C hetna Association of Canada hosted a function on January 12 at the Dr. Ambedkar Library (Guru Ravidass Community Centre) in Burnaby where Gurdeep Bhullar’s film Kammo on female infanticide was shown; Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s calendar produced by Gurpreet Singh and Radio India painted by Shital Anmol was distributed, and a fictional letter of unborn female child was read by a teenage girl, Prabhjot Sandhu.  The fictional letter was written by Dr. Baldev Singh, Sr. Medical Officer and Dr. Gurminder Sidhu of Mohali and was sent to Chetna Association of Canada by Dr. Brij Lal, also of Mohali. 

After the film, a discussion was held on the following issues:

1. Female infanticide
2. Role of Shaheed Mewa Singh and Komagatamaru
3. Immigration and refugee policies and challenges faced by Lamber Singh, and
4. Indian constitution and the upcoming republic day celebrations.

Gopal Lohia and Vinay Sharma, representing the Indian National Congress (I) also took part in the discussion and announced their plans to dedicate republic day to Dr. Ambedkar, father and brain behind making of the Indian constitution.  These celebrations are to be held at the Fraser view Banquet Hall in Vancouver . 

Surinder Ranga, president of Chetna Association of Canada and Bill Basra, president of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha ( Vancouver ) also announced their plans to celebrate the Indian Republic Day on January 27 at 1 pm at the Dr. Ambedkar Library in Burnaby .

Paramjit Kainth, community activist and a director of Chetna Association of Canada denounced the practice of female infanticide and sang a song dedicated to all women.

Gurdeep Bhullar, who was honored for making the film Kammo and educating communities on the issue of female infanticide in India and in Canada , was very humble with his comments and said he had only done what was his duty.  Bhullar also highlighted a need to produce more film on other social issues. 

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( January 18, 2008 )

Mr. Jai Birdi of Vancouver Honored by four organizations

Report by: Harry Kainth and Photos by Paramjit Kainth

Vancouver : On Sunday January 6, 2008 Mr. Jai Birdi of Vancouver , Canada , was honored by a number of organizations for his sincere services to the community.  Birdi was also honored on his advancement in his care and his recent appointment as a regional manager with crown agency, Community Living British Columbia.  Mr. Jai Birdi joined public service approximately twenty years ago. 

We had been thinking of honoring for long time, but this was a more appropriate “timing to celebrate Jai’s contributions”, said Bill Basra, president of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha ( Vancouver ).   Number of organizations and individuals joined Basra in showing their appreciation for the work Mr. Jai Birdi has been doing.  Among these organizations were: Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha ( Vancouver , BC ), Shri 108 Sant Sarwan Dass Charitable Trust ( Western Canada ), Indian Buddhist Society (Vancouver), and Chetna Association of Canada.  Jai was presented with a plaque of honor in the morning during the Sunday gathering at the Guru Ravidass Community Centre in Burnaby and a dinner was organized in the evening at the Royal Banquet Hall in Vancouver .

MLA Raj Chauhan, Burnaby City Councilor Sav Dhaliwal, Famous Radio host Mr. Gurpreet Singh, Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha committee members and more than 200 well known people from the Community were present to congratulate and show their appreciation to Jai Birdi.

“Jai Birdi is a very well known and a much respected person in the Community and we all feel very proud to be associated with him”, said Paramjit Kainth, a strong community activist and former general secretary of Chetna Association of Canada.

Some of the projects that Jai undertook and involved the community included in completing these projects included:

(1) Installing Dr. Ambedkar photos and his collected works at the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and University of Victoria. (2) Coordinating International Dalit Conference in Vancouver (3) Installing Bust of Dr. Ambedkar at the Simon Fraser University  ( Vancouver ).  The Bust was donated by the Dr. Ambedkar group of UK and the base was donated by Bill Basra. (4) Presented Dr. Ambedkar Portrait to the City of Burnaby .  The painting, by Shital Anmol, is now installed in the deliberation room at the City Hall. (5) Facilitated presentation of Dr. Ambedkar portrait to the Consulate general of India .  The painting by Shital Anmol was donated by Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha of Vancouver .

On behalf of all organizations and his friends, we wish very best to Jai Birdi and congratulate him and his family on his promotion.

“We are very thankful to the people who helped us arrange this event for Mr. Jai Birdi: Bill Basra, Varinder Banger, Satish Aujla, Harjinder Mall (Golden) and Kamlesh Ahir”, said Paramjit Kainth, who was also the master of ceremony for the celebrations.

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( January 16, 2008 )

Annual Conference of Bangla Dalit Sahitya Sanstha

Manohar Biswas ( General Secretary, Bangla Dali Sahitya Sanstha, Kolkata)

Bengal Dalit Cultural Identity is a separate and unique one because of the reason that the Buddhist kings of the Pala dynasty ruled Bengal successively for four hundred years at a stretch from 750AD to 1155AD. Bangla Dalit Sahitya Sanstha is an organization which has been working for last sixteen years in the field of Dalit literary and cultural movement in the state of West Bengal . It has been working striving to the formation of their own cultural identity. It has its members all over the state. It has celebrated the SIXTEENTH SANGITI in a daylong program in the Bengal Traditional Sports Foundation, Salt Lake , Kolkata, on the 25th December through different activities. It needs be highlighted that there had been the celebrations of four SANGITIS in ancient India by the Buddhist rulers. The term SANGITI was adopted from the Buddhist literature. The sangiti means the conference. Why sangiti is on 25 th of December every year is because of the fact that on this particular date of 1927, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar burnt the Manusmriti along with his thousand and thousand followers. Dr. Bikram Sarkar and Dr. Debi Chatterjee were invited for opening and to be the guest-in-honor of the function. Both of them delivered most affluent and encouraging speech to the audience.

The function was opened by offering the garlands to the portrait of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar by different dignitaries present in the occasion. This year a special care was taken so that all the poets and poetesses present in the function took part in their self-expression and significantly the death of the Dalits in Singur and Nandigram of West Bengal came to the surface. Amongst all others Kalyani Thakur, Manju Bala, Sukanta Mandal, Samudra Biswas, Sunil Kumar Das, Bimalendu Halder, Amar Biswas, Shashi Bhushan Poddar, Ashutosh Biswas, Anilkrishna Mallick, Debdas Majumdar, Sujata Biswas, Raju Das, Jyoti Ghosh, Bimal Biswas, Sadhan Naskar, etc had elevated their own voice. Nakul Mallick had read out a number of selective Dalit poems published from time to time in his own edited little magazine ;Dalit Kantha’.

A number of Dalit issues including the Dalit messiah were put under the secret cards for the extempore speech of the participants and some of topics beautifully told by the speakers. In Bengal Guruchand Thakur, a Dalit messiah was born in 1846 who made a lot of things for the social, political, economic and educational upliftment of the downtrodden. In the year 1907, he put a representation to the then Governor of Bengal Assam Mr. David Hare for the employment of the educated Dalit pupils and in pursuance Kumud Ranjan Mallick, Shashi Bhushan Thakur, Tarini Charan Bala had been recruited in the Govt. jobs. This year the centenary of the Dalit participation in Govt. machinery is celebrated in the annual sangiti of Bangla Dalit Sahitya Sanstha. Another point of discussion in the open session was about Dalit Empowerment in India and the topic was advocated in an illusory manner by Shashi Bhushan Poddar. During the Pala dynasty of Bengal eighty four Buddhist Siddhas became famous in the field of literary activities. They had created the Charyas of Bengali literature which had been totally lost and nothing of it was available in Bengal . In the year 1907, Haraprasad Shastri a renowned scholar of Bengal discovered this lost literature of the downtrodden from national archive of Nepal . This year in the sixteenth sangiti the BDSS has celebrated the centenary year of the discovery of the Charyas. Manohar Mouli Biswas, the General Secretary of Bangla Dalit Sahitya Sanstha spoke on the centenary celebration of the discovery of the early Bengal literature.

‘Is There Dalit Writing in Bangla?’ is an article of Meenakshi Mukherjee published in a recent volume of the Economic and Political Weekly. The house extended their thanks to the writer. Manoranjan Byapari, a reputed Dalit story writer is also thank-worthy for his supplementations.

The opening session was presided over by Dr. Gunadhar Barman, the president of the sanstha and it was anchored by Samudra Biswas, asstt. secretary. The Kavi-sammelan was anchored by Sukanta Mandal and Kalyani Thakur. The closing session was presided over by Prof. Dr. Indra Mohan Mondal. The daylong program ended with a shuti-natak ( two character drama), ‘Anarjyabarata’. It was performed by Bhargonath Bhattacharjya and his wife. The Anarjyabarata is an elaboration of the poem ‘Hidimba- Ghatotkoch Sanglap’ of Manohar Mouli Biswas which was earlier published in a Bengali magazine from Canada .

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( January 14, 2008 )

MISS. AFFVAN BAGHA PASSED AWAY

It is a shock to hear about the sad demise of Miss. Affvan Bagha D/o Mr. Dhayan Singh Bagha. Miss Affvan was 21 years old and had a diploma in Laboratory. She died in an accident in Jalandhar ( Punjab) India on February 1st, 2008 when she was going home with her sister Miss Sujan Bagha on moped. Miss Sujan Bagha, who is law graduate, is admitted in the hospital. The parents Mrs. Nirmal Kaur Bagha (Mother) & Mr. Dhayan Singh Bagha (Father) are in Sacramento ( California).

Mr. Dhayan Singh Bagha can be reached at Cell. 916 806 6010 & Home 916 369 8140.
I on my own behalf and on the behalf of www.ambedkartimes.com share sympathies with the Bagha family on this untimely demise of Miss. Affvan Bagha and pray for Miss. Sujan Bagha. May she recover quickly.

Prem Kumar Chumber (Ediror: www.ambedkartimes.com)

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com ( February 01, 2008)

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CONDOLENCES ON DEMISE OF AEEVAN BAGHA

On behalf of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada, we extend our deepest sympathy for Bagha family for the loss of their beloved daughter Miss Affvan Bagha. We also pray to Lord Buddha to bless Miss Sujan Bagha for her quick recovery from her injuries. The loss of Mr. Dhyan Bagha's daughter is not a loss for his family alone; it is a loss for the whole community. Miss Affvan Bagha was highly educated and we can imagine how much hard work it takes for parents to raise a child to this level.

We know Mr. Dhyan Bagha since he was living in Toronto , Canada . Also, on behalf of all those in Toronto who know Mr. Dhyan Bagha, we extend our condolences to Bagha family and well wishes for Miss Sujan Bagha's recovery.

Members of Indian Buddhist Society Toronto , Canada

Raj Kumar, Mohan Verdi, Hardev Bangar, Parkash Rahul, Gurbax Rai

The sad news of Miss. Affvan Bagha’s (D/o Dhayan Singh Bagha) death was a big shock to all of us. We know that Bagha family really have suffered a terrible and cruel blow. Our hearts are full of sympathy for them at this sorrow.
C. L. Chumber and family, Jalandhar ( Punjab ), Mrs. Kamlesh Ahir (Vencouver, Canada)

Fresno: - Mr. Bobby Prem Lal Birdi’s grand mother (Mrs. Dhano Chand) passed away on December 29, 2007 in Fresno (California). She was born on April 9 1922 in India. Mrs. Chand was a prominent member of the Shri Guru Ravidass Community. Her son Makhan Ram Birdi passed away just six months prior in June 2007.

www.ambedkartimes is very shocked to hear about the sad demise of Mrs. Dhano Chand. Our hearts are full of sympathy for Birdi family.

We are all shocked to learn about the death of Mr. Chattar Sain son of our greatest revolutionary of his times and the founder member of Gadhar Party and Ad-Dharm Movement: Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia.

We send our condolences to Mr. Sain's family on their loss.

Raj Kumar Oshoraj
Indian Buddhist Society Toronto, Canada

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com (December 09, 2007)

Mr. D. K. Khaparde

Phuley-Ambedkarite Movement

Mr.D. K. Khaparde had been the key personality in starting the BAMCEF organization. He was closely associated in various stages of Phuley-Ambedkarite movement. He use to believe in hard working and was not found of publicity. He played a major role in organizing the society in non-political field. There were many attempts to bring him in politics. But he refused the offer and continued to do what he can do the best to educate the Mulnivasi Bahujan Samaj. It is due to his great efforts that BAMCEF has reached in today’s stage, which is growing to every nook and corner of India.

Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com (December 3, 2007)

Pardes Times a year completion celebration

Sunnyvale (California): (Ambedkartimes.com News Bureau):- November 17, 2007:  Pardes Times (Bi- Weekly News Paper) successfully celebrated its 1st year completion on November 16, 2007 which was held at Hindu Temple and Community Center, Sunnyvale (California).

California based well known Punjabi singers Sukhdev Sahil, Chandan, Rajesh Raju, Sukh, Babbu Gurpal, Ishmit Narula, Sultan Akhtar & other singers performed amazingly last Friday. Many people, who deserved to be honored, were honored at this event by the Pardes Times. Over four hundred people were present at this event to enjoy this Pardes Times’s special moment.

The TV YPD, Newspapers (Print Media) were also present that night. This event was hosted by a well known Journalist S. Ashok Bhaura and he did a really very good job at handling the stage and making sure everything went the way he wanted it to be.

Ambedkartimes.com congratulates the management (Pardes Times Bi- Weekly News Paper) for having such a really good and well organized event. This event went really well, the arrangements were awesome and everyone had a really good time.

Posted on November 18, 2007

Effigy of Ravana

"Jai Birdi"

Surrey ( Canada ): Dussehra was celebrated with fireworks in a temple in Surrey on October 21. Although the effigy of Ravana was not burnt at the Dussehra festival, it was pushed and left on the ground. After seeing the effigy lying on the ground in rain, one of the patrons rescued the head of Ravana *(effigy)* and placed it in a dignified place. The patron, Balbir Ghirra, said he was feeling very upset to see the great soul- a soul who had risked and lost his kingdom because of his belief in self respect and dignity- being undignified. The local Hindu temple in Surrey ( Canada ) had made plans to burn effigy of Ravana at the Dussehra festival. In the end, the temple decided to not burn the effigy of Ravana. Dalit community of the Vancouver area had suggested to the Dussehra planning committee that the burning of effigy is not appropriate, and that if Rama is a hero to some, Ravana is a Maha Soul to others.  

The festival of Dussehra has led many to raise the question and ask whether Rama was indeed a representative of "Good". One of the stories found in Maharishi Valmiki Ramayana states that Rama killed one of the saints. The saint's only crime was that he was doing meditation, a practice that was denied to the Shudras- members of the lower castes. People are asking how a killer of a saint can be a representative of "Good". They are also beginning to re-interpret and rewrite the history.

Posted on Nov. 1, 2007

It is very shocking news to the community that Jatinder Kumar Bagha (Jindi) passed away on October 29, 2007 in California. He was very active social man in his social circle as well as in the community. He was born on January 31, 1960. He migrated to England in 1965 at the age of 5 & to United States in 1968 at the age of 8.

The memorial services will be held at: Sacramento Memorial Lawn, 6100 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95824 on Sunday, November 4, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.

For more & in details, please contact: Phone Nos: 916 548 8902 (Kewal Bolina), 916 798 9144 (Paramjit Bhutta).

Posted on October 31, 2007

Mr. Dev Hayer
honoured in California

On Saturday Oct.13, 2007 Mr. Dev Hayer M.L.A., Surrey Tynehead, Parliamentary secretary for Multiculturalism and Immigration (Province of British Columbia)was honoured at Shri Guru Ravidass Temple (C.V) Fresno (California) in the presence of lions club of Fresno and sangaat of Guru Ghar.

Photo & caption: Kulwant Ubhi & Des Raj Bangar.

Posted on Oct. 17, 2007

Ambedkar Buddhist Mission (Toronto, Canada) is arranging a function to mark historic event of Dhamma Diksha Day on Sunday October 14th 2007. 6.30 pm at Indian Buddhist Temple. Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism on October 14th 1956 at Nagpur (India) along with more than half million of his followers. This was great religious conversion of 20th century in the history of India after Ashoka Emperior. He was the pioneer in bringing back Buddhism to its homeland.
It’s highly recommended and suggested that those who not yet taken Diksha, should make a public commitment by embracing Dhamma on this very important day, which is actually a liberation day for our people or whole world human society. This is only way to show dedication and devotion to Baba Sahib Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. According to him best way to serve mankind is to follow the Path shown by the Lord Buddha’s noble discourse for compassion, & peace for the human society.
The Chief Abbot of the Indian Buddhist Temple Ven.Gayanosri will all conduct Religious ceremonies and also others special venerable from the Toronto Maha Vihara (Sri Lanka).

Langer will also serve on this day. For more information please contact Temple @ 416-609-8953 or 416578-000. We are hoping that you and yours friends and family members will be participating this auspicious glorious day.

Anand Balley, General Secretary, Ambedkar Mission (Toronto) Posted on October 06, 2007

INDO AMERICAN CULTURE ORGANIZATION CELEBRATING
SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH AND SUKHDEV’S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Indo American culture organization (California) is celebrating Shaheed Bhagat Singh & Sukhdev’s 100th birth anniversary today (October 06, 2007) at S.E.S. Hall, 10427 East Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove, California-95624 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For further more information contact:
Surinder Bindra 916-420-2390, Pritpal Singh Bhogal 661-978-5100,
Balwinder Singh Bhatti 209-480-2275 Paramjeet Singh Sandhu 510-372-6142

Posted on October 06, 2007

Bhante Chander Bodhi

Bhante Chander Bodhi's visit to USA & Canada Punjab Buddhist Society, UK

Takshila Buddha Vihara

Ven. Bhikkhu Chander Bodhi Ji is visiting USA and Canada from 18th September to 29th October, 2007. During the trip, Bhante Ji will visit New York, Washington, Houston (Texas), California (Sacramento, San Jose, and Yuba City), Vancouver, and Toronto (Canada).

Bhikkhu Chander Bodhi Ji has been serving Dhamma in United Kingdom for the last 12 years. He is the only Bhikkhu who speaks Punjabi frequently in the UK and perhaps all over India and around the globe. While he was working with Punjabi community, he realized that there is a need of such Bhikkhu who are able to speak the language of a common man and understand their culture. Only then he is able to communicate more effectively to provide religious education to them. To achieve this objective, he has formed Punjab Buddhist Society UK and Punjab Buddhist Society Punjab.

To train Bhikkhus and impart education on the basis of ‘The Buddha and His Dhamma’ by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Bhikkhu Chander Bodhi Ji is an instrumental to establish Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara at Ludhiana in the state of Punjab (India) with the cooperation of Punjabi NRI’s. This Buddha Vihara is a unique in whole of north India. It is built on one acre of land on the main G T Road (National Highway) leading from Delhi to Amritsar.

Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara was opened in October 2006 on the Golden Jubilee of Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism. Since then this Vihara is functioning very smoothly and quite a lot people visit this place daily. On every Sunday people come to listen to the religious discourses.

Though most of the work has been completed but there are still lots of work to be done, such as; planning of constructing an Ambedkar Hall and an art work depicting the life story of Buddha inside the Seema Hall.

We are very much appreciated that some of you have already helped to establish this monumental structure. Without your cooperation and goodwill, this achievement in a short span time was impossible. To complete the remaining work and to sustain Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara, Bhante Chander Bodhi Ji is again visiting you.

For more information:

Posted on September 18, 2007

SANT NARANJAN DASS, JI SANT RAMA NAND JI
DERA SACH KHAND BALLAN (JALANDHAR)

SHRI GURU RAVIDASS SABHA ONTARIO
6795-STEELS AVENUE WEST, TORONTO, ONTARIO M9V-4RV, M9V-4RV

INVITATION TEMPLE OPENING CEREMONIES

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2007

START SHRI AKHAND PATH SAHIB…………. 08.00AM
               KIRTAN DARBAR.......................................06.00PM-09.00PM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2007

INFO SESSION ON ESTABLISHING NEW WORLD ORGANIZATION OF
SHRI GURU RAVIDASS TEMPLES

MEETING……………………11.00AM-01.00 PM
LUNCH ……………………...01.00PM-02.00PM
KIRTAN DARBAR………….06.00PM-09.00PM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2007

BHOG SHRI AKHAND PATH SAHIB………….08.00AM

OPENING CEREMONY BY

SANT NIRANJAN DASS JI

SACHKHAND DERE BALLAN (JAKANDHAR)

08.30A.M—09.30A M

Kirtan Darbar, speech & recognitions 09.30am---04.30 pm

For more & latest information contact:: Ph: 416-743-8724, 905-608-2441

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2007

Jai Birdi

Photos: Paramjit Kainth

Vancouver : Superintendent of Punjab Police from Firozpur, S. Sarwan Singh Bangar, was welcomed and honored at the Red Fort Restaurant in Vancouver for his noble services. The reception was hosted on September 19 by Chetna Association of Canada and Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha of Vancouver . Burnaby- Edmonds MLA Raj Chauhan and the Burnaby 's councilor Sav Dhaliwal also joined the groups and welcomed SP Bangar. The group members also acknowledged and thanked Councilor Dhaliwal for proclaiming Sep. 27 as the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Day in Burnaby . The primary discussion was on fraud marriages for the purposes of coming to Canada , increased drug dependency of youth in India , and the problems of NRIs faced about their property disputes in India . The presentation ceremony was joined by Bill Basra, Jai Birdi, Lamber Rao, Paramjit Kainth, Gopal Lohia, Sodhi Dadral, Roop Chander, Lachman Birdi, SP Ahir, Kamaljit Jassi, Harry Kainth, Surinder Owan, and others.

Posted September 22, 2007

“I am very pleased and indebted to their Holiness for taking time out of their busy schedules and doing the honors of unveiling the plates at the Guru Ravidass Community Centre”, said Bill Basra, president of the Vancouver Sabha. Incidentally, the Guru Ravidass Community Centre was officially opened by these Saints in August 2000. The unveiling of the address and other plates highlights the strong connection between members of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (Vancouver) and the Dera Ballan.

“The Dera Ballan is highly regarded for the medical and education facilities it offers to people in need. Both the hospital in Kathar (Jalandhar) and a school near Phagwara are exemplary facilities that have set high standards both in fields of health care and educational facilities”, described Varinder Bangar, convener of Shri 108 Sant Sarwan Dass Charitable Trust (Western Canada) who raised funds for school bus, computers, and other projects for the hospital and the school over the past years.

The Dera Ballan is also gaining international recognition for the work it does- as well as for promoting teachings and messages of Shri Guru Ravidass. It has also attracted graduate students from the international institutions to conduct research on Guru Ravidass and the Dalit Diaspora. One of such students is Charlene Simon of France who has just finished her Masters and is now doing her Ph.D. on the teachings of Guru Ravidass and the Ravidassia communities abroad. Simon was also on the tour accompanying these Saints and devotees (Parkash Kaur, Nirmal Chander, Sanjeev Chauhan, and Biker Dass Chauhan from the UK and Tajiner Paul from Oregon, UK). Sanjeev Chauhan is has Masters in digital video productions and is producing a documentary of the tour).

After leaving Vancouver, Shri 108 Sant Niranjan Dass Ji and Shri 108 Sant Rama Nand Ji along with their devotees left for Vernon, BC. The plan is for them to continue their tour by visiting through Quesnel, Prince George, Edmonton, Calgary, and Golden. They will then preside over the opening ceremony of the Shri Guru Ravidass Temple (managed by Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha, Ontario) on September 23, 2007.

For more information, please contact Virinder Bangar at 604-999-2300 or Harmesh Sandhi at sandhi@sympatico.cam, or Sunil Raju at rajus@interlog.com

Posted on September 13, 2007

Report by: Manohar Mouli Biswas

The Thirteenth Chuni Kotal Memorial Lecture Bangla Dalit Sahitya Sanstha of Kolkata arranged its thirteenth Chuni Kotal Memorial Lecture in the afternoon of August 9, 2007 in the premises of Janaki Sundari Vidyalaya, Dum Dum Cantonment, Kolkata 700065. Chuni Kotal was a Lodha Tribal Community Girl of Medinipure district. She committed suicide on August 16, 1993 while she was an M.Sc student in Vidyasagar University. What happened to her, she had been fighting with the poverty on the one hand and on the other hand she had been suffering from the caste hatred. In the classroom some of her teacher number of times said to her, ‘You the tribal of this soil get well-salaried jobs without higher qualification, then why you have come for M.Sc.?’ She was mentally hurt.And for getting remedy she complained to the V-C against the said professor. Then she was under the tremendous mental pressure to withdraw the complaint. Mentally she could not sustain and ultimately committed suicide.

Symbolically her death has been accepted by the Dalits of West Bengal to protest against the caste-hatred. This year the topic of memorial lecture was about: ‘Paschim Bange Dalit Banchanar Swarup ebong Pratikar Andolon’. Dr. Birat Bairagya and Mr. Arun Maji were invited for the memorial lecture. Both of them are having lot of experiences and discussed the exploitations of dalits in West Bengal in details and the different sorts of their remedial movemements. Dr. Bikram Sarkar, IAS (Retd) was in the chair of chief guest. He elaborated the ways and means of suppression and oppression upon the dalits. Mr. Nakul Mallick has presided over the meeting. The preparatory lecture was given by Manohar Mouli Biswas, the General Secretary of Bangla Dalit Sahitya Sanstha who had told to the house why this type of memorial lecture has been arranged for last twelve years. There were a good number of the people present in the meeting. A book of grammar of Oraon tribal language was released in the function by Dr. Bikram Sarkar and the author of the book is Mr. Ramesh Bhagat, a tribal write of Oraon community.

The meeting was ended with a small drama on Chuni Kotal and in the drama Mr Pran Gobinda Biswas, Mr.Ranendralal Poddar etc. took part. Prior to it a Kavi-Sammelan was arranged where Kavi.Shashi Bhusan Poddar, Kavi A. N. Halder, Kavi Manju Bala, Kavi Kalyani Thakur, Kavi Sukanta Mandal, Kavi Ashutosh Biswas, Kavi Debdas Majumdar etc participated.

Posted on September 12, 2007

BRINGS OUT THE POWER OF LITERATURE

TO EXPOSE DISCRIMINATION AND OPPRESSION

By
INDIRA PRAHST,
Instructor of Race and Ethnic Relations,
Department of Sociology, Langara College, Vancouver

The University of British Columbia last week hosted the 14th International Triennial Commonwealth Literature Conference with the theme "Literature of Our Times." Academics from all over the world attended. In conjunction, the Chetna Association at the Dr. Ambedkar Library in the Guru Ravi Dass Community Centre organized a seminar dedicated to renowned Punjabi poet, Lal Singh Dil, last Sunday evening.

Mr. Dil was scheduled to speak at the event, but due to an illness, he died on August 14. Therefore, the program was changed to commemorate his achievements in the literature of the oppressed. Several prominent writers, journalists, local artists and social activists attended and engaged in knowledge translation. The unveiling of Mr. Dil's portrait was done by a local artist Shital Anmol and a candle lighting in his memory preceded the presentations.

The loss of Dil, according to many at the event, will "leave a large void in the field of the literature of the oppressed." However, his memory and powerful words live on. The new words and idioms he introduced made him a distinguished Punjabi poet. Despite being a well-known and progressive writer, he died in poverty and, as members of the Chetna Associoation pointed out, "a few days earlier, the poet was found unconscious in his dingy room at Balmiki Mohalla when a team of TV journalists arrived to film a documentary on his contribution to the revolutionist poetry in Punjab."

Being a Dalit left a deep scar on Dil's identity, and because of his caste he also suffered spiritually, abandoned his Hindu religion and did not die a Hindu. At the event, one way to pay tribute to the passion that led him to change the condition of the landless was through a visual clip. Indeed, his words were powerful when he spoke about the lived experience of being Dalit. "This shows our people's slavery and mental slavery," he said. His words to explain the oppression and to encourage activism were expressed thus: "Those who do not know how to fight and those who wish not to fight are enslaved; slavery is a terrible scar. We do not know how to speak up, that is the issue - we keep silent. People must realize this is our land and it belongs to us."

The words are very much at the heart of Karl Marx's ideas about mobilization of the masses to produce social change. A necessary strategy is for a leader to form and to help get the oppressed out of "false consciousness." This involves questioning and debunking the ideologies employed to oppress them. What people need to realize is that they occupied the land first. In this context, a "Conflict Perspective," would argue that the caste system is an "ancient prejudice" to rationalize the unequal distribution of resources. Franz Fanon pointed out a similar argument for change in his well-known book "The Wretched of the Earth," where he wrote about the need to educate the masses as a means of liberation from oppression in the context of the Algerian war and terrorism. It is this theme of mobilization and education that the guest speakers touched on.

Keynote speakers at the UBC conference also spoke at the event. They included Sivakami Palanimuthu, a writer and social activist who is described as a "champion of Dalit and women rights." Her most recent work is the novel "The Grip of Change" in which she shows "Dalit life in the raw, what is done to them, and what they do themselves," (The Hindu, 2006).

When I asked her about the strategies she employed to expand the Dalit Land Rights Movement in the context of government, she was not shy to talk about her interactions with government officials and her interactions with members of the Tamil Panther Movement, as well as the hospitality of Dalit Panther leader, Thirumavalar. She spoke about "being a tool of the movement to organize meetings and raise awareness of the plight of the Dalits and their landlessness and the need for the creation of land policy.

Some key issues raised were: 1) government has a "modern" responsibility; 2) how Dalits can turn to the government and ask for land; 3) uprooting of Dalits who dwell on high cost land (in the urban centers); 4) provisions of basics amenities in urban settings; and 5) amendments to "The Land Ceiling Act."

She also stated that the issues of the Dalits are not only economical in accessing land, but "much more, it is the dignity." Although she herself is successful and has elevated herself economically; she spoke about still being tagged as a "Dalit." Inspired by her words, Ajmer Rode, (regarded as the "founder of Punjabi theater in Canada" who wrote the first Punjabi play Dooja Passa on racism experienced by minorities and is known for his recent play Rebirth Of Gandhi, which was inspired by Ms. Palanimuthu's work), said: "Her writing indeed is what a writer should be, getting involved at the grass roots level -the writing that comes out of that - is real writing."

Another speaker from the conference was Arun Prabha Mukherjee, a professor of English at Toronto's York University, specializing in South Asian and minority literatures. Mukherjee has authored many books, including her much acclaimed "Towards an Aesthetic of Opposition and is currently translating Marathi Dalit writer Sharan Kumar Limbale's novel "Hindu." She pointed out how Mr. Dil's poetry inspired her: "Poets like Lal Singh Dil leave words behind that will inspire in different phases of peoples lives. They are the spark and the light to keep the fire burning."

As an educator, she said, "It is sad that this great literature is not taught in schools and universities. These words have a great effect on the younger generation because of the eye-opening realities of life of India that was hidden from them. People forget social injustice and different work needs to be done to keep memories alive.

"Prominent activist from Nawan Shaher, Mr. Om Parkash Lakha (General Secretary of Dr. Ambedkar Mission Society and Trust), also spoke and said he that he was hopeful to tell the Dalits upon his return to India, that Dr. Amdedkar societies are doing well in Canada, and "in a globalized world, emancipation is easier."

As the evening came to a close, local Punjabi singer, Kamlesh Ahir sang with passion and asked: "Why did Lal Singh Dil never marry? He chose not to because he loved a woman from a different caste and he loved her all his life." Indeed, Mr. Dil lived for self-respect and died for self-respect even in matters of the heart.

Also present at the event, as the only non-South Asian, was conference participant Dr. Karin Doerr, professor from Concordia University, Montreal. She was called upon to be part of the award presentation. Her work as researcher and educator is connected to injustice, revolving around the issues of extreme discrimination and genocide as they occurred during World War II in Germany and examines its manifestations in language and literature.

Of special concern to her is the plight of women in struggles and conflicts because it often gets neglected. She said her visit and interactions within the South Asian community and its literature was a learning experience as she enhanced her knowledge about the injustice experienced by the Dalits and the widows in the Delhi colonies following the Sikh massacre of 1984. This, she feels, needs to be shared and exposed more to promote general awareness.

In closing, one of the organizers of the event with the Chetna Association, Jai Birdi, said the speakers' words generated such passion and emotion as they collectively, through their academic work and interest, paid homage to the Dalit movement and the discrimination they experience. They agreed that we all have a social responsibility to fight castism, to continue to make it a global issue and employ the strategies for social transformation urged by Dr. Ambedkar: "Educate, organize and agitate."

This article forwarded by Mr. Jai Birdi.
*VOICEONLINE.COM*

Posted on August 29, 2007

DEBATE ON DALITS
IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS (LONDON)

Lord Alton of Liverpool asked Her Majesty’s Government:
26 Mar 2007 : Column 1434 India : Dalit 2.46 pm

What representations they have made to the Government of India about human rights and exploitation of the Dalits in India .

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: My Lords, officials at the British High Commission have regular discussions on human rights, including rights for Dalits, with the Government of India. My right honourable friend Ian McCartney, the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, raised human rights issues during his recent visit to India and subsequently wrote to Anand Sharma, the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Lord Alton of Liverpool : My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Is she aware that 200 years ago William Wilberforce described what he called âœthe cruel shackles❠of the caste system as, âœa detestable expedient ... a system at war with truth and nature❠With the launch this week of the film âœIndia’s Hidden Slaveryâ, which highlights the violence, exploitation and discrimination experienced by India’s 167 million Dalits, will we work with the Government of India to challenge, not least through education, the persistence into the 21st century of this degrading and pernicious system, which threatens the social stability and economic progress of India? Does the Minister agree with India ‘s Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, that, âœUntouchability is not just social discrimination, it is a blot on humanityâ?

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: My Lords, I agree with the noble Lord and with the Prime Minister of Indiaâ”it is indeed a blot on humanity. Discrimination on the basis of caste identity constrains the human rights, livelihoods and life chances of millions of men, women and children. It is a systematic injustice and a routine violation of the most basic human rights. For that reason, we are working with the Government of India to assist them in addressing the issue and in implementing the rather good legislation that they have but which is not yet being properly implemented.

Lord Avebury: My Lords, as one means of helping the Government of India, would the noble Baroness consider the suggestion made by a member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination that social data collected in India should be disaggregated by class, so that the relative disadvantage suffered by Dalits and Adivasis can be measured, particularly their relative attainment of the millennium development goals, compared with the population of India as a whole?


26 Mar 2007 : Column 1435

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: My Lords, I regret that I do not have a specific view on the data mentioned by the noble Lord, but I will certainly look into them. One of the programmes that DfID is funding concerns data in respect of Dalits, so I hope to be able to give him a full reply, a copy of which I will place in the Library.

Lord Anderson of Swansea : My Lords, India is a vibrant, modernising democracy and a good friend within the Commonwealth. Should not our message be that, in so far as it does not deal sympathetically with the Dalit problem, that is not only wrong in itself but blunts India ‘s excellent record on human rights outside its borders?

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: My Lords, my noble friend is absolutely correct. As I pointed out in my earlier response, it is why my right honourable friend has written to the Minister responsible in India . We raise this issue frequently and our High Commission regularly raises it with officials in India . It is a matter that we will not leave because it is a blatant injustice and has to be dealt with. The Indians are our very good friends and we want to work with them to help them to eradicate it.

Lord Harries of Pentregarth: My Lords, in view of India ‘s very rapid economic growth, does the Minister agree that there is an historic opportunity to ensure that the Dalits are included in this growing employment? Will she accept on behalf of government employees in India the Ambedkar principles of fair employment, particularly for Dalits? Will she encourage the many British companies now investing in India also to accept those principles of fair employment?

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: My Lords, we certainly support the Ambedkar principles and we are encouraging all companies that have a relationship with India , trading or whatever, to support those principles as well. Our main approach on labour standards is via the UN’s Global Compact, which is an agreement, launched by Kofi Annan in 2000, between the UN and business to uphold and promulgate 10 principles covering human rights, labour, the environment and combating corruption, but the Ambedkar principles are very good.

Lord Desai: My Lords, is my noble friend aware that India has a policy of reservation, both in employment and for slots in higher education, for scheduled castesâ”the Dalitsâ”and scheduled tribes? Does she agree that a more important task for India is to pay attention to primary and secondary education for the Dalits and others so that they can progress to higher education and good government jobs?

26 Mar 2007 : Column 1436

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: Indeed, my Lords, we applaud the policy of reservation for the moment, but we hope that one day, with more education opportunities for Dalits, it will no longer be necessary. For that reason, many of our programmes are to do with education, especially of women and girls in India .
Baroness Cox: My Lords, is the Minister aware that, in contradiction to India’s national constitution, nine out of 28 states have passed anti-conversion laws, which deprive people of the freedom to choose and change religion and deprive Dalits of the right to move out of the caste system?
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: My Lords, I am aware of those anti-conversion laws. They are a subject of our regular dialogue with the Government of India and with states.

1) Model of Takshila Buddha Vihara Ludhiana.

(2) Free Medical check ups for Buddhist Monks,

(3) Doctors are seeing the patients,

(4) Seth Sat Pal Mall is giving away Momentos to Doctors,
Mayor Mr. SurinderMahey, Mr. Harmesh Jassal & others standing.

DALIT SOLIDARITY NETWORK UK
Thomas Clarkson House, the Stableyard, Broomgrove Road, London SW9 9TL
Tel: +44 (0)20 7501 8323 Fax: +44 (0)20 7738 4110 Email: dalitsnuk@yahoo.co.uk
Registered Charity Number -1107022

Press Release

TIME NOW FOR ABOLITION OF CASTE
The celebrations to mark the Act of abolishing the Slave Trade in 1807 were invoked at a meeting in Parliament seeking an end to caste discrimination. Chairing the meeting the Bishop of Chelmsford, Rt Revd John Gladwin, said what an important weekend this was, marking the 200th anniversary of Abolition, and drew parallels with the need to abolish caste discrimination also. Dr Joseph D’Souza from the Dalit Freedom Network quoted Wilberforce who had achieved his aim 200 years ago in this same Parliament. Wilberforce said, ‘Caste is a system at war with truth and nature’.
The meeting was organised by the Dalit Solidarity Network, in conjunction with Christian Solidarity Worldwide which is hosting the delegation for two weeks, to brief MPs and others on the current situation in the caste struggle. Professor Kancha Ilaiah drew attention to the recent statement by the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, who drew a clear parallel between untouchability and apartheid. He said the situation was getting worse and could lead to civil war. The police continue to be severely repressive towards the 250 million Dalit and Tribal Peoples, with beatings and killings. ‘What has changed’, said Professor Ilaiah ‘is Dalit consciousness and that at a global level’. He spoke also of the need for Dalits to be taught English as that was the language of opportunity.
Indira Athawale spoke about the particular repression experienced by Dalit women. She recounted the incident last September at Kherlanji where - over an argument on land ownership - a mother and daughter were paraded naked, beaten, raped and killed. Two sons were also murdered. Scores of people were involved, thirty were arrested but all have now been freed. Thousand of Dalits came out in protest and such acts of resistance are growing more frequent.
The next speaker Moses Parmar told the story of a village where his organisation was offering support to the Dalit communities. One Brahmin family had controlled a village of 500 Dalits, until finally they rebelled and the Brahmin family were almost murdered. He said that Christianity offers liberation and a future for Dalits.
Dr D’Souza, also speaking about the Kherlanji incident, said that in the past it would have been swept under the carpet - now it is being exposed even by the media, largely controlled by the oppressive castes. ‘What is being done to Dalits and Tribals is unpardonable and intolerable’, he said. He noted that at the beginning of the year the Indian Finance Minister had crowed that with ‘India is rising’ there had been 9% growth last year. What he did not say however that this was only for 20% of the population, little is changing for the many millions of Dalits.
Jeremy Corbyn MP, Chair of the Dalit Solidarity Network (UK), commented afterwards, ‘In the light of what has been said today we have a real responsibility continue the struggle, inside the UK Parliament and outside, to raise the consciousness of people in the UK’. Revd David Haslam, Chair of the Network Trustees, said, ‘We must get people to realise this is an international struggle for human rights on the same level as the battle against apartheid in the last century, and against slavery the centuries before’.

March 23rd 2007
For further information please contact:
Revd David Haslam (020) 7274 6633
Meena Varma (020) 7501 8323 or 07966081558
David Griffiths (CSW) 07823 329661

“ZINDGI” SUCCESSFULLY RELEASED IN PUNJAB (INDIA)