Delhi: DSMM Celebrates Ambedkar Jayanti
Abdul Rahman
THE 132nd birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar was yet again celebrated by the Delhi unit of the Dalit Shoshan Mutki Manch (DSMM) on Parliament Street on April 14 with cultural and political programmes highlighting his ideas of equality and social justice.
The cultural fest on the Parliament Street began with songs by Ratan Gambhir. The songs talked about the need for unity of the working class and dalits, warning them against the agenda of hatred and division pursued by the Hindutva forces. The songs gave a call for saving the constitution and its progressive values and warned about the futility of mere hero worship of Ambedkar promoted by the flag bearers of identity politics.
There was a huge book stall organised on the occasion by the LeftWord. They sold literature related to Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule and others along with classics of Marxism and Leninism. Jan Natya Manch (JANAM) also performed their “Hau Hau ki Kahani” on the occasion. There was a fest-like atmosphere with the arrangements for food, water and other amenities at the venue.
The gathering on the Parliament Street was addressed by Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) general secretary, Brinda Karat, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member, D Raja, CPI general secretary and Nathu Prasad, secretary of Delhi DSMM. CPI(M) Polit Bureau member BV Raghavulu, AIKS leader Hannan Mollah, Delhi CPI(M) secretary Tiwari and other leaders were also present.
Yechury highlighted the need of fighting against the Manuwadi Hindutva agenda of the BJP/RSS. He reminded the people that this Manuwadi Hindutva agenda is anti-dalit, anti-women and anti-minority. He warned that the values and principles enshrined in the Indian constitution, drafted and promoted by Dr BR Ambedkar are in danger due to the BJP/RSS controlling power and viciously following their divisive and hateful ideology. Yechury reminded how Narendra Modi led central government and BJP led state governments merely talk about democracy but are actually trying to run the country in a feudal way. He warned the BJP/RSS and Modi that people of India will never tolerate the tampering of the Indian constitution and the Left and progressive forces will mobilise to defeat them.
Brinda Karat narrated the issues faced by the dalits, adivasis, women and minorities under the BJP/RSS rule. She talked about how it is the Left which actually follows BR Ambedkar’s ideas whereas others try to use his name for political gains. She also noted that atrocities against dalits and other marginalised sections are increasing under BJP/RSS rule across the country. She referred the instance of Hathras where a dalit woman was raped and killed by the upper caste men and how the perpetrators of the crime were protected by the BJP led Yogi government. She argued that all this is happening when Modi is talking about “social justice.” She warned people not to fall in the trap and appealed to them to rise above their narrow differences and realise how the rich and powerful are exploiting them. This is the only way to realise Ambedkar’s dream of a socially and economically just India, she said.
Nathu Prasad thanked all the people who participated in the programme.
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