Thursday, December 18, 2008

Baba Ambedkar’s jayanti Call to work for socio-economic justice

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: Dr B R Ambedkar’s 108th Jayanti was celebrated today with great enthusiasm and fervour under the aegis of Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy at different places. Floral tributes were paid to him at the statue of of Baba Saheb Ambedkar at Ambedkar Chowk here this morning by political leaders, prominent citizens and people from all walks of life.

The main function was held at Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy, Roop Nagar, Jammu which was presided over by Babu Parmanand, former Speaker and the State president of the Akademy.

Various speakers belonging to political parties, social, literary and other organisations highlighted the proud achievements and teachings of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. His untiring efforts for the poor, exploited, depressed and down-trodden were recalled at the function.

His monumental contribution is framing of Indian Constitution based on the equality before law, liberty and fraternity. This unique document has adopted the concept of justice—social, political and economic— for all citizens irrespective of caste, creed, colour or sex. Baba Saheb, who was architect of this Constitution, will be remembered for generations to come.

All speakers emphasised that dreams of this great son of India should be translated into reality by working for socio-economic justice.

Prominent persons who paid tributes to Baba Saheb Ambedkar at the function included: Babu Parmanand, Mr Mangat Ram Sharma, ex-M P; B R Kundal, Chairman, State Recruitment Board; Mr R K Handa, Vice-Chairman, Jammu Development Authority; Mr Hamidullah Khan, ex-Advisor; Mr B L Bharti, Maj-Gen (retd) Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, MLC; Messrs Udhay Chand, Charan Dass, KC Bhagat, Mulk Raj, Kashmir Singh.

Also those who spoke on life and works of Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar at Akademy were Ch. Piara Singh, Mr Bali Bhagat (both MLAs) and numerous others.

A grand procession was also taken out in the city stressing the message of brotherhood as also social equality and economic justice to all citizen.

Poets paid their homage to Baba Saheb by recitation of poems and a programme of music was presented by some cultural parties.

Blankets and cloth were distributed among the poor and needy people. Jammu and Kashmir Bank donated 30sewing machines which were given to needy women for their to enable them earn their livelihood. Babu Parmanand thanked the Bank authorities for this goodwill gesture.

A resolution passed at the gathering impressed upon the Government to implement the provisions of the Constitution for equality and justice to all citizens. Another resolution expressed thanks to the Prime Minister for declaring that reservation would be extended by another ten years and removing disparities.

Babu Parmanand announced that the construction work of the Dalit Sahitya Akademy will be resumed soon. He said that a blood donation camp was also organised.

All India Conferation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Organisation took out a peaceful procession (shobha yatra) through the main areas of the Jammu city starting from Guru Ravi Dass Temple, Krishan Nagar to Ambedkar Chowk.