With chants of Jai Bhim followers from all over the state lead to Chaitya Bhoomi, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s memorial on Sunday.
With chants of Jai Bhim followers from all over the state lead to Chaitya Bhoomi, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s memorial on Sunday. The people were standing in long queues since Saturday night to pay homage to the architect of the Indian constitution, Dr Ambedkar on his 59th death anniversary. Wearing white dresses, the followers of Dr Ambedkar came from the remotest part of the state.
“We are proud that a person from our community has written the Constitution. But at the same time we are still not considered in the mainstream of the society. Far in rural areas of the state untouchability still exists,” Vijay Gaikwad (32), team member in charge of managing the crowd said. Lakhs of people visited Chaityabhoomi on Sunday but in a very disciplined manner. They were shouting slogans, singing songs and even greeting their friends and relatives. The state government, for its part, has laid foundation stone at Indu Mill land in the neighbourhood to erect the biggest ever memorial of Dr Ambedkar.
Despite efforts to uplift the Dalits, the discrimination and atrocities have remained the issue for the community. Janrao Sisat (63), a farmer from Buldhana district, said, “the caste system in my village is such that farmers who are from the upper caste have received money from the chief minister’s draught relief fund. But when it comes to farmers from the Dalit community, we are not given a single penny. Politicians from all the parties come and visit us during elections and do big talks, but no one is paying heed about atrocities on us by the upper caste leaders.”
People at stalls on the streets of Dadar were seen selling items ranging from art and crafts to imitation jewellery and CDs and books on Ambedkar. Paintings and statue of Gautam Buddha and Ambedkar were also on sale. Ambedkar’s literature is also popular and remains a bestseller among admirers.
Vishal Salwadkar (27), said, “I come every year from Nagpur and the reason which drives me here is nothing but the noble work done by Dr B.R. Ambedkar who belongs to our community. The current leadership is doing nothing for the Dalit community. They all are busy filling their own stomach.”
