SURREY: In a remarkable display of solidarity, hundreds of individuals converged at Surrey Central Library on April 14 to honor the spirit of equality and commemorate Ambedkar Jayanti. The event, organized by the Chetna Association of Canada with Ambedkar International Coordination Society (AICS), reserved a room named after Dr. BR Ambedkar at the Central Library, with seating for approximately 50 attendees. However, the unexpected turnout of over 100 individuals was a testimony to the increasing support for the Dalit Movement and the influence of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideology within Canada.
Chetna Association of Canada, a community-based organization has been raising awareness about caste-based issues in Canada since its establishment in 1999. The Association has been actively engaging Lower Mainland cities and the provincial government to support awareness campaigns. Burnaby, Surrey, and the Province of BC have proclaimed April 14 which is the birthday of Dr Ambedkar as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality since 2020.
Ambedkar Jayanti is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a profound acknowledgment of the indelible mark left by one of India’s most visionary leaders.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb was a jurist, economist, social reformer, and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. He advocated for the rights of the oppressed and marginalized communities, particularly the Dalits. His relentless efforts led to significant reforms in India’s social and legal systems, including the abolition of untouchability and the establishment of affirmative action policies to uplift the downtrodden.
Despite the abolition of untouchability, the caste system continues to affect not only Indian society but also communities abroad. Indian-origin individuals residing in Canada have encountered caste-based discrimination within Indo-Canadian circles. Jai Birdi, general secretary of Chetna says that incidents of casteist slurs continue to be received and reported by the local media in Canada and emphasizing the need for action.
The event at the library, served as a forum for dialogue on how Canadian governments at all levels—federal, provincial, and municipal—could actively engage in and contribute to this crucial discourse. Consul General of India Manish, members from Guru Ravidass Sabha, and Surrey MLAs Jinny Sims and Bruce Ralston along with many volunteers were present.
The program started with information on “what Equality means to me project’ by Jyotika Jasuja followed by an overview of the Chetna Association’s initiatives by Jai Birdi, Manjit Bains, and Param Kainth. They informed that the Chetna Association will be leading a group of approximately 100 people to Ottawa to make a presentation on Equality Day in the House of Commons on May 6th.
Dr Anne Murphy, a UBC professor, talked about her project with Dr. Suraj Yengde (Harvard University/University of Oxford) The “Caste in Canada”.
The “Caste in Canada” project is a compilation of interviews of the histories and experiences of Canadians impacted by caste discrimination — such as Dalits, who have been subjected to extreme marginalization and exclusion by dominant castes in the caste system of South Asia, and others, also marginalized on the basis of caste — in the words of members of these communities.
Surrey-based organization founded by Makahn Tut and Gurbax Deo Mamta Foundation of Canada was also honored for its contribution towards enhancing gender equality.
In her address, Surrey MLA Jinny Sims emphasized the significance of April as a month dedicated to celebrating equality and Sikh Heritage. She invoked the principles of equality and humanity in Sikhism founded by Guru Nanak, underscoring the importance of fostering dialogue on equality across all segments of society. She raised a very important question — why there were no women president in gurdwaras.
CGI Manish paid floral tribute on 133rd birth Anniversary of Dr Ambedkar’s anniversary and recalled the life and contribution of Babasaheb. He particularly talked about Mahad Satyagrah started by Dr Ambedkar to assert untouchables’ rights to use water in public places. He concluded his message with the slogan Educate, agitate, organize — a call as relevant today as ever.
