SURREY – The Surrey-based Dalit organization Chetna sent a letter of congratulations to Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Punjab politician Charanjit Singh Channi’s appointment as first Dalit Chief Minister of the northern State.
Chetna General Secretary Jai Birdi wrote Gandhi to thank her for her party’s appointment, saying Channi is a qualified person with significant experience to lead Punjab.
Here is the letter:
Hon. Sonia Gandhi Ji, Namaste and Jai Bhim.
On behalf of Chetna Association of Canada, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Hon. Charanjit Singh Channi for being appointed as the first Chief Minister representing and recognizing Dalit communities of Punjab, India.
In our view, Indian National Congress under your leadership has taken the right decision by bestowing this honor and we convey our heartfelt appreciation to you for your noble decision.
States such as Utter Pardes and Maharashtra had taken this decision previously but for some reason, in Punjab, with over 35 percent of the population share, no chief minister of Dalit community was ever appointed or elected. Your decision is a right step towards creating equity.
The Hon. Channi is well qualified and has significant experience for the post which takes away the perception of tokenism. He rose from the grassroots levels- student politics, civic elections, and cabinet ministry. He is also a gold medalist and recognized figure in sports. We sincerely believe that this change of guard in Punjab is not cosmetic only and the rank and file of the party will stand behind CM Charanjit Singh Channi so that he is able to deliver as expected by the masses, particularly the weaker sections of the society.
Timing of this appointment is also noteworthy. India and the Diaspora is celebrating the 75th year of India’s independence. Appointment of Hon. Channi to the post of CM of Punjab gives another reason to celebrate this significant milestone.
Chetna Association of Canada is a grassroots organization creating awareness and desires for inclusion and strengthening democracies. One of goals of Chetna is to see the UN proclaiming April 14th as the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Day of Equality. Call for this was initially made by Amb. Ramesh Chander (Retired IFS) in 2016. It gives me greater hope that under India’s strong leadership, the United Nations will soon proclaim April 14th as the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Day of Equality. Dr. Ambedkar’s lifelong contributions to equality are inspiring globally and we believe that by proclaiming such a day, the momentum and passion for creating equitable and inclusive world will be further strengthened.
Once again, please accept our heartfelt gratitude to you and congratulations to Hon. Channi.
Submitted respectfully,
Jai Birdi
General Secretary
Chetna Association of Canada
