By Zile Singh
Bharat Rattan, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 67th Maha Parinirvana Day was celebrated at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby on December 6th. Dr. Ambedkar, a Hindu by birth, adopted Buddhism seven weeks before his death.
A bronze bust of Dr. Ambedkar was installed in the premises of the SFU library in 2004. The then Consul General of India, late Dr. George Joseph and the writer as Deputy Consul General were present on that occasion. Thanks to the efforts of the Chetna Association, and the Consulate General at that time an iconic fountain of knowledge found a place in an esteemed learning institute like Simon Fraser University.
The Consulate General of India, Vancouver, Chetna Association of Canada, and Guru Ravidass Sabha, Burnaby organized the celebration jointly. H.E. Manish, CG and Hon’ble Raj Chouhan, Speaker, Legislative Assembly, BC were the chief and the special guests respectively.
Mr. Sanjeev Malhotra, Consul accompanied the CG. Both dignitaries, in their homage to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and the champion of human rights, highlighted the persona of the greatest Indian and a messiah of the Dalits in a befitting manner. In addition, the Consul General read a message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this occasion.
President, Bill Basra, of Ravidass Sabha; Mrs. Manjit Bains, Chairperson, Women Cell, Chetna Association; Gopal Lohia, Sri 1008 Ballanwala Trust, and others spoke about the contribution of Dr. Ambedkar to society. Mr. Jai Birdi, Executive Director, and Vice President Harmesh of Chetna Association also paid homage to Dr. Ambedkar through their messages.
Mr. Surjit Bains, paid vote of thanks to the audience. A booklet titled “Bharat the Mother of Democracy” published by the Government of India, enumerating the fact that India has had a great tradition of democracy for thousands of years starting from 6000 BCE to the present day was launched on the occasion.
Dr. Ambedkar died in harness. By midnight on December 5th, 1956, he finished authoring his book “The Buddha and His Dhamma”. His Secretary found him dead the next morning.
Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery in the United States. Four million African American got freedom. In 1950, the Indian Constitution drafted by Dr. Ambedkar legally abolished the practice of untouchability and provided measures of affirmation to about 160 million Indians.
Let us learn from the following quotes of Dr. Ambedkar on life and man- “Life should be great rather than long,” “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence,” and “If you believe in living a respectable life, believe in self-help which is the best help.”
Bodhisattva is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘enlightened sentient being,’ or one who is capable of awakening self and others. Academically and spiritually, Dr. Ambedkar was an awakened soul. To enlighten others’ life he gave a clarion call to “educate, agitate and organise.” Despite inhuman treatment meted out to him at every stage of his life, he harbored no ill will against anybody or the country. He, very vehemently said, “We are Indians, firstly and lastly.”
