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Editor-in-Chief: Prem Kumar Chumber Contact: 001-916-947-8920 Fax: 916-238-1393 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] VOL- 12 ISSUE- 37-38 December 2, 2020 California (USA) www.ambedkartimes.com www.deshdoaba.com Guru Nanak and his Vision of Egalitarian Social Order Constitution Day Celebrations Prem K. Chumber Editor-in-Chief: www.ambedkartimes.com After Tathagath Lord Buddha, it was Baba Guru Nanak who raised a thundering voice against the oppressive social system of caste divisions and untouch - ability. His engaging approach and consis - tent efforts for the establishment of egalitarian society both through teachings and practice distinguished him from his predecessors and contemporaries of the Prema-Bhakti path of famous North Indian Bhakti Movement (Great Revolutionary Movement started by Dhan Dhan Satguru Namdev Ji, Sat - guru Kabir Sahib Ji & Satguru Ravidass Ji Maharaj), which is known for its emphasis on equality of all persons irrespective of their caste, sex and creed before the almighty God. Baba Nanak was for social and gender equality in both the realms of spirituality (Parlok) and terrestrial world (lok). He stood with the lowest of the low. He reiterated that if one was desirous of the grace of God, he had to take care of the lowest of the low. In order to institute the principle of so - cial equality in the sharply divided Hindu caste society, he founded the tradition of common community kitchen (langar) which needs to be fi - nanced out of the hard earned living by sharing Read more on next page its fruits. KiratKaro, Naam Japo, Vand Shakko was the trilogy for the success of his social rev - olution. However, this trilogy of spiritual path needs to be understood in conjunction with the The Indian Constitution another postulate of the egalitarian social struc - “On 26th January 1950, we are Indian society needs to examine paid enough attention to him un - ture of Sikhism meticulously nurtured by Guru going to enter into a life of why caste discrimination still like Mahatma Gandhi, Arch - Nanak. Sharing the fruits of one's hard earned contradictions. In politics, we will takes place: Desmond Tutu bishop Tutu said: “We were labor was to be practiced across caste bound - have equality and in social and South African Nobel involved in our struggle against aries of the given Hindu society based as it was economic structure, continue to the racial injustices in South on the divisive Varna order. Baba Guru Nanak ad - deny the principle of one man Africa, and you were looking for vocated decimation of all such oppressive caste one value. How long shall we allies who would be able to help based social boundaries. The inclusion of the Bani continue to live this life of con - change your own set up. So ob - of different spiritual personalities cutting across tradictions? How long shall we viously there was need to link caste lines vindicates the egalitarian intent of continue to deny equality in our up with those who had Sikhism. Had Baba Nanak been alive today, he social and economic life? If we influence and power in their would not have approved of the emergence of continue to deny it for long, we country.” Gurdwaras on caste/community lines. Similarly, will do so only by putting our He hinted that it would for the establishment of a true egalitarian society, political democracy in peril. We be natural for an alliance to de - Guru Nanak laid emphasis for the emancipation must remove this contradiction velop between Africans who and empowerment of the women who were de - at the earliest possible moment struggled against injustice nied equal rights. While highlighting the various else those who suffer from under apartheid regime and Dal - merits of women, Baba Nanak said why to con - inequality will blow up the struc - its who are struggling against demn them who give birth to princess. He trav - ture of democracy which this caste prejudices. “More of us elled far and wide to comprehend as well as Constituent Assembly has so should be concerned about it enlighten the ignorant about their duties towards laboriously built up.” [caste discrimination] and per - themselves,society and spiritual world. We need “I feel that the constitu - haps be interrogating the other to sincerely adopt his teachings in our routine tion is workable, it is flexible and Peace Prize laureate and anti- part of Indian society as to why daily life and social dealings to give shape to the it is strong enough to hold the apartheid campaigner Arch - they are allowing this to continue society which he envisioned and truly practiced country together both in peace - bishop Desmond Tutu told The if it is an egalitarian society. I in his earthly life time. Are we genuinely living the time and in wartime. Indeed, if I Hindu that he had not heard of mean your Constitution says so.” way he exhorted us to live? Let us do introspec - may say so, if things go wrong Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He was pleas - The Archbishop stressed that tion within ourselves on the auspicious occasion under the new Constitution, the antly surprised when informed Indian society should be chal - of 551st Parkash Purab of Dhan Dhan Sahib Sri reason will not be that we had a that Dr. Ambedkar chaired the lenged about the situation of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and resolve to follow his bad Constitution. What we will drafting committee of the Consti - Dalits because it affects one’s have to say is that Man was vile.” tution of India. humanity. teachings in word and spirit. With thanks "The Hindu" Read more: Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar Asked why African lead - Posted: www.ambedkartimes.com www.ambedkartimes.com & www.deshdoaba.com ers fighting apartheid had not November 25, 2014 www.ambedkartimes.com V0l-12 2 Issue-37-38 www.deshdoaba.com December 2, 2020 Constitution Day Celebrations Constitution Day of India is observed promote their communal agenda, cat - follow the “unconstitutional means” budding Mountaineer and student of on November 26, the day when the egorically set at rest these rumors to register our demands and protests, Post Graduate student Priya Ambed - constitution of India was formally and many a times and reiterated that the I underlined the need to understand, kar spoke with full confidence and finally passed by the Constituent As - government will do every best to ed - implement and celebrate the consti - dedication on the constitution and sembly of India on November 26, ucate the masses particularly the tution with all seriousness as India Babasaheb Ambedkar. Community 1949. PM Narendra Modi’s govern - youth to educate them on the salient was India or Bharat because of the Activist Paramjit Mahey was the lead ment officially instituted the Consti - features of the constitution with a constitution alone. At the risk of of - speaker at the occasion. As always, tution Day in November, 2015 and view to entrench and preserve the fending my hosts, I decided to speak he spoke with conviction and in his ever since it is observed throughout cardinal principles and values of the my mind and expressed displeasure impressive brief speech cautioned India and beyond with all solemnity constitution. Speaking on the subject on the fact that 99% of the audience, that any attempt to undermine and and dedication and rightly so. Gov - on November 26, 2020 in the Confer - I could guess, comprised of people change the fundamentals of the con - ernments are expected to do some ence of Presiding Officers of Legisla - from dalit communities. Why should stitution may result in bloody reaction more to educate the common people tures, PM Narendra Modi gave an it be so? Does the constitution be - and added that, as true followers of

to know and respect the constitution analogy of KYC – Know Your Cos - long only to dalits? There is a need to Babasaheb, we should try our best to with a view to strengthen the edifice tumer as KYC – Know Your Constitu - change the mindset, if we really want diminish such an eventuality. Poetic of our democratic and secular setup tion - to spread the much needed to bring about “Samrasta” in the so - interventions were provided by ac - enshrined in the constitution and fur - awareness about the Constitution of ciety as propounded by RSS and its claimed poets, Param Dass Heer and ther dedicate ourselves to the lofty India. It is time to take these things affiliates. Others namely; Former Rajinder Thapar. Finance Secretary of ideals of Liberty, Equality, Justice and at their face value rather than ex - Chairman of the Punjab SC Commis - the Trust and Former GM of Coal Fraternity to all the citizens of India. pressing apprehensions. The consti - sion Rajesh Bagha, Former Mayor India Amar Nath Ram gave the vote It is all the more important to heed to tution of India is an important and Surinder Mahey, Community Activist of thanks and spoke at length about the cautions and warnings given by potent document capable of dealing Jiwan Singh and Convener of Jaland - the constitution. I, along with Swami the Chief Architect of the Constitu - with all untoward eventualities, if har SC Morcha of BJP Bhupinder Balram Rai, was invited to the podium tion, Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar such a situation arises. Kumar among others spoke at length to honour the poets and young girl on November 25, 1949 in his last With background, I may re - about the constitution and its Chief participants with Saropas and copies speech in the Constituent Assembly port that I participated, as an apoliti - Architect Babasaheb Ambedkar. It of the Constitution of India which before he moved to pass the Consti - cal person, in a function to observe was a well attended function. was a pleasure. I will not conclude tution not only to transform our Constitution Day arranged by the SC In the evening, Shri Guru this piece without appreciating and newly established political democracy Morcha of BJP in Jalandhar as a lead Ravidass Educational and Charitable congratulating the management into social and economic democracy speaker. It was a good gesture by the Trust observed the Day at Shri Guru headed by Om Prakash Mahey, partic - but also to ward off the dangers of BJP leadership. I wish the other par - Ravidass Dham at Bootan Mandi with ularly Prof. Mahesh Chander, who putting our newly attained independ - ties would have taken such decisions Ardas and prayers for the welfare of thoughtfully chalked out and aptly ence into peril if we did not conduct as the constitution belongs to the na - the community. It was a matter of conducted the programme, the Trust ourselves to ‘constitutional’ means as tion and not to any one party or two. gratification to note that the young and the Dham for arranging this be - stipulated in the constitution. It is a The Constitution Day is to underline girls of the community, for the first fitting event and involving the young matter of satisfaction that PM Naren - the principles and values of our polity time, participated and presented girls of the community. I wish them dra Modi, in spite of the perceived and society and it should be a matter themselves in a befitting manner. all the best for further success. perception being spread by some of of national interest and concern. Kashish read the poetic Preamble of The Constitution of India will the opposition parties that BJP and While emphasizing the need to avoid the Constitution with an appreciative remain and prevail to make India its mentors in the RSS intend to sub - the “Grammar of Anarchy” as warned flare. Kirtan Trainee Ashwina, Jyoti a stand up to meet the challenges of vert and change the constitution to by Dr. Ambedkar if we continue to district topper of 10th standard, a 21st century. www.ambedkartimes.com V0l-12 3 Issue-37-38 www.deshdoaba.com December 2, 2020 Do not destroy the Natural Resources of Goa in the name of Economic Development On the night of 1st November, 2020, for their rich flora and fauna biodiver - Goa already has two railway lines fish or other about 5000 Goans gathered near the sity. Along with this the area is lo - which are enough to cater to the aquatic organ - railway crossing in the Historic village cated in the Western Ghats which is needs of the people of Goa. It is im - isms, thousands of Chandor (which was the capital of known for its ecological fragility. The portant to mention here that 400 KW of fishermen Goa in the Medieval Period), one kilo - natural beauty of this area is vert cap - transmission line is also there to meet whose livelihood meter away from the environmentally tivating, Goa’s famous Dudhsagar to the growing power demands of the depends on the sensitive area of Mollem National and Tamdi Falls, Tamdi Temple and industries. sea will become Park and Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary Devil Canyon are also in this region The double track railway line, helpless to meet and protested against the Govern - and these places are good tourist the four-lane National Highway 4-A their basic needs. ment of Goa for allowing three proj - destination. The region is densely and the transmission line will not pro - These so-called Dr. Gurinder Kaur ects by playing drums and chanting forested which contributes im - mote the economic development of development Professor, Department slogans like ‘Save Mollem’ and ‘Goa mensely to the balance of Goa’s en - Goa, rather they would destroy and projects will do a of Geography, Punjabi doesn’t want Coal’. The protest was vironment and groundwater level. The pollute the natural resources such as great damage to University, Patiala also supported by the Goa Congress three projects will upset environmen - forest, air and water resources while the natural leaders and some foreign environ - tal balance of the region. For these passing through the environmentally beauty, biodiversity, and economic mental activists. Three sanctioned de - projects, at least 50,000 trees would sensitive zones. During the trans - and social development of Goa. The velopment projects in the region are be cut down from the dense forests, portation of high amount of coal, the bottom line is that these projects – double tracking of railway line, four which would drastically increase the smell and large particles of coal have no prospects for the develop - laning of 4-A National Highway and amount of carbon dioxide levels in the would scatter in the coastal areas of ment of Goa that is why the residents 400 km transmission line. atmosphere, increase the local tem - Arabian Sea and on the both sides of of Goan are opposing them. Further - The Union Government minis - perature and have negative impact on railway line, scattering in the water more, they say that they will fight up ter Prakash Javadekar to death to save Goa’s has approved 30 devel - environment, wildlife opment projects during sanctuaries, economy, the lockdown which people’s employment fall in environmentally and health from the sensitive areas in dif - Central Government ferent parts of the and industrialists like country. Before approv - Advani, Sterlite, Ven - ing these development danta and Jindal projects, as per rules, (whose iron and steel the outline of the proj - industries are located in ect has to be discussed Karnataka). with the environmental The Goa Government committee of the re - is now supporting spective area, after these projects under which the environmen - the pressure of the tal impact assessment Central Government, it of the area is done. In should have approved order to know the opin - only those projects ion about the project which are in favour of from the people living the state’s natural envi - in the respective area ronment and economic where project has to be development. It is diffi - started, detailed infor - cult to understand why mation of the project is the Central Govern - given through print and electronic the ground water level of the area. and air, polluting the environment, en - ment at the different international media. The project can be started The people of this region will be dangering the lives of the people, sea platforms and in the Paris Climate only if people agree to start the proj - forced to face water scarcity like the creatures and wildlife. With these Agreement has promised to increase ect after knowing the pros and cons people of Cotigoa area. In the Coti - projects, the dense forest of Mollem forest cover and generate energy of the project, if the people have sug - gao area, it is not an uncommon sight National Park and Bhagwan Mahavir from renewable sources to reduce gestions then the outline of the proj - to see women of the five villages lin - Sanctuary will be fragmented into carbon emission, but at national level ect is changed again by incorporating ing up in front of the government small pieces, which will destroy the under the pressure of industrialists is the suggestions given by the people water tankers for drinking water every habitat of the animals and put them encouraging coal-fired industries by and can be started thereafter. But the year during the summer months. at greater risks as their number will removing the dense forest cover en - Union Government Minister have not What is the use of development start declining at a fast rate. Human dangering the natural environment consulted the Regional Environment where people crave for even basic population will face dire conse - and livelihood of the people as well as Committee, neither did the govern - needs like water? quences if they enter into the forests their health. Not only this, the Central ment conducted an environmental im - The Goa residents say that as animal diseases will also start Government has brought the draft of pact assessment, nor has the none of these projects are for the de - spreading among them. Environmental Impact Assessment, government sought public opinion on velopment of Goa. All of these proj - All over the world Goa is 2006 during the lockdown period. If the projects in defiance of the envi - ects are designed for the corporate known for its natural beauty, if double it is passed, then a large number of ronmental regulations. The govern - world and entrepreneurs. The main track railway line is constructed that country’s natural resources will also ment took advantage of Covid-19 reason for double=-tracking the rail - will not only destroy the forest of be sacrificed for the corporate world. lockdown and passed all the projects. way line and making National High - Mollem Nation Park and Bhagwan It is incumbent upon the Cen - These passed projects include those way 4-A four lane is to supply more Mahavir Sanctuary but also pollute tral Government to abandon the nar - projects which are being vehemently coal and iron from Marma Goa port to the beautiful beaches of Goa. The in - row political interests and opposed by the people of Goa. industries in Karnataka. So far, only crease in transportation of coal will corporate-friendly model for eco - Both the Central and State 12 million tonnes of coal is being reduce the influx of tourists which nomic development of the country Governments are trying to convince transported annually but with this will adversely affect the livelihood of and adopt a people and nature- the people of Goa that these projects railway line and 4-A National High - the people of Goa. As a result, friendly model. are for the development and better - way, the target is to increase the vol - tourism industry will be badly af - If the Central Government ment of the people of Goa, but if they ume to 51 million tonnes per annum fected by these projects which is the does not change its planning strategy are for the development of the people by 2036. only economic resource of the state. of the economic development, then and the state then why are the peo - The Central Government had Along with the beaches, the sea all people of our country will face ple of Goa opposing them. The Goa planned to double the railway track in water will be polluted with coal parti - more natural calamities due to rising residents say that these three proj - 2016 and now taking advantage of cles which will cause the sea plants temperature in the forthcoming days ects are related to the ecological sen - the lockdown and putting pressure on to die from being unable to make their and at the same time excessive use sitive area as well as all of these the state government, it has passed food due to lack of sunlight. Due to of renewable energy resources will projects pass through National it in defiance of the environmental absence of food sea creatures (fish, also be a disgrace to the country to Mollem Park and Bhagwan Mahavir regulations. Former Goa Chief Minis - crabs, etc.) will either die or migrate emit more carbon into the Sactuary those have a unique status ter Pratap Singh Rane has said that to other places. With the scarcity of atmosphere. www.ambedkartimes.com V0l-12 4 Issue-37-38 www.deshdoaba.com December 2, 2020 Peasant struggle: Time for workers to wake up The ongoing peasant struggle in 18 Commission for MSP of some agricul - ment and social security in a respect - large num - states of the country, which started tural commodities were in favor of the ful manner. In order to protect the soil ber of from Punjab, has brought some very farmers. From 1970 onwards these health and environment in the coun - young peo - important issues before the society recommendations were made against try from degradation, the Central ple are and the government. At first glance, the farmers which was opposed and Government has to identify the vari - going the struggle seems to be limited to criticized by the farmers' organiza - ous agro-climatic zones and ensure abroad, the repeal of three newly enacted tions and some political parties. To proper cultivation in these zones and which has laws on agriculture by the Central avoid this opposition and criticism, procurement of their commodities at led to Brain Government, but in reality, it is a the Central Government tried to give remunerative prices. In this regard, Drain, Capi - struggle to save the country's federal the impression that the Commission special care needs to be taken of the tal Drain structure. Adoption of a people- was renamed as 'Commission for two rungs at the bottom of the agri - and loss of friendly and nature-friendly economic Agricultural Costs and Prices' on Feb - cultural economy ladder, farm labour - Demo - Dr. Gian Singh development model and a path of ruary 23, 1987, as if it were relying ers and rural artisans, as they are graphic Div - on agricultural production costs in more prone to wear and tear in the idend. The struggle instead of escapism will sfbkf pRoÌYsr, arQ-ivigafn ivBfg, solve problems and warm social making its recommendations. It was process of agricultural production and peasant relations. a completely confusing phenomenon. are also being kicked by the farmers. struggle pMjfbI XUnIvristI, pitaflf Although at present around The Central Government currently Both these sections have no means has suc - 91-99156-82196 500 farmers' organizations of the sets MSPs for 23 agricultural com - of production other than selling their ceeded in country are supporting and contribut - modities, but generally procures only labour and the increasing use of ma - bringing to light the fact that the ing to this struggle, it is very impor - wheat and paddy from a few states chinery and herbicides since the share of 50 per cent of the popula - tant to reach a consensus among the at those prices. This time the market adoption of New Agricultural Technol - tion, who depend on agriculture for 31 farmers' organizations of Punjab prices of maize and cotton are bring - ogy has greatly reduced their employ - their livelihood, should be increased to resolve the issues of the farmers. ing to light the reality of the MSP ment opportunities. from 16 per cent to at least that level This is because the left and right fixed by the Central Government. With the enactment of three which would enable the farmers, farm wing farmers' organizations in the One of the major issues in the laws related to agriculture by the labourers, rural small artisans and state had earlier not only turned their other labourers who depend on agri - backs on each other but also hurled culture to meet their basic needs insults at the fleeing opposition easily. groups. The struggle of these groups The peasant struggle is mov - is going on in a democratic and ing towards becoming a people's peaceful manner and these groups struggle, but for its success it is nec - are making every effort to take their essary that the peasant organizations struggles to the 18 states of the understand the problems of the farm country through collective decisions, labourers, rural artisans and other to awaken the political parties of the workers and contribute without any country and to make their struggle a slogan for their solution. The farmers’ people's struggle. Out of these 31 unions should facilitate the required farmers' organizations, the leadership increase in wage rates for farm of only one organization has bent on labourers, rural artisans and other sacrificing the interests of the farmers labourers as well as strictly avoid out of self-interest, but it has lost caste discrimination. Instead of deny - face as the members of that organi - ing the legal rights of the Dalits in vil - zation have largely opposed this lage Panchayati lands, they should leadership. come forward to make them happy. There was a clear message farmers' struggle has been the fixing Central Government, the already The Governments should sin - from the Central Government to set of MSPs of agricultural commodities weakened federal structure of the cerely carry out land reforms in favour up private markets for marketing of and their procurement by the Central country has been severely curtailed. of the poor and underprivileged work - agricultural commodities and to abol - Government. The Central Govern - According to the Indian Constitution, ers of the agricultural sector which ish the APMC markets and to run ment, from the UPA government to agriculture and marketing of agricul - will increase productivity, production away from procuring at minimum the present NDA government, has tural commodities falls under the ju - and income of the workers. The adop - support prices (MSPs) for agricultural been running away from fixing the risdiction of the states. While tion of the 'New Agricultural Technol - commodities through contract farm - MSP of agricultural commodities as enacting these new laws, the main ogy' in the country and the success ing. It was soon understood that the recommended by the Swaminathan stakeholders - the state governments, of the 'Green Revolution' and the pro- propaganda by the government to Commission. Even if the Central Gov - farmers, farm labourers and rural capitalist/corporate world economic double the income of the farmers ernment accepts the recommenda - small artisans and other unions de - development model adopted in the through these laws and the words tion of the Swaminathan pendent on the agricultural sector country since 1991 have resulted in used in the language of these laws Commission, which is not visible, will have been completely ignored. In individualism among the people be - are misleading. The third law on agri - all the problems of the farmers be view of the economic, geographical, longing to the agricultural sector. The culture was meant to protect the in - solved? The answer to this question socio-cultural, political and other dif - co-operative movement needs to be terests of farmers and consumers. is no, as 68 per cent of the country's ferences of the country, there is an accelerated to rectify the deteriora - There is no mention of how this law farmers own less than 2.5 acres and urgent need to further strengthen the tion in social relations caused by ma - will protect the interests of the farm - 86 per cent less than 5 acres. For ex - federal structure so that the states terialist tendencies and to increase ers, but as far as the Essential Com - ample, if all the farmers are given 50 can develop and contribute to the the income of these sections. The modities Act, 1955 is amended, the per cent profit on the cost of produc - rapid development of the country. The Dalit working class families of Punjab limit on storage of farm commodities tion of their commodities and the av - country's farmers' organizations are through their struggles have taken for companies / traders has already erage annual income of these farmers also raising their voices for strength - 1/3rd Panchayati land legally on con - been abolished by it. The rise in would be Rs 1 lakh it will be less than ening the federal structure. tract and cooperative farming on it prices of onions and potatoes has Rs 28 per person per day. Will farmers The corporate economic has shown a good way to all the agri - also begun to erode the two-times be able to support themselves in this growth model created by the 'new cultural labourers by providing them dry bread for the average consumer. income? Therefore, the issue is being economic policies' adopted since with their grains, vegetables, green The Agricultural Prices Com - considered in the farmers' organiza - 1991 is creating a number of insur - and dry fodder. Farmers with small mission was set up by the Central tions that the Minimum Support mountable problems for the working holdings, landless farmers, farm Government in 1965. Since its incep - Prices (MSP) should be replaced by class. Economic inequalities are labourers and rural artisans can use tion, the Commission has been mak - the Remunerative Support Prices widening between the country's 1 all their resources to make their lives ing recommendations to the Central (RSPs) of agricultural commodities, per cent ultra-rich and the remaining happier and more meaningful by Government on MSPs for certain agri - but at the same time the agricultural 99 per cent, and the vast majority of learning from the Jews of Israel to cultural commodities and the Central policies of the government should be the wealth and capital generated in help each other and moving towards Government has generally complied farmer-friendly. The government must the country is being usurped by the 1 cooperative agriculture. Cooperation with those recommendations. During maintain a minimum level of income per cent ultra-rich which is neither in in meeting the machinery and finan - the first five years, when the country so that farmers can meet their basic interest of working class people nor cial needs can yield remarkable re - was facing severe shortage of food - needs of food, clothing, housing, ed - the country. Due to declining employ - sults. By adopting agro-based grains, the recommendations of the ucation, healthcare, clean environ - ment opportunities in the country, a (Contd. on page 6) www.ambedkartimes.com V0l-12 5 Issue-37-38 www.deshdoaba.com December 2, 2020

Sue Frost

County Returns to the Purple Tier this letter, we requested that the and travel. With COVID-19 surging alistic. Not everyone is on the same In the midst of rising COVID cases State allow Counties like Sacramento across much of the country, these ac - page when it comes to COVID-19, statewide, on November 13th Sacra - to reopen communities by zip code tivities aren’t safe at this time. Look - some might want to have a Zoom- mento County was officially demoted where COVID metrics meet the ing after our mental health in a based meal while others want to have to “purple tier” status, the State’s State’s requirements for progressing proactive way is more important than a small in-person meal. These differ - most restrictive level. These restric - to the next color-coded tier. As of ever as we enter the holiday season. ences have the potential to causes tions include, among other things, the writing this article, that letter has not This year, we need to find disappointment and additional stress. closure of indoor operations for gyms, even been responded to, let alone small, creative ways to feel joy and Have a clear and frank discussion fitness centers, and restaurants. This considered. comfort and when you need it, don't with family on what to expect this move by the State will have a devas - A balanced zip-code approach be afraid to ask for help. For the hol - year. The best option is to celebrate tating impact on local businesses al - isn’t some bogus theory that lacks a idays to maintain that vital human virtually this year. ready shutting down at a scientific basis. A zip-code based ap - connection, that might mean having 5. Get enough sleep. It might proach is precisely what is being uti - a video chat with a loved one in a be a small thing, but getting the sleep lized in America’s most populous city, nursing home, committing to calling you need every night can keep you a New York. They use a targeted ap - someone you love every day or set - little healthier and happier. Sleep dep - proach to address clusters of COVID ting up a computer in the dining room rivation can heighten emotions and cases by targeting the most affected so family and friends from afar can cause unnecessary, added stress. zip-code hot spots. Doing so allows virtually join in the holiday meal. It’s also important to remem - them to allocate important medical According to the National Al - ber that for people in recovery, the resources to the targeted communi - liance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64 holidays can be a particularly chal - ties that are most in need. This ap - percent of people with mental illness lenging time for their sobriety. You proach also ensures that communities report holidays make their conditions can help those in recovery during the heartbreaking rate. It ignores what not experiencing an increase in posi - worse. In addition, many holiday holiday season by demonstrating un - science is telling us. tivity are not negatively impacted by events include and even focus on al - derstanding and support. If something doesn’t change restrictions that are not necessary. cohol consumption, which can be a For those in recovery, below in the immediate future, these busi - I am going to keep fighting to particularly challenging time for sobri - are important strategies for sobriety nesses are going to be going into the put pressure on the State to allow us ety for people in recovery. and enjoy holidays: winter months being forced to only to consider more sensible policies lo - In Sacramento County alone, Before heading to holiday fes - be open outdoors. It will be incredi - cally in Sacramento County, and I it is estimated that nearly 300,000 tivities virtually or in person, have a bly difficult for businesses to con - won’t stop until this pandemic is residents are living with a mental ill - plan to stay sober vince customers to eat dinner outside over. ness, which means we all need to Choose activities and your company in the cold when they could eat in - bring understanding and kindness to to reduce triggers doors a few miles away in Roseville Grants for Local Non-Profits each other and ourselves as we greet Spend time with those who or El Dorado Hills. I am thrilled to announce that Sacra - this holiday season. are supportive and keep away from Our public health department mento County began accepting appli - Mental Health Tips during the Holi - drama already knows what is causing our in - cations for this year's TOT grants on days: Have a response ready for crease in COVID cases: private gath - 1. Keep Active. Physical activity can those repeatedly offering alcohol (I’m erings and outbreaks in some boost your mood both in the short driving; I’m the designate driver ; or I long-term care facilities. It is not a and long term. Go for a 10-15 minute don’t drink alcohol) major problem at the businesses that walk or dance around in your kitchen Bring your own non-alcoholic are being forced to close operations to increase your mood and calmness. beverages and fun mock-tails to par - and where safety measures, such as 2. Address Loneliness. Many people ties social distancing, have been success - have been isolated in 2020, to com - Start your own traditions to fully implemented. Shutting them bat this, make an effort to call or celebrate in a way that works for you down when they are not significantly video chat someone who is important Avoid putting too much pres - contributing to the problem is unnec - to you. Remember to check in with sure on yourself – it’s okay to say no essarily harmful. November 6th! TOT grants go to non- others through email, text and social to invitations, and know you are enti - Our public health department profit organizations that provide serv - media. Staying occupied is also help - tled to walk away from uncomfort - also already knows that well over half ices/programs in Sacramento County. able situations of the COVID cases are coming from No less than $100,000 will go to Volunteer with a local charity the City of Sacramento, even though non-profits in District 4, so I hope you Plan your own virtual sober they represent only about one third of will all help me spread the word! This holiday event for your friends and the County population. The Unincor - grant program has gone to support family and celebrate your sobriety porated Area of the County has more some really great organizations Ask for help. When faced people than the City of Sacramento, throughout the County. with cravings reach out and talk yet has less than 20% of cases. If you are interested or have about your cravings and remember Many of these areas share much questions, visit this link for more de - your motivations to stay clean and more in common with communities tails. The deadline is December 7th. sober like Roseville or El Dorado Hills than ful, find a new podcast, listen to Remember to take care of it does with Sacramento City. Our Holiday Blues, music, start drawing, an occupied yourself, and keep in mind that the State policies should allow us to take Coping During COVID-19 and engaged mind is less likely to holidays may be a stressful time for things like this into consideration. Yet, The holiday season is traditionally a dwell on loneliness. many of your family members and California remains ignorantly adhered time to share food and time with our 3. Eat and Drink Well. What we eat friends too. Reach out to loved ones to flawed policies that hurt our com - friends and family. For most of us, impacts our mood – with this in who might be struggling with the munity, even when given a clear path - this was unlikely to be the case this mind, make sure to eat well leading pressure of the holidays, take the way to do things more efficiently and year. With travel restrictions and Pub - up and following the holidays to keep time you need for yourself and enjoy safely. lic Health Orders in place, we will a steady mind. Also remember, that this holiday season! You may have seen it in the need to adjust, but this could have a while alcohol might lift your mood news, but in early October, I signed major impact on our mental health. and reduce anxiety at the time, in the A Range of Behavioral onto a letter along with several other The holidays are traditionally long term alcohol increases the risk Health Services Offered local and State leaders, that was writ - when everyone can take time off of developing mental health issues Sacramento County Behavioral Health ten to Governor Newsom and Human from work and connect with people such as depression and anxiety. Services strives to create an effec Services Secretary Mark Ghaly. In they care about, break their routine 4. Keep your expectations re - (Contd. on next page) www.ambedkartimes.com V0l-12 6 Issue-37-38 www.deshdoaba.com December 2, 2020 (Continue from page 5) vironments/recovery residences. decade-long shortage in mental participate in a preliminary assess - tive, high-quality integrated system to If you or someone you know health services. It offers people who ment conducted by our Adult System meet the needs of Sacramento is in need of help, below is an array are coming down from suicide at - of Care for Substance Use Treatment County residents. We work together of Medi-Cal programs and services tempts, panic attacks and other seri - staff. Assessments are conducted on with those individuals living with available. Sacramento County Behav - ous mental health episodes a safe a drop-in basis. mental health conditions and sub - ioral Health urges everyone to take place to stay for 30 days. Youth System of Care for stance use/abuse to provide hope, their health seriously and is here to Mental Health Court - Aims to reduce Substance Use Treatment (Youth wellness and recovery. guide you through a culturally compe - re-offense and increase the quality of under the age of 18 years) - 916-875- It’s now more important than tent system of care that promotes ho - life among those diagnosed with 0185 ever to address the Behavioral Health listic recovery, optimum health, and mental illnesses and those who have Collaborative Courts and Programs - needs in our communities. The stress resiliency. Interpreters will be pro - co-occurring substance abuse condi - Also known as problem-solving of COVID-19 and sheltering at home vided at no cost tions that cause courts, combine judicial supervision have increased anxiety and depres - to the con - significant im - with rehabilitation services that are sion. People are struggling with the sumer. pairment. Partic - rigorously monitored and focused on threat of wildfires and power outages Mental Health ipants must recovery to reduce recidivism and im - for themselves, family and friends. Services have low-level prove offender outcomes. These Civil unrest and systemic racial dis - ACCESS Team crimes and not courts reduce trauma on victims and crimination add to the distress of our – 916-875- considered pub - provide offenders with services, such culturally diverse populations. 1055 or 888- lic safety risks. as alcohol and/or drug treatment, We all need to be monitoring 881-4881: This Sacramento rather than jail time. our own behavioral health and the be - referral service County Mobile Outpatient Treatment - Intake and as - havioral health of our friends and provides over- Crisis Support sessment for a substance use disor - family. It’s normal to feel stressed the-phone assessment before refer - Team – A collaboration between Be - der, treatment planning, individual right now. However, if you experience ring patients to appropriate mental havioral Health and Law Enforcement counseling, group counseling, family behavioral health challenges for more health care providers. The service is to respond together to emergency therapy, collateral services, member than two weeks, reach out for help. available Monday through Friday. calls for individuals experiencing a education, medication services, crisis If you have insurance, contact your in - The Source – 916-SUPPORT (787- mental health crisis. intervention services, and discharge surance for a referral. If you have 7678): 24-hour call/chat/text for in - Stop Stigma Sacramento - planning. Medi-Cal, call the County for an as - dividuals up to age 25 years old. Learn about culturally responsive Residential Treatment - A non-institu - sessment (916-875-1055). Behav - Consumer-Operated Warm Line - mental health and local resources; tional, 24-hour non-medical, short- ioral Health services are essential 916-366-4668: This service is of - read personal stories from community term living support and structure with services and are available by tele - fered by survivors of mental illnesses members living with mental illness; available trained personnel who pro - phone or video telehealth. and those in recovery. They share and, to find out how you can help re - vide rehabilitation services to individ - Every year, more than 40,000 their experiences and offer support to duce stigma and discrimination in uals, with a substance use disorder people are served in the County’s mental health patients. your community and get involved diagnosis, when determined as med - Mental Health and Substance Use The Community Support Team - 916- with the project. Community specific ically necessary and in accordance Prevention Treatment programs and 874-6015: The Sacramento Commu - content is also available in several lan - with an individualized treatment plan. more than 170,000 are served by the nity Support Team provides guages. Withdrawal Management/ Detox - In - County’s Prevention and Early Inter - field-based assessments and help in - Sacramento Countywide Bul - take and assessment, observation vention programs. Programs continue dividuals navigate mental health lying Prevention Project - Supports and monitoring to evaluate health sta - to deliver services during the COVID services. Sacramento County districts and their tus of individuals during the detoxifi - pandemic. Crisis Text Line - Text “Home” to school sites as they implement bully - cation process, medication services, An array of opportunities are 741741 and trained crisis counselors ing prevention programs and and discharge planning. available through our Medi-Cal pro - with active listening and collaborative strategies. Medication-Assisted Treatment - In - grams and services for children, ado - problem-solving skills will help you. Hope Cooperative's Peer Nav - cludes the same components as Out - lescents, young adults, adults and Mental Health Crisis Triage Services - igators - Navigators transform and patient Services with the inclusion of older adults of Sacramento County. Provides support during a crisis empower lives by supporting inde - medical psychotherapy. Medication- These supports include assessments, through several community-based pendence and preventing homeless - Assisted Treatment includes ordering, case management, crisis interven - programs via phone, in person, and ness. This team also provides interim prescribing, administering, and moni - tion, medication support, peer sup - secured website. Interventions may and permanent supportive housing toring of all medications for sub - port and other rehabilitative services. include: in the moment support, me - and a variety of case management stance use disorders. Services are provided in mul - diation, follow-up support, informa - programs for people who are home - Recovery Residences/Sober tiple settings including residential fa - tion and referrals, and linkage to less or at risk of homelessness, many Living – Includes individual and group cilities, clinics, schools, hospitals, outpatient mental health services. of whom have a severe and persistent counseling; recovery monitoring/ juvenile halls and camps, mental Mental Health Urgent Care Clinics mental illness. substance abuse assistance (recovery health courts, board and care homes, Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic at A list of all Sacramento County Men - coaching, relapse prevention, and in the field and in people’s homes. 2130 Stockton Boulevard, Building tal Health Plan Medi-Cal Providers peer-to-peer services); and case Special emphasis is placed on ad - 300, Sacramento, CA 95817 pro - and Prevention and Early Intervention management (linkages to educational, dressing co-occurring mental health vides services on a walk-in basis (call & Mental Health Respite Services vocational, family supports, commu - disorders and other health conditions ahead) to individuals of all ages who Providers is available online. nity-based supports, housing, trans - such as substance use and addiction. are experiencing a mental health Substance Use Prevention portation, and other services based There are programs for outpatient and/or co-occurring substance abuse and Treatment Services on need). treatment, medication-assisted treat - crisis. (916) 520-2460 Adult System of Care for Substance ment, withdrawal management Turning Point in Rio Linda is a Use Treatment (Adults 18 years of ****** (detoxification), residential treatment, crisis residential program, created by age and older) – 916-874-9754. To perinatal services and sober living en - Sacramento County to alleviate a qualify for services, adult clients must Peasant struggle: Time for workers to wake up (Continue from page 4) succeed in the long run, the peasant tion to political pollution, there is an need to beware of the immortal vine industrial units in the cooperative sec - organizations must also overcome po - urgent need to avoid intellectual pol - of political and intellectual pollution. tor ownership structure, employment litical and intellectual pollution. Since lution that eats away at those who In this regard, workers in agriculture opportunities can be increased as 1947, various political parties have come in contact with it like an amber - and other sectors should move away well as the benefit of value-addition been making "promises" and new gris vine. from the politics of religions, castes, can be reaped. promises to win elections and estab - These so-called eight-striped tribes, families, territories, etc. and Consumers' rights can be pro - lish their own government. Apart intellectuals come to the forefront of also focus on political initiatives with tected while increasing their income from political parties, groups of farm - the struggle, get information from collective leadership. by selling vegetables, milk and milk ers, farm labourers and rural artisans them about their struggle, give advice The peasant struggle will be products and other agricultural com - have been suffering under the guise on how to turn the struggle upside a people's struggle in the true sense modities at special locations in cities of one man. down and put their full emphasis on only if all the working classes come by setting up cooperatives. This will To avoid such political con - suggesting to the rulers the methods together and fight for a long time in a easily dispel the misconceptions cre - tamination, it is very important to of crushing the struggle. democratic and peaceful manner. ated about agricultural dependent read, write, think together, take your Therefore, in order to carry Gram Sabhas, Mohalla Sabhas in workers. problems to the society and the gov - out the struggle in a democratic and cities and pro-people caravans can For the peasant struggle to ernment through the media. In addi - peaceful manner, there is an urgent contribute a lot in this regard. www.ambedkartimes.com V0l-12 7 Issue-37-38 www.deshdoaba.com December 2, 2020 New appointments by elect President his Cabinet and White House staff The announcements come as Biden retary for Obama’s continues to build his Cabinet and first campaign, com - White House staff, led by Chief of munications director Staff while President Don - for former Rep. ald Trump refuses to concede the Joseph Crowley, D- election that Biden won. N.Y., and Midwest "Communicating directly and and Northwest re - truthfully to the American people is gional press secretary one of the most important duties of a for the Democratic President, and this team will be en - Congressional Cam - trusted with the tremendous respon - paign Committee. sibility of connecting the American Bedingfield, people to the White House," Biden the new White House said in a statement. "I am proud to communications di - announce today the first senior White rector, said she is "un - House communications team com - speakably proud to prised entirely of women. These qual - have the opportunity ified, experienced communicators to serve as White bring diverse perspectives to their House work and a shared commitment to communications di - building this country back better." rector." More:Ron Klain named "Working for Biden's chief of staff, first White him as VP and on this House official picked for administra - campaign gave me in - tion As press secretary, Psaki will be - sight into what kind of come the public face of the Biden capable, compassionate, clear-eyed tor of response in the Obama-Biden tions director, State Department administration, a role that Kayleigh president he will be," she said in White House. Before joining the Biden spokesperson under then-Secretary McEnany holds in Trump's administra - tweet. Sanders, who will serve as the White House, Bedingfield served as of State John Kerry, Deputy White tion. "I grew up through the hard chief spokesperson for Harris, said communications director to House communications director and

fought battles of winning back the she is "ready to serve." Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., on her deputy White House Press Secretary House, winning presidential cam - "Also AN ALL LADY successful 2008 Senate campaign during the financial crisis. paigns and fighting for the Obama- SQUAD?!" Sanders said in a tweet, along with other roles on Democratic Symone Sanders Biden agenda with @KBeds and singling out her colleagues. "We each campaigns. Senior adviser and chief looking forward to the journey take our service seriously and are Ashley Etienne spokesperson for the vice president ahead," Psaki said Sunday in a tweet. elated to get to work for the people Communications director for Sanders served as a senior adviser on Psaki served as communica - and build back better! Lets go ladies!" the vice president Etienne served as the Biden-Harris Campaign. Four tions director for Obama during his Etienne, the new communica - a senior adviser on the Biden-Harris years ago, she worked for Sen. Bernie final two years in office. She was ear - tions director for the vice president, campaign. Previously, Etienne served Sanders' presidential campaign lier a spokeswoman for the State De - previously served as House Speaker as communications director and sen - as press secretary, the youngest per - partment, handling daily briefings Nancy Pelosi's communications direc - ior adviser to House Speaker Nancy son ever in that role for a presidential with the international press. tor. Pelosi said Harris has "chosen a Pelosi. She was the first woman and campaign. Before joining the Biden- More:President-elect Biden seasoned communicator" in a state - person of color to hold the position. Harris Campaign, Sanders was a CNN seeks a diverse Cabinet. Here's who ment. Etienne was special assistant to the political commentator and served as will join his administration and who "Her experience working on president and director of communica - principal of the 360 Group LLC, might be top contenders. As commu - both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue tions for the Cabinet in the Obama- where she provided strategic commu - nications director from 2015 to 2017, and the immense respect she com - Biden administration and also led nications guidance. Sanders is the Psaki reorganized the White House mands among both members and communications on President former chair of the Coalition of Juve - approach to media with more atten - staff will make her a powerful force Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initia - nile Justice Emerging Leaders Com - tion for non-traditional and online out - in the Biden-Harris Administration, tive. mittee and former member of the lets. She previously had served as Pelosi said. Karine Jean-Pierre Federal Advisory Committee on Juve - senior communications adviser and Principal deputy press secre - nile Justice. traveling press secretary for Obama Elizabeth Alexander tary Jean-Pierre served as a senior Pili Tobar during his reelection campaign. Communications director for the first adviser to Biden and chief of staff to Deputy White House commu - From 2013 to 2015, Psaki lady Harris on the Biden-Harris Campaign. nications director Tobar served as served as the primary spokeswoman Alexander served as a senior adviser She previously served as a chief pub - communications director for coali - for the State Department, traveling on the Biden-Harris Campaign. She lic affairs officer for MoveOn.org and tions on the Biden-Harris Campaign. 600,000 miles to more than 50 coun - spent the first years of the Obama- was a political analyst for NBC and Previously, she served as the deputy tries with Secretary John Kerry. Biden administration as the Press MSNBC Political Analyst. Jean- Pierre director for America’s Voice, where She earlier served as deputy Secretary to Vice President Biden served as regional political director for she advocated on behalf of immi - White House communications direc - after serving as then-Sen. Biden’s the White House Office of Political grants. She has also served as the tor during Obama’s first term, coordi - Communications Director on Capitol Affairs during the Obama-Biden ad - Hispanic media director for nating and implementing the public Hill. ministration and as deputy battle - Senate Minority Leader Charles response of the government to the fi - ground states director for Schumer, national director of His - nancial crisis. She worked with Larry White House communications Obama#39;s 2012 reelection cam - panic Media and Western Regional Summers, director of the National director Bedingfield served as deputy paign. Press Secretary for the Democratic Economic Council, Treasury Secretary campaign manager and communica - National Committee, communications Tim Geithner and key senior cabinet tions director for the Biden-Harris White House press secretary director for U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, officials throughout the administra - Campaign. She served as communi - Psaki is overseeing confrimation for and communications director for the tion. cations director for Biden when he the Biden-Harris transition team. Dur - Latino Victory Project. Reach Joey She has also worked on many was vice president and as associate ing the Obama-Biden administra - Garrison on Twitter @Joeygarrison. national and state political cam - communications director, deputy di - tion, Psaki held several senior roles, paigns. She was traveling press sec - rector of media affairs, and the direc - including White House communica - Hussan Laroya Banga www.ambedkartimes.com V0l-12 8 Issue-37-38 www.deshdoaba.com December 2, 2020

Guru- Piari Sadh Sangat Ji,

December 6, 2020 Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 551st Parkash Utsav Celebrations

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 551st Parkash Utsav will be celebrated on Sunday, December 6, 2020. Akhand Path will start on Fri - day, December 4, 2020, at 10:00 AM and will conclude with Bhog ceremony at 1:00 PM on Sunday, December 6, 2020.

Giani Ompal Singh and Giani Gurnam Singh Ji will adorn the occasion with Shabad Kirtan along with other Kirtankars. Guru

Nanak Dev Ji is the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism. He was born in 1469 at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in, now known as Nankana Sahib. His spiritual teachings are enshrined in the holy pages of SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB*

Nishan Sahib Hoisting Ceremony will be held on December 5, 2020 (Saturday) at 11:00 AM

For peace and harmony in the world today, we really need to adopt His teachings of Universal brotherhood, Equality and Love of Mankind. Vainder Sudhir and his family will be hosting this Sewa. Entire Sangat is requested to participate in this “Gurupurb” . “NANAK NAM CHARDI KALA TERE BHANE SARBAT DA BHALA”

Chairman President Sangat Treasurer De Sewadar General Secretary Jagtar Bhatia Shinder Paul Narabut Dharam Pal Chonkria Vinod Kumar