Editor-in-Chief: Prem Kumar Chumber Contact: 510-219-8920 Fax: 916-238-1393 E-mail: [email protected] Editors: Takshila & Kabir Chumber VOL- 5 ISSUE- 5 May 16- 31, 2013 www.ambedkartimes.com www.ambedkartimes.org

GREETINGS ON THE BUDDHA PURNIMA Ambedkar Birthday Celebrated at Bedford Ambedkartimes.com & Deshdoaba.com congratulate Arun Kumar, tion and also sponsored one of the Ambed- all its worthy writers, readers Ambedkar Mission Society, karite scholars, late Mr. Bhagwan Dass to give and well wishers on Bedford (UK) testimony regarding the atrocities on Dalits to Ambedkar Mission Society, the United Nations Human Rights Commission. Lord Buddha's Jayanti Bedford organised a function to Mr. Ram Murti Suman, President, (FABO, UK) and wish you all happy, commemorate the birth anniver- felt deep concern about those people who are healthy and peaceful life. sary Of Babasaheb Dr. Ambed- strengthening caste by maintaining separate (Prem Kumar Chumber) kar on 12th May at the Queens identity and at the same time they talk about Park Community Centre, Bedford. Numerous eradicating caste. Balwant Saroye, presenter, people from far and wide came to participate Kanshi Radio, clarified that some people have BAHUJANA HITAYA BAHUJANA SUKHAYA in the programme. Mr. Richard fuller, MP misconception about . It is a religion Prem K. Chumber (Editor: Ambedkartimes.com) The history and the contemporary texture and structure of Hindu society are caste ridden. It is basically an ex- ploitative society. What further distinguishes it from rest of the varied forms of exploitations and exploitative social systems is its birth-based-purity-pollution principle of graded caste hierarchy that perpetuates hereditary occu- pation laced discrimination. Traditionally it draws its sus- tenance from the Varna system social stratification having its roots in the Hindu Dharmasastras. The most horrible aspect of this India-specific system of social ex- clusion and exploitation is that it has been able to incul- cate in the minds of its victims that the latter are supposed to undergo such discrimination rather willingly as a penance of their bad deeds they have had accumu- lated in their earlier enumerable low births. Religion of the Hindus is nothing but a sacred re- inforcement of the above obnoxious system of social ex- clusion of their -inhabitants cursed as ex-Untouchables. However, as far as the hard labour of these lesser human beings and its expropriation is concerned that is wel- comed! For centuries no one objected to this inhuman so- cial practice. On the contrary, this inhuman social practice was considered as a normal practice and an integral part of the Hindu social and political order. So much so that presided over the function as a chief guest. unlike others. It is based on morality and ration- the Hindu religious texts were designed to justify such a Function opened with the Buddhist prayer, Tr- ality. It doesn’t create a dependency upon horrible social muck meticulously. isharan conducted by the resident monk, some super supernatural power but show a Tathagat Buddha was the first rational and force- Bhante Tejwant of the Punjab Buddhist Society, path of self reliance. Mr. Jeet Chand, Managing ful voice against the Hindu caste system and its conse- UK based at Wolverhampton followed by the Director of Kanshi Radio explained the impor- quent system of untouchability. He contested the Hindu screening of a short film on the life and works tance of media in this modern age and ap- system of birth-based social stratification with his new of Ambedkar ‘The Greatest Indian-Ambedkar’. pealed for support so that it continues to and innovative slogan of Bahujana Hitaya Bahujana In his opening speech, Arun Kumar, general become the voice of the voiceless people. Sukhaya. He took on the Hindu socio-religious system Secretary of Ambedkar Mission Society, Bed- Pirthi Kaeley saw wider implications of head-on and turned it upside down while coming out with ford explained that portraying Babasaheb as the legislation against caste prejudice which a scientific interpretation of the maladies of the society the leader of Dalits only is to reduce his impor- would pave a way for other countries to enact and its rational ground-based practical solutions. He cat- tance. His popularity is increasing day by day. such laws against discrimination. Richard egorically discarded the supernatural/ extra- Even the members of other communities get in- Fuller, MP stated that for some people caste worldly/mythological God/Avatar based Hindu world view. spiration from him and work towards their discrimination was a complicated issue but for He very politely but equally firmly emphasized on the emancipation. The Roma community in him it was a straight one. If there was an evi- equality of all Human beings and very strongly rejected Hungery have set up schools and named after dence of discrimination, it should be outlawed; the rotten institution of caste. Dr. Ambedkar. He also thanked Richard fuller, that is it. He firmly believed that if discrimina- He very strongly advocated that looking after the MP and congratulated those who supported tion based on race, colour, gender or disabilities interests of all would definitely give way to the much de- and campaigned to outlaw caste discrimination are outlawed, caste prejudice should also be sired goal of the welfare of the all. in the UK. Because of their hard work, it has outlawed. There is no room for any discrimina- Tathagat Buddha came out with : become a reality. tion in the British society. For his valiant efforts (a) suffering is an inherent part of existence, (b) the origin Ram Pal Rahi, President Punjab Bud- and outstanding support for the legislation in- of suffering is ignorance and the main symptoms of dhist Society, UK felt concern about the dete- side and outside the parliament, he was pre- which are attachment and craving, (c) the cause of suf- riorating condition of personal belongings of Dr. sented with a plaque by the Ambedkar Mission fering can be removed, (d) the way fir its removal is Ash- Ambedkar. He appealed to everybody especially Society, Bedford. Gurdevinder Kumar, Presi- tangika Marga (the eight-fold path). the Indian leaders, officers in high positions and dent, Dr. Ambedkar Buddhist Organisation, The eight-fold path includes: (1) right understand- intellectuals to preserve the history. He posed Birmingham, Dhanpat Rattu, Mrs. Nirmala Cha- ing, (2) right thought, (3) right speech, (4) right action, the question to them, “Do they feel ashamed hal and Tejwant also paid tributes to (5) right livelihood, (6) right efforts, (7) right , of or not?” Dr. Ambedkar. KL Chand and group entertained and (8) right concentration. Showering praise on the members of the audience with his sweet voice. Sukhdev Let us follow Tathagat Buddha’s Ashtangika Ambedkar Mission Society, Gautam Jassi, Mrs. Santosh Gill, Charan Kanwal and Marga in properly understanding the real problem of the Chakravarty, General Secretary, Federation of Pari also rendered missionary songs. Joginder community and finding its practical solution by bringing Ambedkarites and Buddhist Organisations, UK Mahay and F. Subarao recited poetry in praise everyone on a common platform for furthering the cause (FABO, UK) mentioned that B Ambedkar Mis- of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Vote of thanks was of Dalit liberation and empowerment without accusing sion in Bedford was the first organisation in the proposed by Ram Pal Rahi. Arun Kumar an- each other. UK which raised the issue of caste discrimina- chored the programme. www.ambedkartimes.com V0l-5 2 Issue-5 www.deshdoaba.com May 16-31, 2013 Dollars Mart KUMAR investments

22580 grand street Hayward California 94541

We would like to request all to join us on Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar’s 122nd birth anniversary celebration on SUNDAY, May 26, 2013 at Mehran Restaurant Pittsburg (California). Mr, Vinod Kumar Chumber and his Family VINOD KUMAR CHUMBER Vice President: International Bahujan Organisation (California) Vice Chairman Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bay Area 510-733-3300 www.ambedkartimes.com V0l-5 3 Issue-5 www.deshdoaba.com May 16-31, 2013 HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS

We would like to request all to join us on Baba Sahib Dr. Ambedkar’s 122nd birth anniversary celebration on SUNDAY, May 26, 2013 at Mehran Restaurant Pittsburg (California).

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

sIR jgdyv rfm aqy sRI ajypfl rfm ( spuwqr svrgvfsI sRI lfhOrI rfm ) aqy smUh pirvfr www.ambedkartimes.com V0l-5 4 Issue-5 www.deshdoaba.com May 16-31, 2013 Buddhism in Lucknow: History and Culture from Alternative Sources The in India is stands there now and the name century Buddhism in Lucknow was mainly brought back to its glory by Amousi came from that vihar. Thus, laid by the Bengali Barua Buddhists Shiv Shankar Das the colonial periods's excavations, it is a strong belief among buddhists much before Dr. Ambedkar took PhD Research Fellow, where many statues, and other bud- that the history of Lucknow is very deeksha. The Vihar at Centre for Political Studies, dhist symbols were found by archeol- much rich with Buddhist culture and Latus Road, Lucknow is built by Jawaharlal Nehru University, ogists. Besides, the who invites sincere attention of archeolo- Bhikkhu Kripasaran Mahasthavir New Delhi. came to India from Srilanka during gists and excavation. (1865-1926) in 1907, affiliated to Contact: 9868099669/ the last and the first quarter of 20th (b) Demography of the Buddhists in the Bengal Buddhist Association. By 011-2674-2758 and 21st century contributed im- Lucknow: keeping intimate relationship with the 24 feet diameter). Almost 10-12 mensely in the revival of buddhist his- According to 1951 census then Education Secretary in govern- bhikkhus reside in this vihara and tory and culture in northern part of the number of Buddhists in Lucknow ment of India, who later on was ap- there is a dining hall which can ac- the country, for instance, bhikkhu district was 73, which reached to pointed as governor of Agra and commodate approx. 60 people. This Dhammapal, Bodhanand and 216, 322, 347, 2816, 4327 in 1961, Oudh, Hercourt Butler (1869-1938), premises also includes a library and a Pragyanand. The Buddhists in Luc- 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001 census Kripasaran could manage the land meditation hall and dormitories for know quickly name these bhikkhus in respectively. The 73 Buddhists in where the existing vihara is situated. bhikkhus and guest scholars. the history of Buddha-Dhamma in 1951 census, before Dr. Ambedkar's The second oldest Buddha Another important place Lucknow. Among Barau Buddhists fully fledged campaign for Buddhism Vihar at Risaldar Park, Lucknow affil- which attracts buddhists in Lucknow bhikkhu Kripasaran is very much for ex-untouchables, are mainly the ited to Mahabodhi Society of India is Parivartan Chowk (Change Square) credited to spread Buddha-Dhamma Bengali Barua Buddhist families who was built by Bhikkhu Bodhanand, as where a four-sided Buddha statue in here. The role of Dr. Ambedkar is due came here from Chittagong after the he came back from Srilanka to revive sitting position is installed. This credited by both- Ambedkar-Bud- partition of Bengal in 1905. Buddhism in India, closely became statue is placed under a tower made dhists as well as Barau-Buddhists. These Bengali Buddhists associated with Bhikkhu Kripasaran & out of black granite and above this (a) Ancient History of Lucknow in worked for the Britishers as their ser- Bodhisattva Vihar. His disciple, tower a white marble sphere is Buddhists Folklores vants and cooks and also looked after bhikkhu Pragyanand (1928------), who placed. This tower is surrounded by Gautam Buddha spent 24 their horses and stables. Now, the is currently the head of the vihara is the statues of Dr. Ambedkar, Shahuji monsoons, a major part of his life, in number of these Buddhists has been one of the bhikhus (lead by bhikhu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Uttar Pradesh. Generally people know reached 300-400 people. Chandramani) who gave deeksha to Narayan guru at four corners. The that Buddha had spent some time of The biggest jump in the num- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1956. place historically seems to be very his life in Shravasti, and bers of Buddhist population is ob- This Vihara is an important meeting important as it is surrounded by Lak- etc., but the Buddhists in served in the census of 1991 and place for dalit, bahujan and buddhist shman park, Shyama Prasad Mukher- Lucknow strongly believe and argue 2001. As per my observation, one of activities.. Dr. Ambedkar also stayed jee park, Subhash park, Tagore park that he might have visited many more the most viable reasons seems to be here twice, once in 1932 and later in and Begam Hazarat Mahal park, etc. places as well and modern Lucknow the advent of the plethora of literature 1948. As this modern structure symbolizes might be one among those. on Ambedkar, Asoka and Buddha A park called as Gautam Bud- 'change' usually various rallies, pro- The modern Lucknow, accord- written largely by the government dha park which is situated near Rumi cessions and demonstrations for so- ing to hindu version, is said to be es- employees after 1990 and their ac- gate is also one of the significant de- cial justice and Buddhist activities tablished by Lakshman, a mythical tive involvement in the dhamma velopment as far as buddhism in luc- start from here. character in the epic, Ramayana. But activities. know is concerned. This park is built Besides the above buddhist there is another version of this The census office in India for in around 10 acres by LDA in the year monuments, in the contemporary era, nomenclature which says that Luc- the first time in its history also re- 1980 with a huge buddha statue in as the number of buddhists are in- know was earlier known as Nucklow vealed that almost 70% of the Bud- sitting position. This is one of the creasing, many vihars at individual or (नखलऊ) (still used by aged people) dhist population in Uttar Pradesh is biggest buddha statues we came community levels are also being con- and the history behind this is that the from the scheduled castes back- across in Lucknow. Many people as- structed at various places in Lucknow nails (नख) of Buddha were brought ground and 30% from others. It sig- semble here on various occasions such as Mahendra Baudh vihar at here and placed in a . Thus plac- nifies that it in 'others' there might be which are significant in buddhist tra- LDA colony on Kanpur road, built by ing of Buddha's nails (नख) at this the Buddhists from non-SCs. The ditions and calendars. Mr. D. P. Varun (IAS Retd.), Ma- place gave it the name which later on case is further strengthened by some In the last decade of 20th hamaya Buddh vihar at Teli bagh by changed from Nucklow (नखलऊ) to of my interviews and observations century and first decade of 21st cen- Kallu Baudh etc. Lucknow (लखनऊ). Another story talks in Lucknow. tury, the Bahujan Samaj Party, on To conclude, my submission is about Buddheshwar Chowraha where Upon enquiry, many buddhist coming into power in UP, constructed that the Buddhism in Lucknow has once was a buddhist shrine which activists and all the interviewees also roads, chowks, hostels, parks etc. in deep historical and cultural connec- was captured by hindus and later accepted that backward castes are the name of Buddha. One of the most tions which is found in many converted it into Lord Shiva temple. also getting inclined towards Bud- significant projects is the construc- folklores. There is one more folklore among dhism. As a whole Buddhists in Luc- tion of Baudh Vihar Shanti Upvan on The socio-cultural composi- Buddhists in Lucknow that there was know are mainly from a diverse social VIP road which is 1.2 km long and is tion of Buddhists in Lucknow consists a Baudh vihar called as Amavasi backgrounds (barau bengalis, sched- spread in 32.5 acres consisting of 18 of Bengali Barua Buddhists as well as Baudh Vihar where Buddhists used to uled castes and backward castes). feet tall four-sided marble statue of from SCs and OBCs. In modern times, gather on the day of new Visual 20th & 21st Century Architec- Gautam Buddha at the main entrance. many bhikkhus, and baudh vihars, moon(Amavasa). The contemporary ture and their Related Figures On both sides of the statues there are parks, chowk etc. are important cata- airport named as 'Amousi airport' The foundation of twentieth two fountains (each 28 feet tall and lysts to Buddhism. DR. AMBEDKAR INTERNATIONAL CENTER (AIC) ACQUIRES PROPERTY IN WASHINGTON DC AREA Washington DC - The Dr. Ambedkar International ward castes who were denied human rights in a well-equipped facilities for learning, so academi- Center announced today that it acquired a 13 society dominated by upper castes in India. The cians and students can undertake and dissemi- acres property in the Washington DC area with Indian constitution guarantees equality, liberty, nate the ideas of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. the aim of uniting all Ambedkarites and Bahujan fraternity, and social justice for all; however, the The AIC plans to establish a library con- (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Back- subsequent state and federal governments have taining speeches, books, pamphlets, newspapers, ward Castes and Minorities) Organizations in the failed to protect Dalits by not following the con- periodicals, microfilms, motion pictures, sound USA and abroad and establishing a collective lead- stitutional law. Dr. Ambedkar, who fought to abol- recordings, and other materials about Dr. Ambed- ership that would work to build an enlightened so- ish caste and untouchability, made new India kar and his ideas. The library will also host semi- ciety in South Asia based on Ambedkar's possible and envisioned new age society. nars, symposia, conferences, workshops, lectures, principles and vision. "The AIC was formed to strengthen unity exhibitions, and fairs concerning the life and mis- Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar-father of mod- among the Bahujan and their movements; estab- sion of Dr. Ambedkar .Acquiring property for the ern India and the Indian constitution, graduate of lish a think tank within an umbrella organization; AIC in Washington DC area is a monumental his- Columbia University, Doctorate from London enable campaign and advocacy efforts, peace and toric achievement. Every great journey begins School of Economics (LSE) and the first law min- justice awareness camps, educational seminars, with a single step and acquiring this property is ister of India after its independence-was from a and social and economical activities; and create AIC's first step towards its vision and goals. Dalit (low caste) community and created consti- a support base. " said Mohan Nirala, President of By: Dr. Mohan Nirala, tutional rights for Dalits, women and other back- AIC. The broad objective of the AIC is to provide AIC (May 10, 2013)