A progenitor of recipe of Hara-Kiri of Bahujans: Hazare’s Self Styled Civil Society

Introduction:

          In this country everyone is suffering corruption of some kind or other at the hands of people in position of social, economic and political power. The poor, downtrodden, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs and religious minorities are the worst suffers of this malice. All those who talk of eradicating corruption are welcome but one has to go much beyond the hypocritic façade of such organisations and individuals to bring to the fore the real intents of such individuals, movements to unravel their hidden agenda.

          It would be proper to quote Dr. Ambedkar who pointed to the continuance of 'historical injustice' by stating, "the youths who fill the universities and who follows the Pandits lead are ever ready to fight the political battle of India against the British. But what do these children of the leisured class Hindus have done to redress the wrongs their forefathers have done to the Untouchables? You can get thousands of Hindu youths to join political propaganda but cannot get one single youth to take up the cause of breaking the caste system or of removing Untouchability. Democracy and democratic life, justice and conscience which are sustained by a belief in democratic principle are foreign to the Hindu mind."

          How aptly Arundhati Roy has analyzed the agitation launched by K.B.B. Hazare when she says, "you could say that the Maoists and the Jan Lokpal Bill have one thing in common — they both seek the overthrow of the Indian State. One working from the bottom up, by means of an armed struggle, waged by a largely adivasi army, made up of the poorest of the poor. The other, from the top down, by means of a bloodless Gandhian coup, led by a freshly minted saint, and an army of largely urban, and certainly better off people."

Civil Society – who are they?

          Hazare share the attitude and belief of Mr. M.K. Gandhi’s on untouchables or Scheduled Caste or Dalits and holds the view, “It was Mahatma Gandhi's vision that every village should have one Chamar, one Sunar, one Kumhar and so on. They should all do their work according to their role and occupation, and in this way, a village will be self-dependant. This is what we are practicing in “Ralegan Siddhi.”

          Further, it must be known to each SC, ST, OBC that members of Team Hazare have also been associated with Youth for Equality, the anti-reservation movement started by some frenzied individuals to rob SCs, STs and OBCs of their rightful representation in the affairs of administration of state in this country. Arundhati Roy states that the campaign of hazare is being handled by people who run a clutch of generously funded NGOs whose donors include Coca-Cola and the Lehman Brothers. Kabir and has received $400,000 from the Ford Foundation in the last three years. Among contributors to the ‘India Against Corruption’ campaign there are Indian companies and foundations that own aluminum plants, build ports and SEZs, and run Real Estate businesses and are closely connected to politicians who run financial empires that run into thousands of crores of rupees. Some of them are currently being investigated for corruption and other crimes. From these details and facts any individual of ordinary intelligence can infer as to who are the individuals who are fanning this campaign.

          As could be seen from various reports appearing in print and electronic media, Hazare does support Marathi Manoos xenophobia and has praised the ‘development model' of a particular state in India where allegation of connivance of mass murder of Muslims have been made in the year 2002 on the leadership, though he retracted from the said statement after a public outcry. He is all praise for a developmental model where unhindered Liberalization, Globalization and privatization is praised and practiced.

Issue of Corruption

          Before broaching the subject of corruption, one has to understand in clear terms and find answer to the question, Is corruption a “cause” or an “effect”? If an individual is suffering from cancer but he takes medicine of fever or cough or weakness, Is he going to recover?   Even a layman would give answer as ‘NO’ because the cause of illness is cancer and fever, cough or weakness is mere effects of malice of Cancer. The treatment of cough, fever or weakness would not mitigate cancer. Similarly, the causes of corruption are rooted somewhere else, while, the malice of corruption is an effect. One cannot mitigate the causes by removing the effects. Therefore, one has to uproot the causes for lasting solutions to malice like corruption. Some of the important causes of spread of corruption to mammoth scale is unrelenting pursuit of policy of ‘Liberalisation, Privatization and Globalization’ in the country for last over two decades.  

          Arundhati Roy validly raising a question on the issue of corruption when she says,”Is corruption just a matter of legality, of financial irregularity and bribery, or is it the currency of a social transaction in an egregiously unequal society, in which power continues to be concentrated in the hands of a smaller and smaller minority? Imagine, for example, a city of shopping malls, on whose streets hawking has been banned. A hawker pays the local beat cop and the man from the municipality a small bribe to break the law and sell her wares to those who cannot afford the prices in the malls. Is that such a terrible thing? In future will she have to pay the Lokpal representative too? Does the solution to the problems faced by ordinary people lie in addressing the structural inequality, or in creating yet another power structure that people will have to defer to?”.

          Just see how true are last three lines of her statement which naïve Anna’s team is unable to understand? 

Slavery under Globalization Regime:

          Six and a half decades ago when this country became independent, the Vision and Mission was determined by ‘WE THE PEOPLE’ to build this country as enlightened and humane society in the world. We the people does not mean a handful of individuals nor few thousand nor a couple of lakhs. The majority living in this country is SC, ST, OBCs and religious minorities and the impact in form of dispossession of following the new economic policy pursued in the country has been the most on these Bahujans. It may require a detail analysis and production of empirical data for analyzing the impact of liberalization, privatization and globalization in India but at this juncture it is not essentially required as direct impact of such policies are directly visible on this section of society in India. The policy of 'crony capitalism' adopted in India is, infact, perpetuating 'caste capitalism' based on adharma. The economy in India has been controlled based on the tenants of caste-system.

          Dr. Ambedkar aptly stated that in such a system ('caste-economy'), there is no division of labour but 'division of laboures'. The principle of graded inequality has been carried into the economic field. The Hindu Social Order (HSO) relies upon the principle of ‘To each according to his nobility’ rather than ‘each according to his need’. The Hindu Social Order does not believe in equal need, equal work or equal ability as the basis of reward for labour. Its motto is that in regard to the distribution of the good things of life those who are reckoned as the highest must get the most and the best and those who are called as the lowest must accept the least and the worst.

          The social, economic, political and cultural system being practiced by the upper caste elite in this country is a form of "imperialism" and is instrumental in the denial of liberty, equality, fraternity, dignity and justice. This system is incompatible with the laudable ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity, justice and democracy. The system of untouchability is a 'goldmine' for the upper castes in this country where a dalits or a tribal have no social security and upper caste own everything - the land, trade and also the state by which they control the source of revenue and profits.

          The Human Development Report 2010 gives a very dismal picture of development of Human Development in India, with 55.4% suffering from Multi Dimensional Poverty (MDP). 75.6% of population earning $2 a day and 41.6% $ 1.25 a day; 12% of children under the age of 14 yrs. forced to do child labour. Almost 44% children malnourished and lack cognitive development. The Education for All report of UNESCO gives the deprivation in education with 45% students dropping out after elementary education (79% of ST & 69.1% of SC student dropout from standard X. 7.14 million children are out of school. It is very significant know that the data for Denotified Tribes, Notified Tribes, OBCs and Religious Minorities is not readily available in Census, NSSO or Health Surveys. If it would have been available, one thing could have been crystal clear that a majority of 80-90% of those out of school, in child Labour, dropped out, lacking cognitive development and those earning less than $2 or $1.25 a day are Bahujans (Dalits, Tribals, Backwards).

                   The policy of liberalization, privatization and globalization has in no way reduced the inequalities, nor has it provided the SCs, STs, DTs, socio-economic opportunities, on the contrary, it has increased the gulf between haves and have-nots and few have Billionaires in a very short time in this country without toiling and soiling there hand. The state which was planned to distribute the capital and assets and enable equal opportunities with preferential treatment to the disadvantaged under the Constitution is being reduced in capability to perform its original role. Even the World Development Report acknowledged the inequality trap due to caste, gender and religious discrimination in India.

                   It could be well understood from all above that 'economic globalization' and its impact on India that laissez-fiare capitalist model of globalization has become not merely 'crony capitalism' but indeed ‘caste capitalism’ with the ‘factor of production' (land, labour, capital, entrepreneurship, technology and human capital) and the 'control of markets' being owned mostly the Brahmin, Baniya and Big Zamindar. Whereas, the Dalits, Adivasis, Denotified and Nomadic Tribes, Backward, Muslims, are made either the ‘producers’ or ‘consumers’ but not the owners in this caste capitalism organized by liberalization, privatization and globalization. So the 'caste slavery' even under the globalization continues, based on control of capital, knowledge, technology, -assets & human capital by the Brahmin, Bania and Big Zamindar (land lords) is a fact of 'human life' which cannot be simply overlooked.

                   India might be growing @ of 7-8% GDP per annum but not so the "85% India". The' growth' is not being translated into 'equity' and 'human development' due to 'caste capitalism'. It is rendering the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV of the Constitution), which envisage a 'Welfare State' and abolition of socio-economic inequalities as futile. The Indian elites by the growing economic and military power of India aspire to make it a major power with both 'soft power and hard power' in the name of national security, peace and prosperity without any adherence to human rights, justice and peace in India and the world.

                   Thus, the present form of globalization is not only violating the constitutional rights, safeguards and provisions and human rights but also blowing up the 'edifice' of justice (social justice, distributive justice, economic justice), equality; liberty; dignity; equity; justice; equity and development which the modem world has came to terms. The movement like that of Hazare and his associates are further creating an environment having fascist’s overtones and would pave way for Hindu Imperialist forces in this country. This is a very serious concern and must be dealt with at the earliest by us for our India and the world.     

          Under relentless pursuit towards liberation, privatization and globalization, the State is withdrawing from its traditional duties and Corporations and NGOs are taking over government functions like water supply, electricity, transport, telecommunication, mining, health, education with the active association, power and reach of the corporate owned media which is controlling the public imagination, the fight to justice, equality, dignity and justice is further difficult.

          Further, the demand may be raised for legalizing Corporate Corruption in the name of Lobbying Fee.

          If anyone has to initiate a HUNGER STRIKE, it should be for above mentioned reasons.

          After going through such stands of Hazare, one can only understand that he is an upholder of atrocious process of Globalization, its hunger for profit, efficiency, virtually leading to economic exploitation - the worsening terms of trade, less return for more work, equal competition for unequal standards in technology, hidden taxation at multiple levels in addition to user charges for private facilities, agribusiness, rules favorable to mobile capital and free enterprises (i.e. no rules) increased joblessness, migrations etc. Thereby a contributor to enhance poverty and fall in human development indicators. In many basic services 'privatization' has not benefited that poor but it remains the prime concern of WTO, IMF and World Bank.

Why not fast on to death to stop atrocities on Dalits, Tribals, OBC and Minorities?

          Every day in this country there are incidents where Dalits, Tribal and minorities are humiliated. The women folk of Dalits and Tribal are paraded naked in the villages and towns, they are killed in inter-caste rivalries, their land and homes are arsoned and gutted in fire, their children are humiliated in school, colleges, universities and professional institutions of national repute. Sadly, any Hazare is yet to sit on fast on to death to put an end to these atrocities.

Separation of Power and Checks and Balances:

          This dreadful crisis has happened due to utter failure of India's representative democracy. The criminal background representatives and millionaire politicians have failed to take up people’s cause in the legislature. Democracy is based on principle of Checks and Balances and on the theory of Separation of Power. One ‘Lokpal’ overseeing Legislatures, Executive and Judiciary would become a Monster which will eat everyone. The actions of Legislators within the Legislature or say on the floor of the House should not come under scrutiny at all.

Supremacy of the Constitution:

          The idea of ‘Referendum’ as effective tool to settle disputing issue is figment of imagination of some people. In Democracy, the Constitution is supreme and disputes need to be resolved within the framework of the Constitution. The stand of self styled civil society is even attack on the supremacy of the Constitution and the Parliament of this nation. As stated above, any issue concerning any matter in this country has to be settled within the purview of the Constitution by the Parliament. Therefore, all demands for a referendum on any of the issues must be condemned, rejected and ignored.

Civil Society must have representatives of Bahujans in majority:

          Hazare is playing a joke on the nation by taking 5 people and calling themselves as Civil Society. As stated above, 85% people living in this country are from SC, ST, OBCs, hence any Civil Society in which the representatives of these communities are not there cannot be called as Civil Society.

One Lokpal for everything is not acceptable:

          Contrary to the principles of separation of powers on the basis of which Democracy functions, the Jan Lokpal Bill is a draconian anti-corruption law, in which a panel of carefully chosen people will administer a giant bureaucracy, with thousands of employees, with the power to police everybody from the Prime Minister, the judiciary, members of Parliament, and all of the bureaucracy, down to the lowest government official. The Lokpal will have the powers of investigation, surveillance, and prosecution. Except for the fact that it won't have its own prisons, it will function as an independent administration, meant to counter the bloated, unaccountable, corrupt one that we already have.

Any Lokpal must have the following provision;

·              The definition of corruption should be expanded to include corporate corruptions, corruption in NGOs, corruption in Media, corruption in Panchayats, Municipalities, Municipal Corporations, other autonomous local bodies and judiciary, the discriminatory and exclusionary practices suffered by SC/ST/OBC and Religious Minorities, exploitation of labour like bonded labour, forced labour, and all other forms of exploitation and discrimination.

·              Corruption should also include non-utilisation of funds/mis-utilisation of funds, diversions of funds meant for Schedule caste under Special Component Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).

·              Corruption should also include the discriminatory practices observed in the education institutions from Primary education to higher and professional education. Denial of reservation, fraudulence in the affirmative action against SC/STs/OBC/ and Religious Minorities, ill-treatment of students from the above communities, and threat to their safety and interest in and outside such educational institutions should also be treated as corrupt practice and stringent action should be taken against the perpetrators of such practices, institutions and teachers/professors who practice, encourage others to practice and also neglect such injustice when brought to their notice.

·        Misuse of funds allocated for the Development of SC, ST, OBCs must come under Lokpal.

·        Any Lokpal must be representative and shall have majority of individuals from Bahujans, even committee to screen the candidates for the posts in Lokpal should also be representative and should have majority of Bahujans.

·        The Constitutional Guarantees given under Article 311 to government employees and mandatory consultation with the CVC and UPSC should not be diluted in the case in the case of employees.

·        The National Commission for SC, ST and body made for OBC’s must be consulted.

·              All private entities, corporations, the media, and NGOs - are kept away from the control of proposed Lokpal must be brought under the ambit of Lokpal.

·              Team Hazare and pseudo Civil Society has been able to mount pressure by politicians bashing and cleverly leaving media off the hook. Lokpal should address this aspect as media itself is involved in immense corruption.

·              Constitute new Drafting Committee consisting of previous members of the drafting committee from the Government and civil society groups (Team Anna) in addition to representatives of different political parties and wider civil society organizations including representatives from SC, ST, OBC, Religious Minority communities and Women.

·              The revised draft adopted by the new Drafting Committee shall be placed before the Parliament; and the Parliament can refer the revised Bill to a new Parliamentary Standing Committee for wider consultations with various groups and communities, political parties within specified time.

·              There should be due representation of SCs, STs, OBCs and Religious Minorities and Women in the Lokpal Search committee, in its Selection Committee and its investigating agencies.

·               In the present system employees belonging to SC, ST, OBCs and Religious Minority communities are victimized due to prejudices against them. We, therefore, demand that the complaints received against persons belonging to these communities should be first sent for vetting to the Constitutional bodies established for the protection of these groups.

Conclusion:

          By painting only the Government as demon, an endeavor is being made by some people to create a platform to demand withdrawal of the State from the public sphere and give further impetus to Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization agenda and rob the nation’s natural resources. This is not acceptable

          The issue of right and wrong are closely linked to the consciences and moral values and cannot be decided by show of strength by shouting or voting on the floor of the houses. In a Democracy, Parliament is sovereign and it represents will of the people. The hysterical situation created by Anna and his associates through inciting public frenzy. Such tactics could pave way for wrong decision making which could be detrimental to the rights and entitlements of SCs, STs, OBCs and religious minorities living in this country and for which generations may have to suffer later on.

          Therefore, it is pleaded that do not be fooled by the flag waving imperialist. Please guide your brethren on this evil design and tell them to desist from evil designed movement of Mr. Hazare and his associates. We want an inclusive and comprehensive LOKPAL which tackles the problems faced by all of us in our daily lives.

Rajinder Kashyap,

New Delhi

*********

The Champion of Poor and Downtrodden - Babasahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar -

The Champion of Poor and Downtrodden

- Babasahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar -

One may love it or one may hate but one has to accept and acknowledge the fact that Ambedkarism has been a movement of assertion of downtrodden in the history of India in recent times. Ambedkar has been a voice of downtrodden of this country and for their cause he has dedicated his whole life and works. Dalits have placed Ambedkar at the top of the world and he is no less than a God for them. He wrote extensively on the problems of Caste, Muslims, minorities and women in India. He richly contributed towards constructions of democratic independent India. The following few lines are penned down as a tribute in the memory of this great leader on his death Anniversary (6^th December).

 Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on 14^th April 1891 at Mhow, a small town in the then princely state of Indore state. He was the fourteenth child of Ramji Sakpal and Bhimabai belonging to the Mahar caste, which was considered a low untouchable caste by the caste Hindus. The Mahars were, however, among untouchables and were considered to be a sort of martial race. They were considered important army strength in Maratha army from time of Shivaji.  The grandfather, farther and six uncles of B.R. Ambedkar were in the army all of them were holding the rank of Subedar Major, which was an achievement in the Indian Army under the British. The father of B.R. Ambedkar was a Subedar Major in army and was a teacher in Army School.

            The young Ambedkar, at a very tender age had to face humiliation and disgrace at the hands of upper caste Hindus when he started education in primary school. He was made to sit outside the classroom so that his presence did not pollute other boys. He and his brother were not allowed to drink water from the school well and they had to often remain thirsty the whole day. Bhimrao’s attitude towards Hinduism and its rigidly and deep-rooted caste system could be traced to these insults and humiliations suffered by him at an age when a young mind makes impressions about things around him.

            During study in school Bhimrao used Ambavadekar as his surname and the same was derived from their ancestral village called Ambavade. A benevolent and compassionate teacher becoming interested in young, well-mannered and humble Bhimrao changed his surname to Ambedkar and he came to be known as Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. He passed his matriculation examinations in 1908 and completed his graduation in 1912 on the scholarship given by Maharaja of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad. He completed his Master of Arts and doctorate in Economics from Columbia University, Master of Science and Doctorate of science in economics from London School of Economics and Political Science, Barrister at law from Grey’s Inn, London. It was an achievement par excellence for a small town untouchable boy at the end of 19^th century to attain such high education and high degrees. This superior educational knowledge further boosted Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar to vigorously purse the cause of downtrodden and also to lead the growing movement of India’s downtrodden. The mixture of several factors like the openings of mobility provided by British colonial rule, the help of a few progressive and far sighted individuals, wealthy and upper caste social reformers, sacrificial support from his family besides his own sheer grit and determination contributed immensely towards his success.

           

            On completion of his studies he came back to India in 1924 and in compliance to the bond which he signed before with Maharaja of Baroda for scholarship went to serve the Princely state and was appointed as Military Secretary to the Maharaja. He found it utmost difficult to find a place to stay in Baroda. He wrote and narrated in one of his speeches; “Neither a Hindu nor a Moslem was prepared to rent out a house to me in any locality, I decided to get accommodated in a Parsi Dharmsala. After having stayed in America and England, I had developed a fair complexion and impressive personality. Giving myself a Parsi name, ‘Adalji Sorabji’….. But soon the people got the wind of the fact that His Highness of Maharaja Gaekwad of Baroda had appointed a Mahar boy as an officer in his Durbar. My living in Parsi dharamsala under the assumed name gave rise to suspicion and my secret was out soon.”

So he tendered his resignation to Maharaja and left for Bombay, once Maharaja of Baroda came to know the behavior meted out to Ambedkar in Baroda he waived the condition of 10 years service in the State of Baroda stipulated at the time of granting him scholarship for higher studies. Besides legal practice at Bombay High Court, he also started active public career as a social worker, a politician, a writer and an educationist. The indications of his activities and his future mission of his life he gave even before he left for England the second time. He brought out a Marathi fortnightly, Mook Nayak from December 1919 to June 1920. He was emerging as a leader of the downtrodden and in that capacity he gave evidence before the Southborough Reforms (Franchise) committee, claiming political rights for the Depressed Classes. He was getting involved more and more in the social and political activities and a big step forward was initiated by him in this direction by organizing  ‘Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha’ in 1924. The main objectives of the Sabha were; to promote and expand education among the Depressed Classes by opening hostels or by employing such other means as may seem necessary or desirable; to promote the spread of culture among the Depressed Classes by opening libraries, social centres and classes or study circles; and advance and improve the economic condition of the Depressed Classes by starting industrial and agricultural schools. He started four boarding houses in the Bombay Presidency in five years. He vehemently attacked the village life structure in India; termed as a cesspool of Casteism and a breeding grounds of untouchability in Hindu society. The need for such boarding houses arose because high caste Hindu students would not like to live and dine with the untouchables. These hostels proved a boon for the ‘low-caste’ students. He also started some newspapers and journals to spread the message of the Sabha as he felt that speeches, meetings and resolutions passed in those meetings were not enough.

            In addition to advocating, urging and writing on the problems of untouchables, Ambedkar adopted the method of agitation to get justice for  untouchables. In March 1927 he led his followers to Chavdar Talen (Chowdar Tank) a public tank in Mahad. The Untouchables were not allowed to drink water from the tank. Ambedkar and his supporters during this agitation marched to the tank and drank water from the tank and broke age-old pitiless custom. He firmly believed that the ancient Hindu Law Book namely Manusmriti was the mother of caste system and untouchability in Hindu society, therefore, he burnt a copy of Manusmriti in a protest against the caste system. These agitations and leadership capabilities of Ambedkar established him as a leader of the downtrodden and the then government also acknowledged this when he was nominated to the Bombay Legislative Assembly for which he remained a member and served competently from 1926 to 1934. During his stint as a member of Bombay Assembly he introduced several bills for the welfare of the untouchables, peasants and workers, but most of these were not passed because the majority was with the orthodox members. In 1928 he was appointed as a lecturer in the Government Law College, Bombay and subsequently its Principal. In 1935 he was made Perry Professor of Jurisprudence, which was a coveted honor.

            He represented the causes of untouchables and other downtrodden as a delegate to the three Round Table Conference held in London (1930-33). During these conferences he advocated forcefully that the untouchables were a minority and should get the same treatment like other minorities such as Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and demanded separate electorates. During Second Round Table conference which was attended by Gandhi as the sole representative of the Congress, there was confrontation and sever argumentations between Gandhi and Ambedkar. As there could not arrive any consensus between delegates the British Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald was authorized to give the award / verdict on the conference. The decision that came out after the Conference is called as Communal Award and was announced on 17^th August 1932. As a result Ambedkar won separate electorate for Depressed Classes. This was not taken kindly by then leadership and was not acceptable to Gandhi, he undertook fast unto death and Ambedkar was pressurized and coerced to yield to the wishes of Gandhi and Poona Pact was signed. As per the pact, the reservation of seats reserved for the Depressed Classes in the provincial as well as central assemblies were increased but the separate electorates were abolished. However, he was established as a tall, knowledgeable and undisputed leader of the Depressed Classes. He often use to say “Mahatma’s have come and Mahatma’s have gone, but the untouchables have remained untouchables.”  He exhorted his followers to struggle for their rights in the Hindu society. He said, Lost rights are never regained by appealing to the consciences of usurpers but by constant struggle and sacrifice, only goats are used for oblation not the lions.

            Ambedkar wanted to establish himself as a political leader and he founded the Independent Labor Party in October 1936, which captured all the seats in the Bombay Presidency that were reserved for the Scheduled Castes. In April 1942 he floated the Scheduled Castes Federation as an all India party bringing all the Scheduled Castes under its banner. He attached utmost importance to the education for his communities. One of the main objectives of the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha was to provide facilities for the children of the untouchables to pursue purposeful education in schools and colleges. He founded Peoples Education Society in July 1945 and that established a number of colleges in the Bombay Presidency for the Scheduled Caste students including the Siddhartha College Bombay. He was nominated as a Labour member of the Governor General’s Executive Council.

Ambedkar’s contribution in drafting the Constitution for independent India is unquestionable. Infact, he single handedly drafted the Constitution for independent India. He spent long hours in converting the discussions and discourses of the Constituent Assembly in appropriate legal language in form of the Constitution, rich and deserving tributes were paid by the learned members of the Constituent Assembly. He was called as modern Manu who gave India a new and democratic regime, paying a rich tribute to Ambedkar for his tireless efforts in making the Constitution, another fellow Maharashtrian said “ I call this Constitution the Mahar Law because Dr. Ambedkar is a Mahar and now…….we shall have the law of Manu replaced by law of Mahar and I hope that unlike the law of Manu under which there was never a prosperity in the country, the Mahar law will make India virtually paradise”. He cautioned the nation of fallouts if the nation failed to realize the needs of becoming a nation and not working towards creating a nation where Liberty, Equality and Fraternity is vibrant. His last speech at the time of acceptance of new Constitution was a peak moment in Ambedkar’s life. The modern Manu is a symbol of progress and advancement for the Dalits and downtrodden in independent India.

Seeing brutal, heartless, vicious and exploitative caste system and unwillingness on the part of Hindus to correct this he stated “ I was born a Hindu and have suffered the consequences of untouchability. I will not die as a Hindu.”  In 1940 he republished Laxmi Narasu’s ‘The Essence of Buddism’ and subsequently wrote a book ‘The Buddha and His Dhamma’ explaining the meaning and significance of Buddhism.  He along with his wife and 0.4 millions followers took Diksha and administered the vow to his followers. The followers in their collectively vow committed themselves to new life free from the system of high and low and never ending violence sustained under Hinduism.  

            Ambedkar fought a different war of freedom for most oppressed sections of society in India. His freedom struggle was based on the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, these were first announced during French revolution and subsequently affected the societies and groups of people across the countries in the whole world. He was a great nationalist, a firm believer in democracy and social justice. He was a vociferous writer and thinker. During his lifetime he wrote many books and left behind a massive collection of notes, writings essays and other unfinished works on various subject matters.

Note:-

This article was written many years back for younger generation of people to make them understand the role, leadership and contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar towards making this country and society – a society based on the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. This piece was also published in many newspapers across the country.

Rajinder Kashyap

New Delhi

 (rkk1963@gmail.com)

CASTEISM WORSE THAN RACIALISM

CASTEISM WORSE THAN RACIALISM

            During last fortnight or so, a kind of frenzy has prevailed in the media of this country on the issue of alleged racial treatment meted out to actress Shilpa Shetty who went to England to participate in a reality TV show “Big Brother” by some other participating actors of that country. This has been made a headline story in a good number of Indian newspapers and has also been prime time news at a number of TV Channels. No doubt that the incident requires unequivocal condemnation by one and all. No one should be allowed to follow such condemnable practices while interacting with other human beings. It is sad that such behavioral patterns prevail in the land of Locke, Bentham, James Mill and J.S Mill who were staunch supporters of liberal democracy and utilitarian principle advocating maximum good of maximum numbers.

            The real intentions and motive for such disclosures are a matter of debate as the complainant in this case had initially complained through media and subsequently retracted from the earlier assertions. Everyone participating in the show “Big Brother” was paid huge amount for participation and it is gathered from media reports that Indian actress in this case was paid around Rs. 3.5 crores. Hence, it could also be inferred that this could be a gimmick to garner publicity for the programme. Most important thing for a human being is to live in a dignified manner but the complainant in this case did not quit the show.

            I am perplexed and the matter which bothers me the most is the issue that how a society which has been so undemocratic, stratified the human being in castes, believes in born high and born low, purities and impurities by birth, denies the rightful dues of downtrodden, exploited the dalits and untouchable communities for time immemorial can morally claim that whatever happened in Britain was wrong. Did they ever take up the issues of exploitation of untouchables and Dalits so vehemently and so loudly in their own land? The answer is a big No. The history of this country indicates that some eminent persons of this country had initiated struggle against racialism in foreign lands for claiming basic right but the same people had miserably failed to obliterate the vicious caste system in India. This system served and protected the interests of powerful few in the Hindu society and to make it permanent, it was provided a divine emergence.

            The caste system cannot be treated as division of labor as in no civilized society division of labour is accompanied by unnatural division based on watertight compartments. This is not a segregation based on choice, individual sentiments and individual preferences but based on dogma of predestination. There is no racial affinity in the castes, it is merely a social division of people of same race based on the principles of purity of blood, intermarrying and interdining. It is a social system, which embodies the arrogance and selfishness of a perverse section of Hindu society who was superior enough in social status and has authority to force it on their inferiors. There has been no example in history of mankind where people belonging to same race and colour, eating almost same food, observing same value system and even worshipping same Gods have been exploited, declared socially untouchable, besides attaching a number of impurities to them.

            In the mind of Hindu, there exists a consciousness of caste. This is the main reason why this country cannot be called a well-knit society or a nation. The Caste system prevents common activity and by doing so it has prevented Hindu society from becoming a collective and unified society observing collective and unified life thus killing the spirit of communion. It has been all along propagated by the holy men that in the eyes of God all men are equal but in actual practice they are fastened in the different castes from the very birth. Caste has killed public spirit, destroyed sense of public charity, and made public opinion impossible. In Hindu society and social order a man’s public identity is his caste, his duties are towards his caste, his loyalties are towards his caste, virtues and qualities have become caste ridden and so happened in the case of morality. There is no sympathy towards the deserving.

            The caste is based on the principles of purity of race and blood.It is a social system exemplify the arrogance and selfishness of perverse section of Hindu society who have been superior enough in social status to prescribe it as a divine law and who had authority to force it on their inferiors. It has completely demoralized and disorganized the Hindu society. A caste has no connection to other castes except when they are in conflict with section of other religious groups. The caste consciousness amongst the Hindu society is so strong that wherever the Hindus go in this universe, they take their caste along for practicing.

            Once upon a time, Hindu religious philosophy may have been a missionary philosophy that is why it could spread far and wide but it ceases to be a missionary religious philosophy and massagers of equality, love, affection and humanity when it allowed the ugly Caste system to emerge. The situation was further worsened when divine dispensation was ordained on the Caste system by intellectual-
also of Hindu society. ‘Ahinsa Parmo Dharma’ is publicized as cardinal gospel of truth in Hindu society. This is not true, the conditions prevailing in Hindu society could be und- erstood in the words of Morris, “The great treading down the little,the strong beating down the weak, cruel men fearing not, kind men daring not and wise men caring not”. This is surely due to the Caste. The caste has not allowed the comm- union to build and pitched people against each other for benefits of few high placed in the hierarchy of Hindu social order. This caste system has prevented Hindus from becoming a one unison and integrated wholesome group of people.

            The names Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudras are associated with a definite and fixed notion in the minds of every Hindu. This notion is based on hierarchical order starting with Brahmins at top and Shudras at bottom and is based in birth. This is further compounded and made complicated by notions, sentiments, mental attitudes, purities and impurities attached with each group. So long as these notions, sentiments, mental attitudes remains, it cannot be said that caste from Hindu social order has evaporated. Even today these notions, sentiments, mental attitudes determines the person’s behavior and attitude towards others in Hindu society. No amount of reforms will become fruitful till old caste based notions, attitudes and sentiments are prevailing in the minds and are reflected in behavioral patterns by the socially high towards socially low.

            The scheme of four (chatur) Varna resembles to the Platonic utopian ideas on division of labour propounded in his treatises “Republic”. It is not possible to slot human being in the pigeonholes. But Chatur Varna system has usurped all the rights and claims of Shudras for many thousand years. It was the ugly design and scheme by which Shudras were denied education and wealth and were not allowed to bear arms. This was a grand design hatched to keep them as a slave and subservient to other higher castes.

            Hindu social order is an uneven field. As all of us know that uneven fields do not produce best and maximum yield. Hence for the best yield, the field of Hindu social order is required to be leveled and made even for best of this country. The barriers set forth by caste in form of notions, attitudes, social purities and impurities needs to be shunned and buried down deep by Hindu society if it wants to become a unison and integral whole.

            No modern sovereign state can aspire to become a power at world stage if it tries to denigrate, demoralize and rob opportunities from social groups on the basis of caste and color. This fact was realized in USA long back and affirmative action with clear consciences and dedication were made to improve the conditions of black people. But same clear consciences, honest and dedication do not prevail in this country. This compels me to ponder upon the question ‘Will India ever become a power in the World without social democracy / social equality?’ If I have to answer this question today, the answer would be No because Casteism prevails strong in the minds of Hindu society and it is a vicious system that diminishes, paralyses, and cripples the people from helpful and collective activities.

            Each community irrespective of their social hierarchy, have legitimate and equal rights over the resources of this country, artificial segmentation based on caste is a biggest hindrance in building a vibrant community of people in this country. It would be appropriate for all concern to delve upon the issue of caste in all sincerity. The concerns for upliftment of dalits, backwards and minorities have to be sincere supported by proper environment adequate opportunities and resources. The concerns and actions have to be real not symbolic and perfunctory.

Note:-

This article was written when allegations of racial discrimination was made by the Indian participant who went to England to participate in a reality TV show “Big Brother” by some other participating actors of that country. This piece was also published in many newspapers.

Rajinder Kashyap,

New Delhi

 (rkk1963@gmail.com)

CASTE CENSUS - THROUGH A MICROSCOPE-

CASTE CENSUS

- THROUGH A MICROSCOPE-

            I wrote this to register my comments in response to Dr. Vaidik article published under the heading “Meri Jati Hai, Sirf Hindustani” on the issue of Caste Based Census on 11.5.2010 in Dainik Bhaskar, New Delhi.

            On 26th January, 1950, India adopted a new Constitution. This new Constitution was a unique in a way that for the 1st time in the history of Indian Civilization, a Utopia was created. Along with this utopia, praxis was also laid down to achieve the idealism. Let’s see what was that idealism created while adopting this new Constitution. The Preamble of the Constitution reads as;

“Preamble

We the people of India having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCARTIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizen

JUSTICE, social, economic and political

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship

Equality of status and opportunity and to promote among them all.

Fraternity assuring the dignity of individual and the unity and integrity of the nation

IN OUR CONSTITUTENT ASSEMBLY the twenty-six day of November, 1949, do,
HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION”

            Prior to the date ibid, this country was neither a nation nor a republic nor a fraternity nor a secular society nor an independent country nor having a government of its own. It was a bunch of people settled on a geographical territory, divided on the lines of Varna and in thousands of Castes who were prohibited to inter mix amongst each other and ruled by alien power which were neither interested in their welfare nor development. A number of pollutions and purifications were attached with different group of people. So strict were the punishments for the ‘Untouchables’ that they have to lose their lives if they dare to violate the system of Caste or say anything against it. In such circumstances who would dare to lose his life?

            To pave a way to fabricate a liberal, independent, equal and fraternal society through a republican form of government, this new Constitution was adopted with fervor and seriousness. Democracy was accepted as form of Government in a Quasi-federal structure. But the bigots, feudalists and corrupts have played their role in spoiling the broth during last 60 odd years of independence. They have misused Democracy and treated the hapless people as vote banks for creating the rule of miniscule minority and rob the majority (BAHUJANS) from the basic amenities required to live a dignified life.

            What is a democracy? If I have to respond to this question, I would take the following simile to define it - Democracy is neither a political, nor economic nor social concern taken separately. Nor it is just taken all together. It is a moral ideal, a statement of relation which shall prevail amongst the human beings. It is a hypothesis, if not a firm belief, that if man creates proper institutions and then his better possibilities would actualize themselves. It is a faith in man’s possibilities. Democracy as a methodology is based on the pious principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Democracy thrives in democratic society and democratic distribution and utilization of resources for development of human being who resolves to adopt democracy as way of life.

            Most revered Baba Sahib Ambedkar waged a fierce war whole his life to eliminate social inequalities in this society and sphere headed the movement of introduction of democratic methodology in political, economic and social system as moral ideals in the society and culture of this country. He succeeded in embedding the founding pillars on which the edifice of social, economic and political, democratic life was to be erected and sustained in times to come. Democratic goals cannot be separated from Democratic methods. The goal is in the method and end is in the means. This is generally the democratic belief. The hypothesis of Democracy appears to be falling apart in this country as the methodology adopted to build moral ideals is not yielding desired results for building democratic life in this country. The country is fast moving towards absolutism of one class of people irrespective whoever rules. The struggle waged by our forefathers in building a society based on democratic ideals and democratic life needs to be strengthened.

            After around sixty years of independence, the ideals of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Justice and democratic life for disadvantaged sections of society have remained distant dreams and utopians ideals. Democracy is antithesis of feudalism and fragmentation of society on the basis of Caste. Why blame British for divide and Rule? What did the native do for thousands of years with their own people? If you ask me, they made them ‘Sudras’ and ‘Untouchables’, shame on them and shame on their allegation blaming ‘Britishers’ for divide and rule. It was the upper castes of Indian society who is responsible for making this nation to lose its independence to foreign invaders for thousands of years as the society of this land was divided on the basis of Caste. Except ‘untouchables’ none other performed their duty with any sense of responsibility. Brahmin failed to educate others, Kashtriyas castes failed to train and build strong army and Vaishas ran after their own profits, exploited others and kept the trade and business to themselves.

            We remained much worse than slaves even after birth of great saints like Guru Ravi Dass and Saint Kabir who were born on this land around 633 years back. It was only in 1848 Mahatama Jyoti Rao Phule set up a chain of schools and made his wife Mata Savitri Bhai Phule as first Headmistress of that school and accepted Sudras and Untouchables children as pupil in the said school. Such a society would have remained slave to hundreds of years more, had foreign invaders in form of Britishers would not have come. While saying this, in no way I am praising the foreign rule.

            Let me point out for the information of all readers that none of the social reforms even those concerning their own family were brought by the upper castes of Indian society. Be it the inhuman and merciless practice of Sati, Widow re-marriage, child marriage etc. When the Christian clergies witnessed ghastly acts of Sati in this land, their horror knew no bound and they put immense pressure on Lord William Bentinck to put an end to this inhuman practice of female burning to an end. Then came the legislation stopping the practice of Sati. No upper caste Hindu reformer made any serious and sincere efforts to put an end to Sati and so many other social evils with which the Indian society was confronted. Now a days, a new kind of social evils are erupting which may have been practiced before feudal ears of 15th and 16th century in the Europe. When I say so, I am referring to Khap Panchayats, honor killings, female infanticide etc. Shame on all those who support these things in an era of liberalism and human rights. In such a scenario, it is correct to say that universal human “Rights” are perhaps myth created by the Materialistic- Capitalist system which gives a solace to the poor, downtrodden and have nots a false belief of having Rights. In real sense they do not have any right and they may not have resources to get those Rights executed in a civil society in case of infringements by others.

            Caste is not a racial differentiation between people but a much subtle, deeper and strong segregation which goes on for thousands of years from generation to generation. In racialism, the human beings are discriminated on the basis of race and color. But in the case of Caste, discrimination has been amongst humans of same race, having same color, physique and faith, eating similar food, following same Gods and Goddesses. It is much more difficult to fight caste as divine origination has been attached to it by the clergy class in Hinduism. It is much difficult to fight a practice or custom when a group of powerful, rich and land owning class believes that a system was given by the GOD. Unless this myth is broken, the caste would continue to play its destructive role of dividing the people. This myth could only be broken if the BAHUJANS who have suffered heavily under the said system, denounce the socio-religious-cultural system with which caste is attached.

            In the eyes of GOD all are equal and treating everyone as equal in walks of life are two different principles. All GODMEN say that all are equal in the eyes of GOD, but the men created by GOD and the followers of those GODMEN everyday perpetuate atrocities on the fellow being that are also created by the God. In seems that in Hindu mythology and spiritual system, the GOD is perhaps the imagination or creation of the upper castes.

            Perhaps subservient to their cause or perhaps an entity who is more loyal to the class who has created it;

·         I have seen the GOD siding with those who have burnt alive the men, women and children of hapless downtrodden.

·         I have seen the GOD who has tacitly supported the rape of daughters and women of downtrodden folks.

·         I have seen the GOD seeing from a corner the scene of burning and arson of huts and houses of downtrodden

·         I have seen the GOD always siding with the rich, mighty and powerful in this land.

            Why the helpless GOD is mute spectator to such atrocities? Why the all powerful and merciful GOD is unable to burn those perpetrators of atrocities by HIS curse? Why the compassionate GOD is mute spectator to such ghastly acts of his own creations? Why all pervasive GOD hesitate to make this land a better place to live? Selfish people have even divided the pious name of GOD. Out of 12,000 villages in Punjab, 10,000 have separate prayer places which are created on the basis of caste. Even the cremation grounds used to cremate the dead human beings are made on the basis of Caste. The immense sacrifices made by the great saints and gurus have been rendered futile and hegemony of a specific group is created who perpetuate atrocities on the downtrodden.

            Reservation is not a dole but a representation and such arrangements exists world over in various societies. The Indian society is ailing from social, physical and mental untouchability. In such a society the concept of merit can never prevail. Therefore, the concept of merit and reservation are mutually exclusive. As a Nazi will not do justice to a Jew and vice-versa, a Protestant will not do justice to the Catholic living in Ireland and vice versa, a Christian will not do justice to a Muslim and vice versa. Similarly, a caste Hindu will not do justice to an untouchable in Hindu society. Therefore, talking merit as criterion is futile and senseless thinking leading us nowhere. It must be made clear here that if complete reservation as provided under scheduled caste quota, only 5 out of 100 people of the said castes would be benefitted. What would happen to remaining 95? Therefore, the other sectors including the business sector of the economy is to be explored for creating more developmental opportunity for BAHUJANS. It has been done in the democracies in the world. USA is the foremost example of that. Why do not we take a cue from it and implement this. The Bahujans of this society would be as indebted to those in India who take this yeoman step as the racially discriminated black people were to President Johnson who paved way for black power through his declaration in 1968. We know the reservation as a system has its limitations, but till a good, equality based, accountable, non-discriminatory system is put into place by the people in power, the existing system of reservation cannot be allowed to be dismantled. The reservation in legislative bodies has met with little success. The prophesy of Venerable Baba sahib Ambedkar has proven true. This system has produced ineffective representatives who are unable to defend the rights of their own people. A time period of 78 years (from Poona Pact) are a large time to test a hypothesis and if that has not been prove helpful, efforts should be wages to change the same with a more purposeful representation system. But no serious efforts appear to be afoot in this direction. The more hindrance would be felt in this direction as the existing system is suitable and is subservient to the classes who are in power. It is a food for thought for the BAHUJANS of this land.

            Prof. Dicey had epitomized the principle of RULE OF LAW as a foundation on which the functioning of democratic system is to be built. The implementer and upholder of Law have to be always sensitive if a society based on democratic life. Sadly, there are not many efforts towards accomplishment of said position. The writs of law do not run large almost on 35 to 40% territory of this land seriously undermining the democracy and democratic functioning. Caste has paramount position driving each decision in the nation’s life and activities. The upholders of law are aligned to the caste forces in power. The petty crimes go unsolved and allowing criminals to spread the malice of honor killing. The incidents of extra-judicial authorities taking law into their own hand are increasing. How a man’s with almost no resources and who is struggling with making both ends meet would attain his rights? A serious challenge of creating equilibrium in all walks of society is a grave challenge. Former President of India Dr. K.R. Narayanan once said that it is not the Constitution which has failed us, but it is we who have failed the Constitution. The miniscule of ruling castes in this country has to come out of the mindset of Casteism.

            As the Census would involve into head count of Backwards in this country, which would determine their rights and entitlements in various spheres in the society, it is important to complete this exercise without any delay. This might pave way and put pressure on the ruling castes for creation of earthly levels of strong institutional mechanism and start an era of stopping discrimination in all spheres of life. This requires a forceful policy mechanism and implementation and monitoring of policies at various levels in the affairs of administration. The BAHUJANS have to remain more vigilant and active in ensuring purposeful disbursal and attainment of their rights through an egalitarian system in education, health, food security, land reform, employment building, labour and government service sectors. Threatened by the outcome of Caste based census and its effect in the long run in the socio, economic, political and cultural affairs of the nation, the ruling castes in India are opposing this exercise and hell bent upon keeping BAHUJANS in dark and in dispossessed status.

Note:-

            As stated above, this piece was written by me in the year 2010 and was also sent to Dr. Vaidik, who wrote a series of articles in Hindi Daily Newspaper “Dainik Bhaskar” against the Caste based census.

Rajinder Kashyap,

New Delhi

 (rkk1963@gmail.com)