An Open Letter To Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India: Ambedkar Museum, London

By Santosh Dass

14 November, 2015
Countercurrents.org

Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar remains a paramount champion for social reform both in India and beyond. In his Constitution, he far-sightedly incorporated principles of equality and human dignity by outlawing the perniciousness of Untouchablity which remains a scourge in India and the diaspora, Britain included. In it he framed a set of fundamental rights to equality, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and personal liberty. His work in the 1950s championing the liberation of women in India will continue to inspire people around the globe for generations.

In spite of the principles of Dr Ambedkar’s Constitution, crimes against Dalits continue to rise. Furthermore, reported crimes are just the tip of the iceberg. Each day two Dalit men, women, or children are murdered and five Dalit women are raped. Toleration, freedom of religion and the personal right to choose ones faith particularly in the context of Dalits, and freedom of speech are being eroded while sadly the Government remains silent or mouths platitudes. In the wake of this, Dalits, Ambedkarites and groups that represent such communities in the UK have justifiably raised their voice against these atrocities and against your visit.

Prime Minister, you have visited the Ambedkar Museum in London today against a background of rising tensions in India and robust and vocal indignation about your visit here. Many see your visit as appropriating Ambedkar’s name for party political gain. Babasaheb stands tall above this. I hope your visit to the Ambedkar Museum is your commitment to take a lead in translating his message and his legacy into real action in India and deliver real social change at home. There is an urgent need to reform local, state, and national justice systems and to make the police force register, process and prosecute crimes against Dalits. As the dismal conviction rates indicate, justice for Dalits is wanting in a casteist society where more often than not the perpetrators walk free. Where this happens, punish the police for dereliction of duty and pursue corruption. You and your government are under international scrutiny.

The initiative of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations UK to acquire the house where Dr Ambedkar lived from 1921 to 1922 must be a beacon to the world for Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. These are the values Dr Ambedkar cherished and put into practice. When opened, the Museum ought to be the symbol of hope for those fighting for justice, equality and social reform worldwide, including those fighting for justice for victims of caste-based discrimination in the UK. The legislation agreed by Parliament in 2013 is being robustly resisted by the Hindu groups in the UK who argue there is no such thing as caste discrimination. The true reality is, when people get off the plane in Manchester, they do not leave their caste prejudices behind in Mumbai.

In defining the partnership between India and UK, going forward from your speech in Parliament on 12 November, you committed to drawing on the life’s work of Dr Ambedkar in terms of “building a future of social equality, opportunity, and dignity for all humans and peace among people.” This now needs to be backed by concrete actions, and not just rhetoric by the Government of India. The Ambedkar Museum needs to be developed and managed transparently in order to deliver the purpose it was bought for. This can be achieved only with the involvement of Dalits and Ambedkarites in UK in its making and administration.

Ms Santosh Dass, MBE

President, Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhists Organisations UK

In the UK there are a number of organisations with a common interest in following the teachings of Dr Ambedkar and traditions of Buddhism. FABO UK with its Head Office in Southall, West London, was formed in 1985 as a central UK body to strengthen these organisations’ loose or informal associations. It is a voluntary and non-profit making organisation. FABO UK has a number of objectives. The key one is to propagate the teachings of Dr Ambedkar and Lord Buddha. Over the years the numbers of organisations with a common interest that have joined FABO UK have fluctuated yet grown. FABO UK is run by an elected Executive Team. The current President of FABO UK is Ms Santosh Dass, MBE. The joint General Secretaries are Mr Arun Kumar and Mr Gautam Chakravarty.