How the elections overshadowed Ambedkar Jayanthi celebrations
With the ongoing general election, there are restrictions all over the country to celebrate Dr Ambedkar’s Jayanthi. This has created ripples among the Ambedkarites and the people who value the constitution. They believe that citing the elections as a reason is superficial and that the restrictions show the society and the governments have a restricted view over Ambedkar.
In Tamil Nadu, Ambedkarites say that the state government has completely restricted all the functions related to Ambedkar Jayanthi. But the neighbouring union territory, Puducherry, has given permission to hold the celebrations.
“Restricting the birth celebrations of a man who wrote our constitution, is a mockery over democracy itself” says writer V Mathimaran. The Dalit youth who are spread abroad, congregate in some common place and celebrate Ambedkar Jayanthi, like a festival. But the youth here do not get such a level of freedom, says Mathimaran.
Restrictions transcend beyond election time too, he says. “Most of the state governments are reluctant to grant permission to hold the celebrations. Often, we need to approach the court to seek permission.”
Ambedkar Jayanthi versus Tamil New year
In Tamil Nadu, it coincides with the birth of Tamil New Year. While the Hindutva groups celebrate it as Tamil New Year, the Dravidianists celebrate it as a ‘day against saffron’. They say, the real Tamil New Year falls in the Tamil month of Thai, when Pongal is celebrated.
“Government and other caste-based political parties think that granting the permit will bring a political consciousness among the Dalits. They think the Dalit parties will use the celebrations to voice out their angst and convert it as an election campaign,” Mathimaran says.
Punitha Pandian, editor of ‘Dalit Murasu’ says, this should not be brushed off as a one-off incident. “Just a few days prior to election, the state government has ordered to cover the statues of Ambedkar and Periyar, whose legacy is unparalleled to that of present day leaders. But they impose restriction only on Ambedkar Jayanthi. Will they restrict if it was Gandhi Jayanthi?” he asks.
Writer and activist Aadhavan Dheetchanya wonders how law and order be disturbed by organising a celebration or condolence meeting. “The Madras High Court while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Dr BR Ambedkar Welfare Association, said on April 8, no restrictions should be imposed on Ambedkar Jayanthi celebrations. But it has become a norm to seek permission from the police department and the court for these celebrations or a condolence,” he says.
“Despite being the pillar of Indian constitution and an able aristocrat, Ambedkar is still not a universally accepted leader. This is one of the main reasons for not celebrating him as a leader and celebrating his birth anniversary,” explains Professor and Dalit researcher Stalin Rajangam.
Unlike Gandhi or Nehru, Ambedkar is often only associated with the Dalits and the downtrodden. Government seems to maintain this status quo, he adds. Although these restrictions on the celebrations do not appear to be planned, it shows how they have parochial view on such a great leader, Rajangam says.
