Ambedkar’s efforts

It has rightly been said by Kuldip Nayar in his article “Ignored cause of Dalit uplift” that the mindset of the Hindus is responsible for atrocities against Dalits which should be changed. Many eminent Hindu leaders requested Dr Ambedkar not to convert to Budhism. He then asked that words indicative of caste and inequalities be dropped from the holy scriptures, but no one could give proper reply.

Dr Ambedkar tried his best to change the mind of Hindus but in vain. He launched many satyagrahas like taking water from Chavadar ponds at Mahad in Maharashtra; entering the Kalaram Mandir in Nasik; Manu Smriti was put to fire at Yewla but in vain.

On May 30, 1936, he convened a meeting of untouchables and declared that man is not for religion but religion is for man. He further declared that he was born a Hindu but shall not die as Hindu. He questioned the congregation that why you should remain in such a religion which does not allow you to enter into the temples, which does not treat you as human beings, which does  not allow you to take proper education and good food to eat.

Taking a cue from some other countries, from 1855 to 1870 when feudalistic society in Japan was in the process of converting to a democratic society, there  were four major communities -- Domino, Samurai, Hamin and Eta. Domino was at the top, and the Eta was at the nadir in hierarchy. On March 5, 1869 Domino submitted to the King that they were no longer interested in retaining the land hoardings which should be distributed amongst the Etas.

Slavery was abolished in America mainly due to efforts of white people. Many white people were killed for the cause of Negroes in America.

These are some examples of the change of mindset of the people of the upper strata of society in those countries.

RK Poria, Delhi

Army Chief’s visit

When Army Chief Gen VK Singh visited Ludhiana on April 29, he talked on various subjects like one rank, one pension; CSD canteen facilities; civilians in defence services. Civilians in defence services, etc. on retirement are entitled to the status of ex-servicemen, so they must be entitled to CSD Canteen facility and other facilities available to ex-servicemen. Representations on these issues have been under consideration with the Army Headquarters since long. Unfortunately, the outgoing Army Chief did not touch these issues concerning the Defence Services Civilian Pensioners. We request the the Army Chief to visit Jalandhar Cantonment and give an opportunity to the Jalandhar zone of the Defence Services Civilian Pensioners’ Welfare Association to clear and explain these issues.

ONKAR SINGH RIAR, Jalandhar

Good work undone

The Punjab Prisons Minister has erred immensely by withholding the DGP's order transferring 100 odd jail wardens found suspicious of abetting drug trafficking in the jails. It requires immediate attention of the judiciary who should demand records of all police personnel suspected of abetting this crime. The jail minister is hell bent on protecting them out of political compulsions. Punjab's youth is already ruined. .Without political and police patronage, drug mafia cannot operate without impunity. Let everybody rise above party politics and personal agendas to save the state’s youth from the drugs dragon. Will Mr Parkash Singh Badal please intervene?

B B GOYAL, Ludhiana