14 April in India

14th April 1891, an angel was born. His name was Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Sakpal, later Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He was the first educated and highly qualified person from the untouchables in India. Inspite of tremendous bullying and provocative comments from the society especially from the upper class people, he successfully completed his education. Well many of us know the works done by him for the untouchables. On 14 October 1956 Ambedkar publicly got himself and his fellowmen (untouchables) converted into Buddhism. For he knew that it is the only way for the untouchables to gain equality. He was also convinced that Buddhism could improve the social status of the country's oppressed classes.

Many people praise Ambedkar for his works and his favours bestowed upon them.

But how are all these people paying back to him?

Ambedkar studied and assimilated Buddha's Dhamma for more than 20 years. Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism was not an impulsive decision. After the conversion ceremony the Buddha Vandana is recited, the basic parts of it are;

Vandanâ, Ti-Sarana (The Three Refuges) and Panca-sila (The Five Precepts)

HERE IS A PART FROM THE BUDDHA VANDANA:

Pânâtipâtâ Veramani Sikkhâpadam Samâdiyâmi. ||1||

Adinnâdânâ Veramani Sikkhâpadam Samâdiyâmi. ||2||

Kâmesu Micchâcârâ Veramani Sikkhâpadam Samâdiyâmi. ||3||

Musâvâdâ Veramani Sikkhâpadam Samâdiyâmi. ||4||

Surâ Mêraya Majja Pamâdatthânâ Verami Sikkhâpadam Samâdiyâmi. ||5||

Saadhu saadhu saadhu

TRANSLATION: The Five Precepts

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from destroying living beings.

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking things not given(stealing).

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from sexual misconduct.

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from false speech(lie).

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from liquor causing intoxication and heedlessness(no alcohol and drugs).

I undertake to observe the Five Precepts to the best of my ability.(3x)

If all these five precepts are followed and practiced by a Buddhist or a follower of Buddhism, only then a person can say that he or she is an ideal devotee of the Buddha.

Let's come back to the celebration of 14th April in India.

Throughout the country in many cities a procession is carried out every year (miravnuk/मिरवणूक). In this procession there is loud music and a very big mass dancing to the tune of the DJ. Post procession many people head back to their homes or to their desired get together places and enjoy consuming alcohol on this day. Very few people dancing in this procession have completed their graduation. This does not apply to the older section or to the middle aged people cause they cannot be counted in this cause they didn't get a chance to study. Cause these people spent almost their entire lifetime as a labour doing hardwork for their coming generations.

Is this the payback for Ambedkar's favours???

Are these people even following the final words of advice given by Ambedkar???

He said educate, agitate and organize. And he has also quoted that, "Education is the milk of tigress, who will drink, he can't stay without roaring!"

So I solemnly urge every single person reading this and following the teachings of Buddha and advices given by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, educate yourself, study hard. Cause EDUCATION is the only thing that will make you strong in and out.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is definitely an angel for the oppressed classes in India. He is definitely their leader, cause he leaded the community and brought brightness in the lives of each and every untouchable. But that doesn't mean that his work stops here, educating yourself and carrying out the same chain is our responsibility.

This can be the only way to payback Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

©ramanimirke