'Jai Bheem' ( English Weekly ) And Prof. Thanthai Sivaraj.

Jai Bheem / Jai bhim ( English Weekly ) and Thanthai N. Sivaraj

Facts About 'Jai Bheem' ( English Weekly ):

* In the Mid-1940s, Thanthai N. Sivaraj edited and published an English journal named 'Jai Bheem' at Madras.

* Its initial publications were issued weekly on Tuesday (1946). Later issued on Wednesday.

* It spread the issues of the marginalized sections, AISCF meetings, notes and comments on political topics, Speeches of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Thanthai N. Sivaraj and other leaders etc.,

Pallikonda Krishnaswamy, Yashwant Ambedkar, 

Annai Meenambal and Thanthai Sivaraj.

Here I have given some important words of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar where published in 'Jai Bheem' [1946-1947]:

1. "The Scheduled Castes were not asking for a territorial division. All that they wanted was a fair deal. All that they wanted was equal political rights and no patronage." 
[March 5th, 1946]

2. "We like this country to progress much as anybody else does. We do not want to stand in the way of that. All we want is that our position is safeguard in the future of India. To this end we will take part in every kind of struggle against the British proposals."
[August 13, 1946]

3. "Refering to the movement started by the AISCF Dr. Ambedkar said that their fight for the achievement of their legitimate rights would continue. 'We may be conquered, but we shall not capitulate."
[September 16, 1946]

4. "It is because the Scheduled Castes have come to realize that the assimilation or absorption of the Scheduled Castes into the the Hindu community is vain hope; and is only a dream, that they have decided to ask for separate electorates."
[September 25, 1946]

5. "A separate electorate would alone guarantee to the Scheduled Castes the possibility of electing to the legislatures members of their own who could be trusted to fight in the legislatures and the executive whenever they did anything which had the effect of nullifying the rights of the Untouchables. It will be noticed that the Congress has been able to elect on its ticket representatives of the Scheduled Castes all throughout India in the different provincial legislatures. And yet, not one of them has even asked a question, moved a resolution or tabled a cut motion in order to ventilate the grievances of the Scheduled Castes. It would be much better not to have representation at all than to have such sham representation in the legislature."
[December 25, 1946]

Ambedkar with N. Sivaraj and 
Savita Ambedkar in Madras.

6. "Hinduism and social union are incompatible. By its very genius Hinduism believes in social separation which is another name for social disunity and even creates social separation. If Hindus wish to be one they will have to discard Hinduism. They cannot be one without violating Hinduism. Hinduism is the greatest obstacle to Hindu Unity. Hinduism cannot create that longing to belong which is the basis of all social unity. On the contrary Hinduism creates an eagerness to separate." 
[February 16, 1947]

7. "Greatness can be achieved only by struggle and sacrifice. No man can achieve greatness, unless he is prepared for struggle and sacrifice. He must be ready to sacrifice the comforts, and even the necessities of the present, for building up his future. My message is struggle and more struggle, sacrifice and more sacrifice. It is struggle and struggle alone. Nothing else will." 
[April 13, 1947]

8. "Noble is your aim and sublime and glorious is your mission. Blessed are those who are awakened to their duty to those among whom they are born. Glory to those who devote their time, talents and their all to the amelioration of slavery. Glory to those who would reap their struggle for the liberation of the enslaved in spite of heavy odds, carping humiliation, storms and dangers till the downtrodden secure their Human Rights." 
[April 13, 1947]

9. "Celebrations of birthdays from one point of view are not very happy. As you know, man is mortal and he must pass away someday. Birthdays are remainders that there have been several deductions from one's life. Of course, these deductions are not to regretted by anybody, because it is natural that man should spend his life. However, in a case where the life of a man is devoted to some public cause, it does become a matter of some consideration...... I have loyalty to our people inhabiting this country. I have also loyalty to this country. I have no doubt that you have the same. All of us want this country to be free. So far as I am concerned my conduct has been guided by the consideration that we shall place no great difficulties in the way of this country achieving its freedom." 
[May 25, 1947]

Compiled:
Ambeth,

Dharmapuri,

Tamil Nadu.

Reference: 

* Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches, English Volume 17, Part-III or Tamil Volume 37. [ Special Thanks to Videesha Yashwant Umare for this Book ]

Jai bheem...!!!

Jai bheem, Ambedkar, N. Sivaraj

Read More:
* Thanthai N. Sivaraj -- National Level Leader Who Worked for the Scheduled Classes of India.

Cripps Mission (1942): Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah And Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Cripps Mission, Prof. M. C. Rajah And Ambedkar.

Brief Notes:
* Sir Richard Stafford Cripps: A British statesman who became a member of the British War Cabinet in 1942.
* Cripps Mission: This mission conducted a negotiation between Britain and India that was an important milestone on the road to Indian independence. But failed to resolve the wartime crisis in India.

When the Cripps Mission under the chairmanship of Cripps visited India in March 1942 to negotiate for a future constitution of India, Prof. M. C. Rajah and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar represented the Scheduled Classes of India. For this reason they were bitterly against by Jagjivan Ram's All India Depressed Classes League. On 28 March 1942 the General Secretary of the All India Depressed Classes League said, "Dr. Ambedkar and M. C. Rajah may represent their particular caste but they have no locus standi to represent all the depressed classes of India."

Joint Action of Prof. M. C. Rajah and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar:
I already clarified that there was no longer difference in opinion between Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah. (Read here: Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar ) 

On 1st April 1942, Prof. M. C. Rajah and Dr. Ambedkar made common cause in protest against the British Govt for ignored the Scheduled Classes Political demands. The Cripps Mission not only ignored the political existence of the Scheduled Classes altogether, it even denied their right to be regarded as a minority, as they did not fall in the definition of “social and religious minority.” Had Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah not died on 23 August 1943, the Scheduled Classes of India would have different juncture at today. The great influence of Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar would have drifted the Scheduled Classes of India to be a minority as like as the Muslims.

I] Here the Note by Sir Stafford Cripps:

[ Interview with Prof. M. C. Rajah and Dr. Ambedkar, Representing the Depressed Classes on 30th March 1942 ]

After telling me about the conditions of the Depressed Classes, particularly in Madras and Bombay, they then went on to point out that under the system of election they would have a very small representation only in the constituent assembly, as most of their so-called representatives would be Congressmen, and that their position would therefore be very weak. They summed up the demands that they would make to the constituent assembly and then asked me whether we considered that they came within the racial and religious minorities, to which I answered yes, and what sort of provisions were likely to be made in the Treaty for their protection. I stated that these would probably be along the lines of the League of Nations minority treaties, and if already there were special provisions in the constitution these would probably be repeated in the Treaty, and there would be some obligation to refer the matter to some outside authority in cases of dispute, the Government of the Indian Union undertaking to abide by the decision so given, and that if they did not do so it would constitute a breach of Treaty, whereupon the British Government could take such steps as it considered wise in the particular circumstances. I stated that though this form of protection might no doubt seem to them inadequate, once granted the idea of self-government and self-determination for India, there was no other possible way by which we could intervene to protect any minority in India. 

Cripps Mission, Prof. M. C. Rajah and Dr. Ambedkar.

So far as the interim period was concerned, I pointed out that the probabilities were that some representative of the Depressed Classes would be asked to serve on the Executive Council at the Centre, and that one of the first tasks of that Council would no doubt be to make some temporary arrangements as regards the carrying on of the Provincial Governments.

Mr. Ambedkar expressed the view that they would demand to be treated as one of the major elements and to be taken into consultation by the Viceroy in the formation of the new Executive. I stated that this was not a matter for me; the Viceroy would exercise his own judgement as to whom he should consult in this matter.

Naturally they were not very happy about the whole situation, but I did not gather that they would oppose the scheme, since there was no other alternative under which they could get any greater measure of protection.


II] Prof. M. C. Rajah and Dr. Ambedkar to Sir S. Cripps [On April 1, 1942]:

We told you when we met you on the 30th March that the proposals of His Majesty’s Government relating to Constitutional development of India will not be acceptable to the Depressed Classes for the reasons which we placed before you at the interview. Since then We have had consultations with many of the Depressed Classes’ representatives in the various Provincial and Central Legislatures and all of them have unanimously endorsed the view we placed before you regarding the proposals. We are all of us absolutely convinced that the proposals are calculated to do the greatest harm to the Depressed Classes and are sure to place them under an unmitigated system of Hindu rule. Any such result which takes us back to the black days of the ancient past will never be tolerated by us, and we are all determined to resist any such catastrophe befalling our people with all the means at our command. 

We request you to convey to His Majesty’s Government our deepest anxiety regarding the future of the Depressed Classes and to impress upon them that we must look upon it as breach of faith if His Majesty’s Government should decide to force upon the Depressed Classes a Constitution to which they have not given their free and voluntary consent and which does not contain within itself all the provisions that are necessary for safeguarding their interests.

In the end we want to thank you for assuming us that you called us in our representative capacity and that His Majesty’s Government did not regard the Depressed Classes as a minor party—points upon which some doubt had arisen in our mind and about which we asked you for a correct definition of our position.

Ambeth,
Dharmapuri,
Tamil Nadu.

Reference: 
* Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches, English Volume 10, Page 445-448 / Tamil Volume 19, Page 59-62.

Jai bheem...!!!

More About Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah:

* Perunthalaivar Prof. M. C. Rajah -- The First Leader who Organized The Scheduled Class at the National Level in India.

* Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah: The Pioneer of Mid-day Meal Scheme in India.

* Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Manusmriti.

'Perunthalaivar' Prof. M.C. Rajah, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar And Manusmriti.

M. C. Rajah, Dr. Ambedkar and Manusmriti.

Perunthalaivar Prof. M.C. Rajah publicly burned the Manusmriti even before Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. He opposed this book since the late 1900s and burned occasionally. In October, 1927 Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah vehemently attack the Manusmriti. He made a resolution in the Ad-Dravida Conference held at Brahmapuram near Katpadi (Vellore), Tamil Nadu to burn the Manusmriti publicly and confiscate it. Interestingly in the same year (December 25, 1927) Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar publicly burn the Manusmriti at Mahad in Maharashtra.

Ambeth,
Dharmapuri,
Tamil Nadu.

Jai bheem...!!

Reference: 
* Kudi Arasu, 30th October 1927.

More about Perunthalaivar M.C. Rajah:
* Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah -- First Leader who Organized Scheduled Class at the National Level in India.
* Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah: The Pioneer for Mid-day Meal Scheme in India.
* Perunthalaivar M. C. Rajah and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

One of The Stalwarts V. I. Muniswamy Pillai On Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar In The Constituent Assembly of India.

Dr. Ambedkar, V. I. Munuswamy Pillai and Rettamalai Srinivasan.

V. I. Muniswamy Pillai was one of the earliest national level leaders of the Scheduled Classes Movement in India.

Here is the excerpt from the speech of V. I. Muniswamy Pillay  eulogising the services of the Drafting Committee. (November, 1949)

V. I. Muniswamy Pillai (Madras : General): Mr. President, Sir, I stand before this August Assembly to support the motion moved by my Honourable Friend, Dr. Ambedkar. Sir, I proceed now to appreciate the great services that have been rendered by the Drafting Committee whose services are so valuable to us; they have not spared days and nights in coming to decisions on important articles. I must say a word of praise to the calibre and capacity of the Chairman of the Drafting Committee—Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Coming as I do from a community that has produced Dr. Ambedkar, I feel proud that his capacity has now been recognized, not only by the Scheduled Castes but by all communities that inhabit India. The Scheduled Castes have produced a great Nandanar, a Tirupazanalwar, and above all a Tiruvalluvar, the great philospher whose name and fame is not only known throughout the length and breadth of India but of the whole world. To that galaxy of great men of Scheduled Castes now we have to add Dr. Ambedkar, who, as a man has been able to show to the world that the Scheduled Castes are no less important but they can rise to heights and give to the world their great services. I know, Sir, that he has served the community of the Scheduled Castes and also of India by his great service and sacrifice in preparing a Constitution which will be the order of the day from the 26th of January 1950 and I also feel. Sir, of the Chief Draftsman and of the staff that have worked in preparing the Constitution cannot be littled; they equally receive our praise.

Photo: This Photo was taken with Samata Sainik Dal members and the leaders of the 'All India Depressed Classes Congress' (2nd Conference). Under the Presidentship of V. I. Munusamy Pillai (from Tamil Nadu) this Conference was held on May 8th, 1932 at Nagpur. Thanthai N. Sivaraj and Babu Mangu Ram were also attended.

Compiled:
Ambeth,
Dharmapuri,
Tamil Nadu.

Reference:
* 'Third Reading of the Draft Constitution',  Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar writings and speeches, English Volume 13.


Jai bheem...!!!

Some Marginalized Sections Among The Scheduled Classes In India.

Inclusive growth among the Scheduled Classes

There will be no inclusive growth, unless the improvement of marginalized sections among the Scheduled Classes in India. Every state has certain brethren among the Scheduled Class are being under the pitiable conditions. The real upliftment and liberation of the Scheduled Classes will be happened only when recognized the liberation of marginalized sections among them. It is the duty of every educated among them must come forward to uplift their struggling brethren. By knowing or unknowing, they must accept their fragment. Instead of repudiate, they must help their brethren. But the real solution is nothing but understand the path followed by Revolutionary Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in October 14th, 1956 i,e following the Buddhism path. This is the real homage to him.

Here I enumerated the list from various states of India:

* In the view of Puthirai Vannar, Dombar, Goddar and Arunthathiyar, everyone is guilty in Tamil Nadu.
* In the view of Rellis and Madigas, everyone is guilty in Andhra Pradesh/Telangana.

* In the view of Kaikadi, Charmakars, Holars, Dhors and Matangs, everyone is guilty in Maharashtra.

* In the view of Kuravar, Paraiyar and Thandar, everyone is guilty in Kerala.
* In the view of Madigas and Godda, everyone is guilty in Karnataka.
* In the view of Dom and Bauri, everyone is guilty in Odisha.
* In the view of Bhangi and Chamar, everyone is guilty in Madhya Pradesh.
* In the view of Bhangis, Garoda and Nadia, everyone is guilty in Gujarat.
* In the view of Thori, Baori and Bhangis, everyone is guilty in Rajasthan.
* In the view of Bhangis, everyone is guilty in Punjab.
* In the view of Doom and Batnal, everyone is guilty in Jammu and Kashmir.
* In the view of Kori and Doom, everyone is guilty in Himachal Pradesh.
* In the view of Balmiki and Dhanak, everyone is guilty in Haryana.
* In the view of Bhangis and Kori, everyone is guilty in Uattar Pradesh.
* In the view of Lal Begi, Mushar and Nat, everyone is guilty in Bihar.
* In the view of Bauri and Mal, everyone is guilty in West Bengal.

* In the view of Jhalo and Muchi, everyone is guilty in Assam.

Briefly: In the view of following sections, everyone is guilty.

Tamil Nadu: Puthirai Vannars, Domban, Godda, Arunthathiyars.

Andhra Pradesh/Telangana: Rellis, Madigas.

Kerala: Kuravan, Paraiya, Thandan.

Karnataka: Madigas, Godda.

Maharashtra: Kaikadi, Charmakars, Holars, Dhors, Matangs.

Odisha: Dom, Bauri.

Madhya Pradesh: Bhangi, Chamar.

Gujarat: Bhangis, Garoda, Nadia.

Rajasthan: Thori, Baori, Bhangis.

Punjab: Bhangis.

Jammu and Kashmir: Doom, Batnal.

Himachal Pradesh: Kori, Doom.

Haryana: Balmiki, Dhanak.

Uattar Pradesh: Bhangis, Kori.

Bihar: Lal Begi, Mushar, Nat.

West Bengal: Bauri, Mal.

Assam: Jhalo, Muchi.

Ambeth,

Dharmapuri,

Tamil Nadu.

Jai bheem...!!

Intellectuals: Bhagwan Das, Vasant Moon, Gnana Aloysius And Anbu Ponnoviyam.

Vasant Moon, Gnana Aloysius, Anbu Ponnoviyam and Bhagwan Das.

We are always indebted for the contribution of these intellectuals:

Bhagwan Das: Pioneered the publication of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s writings and speeches who edited, compiled and produced a four-volume 'Thus Spoke Ambedkar' series between 1963 and 1980. It was perhaps the first, professional effort to publish Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s writings in one place. 

Vasant Moon: Editor of 17 volumes of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's writings and speeches in English. (by Maharashtra Govt)

Gnana Aloysius and Anbu Ponnoviyam: Compiled the articles of Iyothee Thass and published into three Tamil volumes, entitled 'Iyotheedasar Sinthanaigal' ( Thoughts of Iyothee Thass).

Jai bheem...!!!

Also Read:
* Anbu Ponnoviyam an acclaimed Dalit Scholar, Thinker and Historian in India;