Early Times Report
Jammu, June 4: Commemorating the 38th death anniversary of Late Sant Ram BA, an Arya Samaji and close associate of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and a great social reformer of J&K, the Prajapati (Kumhar) Sabha organized a Youth Conference under the chairmanship of Ayodhiya Kumar Manawa, President of the Sabha. Dr. Kamal Kishore, who holds a Ph.D. on Sant Ram BA, from Haryana, graced the event as the Guest of Honour. The conference witnessed a significant turnout of students and the public.
The conference began with paying tributes to Sant Ram BA by garlanding his portrait, followed by a speech by F.C. Satia, the General Secretary of the J&K Prajapati Sabha. Satia highlighted that Sant Ram B.A (14 February 1887 - 5 June 1988) was an anti-caste warrior, and his organization, Jaatpaat Todak Mandal, gained national attention. Sant Ram BA dedicated his life to the cause of building a casteless society. Born in the Kumhar community in Purani Bassi village near Hoshairpur, he later built his own house in Lahore. After the Partition, he returned to Purani Bassi. At a young age, Sant Ram became an Arya Samaji and gained fame through the Jaatpaat Todak Mandal, which he founded in 1922. The Mandal had invited Dr. Ambedkar to deliver the presidential address at its annual convention in Lahore in 1936. However, due to disagreement on Ambedkar’s script, the convention was postponed. Ambedkar later published his script as a book titled “Annihilation of Caste.”
Ayodiya Kumar Manawa, the President of the Sabha, emphasized that despite opposition from fundamentalist Hindus, Sant Ram BA did not disband the Mandal but continued its activities independently. Sant Ram BA authored over 100 booklets advocating Hindu-Muslim unity and the eradication of caste discrimination, which stirred the Hindu community. His book “Hamara Samaj,” published in 1948, remains relevant for Hindus even today. Sant Ram BA passed away on 5 June 1988, at his daughter’s home.
During the conference, Balwant Kataria, General Secretary of AIBCF, addressed issues related to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He highlighted that no significant changes have occurred after the formation of the UT, as the old reservation act remains unchanged. The system of requiring two certificates for the OBC category still persists. Kataria suggested that children of all employees, irrespective of salary income, should apply for OBC certificates to take advantage of the central OBC quota of 27%. He provided his contact number, 9419120263, for any assistance or inquiries. |
