Mumbai: Upon the initiative of Shri Sandesh Meshram, Regional Convener, Western Region – I, Core Group for Tibetan Cause, a seminar entitled “The Challenges and Achievements of Dr.BR Ambedkar and his Engagement and Vision upon the status of Tibet” was held at Siddhartha College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Fort, Mumbai on 19th August 2019.
The Seminar began with the welcome note by Dr.Chandan, HoD, Faculty of Science (Chemistry). He elaborated the purpose and background of this seminar.
Dr.GV Rao, Principal, Siddhartha College addressed the gathering and lamented upon the challenges being faced by Dr.Ambedkar and his resoluteness to carve out for the solution of these hurdles. He outlined Dr.Ambedkar’s serious concern upon the Government of India’s policy on the status of Tibet and cautioned that Tibet must remain a buffer state between India and China; otherwise, the consequences shall have a direct impact on India.
Dr.Rao also stressed the role of education that can impart indelible imprints in the history of mankind which Dr.Ambedkar has left and which Central Tibetan Administration is also engaged in ensuring quality-driven education to preserve their identity and cultural aspiration.
Prof. Sateshwar Morey, a distinguished scholar in the field of Ambekar thoughts and studies, from Amrawati University, was specially invited to engage in this subject. He specified upon the academic achievements of Dr.Ambedkar, his unending enthusiasm towards learning of different streams of knowledge and ultimate change that has brought in his life through the teachings of Jyotiba Phule, SantKabir and Lord Buddha. Prof.Morey reminded the sheer pathetic conditions of Dalits and untouchables for whom Dr.BR Ambedkar initiated the conversion into Buddhism in the year 1956. He touched upon the struggle of Tibetan people, their justice being denied so far by injustices of the People’s Republic of China and the need of Indian people to understand their pain and dream to find their own land and its rights.
Being a Buddhist should not be read by his external appearances but with his behavior, humility and possession of profound knowledge is really what accounts to be reflected as sublimity of being a Buddhist – is what Tibetans had aspired from the teaching of Buddhism, was shared by Prof. Morey counting his experience with the Tibet Support Group movements and events.
While emphasizing the importance of such engagement, Mr.JigmeyTsultrim, Coordinator, India Tibet Coordination Office, New Delhi presented the situation inside Tibet, policy, and programs being carried out by CTA and aspiration of future Tibet. He particularly underlined what India has done for Tibet and what more to be required in garnering social and political support for the cause of Tibet. He shared the Individual Cycle Rally being initiated three times by Shri Sandesh Meshram with a simple but very appalling message which read “Free Tibet and Save India” – covering five states including i) Maharashtra, Chattishgarh, Madya Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha in 2015 ii) Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bodhgaya, Bihar in 2016 and iii) Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim (Indo-Tibet Border) Nathula in 2017.
Dr.Balaji Gaikwad, Vice Principal; Dr.ValmikGarjer, HoD, Political Science; Prof. PadmakarTamgade, HoD, Marathi Language; Dr.Nandkishore Chandan, HoD, Chemistry (Science); were among the faculty members along with 200 students who participated in the event.
In conclusion, Dr.Rashmi gave the vote of thanks to the participants who made it possible and urged the same kind of functions to be organized again in the days to come.
-Filed by ITCO, New Delhi
