Proceedings of the National seminar “Impact of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Philosophy on Indian Literature” held at the Acharya Nagarjuna University on March 28th and 29th 2018 (2)

Proceedings of the National seminar “Impact of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Philosophy on Indian Literature” held at the Acharya Nagarjuna University on March 28^th and 29^th 2018 (2)

Ambedkar seminar- hall entrance

28-03-2018 – the first day proceedings: Morning, got up by 4.00 am and looking for any delegate who had come for the seminar. I was informed that two more would join me in my room, particularly, one Partha Dey would arrive at any time, but, he did not turn up. Getting ready, I sat in the entrance as usual and then enquired about the members, if any, came for the seminar. I saw one “Sikamani” coming there by 9 am, and I thought, he could be from Tamil Nadu. He went away, responding to second floor. A vehicle came by 10.30 am to take to the venue, where the seminar was held – “Dr H. H. Deighmann[1] & Dr S. John David[2] Auditorium cum Seminar Hall.” Simultaneously, Engineering College students were also conducting their programme.

Seminar board kept at the entrance on LHS

Inviting the delegates – ANU – Ambedkar seminar- hall entrance.board-RHS.

ANU – Ambedkar seminar- hall AMG

ANU – Ambedkar seminar- registration for the delegates

Absract volume and invitation to the Seminar, many VIP-invitees did not turn up

Inauguration of the seminar: After registration, we were sitting the seminar hall, evidently some VIPS to come. By 11.44 am, the inaugural function started. One Katti Padma Rao [hereinafter mentioned as KPR] came and the function started. K. Sanjeeva Rao (also known as Sikamani), C. H. Swarupa Rani and N. Ravikumar were on the dias. University anthem was played and all stood up, but, not Katti Padma Rao. This made me to recall the controversy of “Sankaracharya,” when he did not stand up when “Tamiz-thai-vazthu” [Invocation song of Mother Tamil] was sung in a function at Chennai[3]. Ambedkar photo was garlanded and lamp lit. The “Abstract volume” was released. A book written by KPR was released by Sikamani. A magazine was also released by KPR and copy received by Sikamani.

Garlanding Ambedkar photo- inaugurating the seminar

KPR was sitting during University anthem sung

Swaruprani-inaugural function, explaining the background of the seminar

The purpose and background of the Seminar explained: 11.53 am: Swarupa Rani [Mahayana Buddhist Studies, ANU] explained the background of the seminar, “….as Sikamani, Ravikumar wanted to bring like-minded people together to discuss about the “impact of Amedkar philosophy on Indian literature.” ……Now, “Dalit literature” is produced in Maharastra, Tamilnadu, Kerala and other states and the driving force behind such literature has been Ambedkar……. S, Murali Mohan, Ravikumar sat together and decided to conduct the seminar, as there was no seminar conducted in this perspective. ……..Some important Dalit researchers, writers, poets and others would participate next day also”.

Ravikumar explaining about the seminar proposal etc

12.05 HRS: N. Ravikumar explained in this way, “So far Communist philosopy of all sorts have been dominating the India Literature since 1930…Marx philosophy, Mao philosophy and ….others were dominating, but not Ambedkar philosophy….In fact, Ambedkar philosophy is considered as Indian philosophy…every aspect of Ambedkar has to be interpreted….”

Ambedkar seminar, ANU, 2018- Kathi Padma Rao-inaugural talking in his own way

The keynote address of Katti Padma Rao: 12.11 pm: KPR started talking in Telugu, “Buddha was a preacher, after Buddha Sankara, Madhwa and Ramanuja came, but they were adhyatmikawadis…….Ambedkar wondered why there was no philosophy in India…to discuss Indian philosophy, one has to discuss tarka, mimamsa, bhashya…Rigvedam that was in Sanskrit came from heaven, but taken by Brahmins….that is how Pani said…in this way it is taught….it is nonsense that peacocks were dancing at the Himalayas….[4]by the Brahmanical Dalit Group…but, that is not philosophy……Mother is guru, as she teaches child not only language but everything..no Brahmin could oppose Ambedkar’s philosophy..what is Purusha sukta, who would believe such nonsense..Vedas were written by Rishis born of men only..the “kumbasambava” stories are myth…when Ramba, Urvasi, Menaka were looked at and semen oozes out and that fell …by which babies were born…are stories…if that is the case, more babies could be produced…Krishna was having 16,000 ladies, if he was with each lady, how many days he would have taken? After 44 years only, he could come back to the first lady… Why Agni, Varuna etc., should be invoked to kill men?…..Ambedkar pointed out in his book “Who were Shudras?”….Ambedkar told Brahmins to learn English and rise and that is why they learned and went to America..I challenge if there is a great man other than Ambedkar, I will give Rs one crore……..I am a Christ Bakta[5], (sings a Christian song) …Ambedkar used to wear 20 dreess material, apply perfumes….he kept 80 sets of shoes / boots….Christians became clean by applying soaps long back…..but not Brahmins, as they were dirty with kumkum, turmeric, varieties of prasad and so on… Ambdedkar revised his theses three times to get PhD ….thus one has to work hard.”

First session of paper presentation, all in Telugu

ANU – Ambedkar seminar- VIPs talk.

Ironically, the poor audience makes researchers worry about the academic proceedings

ANU – Ambedkar seminar- VIPs talk.

Ironically, the poor audience makes researchers worry about the academic proceedings

1.53 pm: Vote of thanks. All had gone for lunch.

28-03-2018 – Paper reading session: 3.00 pm: After lunch, the session started with the talk of Gutur Lakshmi Narasimha, in which he pointed out speaking in Telugu,  “….about the prevalence of confusion to differentiate between “Marxism” and “Ambedkarism.” ….As most of the Ambedkarites have been either ex-communists or with Communist background, many times, they use such terminology and the users and as well as listeners and readers get confused…… The class struggle and caste struggle in the context of economic and political contexts confuse them. Marxists have been claiming that they have been only educating SCs, Ambedkarites and dalits…… All poor people need not be mala or Mathika caste, as whenever, dalits are targetted, only their houses are burnt, but, not that of others. Therefore, dalits have to understand their political enemies and social enemies…Ambedkarism mixing with Marxism also creates confusion..calling it as “vipulavadam.”…there have been problems between SCs and BCs also.”

Ambedkar seminar, ANU, 2018- Sikamani-inaugural

3.40 pm: Sikamami pointed out speaking in Telugu, “The impact of Gandhi has been more on the Harijans than that of  Ambedkar[6]…… “Ambedkar Suprapadam” has also been introduced to attract dalits[7]..  Ambedkarites should take Buddhism as the path to fight”

4.20 pm: Sridevi from Dravidian University rendered in Telugu almost verbose oratory in Telugu repeating the points again and again.

5.10 pm: After tea break, G. Seshu presented his paper[8], “A study of the underprivileged: In the select Novels of Kaveri Nambisan.” She spoke in Telugu briefing the paper as to how the author being a doctor chose to work in remote areas and organized a few health oriented camps for the poor.

5.20 pm: Ankammayya Rao[9] presented his paper in Telugu on “The impact of Ambedkarite philosophy on Bharatiya tatvam”

5.20 pm: E. Harshavardhan presented his paper[10], “Text of protest, poems on context, lyrics of liberation and songs of pride: Dr Ambedkar and online virtual literature,” taking the examples of Pa. Ranjit (Tamil), Ginni Mahi (Punjabi), Somnath Waghmare (Marathi), Manj (Malayalam), Nukathoti Ravikumar, Challapalli Swaroopa Rani  (Telugu).

However, LN took objection that all literature or material mentioning or referring to Ambedkar cannot be taken as an evidence of “the impact of Ambedkar philosophy” on it.

5.50 pm: Joshua[11] presented his paper, “The vision of Dr B. R. Ambedkar reflected, reminded and recollected in my father Baliah,” pointed out how Y.B. Satyanarayanan in “My Father Baliah” reminded duties of a dalit, when Baliah migrated to city, he lost his “caste identity,” but, the moment, he returned village, he was treated as the caste he belonged. However, Baliah father lived in village and achieved his principles.

Guntur LN breifing the paper presentation, pointed out, “All attack on Varnashrama dharma and caste system cannot be considered as the effect of impact of Ambedkar philosophy….Ambedkarites should not and need not be confused with the communist exploitation of Ambedkar and Ambedkar philosophy. Ambedkarism is not Communism and the philosophy is different….As long as communism is useful, the Ambedkarites can use / exploit it for their benefit.” Incidentally, though he gave 5-10 minutes for paper presentation, he took nearly 30 minutes to comment and brief about the paper presentation.

After this, there was “Kavi sammelan” in which poems were rendered in Telugu annd songs were also sung.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

31-03-2018

ANU – Ambedkar seminar- my selfie not so good

[1] Dr. Deichmann is a shoe business entrepreneur of Germany, who with his generous organization Wort & Tat, has vastly widened the scope of AMG India [“Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel”] services to the poor and needy. Dr. Deichmann, born to devout Christian parents – Mr.Heinrich Deichmann and Mrs.Julia Deichmann — was brought up in Christian faith and discipline and was ingrained with Christian compassion and willingness, to help needy persons. He had the same vision as Bro. John David. http://www.amg.in/index.php/donors/dr-h-h-deichmann

[2] Dr. S. John David,  Founder of “Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel,” an evangelization organization – AMG. http://www.amg.in/component/content/article/24-locations/52-chirala

[3] On 23-01-2018, in a function held at Chennai , Kanchi Sankaracharya was seen sitting in “Dyana mood” while “Tamithai vazthu” was sung.

[4] Actually, he was ridiculing Meghadhuta verses. Here, Himalayas means not the “snow covered areas,” but, valley s also.  Even today, in Rishikesh and other places, anybody can see peacocks.

[5] He has been a Christian and he claims so with pride, as poet or expert in literature, he must have read Christian literature also and therefore, his sarcastic and blasphemous comment against one religion smacks his calibre. He also claimed that he was Christian, studied in Sunday schools and sang songs, thus, he could get influenced to write such songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXzCYqahpAk; His misinterpretation of Sri Venkateswara Suprapadam could be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl-_fxyCuIs; His Christian association continues, as he was part of “The Christian Secular Party” – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/New-political-party-launched-in-Hyderabad/articleshow/30853956.cms

[6] Garada, Rabindra. “Gandhism, Ambedkarism and Marxism: An Analytical Discourse For Dalit Liberation and Emancipation.” Global Journal of Human-Social Science Research (2015). He has made a comparison among the three different philosophies.

[7] This has been similar to the “inculturation” methods adapted and adopted by the Christians exploiting the popular Hindu symbols etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdTfro4uiuU

[8] See Abstarcts, p.14.

[9] See Abstarcts, p.12.

[10] See Abstarcts, p.8.

[11] See Abstarcts, p.27.

Proceedings of the National seminar “Impact of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Philosophy on Indian Literature” held at the Acharya Nagarjuna University on March 28th and 29th 2018 (1)

Proceedings of the National seminar “Impact of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Philosophy on Indian Literature” held at the Acharya Nagarjuna University on March 28^th and 29^th 2018 (1)

ANU – administrative building

Attending another seminar on Ambedkar quickly: As I got the information about the National Seminar on “Impact of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Philosophy on Indian Literature” to be conducted by Acharya Nagarjuna University [hereinafter mentioned as ANU], Dr. Ambedkar Chair, Nagarjuna Nagar – 522 510, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, and Bahujana Rachayitala Vedika[1] [hereinafter mentioned as BRV], A.P, only on 25^th March 2018, immediately, I prepared a paper and sent by e-mail on the same day, as it was the last day for the submission of abstract. The seminar was Sponsored by: Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, 15 Janpath, New Delhi, Govt. of India, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment[2]. I booked tickets immediately and informed Dr S. Murali Mohan about my travel  plan.

ANU – old guest house, last time, I stayed here

About the Ambedkar Study Centre – Chair: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair was established in 1993, supported by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, New Delhi, Govt. of India, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who is hailed as the father of constitution, played an important role in the constitutional Development and emancipation of the deprived classes. The objectives of the chair include to study, to propagate the philosophy of Dr. Ambedkar among the society, to encourage students of M.Phil and Ph.D. courses and other scholars to work on Dr. Ambedkar and Dalit literature, to organize seminars, symposia, lectures on Dr. Ambedkar’s life, work and ideology and to provide a common platform to the scholars working on Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts in India and abroad to share their views and experiences. Registration, Boarding and Lodging Delegates, who want to participate, can register by email giving details of their name, address, Mobile number, travel plan to e-mail: ambedkarchairanu@gmail.com. All out station participants will be provided, free accommodation, in the University Guest house/hostels. Local hospitality will be Extended to all the participants during the days of the Seminar.

ANU – New guest house

About the Seminar on Ambedkar Philosophy: Babasaheb Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, the chief architect of Indian Constitution and versatile genius, had striven his best for making of modern India. His ideas on making modern India are highly influential and remarkable. One can identify the impact of Ambedkar’s philosophy in the spheres of Indian polity and administration, judiciary, economy, gender policy, literature and so on. His non-Brahmanical theory brought awakening among the people of downtrodden sections of the society. He is the critique of all aspects of Brahmanical order. Dr.Ambedkar challenged all sorts of discrimination and bias and proposed the theory of democracy in all sorts of Indian society. In fact he a Jurist, Constitutional expert, Economist, Sociologist and a literary scholar in his essence. He has produced a vast amount of literature, wherein he has analysed different systems and framed an alternative methods. In fact he is a literary critique, carried out an in depth study on Hindu Mythological literature, composed in Sanskrit literature. He himself is scholar of Pali literature. His social philosophy highly influenced the literary scholars. The impact of Dr. Ambedkar on novelists, story writers, play wrights, lyricists, and poets of modern bperiod can be seen since four decades in different Indian languages. When the Dalit self identity struggle initiated during the decade of 1980 in Andhra Pradesh, anabundant literature was produced by the writers, based on the anti-caste methodology of Dr. Ambedkar. He has become a driving force in the activism and creation of protest literature by the writers from Dalit and other downtrodden sections of the society. The present National Seminar on ‘Impact of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Philosophy on Indian Literature’ aims at focussing on the analysing the influence of Ambedkar’s thought on Indian Literature & Telugu literature in general and protest literature in particular.

ANU – old guest house.view inside

Sub-themes of the Seminar: As usual, the sub-themes are also mentioned as follows:

1.       Ambedkar as a philosopher 2.      Ambedkar’s ideas on literature 3.      Ambedkar and Dalit Literature 4.      Ambedkar and Early Phase of Dalit Protest Literature 5.      Ambedkar and Protest Literature since 1980’s

6.      Dalit Poetry & Song 7.      Dalit Story 8.     Dalit Novel 9.      Dalit Short Story 10.  Dalit Auto-biography 11.   Dalit Journalism 12.  Individual Writers 13.  Literary Criticism

ANU – canteen where coffee taken

Call for Papers: Papers with research and scholastic outlook are invited from scholars who desire to present their views, ideas, paradigms and visions on the them with references. The papers (soft and hard copies) are to be sent to the Director of the Seminar. The papers will be published in the form of an edited book, which are accepted by the editorial board. Guidelines for Contribution – The contributors are requested to follow the guidelines given below while sending their manuscript. Fonts: Arial, Times New Roman, Font Size: 12 pt, Margins: 2.6 cm, Abstract: 300 words, Full Length Paper: 5 pages, of A4 size. Soft copy of the Paper along with one hard copy, mentioning the name, surname, organization represented, address, telephone number, e-mail address of contributor(s), with references at the end of the text, should be sent to the Director of the Seminar.

ANU – Philosopy of Ambedkar, interpreted differently by researchers

Registration: Those who are interested to participate in the seminar can register by mailing the following information. Name, Designation, Mailing address, Mobile number, e-mail, Abstract of the Paper and Journey details before 25th March 2018. Registration Fee Rs. 500/. Good Research Papers will be published in a book form with ISSN No. About the reimbursement of travel expenditure, nothing was mentioned. I reached Vijayawada by Pinakini Express on 27^th night. As the train was late, I could reach 10.40 pm, the vehicle came there, dropped me at the Guest House of the ANU.

Bhahishkrut Bharath – one of the journals brought out by Ambedkar

What is Ambedkar’s philosophy?: A. M. Rajasekaraiah[3] pointed out, “Dr. Ambedkar was not a philosopher in the generally accepted sense. He did not develop a philosophy for its own sake. He was not a theoretician and theory-building was not his objective. As a researcher, thinker and writer he, no doubt, belonged to the realm of thought. He developed his ideas about man, society and their interrelationship. He was having all the ingredients of a thinker and a philosopher.” Philosophy of Ambedkar has been projected by the scholars as a complex in nature which was not the case, as Valerian Rodrigues noted[4]. Bringing down to Ambedkar for a single perspective could not be possible because he was read through Buddhism, Pragmatism, Marxism and Deweyian approach. Scholars like Pradeep Gokhale appropriated Amedkar’s political and philosophical dimensions with true sense of understanding. According to him Ambedkar ideas are Different in different dimensions not limited to single perspective; it is always multi character in nature. Ambedkar’s understanding of religion can be an example for his rational and scientific understands exceeding their limits. For the purpose of this, Ambedkar reformed Buddhism before he converted. He endorsed methodological anxiety – but sustained through universal standards. While doing so he could maintain statuesque as a rationalist – his apprehension for fundamental and universal principles. In democracy equality is the ultimate goal and Ambedkar influenced constitution making, incorporation of fundamental rights, directive principles of the State policy and reservations for SC/STs and such measures of equality and social justice in the constitution.

Ambedkar brought out several journals Mukhnayak, Bhahiskrut Bharat etc

Dalit literature and the impact of Ambedkar: Aboout the word “dalit” much is debated in the political and legal context, though, it is promonently and liberally used in literary and journalistic writings[5]. As literature flies with imagination, it is not controlled by any legal, judicial and constitutional restrictions and limits. The literary and journalistic juggernaut has succeeded and justified in establishing the usage of the expression “dalit.” The “depressed class”, “scheduled caste”, “Haijan” etc., have been replaced by “dalit” now. Though, it is not found in the Ambedkar’s writing, it is persistently claimed that he used. Anyway, the Constitution is his contribution. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) issued a circular in January 2008, directing the district collectors not to use the word “Dalit” as it is neither constitutional nor mentioned in the current laws. Rather ‘scheduled Caste’ is the appropriate and notified word as per the Article 341 of the Constitution, it said in a letter sent to all states[6].

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

31-03-2018

Philosopy of Ambedkar – dalit literature

[1] Dr. N. Ravi Kumar, General Secretary, Bahujana Rachayitala Vedika, A.P., Contact no: 9848187416

e.mail: rnukathoti@yahoo.in.

[2] Dr. Ambedkar Foundation was established by the Government of India under the aegis of the Ministry of Welfare (now Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) on March 24, 1992 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.http://ambedkarfoundation.nic.in/html/aboutus/aboutdaf16.pdf

[3] Rajasekhariah, A. M., and Hemalata Jayaraj. “Political Philosophy of Dr. BR Ambedkar.” The Indian Journal of Political Science 52.3 (1991): 357-375.

[4] Rodrigues, Valerian. “Ambedkar as a Political Philosopher.” Economic & Political Weekly 52.15 (2017): 101.

[5] Prasad, Amar Nath, and M. B. Gaijan, eds. Dalit literature: a critical exploration. Sarup & Sons, 2007.

[6] New Indian Express, Dalit word unconstitutional, says SC Commission, Jan 18, 2008, http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Dalit-word-unconstitutional-says-SC-Commission/262903/