Boston Study Group (BSG), an Ambedkarite organization in New England USA working towards universalizing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's ideology, commemorated the 128^th birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar with an evening filled with thought-provoking panel discussions from social activities from organizations in Boston area, speeches from various academics, inspiring songs and poetry, kid’s speeches and cultural performances from the community, representing a rich diversity of Indian diaspora and friends from other nationalities and ethnicity. The event was multilingual in nature with various songs, poetry and speeches in Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi and English, all singing the resistance to oppression.

Educate, organize and agitate -- this powerful message given by Dr. Ambedkar, reverberated through the halls of the First Parish Church, Waltham, on Saturday evening. While the actual birth anniversary is celebrated on April 14, BSG organized the event on April 20, to pay homage to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar life, work, and achievements. Dr. Ambedkar was not only a leading jurist and architect of the Indian constitution but a social reformer ahead of his times. His tireless efforts for the upliftment and emancipation of the depressed castes and communities in India, helped shaped the just and equitable society post-independence that we see today. This year's annual event organized by BSG saw an even larger participation by academicians, students, and families based in New England and beyond. 

The event kicked-off with a panel discussion focused on the theme of ‘Working in solidarity with Ambedkarite movement’ and reflected on Dr. Ambedkar as a universal role model rather than being limited to one community. The panelists included Arif Hussain from Coalition for a Democratic India, Hardeep Mann who works with Women's movement in South Asian community and Somnath Mukherjee from Association for India's development. The participants reflected on the need to work from within the different communities to build solidarity with Ambedkarite movement. They discussed the issues of caste and inequality prevalent in Indian society today, the way forward and how they find inspiration from the work and life of Dr. Ambedkar. The panel was moderated by BSG board member, Jaspreet Mahal.

Dr. Laurence Simon, a Professor of International Development and Director of the Center for Global Development and Sustainability at Brandeis University summarized the similarities between story of Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt and the fight Dr B R Ambedkar fought for liberation of socially underprivileged people from draconian caste system in India. He also announced the 'Bluestone Rising Scholars prize', an annual program to encourage scholarship on the issues of caste and caste-like systems of discrimination. Prof Christopher Queen from Harvard University spoke about the right way of being an Ambedkarite blending activism with peaceful Buddhist vision. He stressed on how Buddhist philosophy of four noble truths and eight fold vision can help the community to go forward in the path shown by Dr. Ambedkar. Dr. Rajesh Sampath, an associate professor of philosophy of justice, rights and social change at Brandeis University were among the other dignitaries who addressed the gathering. 

In addition to activists and scholars, a number of individuals who stand in solidarity with the BSG mission and share its vision of equality and upliftment of marginalized people spoke at the event on Dr B R Ambedkar and his contribution to social, political and financial development of India. Anand Balley from Toronto, Canada and Mr Sansar Chand Lal from New York presented their views on the responsibility of Ambedkarite movement to take the caravan of anti-oppressive framework forward through non-violence and love. BSG Members Sandeep Meshram and Harshad Chandragade shared their views on the inspiring life of Dr. Ambedkar

A young talented pianist, Vivan Kamble aged 7, enthralled everyone with his tunes. Michael Dwan Singh and Aditya Shah performed classical rendition of poetry of Sant Kabir and Sant Chokha Mela who were social reformers from Bhakti movement, mesmerizing the audience. Adorable kid’s speeches walked us through key events of Dr. Ambedkar’s life and his contribution to Indian society whereas inspiring poems recitation by Manoj Kumar and Jaspal Singh enthralled the audience.   Two team dance performances celebrating Dr. Ambedkar’s way of life touched many hearts in the audience!

Ashwaghosh Kable and Sunita Mahey were masters of ceremony and Dr Jyotsna Kamble gave Vote of thanks.

The hall rang with the passionate and warm ‘Jai Bhim’ throughout the evening. Jai Bhim means victory to the ideology of Dr. Ambedkar of equality, liberty and fraternity. This hold true for the event where folks from all movements came together for an evening of joyous celebration!  

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