By Chetna Association of Canada

VANCOUVER – on the 66th death anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar, family of the late artist Shital Anmol, officially gifted a portrait of Dr. Ambedkar to the Centre for India and South Asia Research (CISAR) on December 6 at a ceremony hosted by Chetna Association of Canada in partnership with the CISAR and Ambedkarite International Coordination Society (AICS).

“This is a very emotional moment for us today”, said Sushil Anmol with tears in her eyes. 

Sushil Anmol, the late Anmol’s wife, said gifting of the painting will make Mr. Anmol happy and proud of his contributions.

Shital Anmol’s paintings of Dr. Ambedkar were previously gifted and are displayed with pride at the Indian Consulate office in Vancouver, City of Burnaby, and Guru Ravidass Community Center. 

The gifting ceremony and paying of tributes were arranged by Chetna Association of Canada, in partnership with the CISAR and AICS.

Chief Guest, Consul General of India in Vancouver, Shri Manish, spoke on Dr. Ambedkar and impact of Buddhism on Dr. Ambedkar’s life.  He also expressed his appreciation for having Anmol’s painting gifted to the Consulate in previous years 

Jagjiwan Kumar, retired Chief Engineer with Punjab Urban Development Authority, attended as a guest of honour. Kumar expressed his gratitude to Dr. Ambedkar for creating opportunities that enabled him to integrate and succeed in his life.

Dr. Swaran Singh (visiting scholar at UBC), Zile Singh (Ambassador Zile Singh, Retired IFS), and Manjit Bains (Registered Nurse and chair of Women’s Empowerment Committee for Chetna) and also shed light on the contributions of Dr. Ambedkar and his foresight on many of the key issues.

Harmesh Chander, Vice President of Chetna, shared updates on the Ambedkar International Symposium being planned for April 22 and 23, 2023 and urged people to visit www.ase2023.ca

As December 6 also coincides with the Ecole Polytechnique Massacre in  Montreal where 14 women were killed, a one-minute of silence was observed as a tribute to these and many other women who face violence because of their gender. 

On Dec. 6, 1989, a 25-year-old man, who said he hated feminists, shot and killed 14 female students and injured 13 others in broad daylight at the engineering school.  In Canada, December 6 is now observed as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

The program was concluded with a song by Pamma Sunner, and vote of thanks by Priti Narayan, director for the CISAR at UBC.