By- Ratan Paul

Chetna Association of Canada

BURNABY – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality was celebrated at Simon Fraser University (SFU) last week.

As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Dr. Ambedkar’s 131st birth anniversary celebrations, Chetna Association of Canada partnered with the Consulate General of India (Vancouver) and observed Equality Day on April 14, 2022 at SFU library, in Burnaby, Canada. Chetna’s treasurer, Surjit Bains, acknowledged the unceded territories where the event was being hosted and expressed his gratitude to the First Nations.

In addition to Consul General Manish, Harsh Thakore of the Thakore Charitable Foundation, Surinder Sandhu  (General Secretary of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha), and Rakesh Kumar from Calgary (a trustee of Sant Sarwan Dass Charitable Trust of Western Canada) graced the occasion. 

Pre-recorded greeting of BC’s Parliamentary Secretary Grace Lore (Gender Equity) was also played during the ceremony.

Manish spoke on Babasaheb’s monumental contribution for social justice & writing of the Indian Constitution and paid floral tribute to the bust of Babasaheb Ji. 

General Secretary of Chetna Association of Canada, Jai Birdi, in his introductions highlighted Babasaheb’s many contributions for equality and paid tribute to him. 

Dr. Deanna Reder of the English Department and Indigenous Studies at SFU expressed her admiration for Dr  Ambedkar.

Moninder Lalli, librarian at SFU, welcomed all guests and shared a brief background on how the Dr. Ambekdar’s Collected Speeches and Writings were first donated to the library in 1995 followed by gifting of the Dr. Ambedkar Bronze Bust in 2004.  The Bust has inspired many students and faculty members to do further research on Ambedkar and his writings as well as has served as a place of pilgrimage for many of his patrons.

Jyotika Jasuja, member of Chetna’s Women Empowerment Committee, spoke on Dr. Ambedkar and his contributions to empowerment of women and building of the nation.

After the formal greetings, all guests paid homage by garlanding the Bust of Dr. Ambedkar.

Local and provincial/state governments were also acknowledged for proclaiming or celebrating April 14, 2022  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality/Equity:

City of Burnaby

City of Surrey

City of Jersey

City of Coventry

Province of British Columbia

State of Colorado

State of Maryland

State of Michigan