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Mumbai: It's not reservation but representation, say Ambedkarites

The ongoing issue of reservations, that is hotly debated, did reverberate among the followers present.

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Ambedkarites at Shivaji Park
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Dadar seemed to have more people pouring into Shivaji Park on Thursday than last year to mark the Mahaparinirvan Din (December 6). Every year, thousands of followers from across India come to Chaityabhoomi to pay their tributes to Bharatratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

The ongoing issue of reservations, that is hotly debated, did reverberate among the followers present.

"Reservation is a misnomer. Representation is how it should be looked at. The idea is to give equal opportunity and make India from a progressive to a progressed country. The word reservation tarnishes the very purpose," said Dr Rewat Kaninde, a doctor who is works in the field of health and nutrition awareness.

Kaninde, along with his fellow doctors from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Doctors Association, distributed eggs and sprouts to create awareness on nutrition. Kaninde said that as followers of Ambedkar, they try to live up to the ideology encouraged by the late leader.

"He (Ambedkar) spoke of social justice, giving back to society, equality and ensuring higher education among people. That is what we try to do when we come here. We also distributed sanitary pads and books that encourage scientific temperament among people," said Dr Akashdeep Waghmare.

Cleanliness also seemed high on the agenda of young followers who had gathered in the park to pay their obeisance to Dr Ambedkar.

"From this year, we have started cleaning the area. We feel that chaityabhoomi is our bhoomi and it is our responsibility to keep it clean," said Ketan Kamble of Amhi Ambedkarite who went around picking waste thrown by thousands who had come to Shivaji Park.

"We have come to give insurance to people. We have given accident insurance to over one lakh people. As part of the community, I feel that reservation should be there till the need is fulfilled. Once that is done, it can be scrapped," said Pranab K Mahato, who works as manager for an insurance company.

A number of people made it a point to come with a family member, even from across India. "We feel he (Ambedkar) has done so much for us that we should be coming to pay our respects," said Dharmendra Kumar Jaiswal, a native of Uttar Pradesh who had come with his brother.

WALK THE TALK

  • Thousands gathered to mark the death anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar 
     
  • Some of the followers believed that the word reservations tarnishes the purpose of giving equal opportunities
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