Pradeep Ramteke
Editor-in-Chief
Will the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra initiate strict legal proceedings against those who speak inappropriately about—or write about in derogatory terms—the great King of the masses, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and the Epoch-maker, Architect of the Indian Constitution, and ‘Jewel of the World,’ Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar?
The justice-loving, egalitarian, and champion of the poor and downtrodden masses—the Protector of the People, ‘Kulwadi Bhushan’ (Ornament of the Cultivators), and ‘Bahujan Pratipalak’ (Guardian of the Masses)—Shrimant Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not one to practice caste discrimination, nor did he incite conflict between different religions. He did not base his judicial decisions on religious or caste lines, nor did he ever inflict injustice upon his subjects; rather, he was a great philosopher-king who fostered a spirit of brotherhood among his people.
It is impossible for anyone—today, tomorrow, or at any point in the future—to fully measure the administrative prowess, unwavering dedication to duty, sensitivity, moral integrity, and valor of the open-minded, reformist Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who remains immortalized in history as a legendary warrior.
A question is directed to that Jain Monk: Based on which historical texts, and citing what actual reality, have you dared to compare Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with the Honorable Nilesh Rane—a man characterized by a narrow mindset, who constantly engages in futile rhetoric, and who seeks to incite discord and spread hatred between different religions? Jain Monk Nileshchandra: “What was uttered was unequivocally wrong!” Since the people of the Bahujan community are generally peace-loving, they must learn—and learn in good time—to stand up for and protect themselves effectively.
Honorable Nilesh Rane has made no substantive contribution to society; nor has he ever strived for the welfare of the community. It is, therefore, entirely inappropriate to compare a man of such hateful and petty mindset with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Before aspiring to be like Chhatrapati Shivrai, both Hon. Nilesh Rane and the Jain Monk should first attempt to embody Shivrai’s ideals. The Government of Maharashtra must investigate whether Hon. Nilesh Rane and Jain Monk Nileshchandra possess even the fundamental principles that defined Chhatrapati Shivrai—namely, equality, liberty, fraternity, and justice. Furthermore, the people of Maharashtra are of the firm opinion that appropriate action must be taken against them.
In the current political climate, Hon. Nilesh Rane invariably begins his public discourse by attempting to incite conflict between Hindus and Muslims; in doing so, he repeatedly violates the sanctity of his office and the oath of secrecy he swore. Consequently, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should immediately remove him from the State Cabinet. Concurrently, an inquiry must be initiated against this fraudulent monk.
The Jain Monk should have exercised greater restraint and guarded his tongue when making statements that drew a comparison between Hon. Nilesh Rane and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This is because Hon. Nitesh Rane habitually roams about making perverse statements designed to sow discord within society on a daily basis. One is now compelled to harbor the suspicion that the Government of Maharashtra has perhaps retained him solely for the purpose of creating rifts between various communities.
It has become a routine occurrence where just about anyone can come along, insult our great historical icons, and face absolutely no repercussions for their actions. What, indeed, is one to make of this situation?
Vishwratna Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar…
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the Architect of the Indian Constitution, a great social reformer, an economist, and a globally acclaimed legal scholar.
Throughout his life, he fought for the eradication of untouchability, women’s rights, labor reforms, and the socio-political rights of Dalits, as well as Scheduled Tribes (STs), minorities, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and other marginalized groups.
As independent India’s first Law Minister, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar played a pivotal role in the nation’s formation and development.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly; indeed, he crafted the world’s largest and most comprehensive written constitution.
To eradicate untouchability, he founded the ‘Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha’ in 1924 and led historic struggles such as the Mahad ‘Chavdar Tale’ (Sweet Water Tank) Satyagraha (1927) and the burning of the Manusmriti..
He introduced the ‘Hindu Code Bill’ to secure equal rights for women, thereby striving to grant them rights regarding property ownership, divorce, and education.
As the Minister of Labor, he reduced the standard workday for workers from 12–14 hours to 8 hours; furthermore, he established labor insurance schemes and the Employment Exchange.
By delivering the message, “Educate, Agitate, and Organize,” he awakened a sense of self-respect and dignity among the citizens of India.
He played a significant role in the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India (1935), an institution founded upon the concepts articulated in his book, The Problem of the Rupee. His entire life was founded upon the principles of equality, fraternity, and justice.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar stands as one of the most profound philosophers in the world. He earned advanced degrees—including B.A., M.A., Ph.D., D.Sc., and Barrister-at-Law—in the fields of Economics, Political Science, Law, and Philosophy from the University of Mumbai, Columbia University (New York), and the London School of Economics.
The world-renowned scholar and ‘Vishwratna’ (Jewel of the World), Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, secured voting rights for adult Indians (both men and women). Furthermore, through the medium of the Indian Constitution, he ensured that Indians were granted fundamental rights as well as various other entitlements. Consequently, it is evident that the people of India now live their lives with their heads held high and with a profound sense of self-respect.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a great thinker; recognizing the paramount importance of education, he established the People’s Education Society and founded the Siddharth and Milind Colleges.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar—the very figure who, through the Indian Constitution, bestowed upon all Indian citizens every essential right; who paved every path for living with self-respect; who liberated and emancipated citizens (specifically those belonging to the present-day Bahujan society) from the shackles of the caste system; who threw open the doors of education; and who secured for them the honor of becoming public representatives—be it as Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, government officers, or employees—is now being insulted and subjected to derogatory remarks by various individuals who are seen operating under the very patronage and protection of the government. This is a trend that poses a grave threat to the national interest.
The straightforward interpretation—that the ‘Architect of the Constitution’ is, in essence, the ‘Architect of the People’ and the ‘Architect of the Nation’—is a truth that Indian citizens would do well to grasp as quickly as possible for the sake of their own upliftment!
Deal with them decisively, and do so without delay…
The Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra must take prompt and decisive legal action against those individuals who speak inappropriately or make derogatory remarks regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the epoch-making Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
For Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been immortalized in the annals of history as a King who provided exemplary protection to his subjects; similarly, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has emerged as a global epoch-maker—a profound philosopher and a great social reformer acknowledged and revered by the entire world.
Therefore, it is imperative that those who speak inappropriately regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the epoch-making Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar be effectively ‘neutralized’—silenced and dealt with—without delay. Failure to do so carries the potential risk of tarnishing India’s reputation on the global stage and causing the nation to lose its standing and respect in the eyes of the world.
