Driving the message home: ‘Mane manege Ambedkar’

Arun Joladakudligi chronicles efforts in Raichur to transcend cultural and social boundaries, and take the messages of Dr B R Ambedkar to a wider audience.

With a humble backdrop of banners, a portrait of Babasaheb Ambedkar on a chair and a few plastic mats on the ground, is an informal gathering of mostly women and children, listening with rapt attention to the speaker.

Such gatherings have been common in houses, colonies, street corners and open fields in the villages of Raichur district in Karnataka for a few years. People are welcoming the chief architect of our Indian Constitution into their homes under the initiative, ‘Mane Manege Ambedkar’ (Ambedkar in every home).

Previously limited to stage events and public functions, the aim of this ongoing awareness programme is to drive home the ideals of Dr Ambedkar, without fanfare.

Dalit struggles, external events and celebrations are predominantly attended by men. It is interesting to note that the programme is now catching up among women and children, and people from all walks of life are eagerly hosting it.

“Ambedkar should reach women as well. The power of his thoughts enables the growth of women as leaders,” says Rupa Srinivasa Nayak, a farmer leader in Raichur.

The speaker could be a family member, friendly neighbour, subject expert, resource person, volunteer or even an organiser of the programme. Promoted on social media, the meeting is held every week between 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm at different locations, and inaugurated by an elderly member. The programme format features simple hospitality, an informal chat sans protocol and a memento of Dr Ambedkar being presented to the speaker.

There has been no turning back for the organisers since January 26, 2022, the day the maiden event was held at the home of a local, Basavaraj Nayak. Recently, the 100th programme was commemorated on November 10. Writer Kotiganahalli Ramaiah was the chief guest at the milestone event.

Behind the scenes

Under the leadership of activists J Sharanappa Ballatagi and M R Bheri, along with Shivappa Nayak and Modin Saab, the 'Bahujan Sangharsha Samiti' was formed to popularise the programme.

According to M R Bheri, "Initially, we began with 'dhamma dipa' to spread awareness on the Buddha, and his preachings. We then progressed to Mane Manege Ambedkar.”

Sharanappa Ballatagi adds, "The Bahujan Sangharsha Samiti was formed with the intention of reaching every home, beyond caste and religion, with Ambedkar's message. It has no connection with any political party. We faced some amount of opposition from political parties and Dalit organisations over its name. They are, however, now appreciating the Samiti's efforts."

Apart from the event being a huge hit among Dalits and members of Other Backward Communities, several Muslim families have also shown a keen interest in holding the event at their homes, after Modin, a teacher from Machanur in Sirwar taluk, organised it at his home. 

"Ambedkar is not limited to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, nor is he confined to one caste or religion. There is not much emphasis on Ambedkar in schools. If discussions are held in homes, it will have a positive effect on children," says Modin.

While thinkers like Suraj Yengde, Anand Teltumbde, Sukhadeo Thorat, Christophe Jaffrelot, Arundhati Roy and many more, are introducing Ambedkar's life and philosophy globally, there are also efforts being made to create awareness at grassroots. The Samiti hopes to take its initiative across the state.

(Translated from Kannada by Jyotsna P Dharwad)