Hoshiarpur: During the 'Phule-Ambedkar Memorial Week' program—organized by the Savitri Ambedkar Cultural Club at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru—Dr. Jaswant Rai, currently serving as a Research Officer in the Department of Official Language, Hoshiarpur, was honored for his scholarly research work on the movements led by Bahujan icons. On this occasion, he also delivered a keynote address titled, "Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia's Adi Dharam Movement in Punjab and its Contribution to the Ambedkar Movement."
The entire program was coordinated by Dr. K. Kalyani, a Professor at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.
Dr. Rai stated that Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia—a Ghadri warrior and the founder of the Adi Dharam movement—acquired his early education while enduring severe hardships and oppression, much like Babasaheb Ambedkar. He traveled to the United States and joined the Ghadar Party. He was arrested while attempting to transport a ship laden with weapons from the U.S. to India, with the aim of liberating his homeland. He narrowly escaped the death penalty on two separate occasions. After serving with the Ghadar Party for sixteen years, he returned to India.
Upon his return, and with the objective of liberating marginalized communities from social servitude, he founded the Adi Dharam movement on June 11–12, 1926. Now, as the Adi Dharam Mission celebrates its centenary, the struggles of Babu Mangu Ram and the achievements of the movement he established are being critically evaluated. Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia is also widely referred to as the "Ambedkar of Punjab."
A lively interactive session, lasting nearly an hour, ensued as students and professors in attendance posed questions regarding the ideas presented by Dr. Jaswant Rai. A particularly gratifying aspect of the event was the nature of the incisive questions raised by undergraduate and postgraduate students hailing from across the country; these interactions served as a proud reminder that—even in the internet age, when students are often accused of neglecting their studies—the literary and historical acumen demonstrated by the students of this university remains truly impressive. Concluding the program, Dr. K. Kalyani remarked that at APU—widely recognized as a hub for diverse social and literary events—attendees had the opportunity to hear and read new insights regarding the movement led by a prominent and spirited leader from Punjab on behalf of marginalized communities. She added that, in the future, the university would continue to organize programs centered on such themes.
On this occasion, Dr. Jaswant Rai was specially felicitated by the university faculty and the Savitribai Ambedkar Cultural Club. The event was attended by university professors, students, and club members, including Dr. Kamal Kerala, Dr. Asim Siddiqui (Chhattisgarh), Dr. Denba Parasant (Hyderabad), and students Roshan, Saurabh, Harshal, Periyar, Karan (Hoshiarpur), and Satnam Singh (Sangrur).