The views of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar were different, but patriotism was codified in both great men. Despite differences of opinion, the views of both were one in the interest of the country. It is normally shown as if there was strong opposition on both the issues while on a neutral investigation, the truth appears to be something else. Speakers expressed this in a two-day youth workshop and seminar on “Mahatma Gandhiji and B R Ambedkar” held on September 10-11, 2019 at Babhnagama in Madhepura district, Bihar. Former Bihar Chief Minister Bhola Paswan Shastri inaugurated the two-day programme that was organized in collaboration with Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi.
The seminar was inaugurated by the former secretary of Delhi-based Gandhi Peace Foundation and Gandhian thinker Shri Surendra Kumar. The chief guest on the occasion was Prof. Sanjay Paswan, former Minister of the Central Government. Educationist Shri Sunil Kunar Sinha, BPS College Principal Prof. Akhilesh Kumar, Dr. KK Chaudhary, Gandhi Gyan Mandir President Prof. Devnarayan Paswan Dev, Secretary Shri Dinanath Prabodh, former cabinet minister of Bihar Government, Ms. Renu Kushwaha, Prof. Ravindra Charan Yadav, Dr. Vinay, principals and professors of other colleges in Madhepura district including Kumar Jha took part in the programme.
The speakers clearly stated that when Mahatma Gandhi was killed, Bhimrao Ambedkar was the first person to reach the spot and according to eyewitnesses he stayed there for a long time. Many of us would consider it courtesy. But the foundation of nearly 20 years of direct and indirect relations between Gandhi and Ambedkar had a wonderful affinity and mutual sympathy that is rarely discussed. Some people may wonder that for a long time Mahatma Gandhi did not know that Ambedkar himself was an alleged untouchable. He considered him a social reformer upper caste leader of his own kind. Considering the scholarly, unconcerned and confident manner in which Ambedkar spoke, this misunderstanding was not very big in the society at that time.
Quiz sessions were also held among the dignitaries of the area including the students of the school colleges of the area. The participants posed several questions to the visitors about Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar in order to clear the doubts in their minds. The speakers were felicitated on the occasion with bags, etc from GSDS.