The central government recently made a significant announcement concerning the creation of a special tourist circuit named Ambedkar Circuit, also known as Panchteerth. This development intends to commemorate and honour Dr B.R Ambedkar’s contributions to India’s society and politics. The concept of this circuit was first proposed in 2016, but its execution has only just begun.
The Ambedkar Circuit: An Overview
The Ambedkar Circuit comprises five significant sites associated with Dr B.R Ambedkar’s life and work. These include Janma Bhoomi, his birthplace in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Shiksha Bhoomi, where he resided while studying in London, Deeksha Bhoomi, where he converted to Buddhism in Nagpur, Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi, where he passed away in Delhi, and Chaitya Bhoomi, his cremation site in Mumbai. The idea behind this initiative is to promote tourism and attract visitors beyond the Dalit community, who largely pilgrimage to these locations.
Developmental Significance of the Ambedkar Circuit
The establishment of such a special circuit permits the government to focus on the holistic development of all the related sites. This includes infrastructural development, improved road and rail connectivity, and better visitor facilities. Essentially, it provides an impetus for the comprehensive development of the areas encompassed by the Circuit.
Concerns and Controversies Regarding the Ambedkar Circuit
Despite its positive intentions, the Ambedkar Circuit has not been without critiques. Several Dalit scholars and advocates of Ambedkar’s principles argue that the chosen sites do not adequately represent his legacy but serve to align with the government’s nationalistic narrative instead. Critics argue that several other critical sites have not received recognition under this plan, such as the Raigarh district in Maharashtra where Dr Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha, and Pune, where he negotiated with Mahatma Gandhi over separate electorates for depressed classes.
Other Tourism Circuits
The government has identified additional tourist circuits under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. These include the Ramayana, Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Heritage, North East, Himalayan, Sufi, Krishna, Rural, Tribal, and Tirthankar Circuits. Currently, the Ramayana, Buddhist, and North East Circuits are active, with the Ambedkar Circuit set to become the fourth.
Dr B.R Ambedkar: A Brief Biography
Dr B.R Ambedkar, born in 1891, is hailed as the Father of the Indian Constitution and was the country’s first Law Minister. A social reformer, jurist, economist, author, polyglot, orator, and scholar of comparative religions, his contributions have significantly shaped modern India. Dr Ambedkar participated in all three Round Table Conferences and signed the Poona pact with Mahatma Gandhi in 1932. His ideas also served as the foundation of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). A member of the Bombay Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council of Viceroy as a Labour member, Dr Ambedkar accepted PM Nehru’s invitation to serve as the Minister of Law in Independent India’s first Cabinet. He later converted to Buddhism and passed away on December 6, 1956.
Dr B.R Ambedkar’s Contributions
In addition to his political pursuits, Dr Ambedkar launched various journals like Mooknayak, Bahishkrit Bharat, Samatha, and Janata. He authored several books, including Annihilation of Caste, Buddha or Karl Marx, The Untouchable: Who are they, and Why They Have Become Untouchables, Buddha and His Dhamma, The Rise and Fall of Hindu Women. He formed organisations like Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha, Independent Labor Party, and Scheduled Castes Federation.
