Protect land, identity, & equality for future generations: CM Abdulllah

Bari Brahmana, Jan 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasised the transformative vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in advancing equality and justice, during the inauguration of the Dr. BR Ambedkar Bhawan in Bari Brahmana. The Bhawan, built by the Dr. BR Ambedkar Educational Society, serves as a space dedicated to education, research, and community engagement, reflecting Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals.
Addressing the gathering, Abdullah highlighted the importance of land reforms in Jammu and Kashmir, which were pivotal in empowering marginalized communities. “Dr. Ambedkar gave India its Constitution, enshrining equal rights without discrimination. He tirelessly fought for the rights of marginalized communities, giving them a voice, an identity, and a sense of dignity. In Jammu and Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah complemented his vision by implementing land reforms that restored dignity and a future to the oppressed,” the Chief Minister said.
He emphasised that land is deeply tied to identity, stressing the necessity of protecting it to safeguard the heritage and future of the region. “Land is not just property, it is our identity,” Abdullah stated, underscoring the need for continued efforts to preserve it for future generations.
The Chief Minister praised Dr. Ambedkar’s emphasis on education as a tool for social transformation. “The establishment of this educational society in Dr. Ambedkar’s name reflects his vision. This land has been dedicated to a library, study circle, and community hall instead of commercial use. These facilities will enable the youth to study Dr. Ambedkar’s works and conduct research, while also providing a space for social gatherings,” Abdullah said.
Further reflecting on Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions, the Chief Minister spoke about his monumental role in shaping India’s Constitution. “Dr. Ambedkar ensured equality from the very beginning, granting women equal voting rights at a time when many nations denied such basic rights. His vision established a foundation of justice and equality, which remains unparalleled even today,” Abdullah remarked.
Abdullah also acknowledged the ongoing challenges in achieving true equality, particularly the underrepresentation of women in political spaces. “If Dr. Ambedkar had foreseen the underrepresentation of women in assemblies and parliament in 2025, he might have introduced reservations for women from the start. While we have made progress, with women achieving milestones like becoming prime ministers and presidents, the journey toward equality continues,” he noted.
He further pointed to India’s progress in gender equality, highlighting that India had elected women to the highest offices, a significant achievement compared to some nations that have yet to elect a female leader. “In contrast to some countries that have yet to elect a woman leader, India’s strides in empowering women are a testament to Dr. Ambedkar’s vision,” he added.
Referring to the West, he said some of these countries exercised discrimination on the basis of one’s skin colour, while India after Independence wrote away all such differences, even seeing men and women as equal.
“This is the kind of day we celebrate — a day where Ambedkar ensured from the very beginning that no matter your colour, caste, or background, there would be no difference between your vote and anyone else’s. A vote is equal, free from discrimination, transcending caste or creed,” he said.
Omar Abdullah also took the opportunity to address the concerns of the people, assuring them that the Charter of Demands presented at the event would receive serious attention. “I assure you that every effort will be made to address your concerns and fulfill your requests,” he said.
While reflecting on the importance of land in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, the Chief Minister drew attention to Sheikh Abdullah’s historic decision to transfer land to the people without compensation. “When we talk about these matters—about the Constitution, special status, and the prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir—we are also talking about our identity. And our identity is tied to our land,” he stated.
Abdullah called for collective efforts to protect the region’s land and its special status. “We want this land to remain ours. The land that Sheikh Abdullah, with a single signature, transferred to you without any compensation .Without it, what do we truly possess? It must not be taken away from us, and this should remain our collective effort,” he emphasized.
Later, Omar Abdullah expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to inaugurate the Dr. BR Ambedkar Bhawan, describing it as a landmark institution that embodies Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals of education, equality, and progress.
The event was attended by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma, and senior members of the Dr. BR Ambedkar Educational Society, including President Pooran Chand and General Secretary Romesh Chand.