A rendition of “Babasaheb, agar tum na hote…” was disrupted as a young boy approached the stage, handing a Rs 500 note to the singer. Acknowledging the gesture from “Unnao ke Mahesh Gautam ji“, the singer continued with the verse, “…toh hum na hote“, followed by a series of Bheem Geet performances accompanied by fervent harmonium and dholak players at Noida’s Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal, also known as Mayawati Park. The event commemorated the 136th birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, affectionately referred to as “Babasaheb.”
A significant number of attendees, estimated to be tens of thousands or more, congregated at Noida’s Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal on Tuesday, coming from various districts across Uttar Pradesh. Families, including children and the elderly, traveled from far and wide to pay homage to the revered leader on his birth anniversary, enduring the scorching mid-April heat.
The park was transformed into a sea of blue, with attendees displaying blue flags, wearing blue gamcha, and sporting blue bands inscribed with “Jai Bhim” in honor of “Babasaheb.” The gathering, predominantly from the Jatav community of western Uttar Pradesh, celebrated a leader they deeply respect, as evidenced by the stickers on their vehicles and banners.
A bustling marketplace outside Mayawati Park offered a range of merchandise related to Ambedkar and other revered figures, including flags, stickers, books, statues, and even a tattoo artist. The atmosphere inside the park was vibrant, with loudspeakers playing Bheem Geet as attendees enjoyed the festivities.
The celebration included a dedicated area for complimentary refreshments, where attendees enjoyed a variety of dishes, beverages, and fruits. Amidst the festivity, political elements were also present, with posters of the Bahujan Samaj Party and Azad Samaj Party displayed prominently.
As the political debates unfolded against the backdrop of the celebrations, attendees expressed the need for unity within the Bahujan community to consolidate their political influence. The urgency for political cohesion was emphasized, especially with the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in March 2027.
While political discussions simmered, the prevailing sentiment of unity and celebration prevailed among the attendees, highlighting the collective spirit of the Bahujan community gathered to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar.