Chavdar Lake Satyagraha's Centenary: A Celebration of Equality and Social Justice

The centenary of Dr. B R Ambedkar's historic Chavdar Lake Satyagraha in Maharashtra's Mahad was marked with calls for equality and social justice. Celebrants echoed the event's legacy of asserting the right to public resources. Leaders stress the continued relevance of non-violent resistance and unity against divisive ideologies.

The centenary celebrations of Dr. B R Ambedkar's landmark Chavdar Lake Satyagraha began in Mahad, Maharashtra, on Friday, highlighting its enduring message of equality and social justice. This pivotal event, held on March 20, 1927, asserted the right of all societal sections, especially those labeled 'untouchables,' to access public water sources.

Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal emphasized the Chavdar Lake's water as the 'nectar of equality,' urging its spread throughout villages to promote social equality. Tushar Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson, stressed the movement's crucial role in India's democratic evolution, likening it to Gandhi's Salt Satyagraha and underscoring the strength of non-violent resistance.

The day also included a tribute at Chavdar Lake, with Congress and activists collecting water in ceremonial pots for distribution. Additionally, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Jati Ant Sangharsh Samiti commemorated the movement with a procession and remembrance of Ambedkar's burning of the Manusmriti later in 1927.

(With inputs from agencies.)