Eye-Opener Banjara Seminar held in Dharwad

Dharwad, December 9, 2008 (Mukunand Lamani): State level Seminar held on 16th November, 2008 at PWD Meeting Hall, D.C. Compound, Dharwad, Karnataka State is the first of its kind to discuss the present Status and Future Challanges of Banjara Community. In Karnataka the Seminar is held for the first time, wherein intellectuals from different fields, from various parts of Karnataka came together to discuss the problems and challenges of the Community. The Seminar was a sort of eye-opener in many aspects. The seminar provided an overall view regarding the community community problems and possible solutions. The credit of organizing this seminar goes to Dr. Ramesh Rathod, who launched the website of the Community naming it www.banjarainfo.com. The website provides an exhaustive materials and information regarding the community. Under the banner of www.banjarainfo.com the seminar was organized.

The highlight of the seminar is that all the 22 papers were recieved well in time and on the day of the Seminar, the papers were published in the form of a book naming Souvenir and Abstracts. The Programme went as scheduled by the organizers. The programme was divided into five units:
(a)Inaugration, (b) Technical Session I, (c) Technical Session II, (d) Technical Session III, (e) Panel Discussion/Closing Ceremony.

As scheduled the inaugural ceremony took place at 11.30 A.M. His Holiness Sri Shivamurthy Murgha Sharana Swamiji of Chitradurga inaugurated the Seminar by watering a Tulsi Plant. The inauguration was  was something novel. The book Souvenir and Abstracts was also released on the same occasion by the Swamiji. He appreciated the efforts of the organizers. A formal welcome was done by Dr. L.R. Naik, Reader, Karnataka University followed by presentation of bouquets to the dignitaries on the dias. On the dias for the inaugural ceremony besides Swamiji Sri Krishanaji Chavan, Executive Engineer, Shri Raghvendra Naik, Social Worker, Shri Basavaraj Naik, M.L.A.,Dr. P.K. Khandoba, Professor, Kannada Dept. Gulbarga University, Dr. D.B. Naik, Professor, Kannada Department Gulbarga University Key-Note Address and Dr. R.H. Naik, Lecturer , Chairman of the seminar were present. The anchoring part was done by Shri Tayappa Pawar.

After the inauguration, the Key-Note Address by Dr. D.B. Naik, Professor, Kannada Department, Gulbarga University, was the highlight. In his address, he pointed out the history of the Banjara Community, their present status and the possible solutions. He explained that unless we clearly understand the history, it is very difficult to have new history of the present generation. He pointed to the rich cultural history of the country referring to late Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. Dr. D.B. Naik told the gathered intellectuals that Mrs. Indira Gandhi said that "If I were to be born as a human being in the next life, I will be a Lambani".

Dr. D.B. Naik also said that the embroidery of the Lambani is matchless, which the present generation has to preserve for posterity. The Banjaras throughout the world are identified by some 27 different names. He concluded his speech by paying respect to the community Guru Ji Shri Sant Sevalal Ji Maharaj.

His Holiness in his address pointed out that, we need each and every community in India. We everyone to lead a happy and contended life. The Lambanis are a class apart because of their rich culture and traditionalistic values. He passed on the massage that the community should lead a respectful life by shedding its inferiority complex. Now-a-days, everybody is fighting for his/her existence. Varnashrama concept has to go and we should lead a happy life because we are living in a Global Village.

In his address the sitting M.L.A. Shri Basavaraj Naik pointed out that there are Six MLAs from the community and are always ready to help the community. Shri Krishnaji Chavan, Executive Engineer had all praise for the organizers for conducting the Seminar. Shri Raghavendra Naik, Social Worker, stated that, we should put pressure on the Government to develop the birthplace of Shri Sevalal Ji Maharaj. The President of the inaugural function was Dr. P.K. Khandoba. He pointed that, we should strive hard to protect the culture of the community. Shri Shivanand Rathod rendered the invocation song and Dr. Ramesh proposed vote of thanks.

The second part of the seminar was presentation of papers by scholars from different fields. The title of the technical session One was History and Cultural Purview of Banjara Community. During this session, the Hon'ble Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Shri JagadeeshShettar arrives and addressed the gathering and pointed that the BJP Government had provided all support for community and he is always ready to help the community people. The BJP MLA of Dharwad city Shri Chandrakant Bellad also asserted that he is always ready to help the community. In the first Session, the following delegates were presented papers:
(1) Dr. V. Jagadish, Karnataka Arts College, Dharwad.
(2) Smt. Renuka L. Naik, Lecturer, Govt. Ist Grade College, Kittur.
(3) Prof. T.N. Rajaput, SJMVMahanta College Dharwad.
(4) Dr. R.H. Naik Karnatak University College of Education, Dharwad.
(5) Prof. Ashok Rathod Lecturer Govt Ist Grade College Haliyal.
(6) Prof. B.M. Rathod Lecturer Ilakal.
(7) Dr. Shanta Naik Lecturer Maharaja College of Mysore.
(8) Dr. Ghemaraj Chavan Lecturer Mahila University Bijapur.

The Chairman for the Session was Dr. P.K. Khandoba, Senior Banjara Scholar and Professor of Kannada from Gulbarga University. Dr. L.R. Naik, Reader, Department of Physics, Karnatak University, Dharawad was the rapportier. After the paper presentation session discussion regarding History and Culture took place.

The Second Technical Session was on the Topic of "Present Status of Banjara Comunity in Socio-Economic, Educational and Political Fields. The Chairman for this Session was Shri B.C. Bommanpad, Special Officer, Department of Collegiate Education, Bangalore. The rapportier was Dr. L.T. Naik, Head of the Department, Geography, Karnatak Science College, Dharwad. The following Scholars of Banjara Community presented the papers:
(1) Dr. L.R. Naik.
(2) Dr. Tanaji G. Rathod, Finance Manager, KSIIDC Bangalore.
(3) Dr. Ramesh L. Rathod Lecturer Govt. Ist Grade College, Dharwad.
(4) Dr. Prakash Lamani Lecturer Govt. Ist Grade College, Dharwad.
(5) Prof. Ashok Kumar Rathod Lecturer Govt. Polytechnic College, Bidar.
(6) Prof. Puttappa Jadhav.

The Issue raised in this Session was whether the Banjaras are Aryans or Dravidians. It is certain that the Banjaras are Aryans, because of their fair skin and the term Gor refers to their Colour. Even the language familiarty is with Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi. Banjara and Gypsies was hotly debated in the session. The topic of the session was also hotly debated. Compared to the other communities, the Banjaras are very poorly educated and even their economic status is not upto the mark.

The third Technical Session was a post-lunch session and the topic was Problems of Banjara Community and remediation. The Chairman for this Session was Dr. Raja Naik, Planning Officer, Ambedkar Research Centre, Bangalore. Dr. M. Krishna Murthy, Assistant Registrar, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad was the rapportier for the Session. The following Banjara Scholars presented their papers:
(1) Prof. Limbya Naik Lecturer, Mysore University, Mysore.
(2) Prof. Vijay Kumar Pawar, First Grade College, Pune, Maharashtra.
(3) Prof. Veena Jadhav Associate Professor, UAS, Dharwad.
(4) Dr. M. Krishna Naik (Rtd.) Dept of Veterinari, Ballari.
(5) Prof. J.M. Rathod, UAS, Sirsi.
(6) Prof. R.B. Naik, National Level Banjara Singer, Bangalore.
(7) Dr. S.K. Pawar, Lecturer, Karnatak Arts College, Dharwad.
(8) Dr. M.Krishnamurthy, asst. registrar, UAS, Dharawad.
(9) Dr. Pandit K. Rathod, Lecturer, J.T. College, Gadag.

The papers by scholars highlighted the problems of Banjara Community. It is Shri K.T. Rathod, who was the real hero of the community, because of his efforts, the Banjara Community was included among SCs. Before 1979, the Banjara Community was treated as a Tribe. It is the prime duty of every political leader of the community to develop the community as a whole. In this session forced migration to another community was also discussed seriously. The problem of excessive intake of Alcohol and other aspects of poverty, hygiene were seriously discussed in the session. Dr. Raja Naik's vibrant way of discussion appealed to each and everyone present. Hepresented factual data for the benefit of audience.

The last and Fifth Session was Discision/Closing Ceremony of the Seminar. Dr. Krishnanaik, Director of Extention, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad was the Chairman of this Session. The panel discussion members were:
(1) Shri K.L. Kattimani, AEE.
(2) Prof. Veena Jadhav UAS, Dharwad.
(3) Shri Krishnaji Chauham, EE.
(4) Dr. S. K. Pawar, Lecturer.
(5) Shri Venkatesh, Chief Manager, Union Bank, Hubli.
(6) Madhu Naik, AEE.
(7) Shri Arun Kumar, Press Repoter, Chittradurga.
(8) Shri Sidya Naik, EE.
(9) Shri Lamani, Principal, Dnadeli Govt. College.
(10) Prof. L.R. Naik, KUD, Dharwad.
(11) Shri Kanmadi, Asst. Registrar, KUD.
(12) Dr. Pammar, Principal, First Grade College, Dharwad.
(13) Shri Devanand Chauhan, Chairman of Shri Jagdamba Education Institute, Bijapur.

In this session, the problems were discussed seriously and the questions which came from the audience were allowed by the Chairman. It was discussed to propose to nominate a member of Banjara Community for K.P.S.C. Membership, Sahitya Parishad and Folk Academy. It was also discussed to send a list of problems and remedies to the government.

The Sponsors for the Seminar were felicitated and everybody appreciated the work of the organizing committee. The discussion came to an end at 7.30 P.M. Souvenirs and certificates were distributed to the registered members.

Report by Dr. Mukunand Lamani, Lecturer, Karnataka College, Dharwad (With thanks from www.banjarainfo.com)  
   
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Great Banjara Writor and Scholar Prof. Motiraj Rathod expressing his views in the special meeting of AIBSS at Akola. Dr. T.C. Rathod (President Maharashtra State Unit of AIBSS), Shri Makhram Pawar (Ex Minister of Maharashtra), Shri Manohar Naik (Food and Drug Production Minister of Maharashtra), Shri B.K. Naik (Collector of Beed District of Maharashtra), Shri Digambar Rathod (National President of Banjara Karamchari Sangh) are listening to him. (Photo: Shankar Ade) 

Shri Makhram Pawar (Ex Minister of Maharashtra) making his speech in the meeting of AIBSS

Shri Digambar Rathod expressing his views about the Banjara Unity.

Akola, (Maharashtra), November 4, 2008 (Shankar Ade): Today a special meeting of All India Banjara Seva Sangh was held at the residence of Shri Makhram Pawar in Akola, Maharashtra. Shri Manohar Naik Minister of Maharashtra Government presided over the meeting. Meeting started with the discussions about Renke Commission Report. Different Speakers demanded from the Government to implement Renke Commission Report. Shri Makhram Pawar suggested that after six months All India Banjara Seva Sangh should organise a Great Banjara Rally in New Delhi. He said we will work together to make sure that atleast 10 Lac Banjaras must attend this "Maha Rally". All attendees accepted his proposal of "New Delhi Maha Rally".

Shri Makhram Pawar explained the feud about the Presidency of All India Banjara Seva Sangh. He said this controversy is weakening the Unity of Banjara Samaj. He proposed the name of Shri Manohar Naik, Minister of Maharashtra, for the President of All India Banjara Seva Sangh. Prof. Motiraj Rathod, Engineer Shri Amar Rathod, Shri Digamber Rathod (National President of Banjara Karamchari Sangh) and Shri Mohan Chavan supported the proposal presented by Shri Makhram Pawar. Veteran Banjara leader Shri Chandram Guruji explained the situation about the Presidency of All India Banjara Seva Sangh. He said still I am President of All India Banjara Seva Sangh because I don't resigned from Presidency. He said if it is the demand of everybody attending this meeting, then I will give support to Shri Manohar Naik Ji for AIBSS Presidency.
Dr. T.C. Rathod (Maharashtra State President of AIBSS), Shri Raju Naik (Working President, AIBSS), Nilay Naik, Ram Ji Ade, Lalchand Rathod, Solapur, and Shri B.K. Naik (Collector) also express their views about the unity of Banjara Samaj.

Shri Haribhau Rathod M.P. also sent a letter to Shri Manohar Naik that on same day he is in Delhi for the meeting with Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Congress President. He also said in his letter that he will be agree with the decisions made by this special meeting of Banjara Leaders.
Shri Manohar Naik express his gratitude to the Banjara Leaders that they express faith in him and he also said that he will try his best to maintain this faith. Shri Manohar Naik told the meeting that he will announce the Working Committee of 10 members as soon as possible.

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Gurta Gaddi Diwas of Shri Guru Granth Sahib

Different scenes from Banjara Sadbhawna Rally organised in Nanded, Maharashtra in the leadership of Shri Haribhau Rathod M.P. Yavatmal. Sardar P.S.Pasricha, Chairman Shri Hazur Sahib Gurdwara Board, Tapasvi Sant Shri Ramrao Ji Maharaj also seen in the pictures.

Nanded (Shri Hazur Sahib), Maharashtra, November 1, 2008 (Shankar Ade): To express the solidarity with Gurta Gaddi Diwas of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Banjaras of Maharashtra organised a "Banjara Sadbhawna Rally" at Shri Hazur Sahib (Nanded), Maharashtra in the leadership of Great Banjara leader Shri Haribhau Rathod M.P. and president of Rashtriya Banjara Kranti Dal. Numerous Banjaras from all over Maharashtra attended this "Banjara Sadbhawna Rally" in their colorful dresses. Cultural troups also perform their Banjara traditional dance and art. Shri Haribhau Rathod M.P. told to the Banjara Times that this Banjara Sadbhawna Rally was successful event to express solidarity with Gurta Gaddi Diwas of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He said that great Banjaras Baba Lakhi Shah Ji Banjara, Bhai Mani Singh, Bhai Bachittar Singh and many others devoted their lives for Sikh Gurus. Thats why Banjaras have very strong relations with Sikh Religion. He said today with "Banjara Sadbhawna Rally" we memorise our elders who sacrificed their lives for Sikh religion.

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Chief Minister Maj. Gen. B. C. Khanduri and AIBSS National President Dr. M. Shankar Naik honouring a talented student in Banjara Convention held in Siddhartha Palace, Saharanpur Road, Dehradun, Uttrakhand on September 28, 2008. 

(From Left) Mr. Harbans Lalka, S. Jagtar Singh Multani, Mr. K.G. Banjara, Dr. M. Shankar Naik, Mr. Roshan Lal Rathod are seen on the stage of Banjara Convention in Dehradun, Uttrakhand State.

Chief Minister of Uttrakhand State Maj. Gen. B. C. Khanduri and Uttrakhand State President of AIBSS S. Charan Singh Nayak at the time of honour of  Ritesh Kamal (representative of Banjara Times, Online Magazine of Goaars).

Dehradun, September 28, 2008 (Ritesh Kamal): Uttrakhand State Unit of All India Banjara Seva Sangh successfully organised State level Banjara Convention at Siddhartha Palace, Patel Nagar, Dehradun on Sunday, September 28, 2008. Banjara representatives from all over Uttrakhand State and also from other states attended this Banjara Convention. Maj. Gen. B. C. Khanduri, Chief Minister of Uttrakhand State was Chief Guest and Dr. M. Shankar Naik, President, All India Banjara Seva Sangh preside over the function. Shri K. G. Banjara, General Secretary, AIBSS, Shri Roshan Lal Rathod, General Secretary, AIBSS, S. Jagtar Singh Multani, Ex MLA, Shri Mukesh Sabana, President Youth Wing, AIBSS, Shri Harbans Lalka, Punjab, were the Guest of Honour.

Uttrakhand State President of AIBSS, S. Charan Singh Nayak presented the demands of Uttrakhand State Banjaras. At this occassion Banjaras honoured the Chief Minister Maj. Gen. B. C. Khanduri.

S. Charan Singh Nayak told about Maj. General B.C. Khanduri that he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state by Governor Sudarshan Aggarwal on March 8, 2007. He was also a former Union Minister of India.

B.C.Khanduri was born on 1st October 1934 at Dehradun (Uttaranchal) to Late Shri Jai Ballabh Khanduri and Late Smt. Durga Devi Khanduri. He married Smt. Aruna Khanduri and has one son and one daughter. He was educated at Allahabad University, College of Military Engineering, Pune , Institute of Engineers, New Delhi and Institute of Defence Management, Secunderabad. He was a civil engineer in the Army and worked for over three decades (1954-1990). For his services he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).

S. Charan Singh Nayak told that after his retirement from the Army, B.C.Khanduri actively participated in politics and was elected from Garhwal in Uttarakhand in 1991 in the 10th and later in the 12th, 13th and 14th Lok Sabha elections. In Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government he was the minister of state (with independent charge) of the Road, Transport and Highways Ministries from 2000 to 2003. Later he held cabinet rank in 2003 and stayed till May 2004. The BJP government's prestigious National Highways Development Project was successfully implemented under his guidance.

The project was called Golden Quadrilateral and the proposal was to link Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and Chennai with a "world-class multi-lane" highway. Being a senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party he held many prestigious positions of the party. In the Lok Sabha elections he was the party's Chief Whip . B.C.Khanduri has been involved with various social and cultural activities. In 1917, his grand father started "Chandra Ballabh Trust" which was later managed by him. He has interest in sports and has held eminent positions in various sports authorities of India. He was also associated with Wild Life Society of India from 1990 to 2000 and was a Member of G.B. Pant Himalaya Environment and Development Committee from 1998 to 2000.

In this Banjara Convention, talented students of Goaar community from High Schools and Intermediate Schools who secured 60 percent and more marks in their examinations, were specially honoured by All India Banjara Seva Sangh Dehradun. Ashutosh Singh Rathod, Manoj Kumar, Ankit, Ravi, Neetu Rathod, Sapna and Inderjeet Kaur were among 25 talented students who recieved honour from Chief Minister Maj. General B. C. Khanduri, AIBSS president Dr. M. Shankar Naik and AIBSS General Secretary Mr. K.G. Banjara.

(In above Photo a brilliant student recieving honour from Chief Minister Maj. Gen. B. C. Khanduri, Dr. M. Shankar Naik and Mr. K.G. Banjara)

In his address, Maj. Gen. B.C. Khanduri told the gathering of Banjaras that he always believe in action, not in announcements. He said he is always ready for the welfare of Banjaras. He assured the Banjaras that State Government will send the recommendations to the centre Government for the status of Scheduled Tribe to Banjaras.

Dr. M. Shankar Naik stressed upon the need of education among Banjaras of the North India. He said in Karnataka and Andhra pradesh, Banjaras are more educated. He said this is the reason we have IAS, IPS officers from Banjara Community, in these states. He said unity among all kind of Banjaras, is main need of the time. He stressed upon the marriages between all sections of Banjaras. He congratulate the Uttrakhand Unit in the leadership of S. Charan Singh Nayak for the success of impressive Banjara Convention.
(In above photo Dr. M. Shankar Naik honouring a veteran Goaar Social Worker Advocate S. Sham Singh Muchhaal from Punjab) 

Shri K. G. Banjara, National General Secretary of AIBSS said in his speech that Banjaras of India should organise themselve. He said, if we are strong then no need to ask for demands from anyone. He said the Bhartiya Janta Party understand the unity of Banjaras. Thats why we have seven MLAs in Karnataka. He said BJP allready fulfill the demand of Rajasthan Banjaras. He said congress never care about Banjaras.

S. Jagtar Singh Multani, Ex Minister of Punjab told the gathering of Banjaras that only way of progress is education and unity among all Banjaras of India. He also explained the relation between Banjaras and Sikh religion. He said our forefathers give sacrifices for the Country but still Banjaras are backward and we don't have sufficient representation in the political and social system. 
(In above Photo Advocate S. Jagtar Singh Multani from Punjab addressing the gathering of Banjaras and Mr. Harbans Lalka and Mr. K.G. Banjara are seen alongwith him.)

Shri Harbans Lalka from Punjab, said in his speech that Goaars should organise in the name of Goaars. He said first we are Goaars. Other names given us by Kaurs. He said All India Banjara Seva Sangh should organise the units in all states. He said some states are very weak in the unity of Goaars. He said S. Charan Singh Nayak and his team did a good job by honouring the youth talent of community.

At this occassion Banjara Workers also honoured by AIBSS Dehradun. Stage was conducted by Master Dharam Singh Rathod, Shri Balwant Singh and Magan Singh Pundeer (Vartia). (In above photo Sunil Khanna from Haryana addressing the gathering)

Shri Mukesh Sabana, Shri Harbans Lalka, S. Jagtar Singh Multani and Shri K. G. Banjara are seen in the picture above.

Advocate S. Sham Singh Muchhaal, Punjab, S. Sucha Singh Dharamsaut, S. Kashmir Singh Lalka Morinda, Shri Vikramjit Vikki, Shri Sunil Khanna, Kurukshetra, S. Gajraj Singh, S. Ranjit Singh Nayak, Noida also attended the Banjara Convention.    
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