Bhima Koregaon victory anniversary celebration in Hassan draws huge crowd

The Bhima Koregaon victory anniversary celebration held in Hassan on January 20 drew a huge crowd. Hundreds of people participated in the procession taken out to mark the event, held for the first time in Hassan, to commemorate the victory of a few hundred Mahar soldiers in a battle against the Peshwa Army at Bhima Koregaon, Maharashtra, 1818.

All through the procession, which began at the Railway Station, participants carried blue flags and danced to songs that praised Dr. B.R. Ambekdar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. He highlighted the importance of the historic event by visiting Bhima Koregaon in 1927.

Bhimrao Yashwant Ambedkar, a grandson of Ambedkar, was the chief guest of the event. He was taken to the venue of the convention in a specially decorated vehicle which travelled with the procession. A replica of the victory pillar that symbolised the soldiers’ victory in the battle was also carried in the procession.

Mr. Yashwant Ambedkar alleged that the Union government is engaged in selling out all public sector units to private people, denying jobs to highly educated people from depressed sections. “There are many hurdles before us. Our highly qualified people are not getting jobs they deserve,” he said.

He recalled the violence that occurred at Bhima Koregoan during the 200th anniversary of the victory. Those who were participating in the event were attacked by supporters of the government. “There was one positive outcome of the event. From the next day, the media highlighted the history of Bhima Koregaon,” he stated.

Bharatiya Boudha Mahasabha, Dalit Samanyava Samiti, Dalit Employees Association, SC-ST Contractors Association and other like-minded organisations jointly organised the event. Senior Dalit leaders H.K. Sandesh, Ambuga Mallesh, Shreyas M. Patel, MP, and others were present.