Dr. Ambedkar International Mission (AIM) in collaboration with Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha, Paris, France, had organized the 3rd Dr. Ambedkar International Convention between 3rd and 5th July 2014 in Paris, France, at one of the world’s prestigious center. The main objective of the convention was to spread message about Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy, his struggle and life mission. The 1st and 2nd International conventions were held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 10th-11th October 1998 and 16th to 18th December 2011, respectively. 3rd Dr. Ambedkar International Mission Convention held at Paris was indeed a grand success. More than 600 delegates from over 12 countries viz. U.S.A., Canada, U.K., Japan, Malaysia, India, Italy, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, Germany, France; attended the convention. The Buraku Liberation League (BLL), Japan volunteered to host the next convention in Japan. As an offshoot of the Paris convention, there is every likely that there will be international conventions in different countries of Europe every year; of course such conventions will be scaled down to mostly for Ambedkarites spread over Europe, UK, Canada, USA and other countries. The main objective of the convention is to develop a stronger network of Ambedkarites worldwide and be motivated to work for the freedom of their millions of brothers and sisters from the clutches of the Hindu Caste system.
With an initiative from AIM Japan a convention was organised between 14th May 2015 to 17th May 2015at Japan. The Government of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan and Government of Maharashtra, India in association with Embassy of India, Tokyo and Ambedkar International Mission, Japan had organised the Dr Ambedkar’s Statue unveiling ceremony at Koyasan University, Wakayama, Japan. Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis had consented to be Chief Guest from India. However, while going to press we have received a message from the organiser that the function has been postponed since the organisers have received an official email from Maharashtra Government stating that the unveiling ceremony along with the Maharashtra tourism promotion event scheduled from 13th to 16th May, 2015 in Japan has been postponed and the new dates will be announced in near future. As it was an international event, planned well in advance, the organizer should have gone ahead with the scheduled convention even in the absence of Mr. Devendra Fadnavis who postponed the visit to Japan since Mr. Fadnavis was invited at the last minute by PM to accompany him on the tour to China.
Published in Issue VI, May 2015