In A Historic Move, British Columbia In Canada Declares April As Dalit History Month

In a landmark move, Canada's British Columbia province has recognised April as Dalit History Month.

The New Democratic Party-led (NDP) government took the monumental step to designate and declare April 2022 as Dalit History Month, as per the official website of the government of British Columbia.

bclaws.gov.bc.ca

For the uninitiated, Dalit History Month is observed every year to remember important people and events in the history of the Dalits or Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities.

Since April is the birth month of Dalit icon, Dr B.R Ambedkar, it has significance for Dalits across the globe.

The month is considered even significant for the community because of the birth and death anniversaries of other tall Dalit leaders like Jyotirao Phule, Mangu Ram Mugowalia and Sant Ram Udasi.

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"April is a significant month for Dalit communities because it commemorates the birth and death anniversaries of important Dalit leaders and social reformers in the movement against systemic caste discrimination, such as BR Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, Mangu Ram Mugowalia, and Sant Ram Udasi," the government said.

The British Columbia proclamation not only recognises these individuals but also acknowledges "the strength and resiliency of the Dalit community in overcoming hardships and advocating for social justice and equality for all".

PTI

Decreed in the name of Queen Elizabeth II, the proclamation noted that British Columbia is ¡°a culturally diverse province comprising many peoples and communities¡±.

¡°Indigenous people, Black people and people of colour in British Columbia continue to experience systemic racism, injustices, discrimination and hate and the government of British Columbia is committed to address all forms of racism.¡±

Last year, the province celebrated the 130th birth anniversary of Ambedkar on April 14 as ¡®Equality Day¡¯.

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