Mahad, Raigad (Maharashtra): On March 20, the historic Chavdar Talab in Mahad became a platform for religious harmony and social unity as members of the Muslim community, along with the Mulnivasi Muslim Manch from Mahad and Pune, organized an Iftar gathering near the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Memorial.
The event coincided with the annual Samata Diwas and marked the 98th anniversary of the Mahad Satyagraha, a pivotal moment in the Dalit rights movement led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The Mahad Satyagraha, held on March 20, 1927, was a defining moment in the fight for Dalit rights. Dr. Ambedkar led a group of Dalits in asserting their right to drink water from a public tank, directly challenging caste-based discrimination. The protest became a symbol of resistance against social injustice.
Anjum Inamdar, President of the Mulnivasi Muslim Manch, emphasized the importance of spreading the teachings of social reformers. He also recalled a significant historical moment linking Dalit-Muslim solidarity—on October 13, 1949, during the holy month of Ramadan, freedom fighter Maulana Hasrat Mohani invited Dr. Ambedkar to an Iftar gathering in Delhi.
Inspired by this legacy, the organizers decided to host an Iftar for Dalits visiting Chavdar Talab on Samata Diwas.
The event witnessed the participation of around 500 to 600 activists and Muslim community members from various districts of Maharashtra and other parts of India.
Key attendees included members of the Jamiatul Muslimeen Trust, Mahad; activist Vaishali Shinde from the Nagpur Buddha Vihar Mandal; and former Pune Municipal Council member and noted women’s activist Himali Kamble.
The gathering served as a reminder of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and the shared history of Dalit and Muslim resistance against social injustices. Participants reflected on the significance of solidarity in addressing contemporary challenges.
