Marking Martyrs' Day with a Show of Hindu-Muslim Unity

On January 30, 2024, the streets of London witnessed a remarkable event of solidarity and remembrance. Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) UK, in collaboration with the Indian Muslim Council UK (UK-IMC), led a Peace Walk, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds to honor the legacies of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. This day, chosen for its significance as India's Martyrs' Day, saw a powerful display of interfaith unity, symbolizing the shared values of freedom, non-violence, and solidarity.

A crowd of 25 people attended this peaceful march, echoing the enduring teachings of two of India's most iconic figures. The walk not only commemorated the sacrifices made in the struggle for India's independence but also served as a poignant reminder of the need for ongoing unity and harmony, especially in times of division and strife.

The Meaning Behind the March

This Peace Walk was not just a physical journey but a symbolic one. It connected the inspiring yet distinct legacies of Dr. Ambedkar, the architect of India's constitution, who fervently fought against caste and class oppression, and Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of nonviolent resistance remains a global beacon for peaceful activism.

On this solemn day, the participants paid tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the fight for India's freedom. In India, Martyrs' Day or Shahid Diwas is observed with deep reverence, marked by ceremonies and a two-minute silence across the nation. The walk in London paralleled these observances, bringing a piece of this solemn tradition to the UK.

Voices of Unity

The Peace Walk featured impactful speeches from leaders Rajiv Sinha of HfHR UK, Sunita Viswanath, the Executive Director of HfHR, and Shahid from the UK Indian Muslim Council (UK-IMC), veteran anti-racism and human rights advocate Suresh Grover, and human rights campaigner Yusuf Dawood.

Rajiv Sinha's Address:

"Awful things are happening in the name of the Hindu way of life, but that’s not our Hindu way of life. We are here in solidarity and love with our Muslim sisters and brothers, and our sisters and brothers from all backgrounds. Today, we walk together to remind ourselves of the lessons from Ambedkar and Gandhi, celebrating the Indian philosophical tradition."

Sunita Viswanath's Reflections:

"Today marks a step towards Hindu-Muslim unity. Hindutva ideology is tearing apart our communities, undermining democracy and human rights in India. Our best resistance is our unity. In the face of Hindutva, Ambedkar and Gandhi would stand together. We in Hindus for Human Rights are anti-caste Hindus, inspired by Ambedkar to reject caste and uphold truth, justice, and the oneness of all."

Shahid of UK-IMC: "The secular democratic spaces Gandhi and Ambedkar wanted to create are being harmed. We face a situation where the right to express dissent is compromised. At a time when Ambedkar and Gandhi could argue their ideas democratically, today's India lacks such a space for debate. Protecting Gandhi’s idea is crucial now to conserve the values he gave us."

Suresh Grover of The Monitoring Group:

Suresh Grover, Director of The Monitoring Group

“To my knowledge, this is the first event commemorating both Ambedkar and Gandhi at the same time in this country.”

Yusuf Dawood, the 2023 Winner of the Swami Agnivesh Memorial Award, shared his deeply personal and harrowing experience. His words not only shed light on the tragic consequences of communal violence but also highlighted the ongoing political challenges that exacerbate such divisions. Yusuf's story is a somber reminder of the real human cost of religious and communal strife, underscoring the urgent need for the peace and unity championed by the Peace Walk.

Yusuf Dawood's Story:

"We went on holiday to Gujarat, India in 2002 and unfortunately, members of my family never came back. This same movement was then consolidated politically through the consecration of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya."

A Tribute to Peace and Non-Violence

In a touching finale artist Shahina Jaffer went to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square and commemorated the significance of the day and the walk with a candlelight tribute, symbolizing hope and the undying flame of peace and non-violence.

The Peace Walk by HfHR UK and UK-IMC is more than an event; it's a reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold the values of diversity, peaceful coexistence, and harmonious activism. As we reflect on the teachings of Dr. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, let us continue to strive for a world where peace and unity triumph over division and strife.