By Navneet Mishra

New Delhi, Apr 11 (IANS): For the first time, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is planning to commemorate Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14 by lighting diyas in every house. The Samajik Samarasta Manch, which is linked to the RSS, has made special arrangements for it.

It is believed that the RSS will try to give a message of social equality and ending casteism by organising this event. Also, it can be seen as an answer to the critics who accuse the RSS of being anti-Dalit on various issues like reservation etc.

According to Anil Gupta, who is associated with the Manch, "A special event will be held in the memory of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar on the evening of April 14. There will also be a programme to light lamps in all the houses of the capital at 7 p.m.

Gupta said, "At the time of a crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak, it is important to remember Baba Saheb and follow his path."

Sources in the RSS say that all the views expressed in Ambedkar's books match those of the Sangh. Hence, Ambedkar is an all time favourite of the Sangh. After the Modi government came to power in 2014, the Sangh and the BJP started celebrating Ambedkar's birth anniversary vigorously.

For instance, in 2015, the 'Sangh Parivar' and the BJP tried to rope in the Dalits by organising more than 300 programmes across the country on the 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar.

The RSS has started a 'Seva Saptah' with an eye on the April 14 event. During the week, the Manch will express gratitude towards the doctors, nurses who are engaged in treating corona infected people without caring for their own lives.

Apart from this, the Manch will encourage the people who are engaged in essential services. It will run a campaign in all the colonies of Delhi, hospitals, police stations, bank ATMs and public places to thank the police personnel, doctors, nurses, sanitation workers and ATM security guards who are doing their duty despite the pandemic outbreak.