Dalit-Muslim Unity Shines at Historic Chavdar Talab with Iftar Gathering on Samta Diwas

Mahad, Raigad (Maharashtra): Historic Chavdar Talab in Mahad became the venue for an expression of communal harmony and social unity on March 20 when members of the Muslim community, along with Mahad and the Mulnivasi Muslim Manch from Pune, organised an iftar gathering at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Memorial.

Held in honor of Dalit visitors attending the annual Samta Diwas observance, the event commemorated the 98th anniversary of the Mahad Satyagraha, a defining moment in the Dalit rights movement led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Expressing gratitude to the Muslim organisers for hosting the iftar on such a significant day, Anant Kamble, a local activist from Mahad, said, “These kinds of social gatherings are crucial in today’s times to counter false narratives and alleviate unnecessary communal tensions.”

He emphasised the importance of living Dr. Ambedkar’s message of “samta” (equality) and brotherhood, urging all communities to sincerely embrace his ideals in their daily lives.

The Mahad Satyagraha, which holds immense historical significance, was a pivotal moment in the struggle for Dalit rights. On March 20, 1927, Dr. Ambedkar led a group of Dalits to the Chavdar Talab to assert their right to drink water from the public tank, challenging the caste-based discrimination that had long denied them access to this basic public resource. The protest, though met with fierce opposition from ‘upper caste’ groups, became a symbol of resistance against social injustice.

Every year, thousands of Dalit visitors from across Maharashtra and India gather at Mahad to honour the legacy of this momentous protest, which continues to inspire generations of Dalit activists and social reformers.

Speaking on the occasion, Anjum Inamdar, president of the Mulnivasi Muslim Manch, highlighted the importance of spreading the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Sufi saints and other great social reformers to foster unity and peace.

“In Maharashtra, we are witnessing divisive forces at play, creating rifts within our communities. Riots are being instigated over trivial issues, and false histories are being propagated through films and media to mislead the youth,” he alleged.

“It is essential to educate these leaders about the true history of this sacred land and remind them of the core values of equality and unity that have always defined us,” Inamdar continued.

He also recalled a significant historical moment linking Dalit-Muslim solidarity with iftar. On October 13, 1949, during the holy month of Ramzan, freedom fighter Maulana Hasrat Mohani invited Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to an iftar party in Delhi, symbolising a moment of communal harmony.

Inspired by the event, the organisers decided to host an iftar gathering for Dalits visiting Chavdar Talab on Samta Diwas. “This initiative was undertaken to strengthen the bond between the two communities and promote peace. We are happy to see that it received an overwhelmingly positive response,” Inamdar added.

Mohammed Ali Chiplunkar, a member of the Jamiyatul Musalmeen Trust in Mahad, shared the motivation behind organising the iftar.

“March 20 is a historic day when thousands of Dalit brothers and sisters visit our town to remember Dr. Ambedkar’s struggle for equality. This year, it coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, making it the perfect opportunity for us to contribute by organising a gathering to promote communal harmony. We pooled our resources and planned the event, and, Alhamdulillah, it was well-received by everyone,” he said.

The event saw the participation of approximately 500 to 600 activists and community members from various districts of Maharashtra and other parts of India.

Vaishali Shinde, an activist from Buddha Vihar Mandal in Nagpur, addressed the gathering and expressed her gratitude to the Muslim organisers for their warm and generous gesture. She highlighted the historical support extended by Muslim leaders to Dr. Ambedkar during the Dalit rights movement and stressed the importance of strengthening inter-community relations.

Himali Kamble, a former member of the Pune Municipal Council and a noted women’s activist, also lauded the initiative. She praised the organisers for marking Samta Diwas with such a meaningful and inclusive event.

“This kind of initiative is commendable. It helps foster mutual understanding, spread love and enhance respect among different communities. This was our second visit to an iftar event, and we hope to encourage more women to participate in the future,” Kamble said.

As the event drew to a close, the participants took a moment to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar and the shared history of struggle and solidarity between Dalits and Muslims.

Courtesy: Two Circles

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