In a defining moment since India’s Independence, the global “X-Force” of young Ambedkarites–reminiscent of IBM’s covert operations and the elite units of US Intelligence – has eclipsed the formidable presence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its international counterpart, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, on Californian soil.
This enigmatic force, though shrouded in mystery, played a pivotal role in crafting the groundbreaking anti-caste discrimination law in California, anchored firmly in the principles of the United Nations’ human rights charter and shielded by both Indian and US Constitutions. As California stands on the brink of an epochal change, awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s seal to officially recognise caste as a protected class, the legislative scales have already showcased an unprecedented tilt — 50 votes in favor against a meager three. Woven into this tapestry of change is “X-Force’s” partner Aisha Wahab, a luminous figure in the California State Senate, whose personal journey mirrors the trials endured by Dalits, marked by poignant memories of familial loss.
In India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, where commemorating BR Ambedkar Jayanthi or echoing his name in ringtones can lead Dalits to lose their lives, the Ambedkarites movement led by generation X stands as a strong beacon of hope and bravery.
Also read: You can be a Hindu nationalist and an Ambedkarite both
US Congress and Ambedkar
The landmark victory in caste legislation against the influential RSS affiliation of HSS is just the tip of the iceberg. Behind this win, the “X-Force” has been tirelessly weaving a global network, connecting international leaders, advocacy groups, and global organisations. Among its accolades, the “X-Force”, which includes this author, has proudly hosted prime ministers and presidents to honor BR Ambedkar’s birth anniversary in esteemed forums like the United Nations, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization, US Congress and the White House. Each achievement serves as a spirited tribute to Ambedkar’s enduring legacy, underscoring the movement’s profound and far-reaching resonance.
The “X-Force” has seamlessly infused its enduring spirit into the global narrative. Ambedkar’s name echoes with honor in New York’s bustling streets. A stone’s throw from Washington DC, a sprawling 15-acre center readies itself to showcase a monumental Ambedkar statue, the largest one outside India. Esteemed US Congress members like Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, and Pramila Jayapal have embodied the movement’s principles. Their gesture of delivering a human rights petition to Modi, along with commemorating Ambedkar’s birth anniversary in Congress in tandem with “X-Force,” signifies a profound allegiance.
When former US President Barack Obama recognised Ambedkar while addressing India’s members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,in 2010, it wasn’t mere diplomacy—it was a heartfelt nod, a testament to the diligent efforts of this spirited coalition, emphasising the urgency of Ambedkarites’ human rights. In a stark contrast, while the RSS-HSS zealously clings to their “Hindu Rashtra” vision, seemingly pulling India back into the shadows of the past, the “X-Force” emerges as a beacon of hope. Charging forward with fiery determination, they advocate for a casteless society. Their triumphant conquest in California is a deafening proclamation of their expanding global influence. And the world is taking notice.
The Ambedkarite-X Force movement finds its vigour in the tenacious Ravidassia Community, which established itself in the central valley of California through migration in the 1950s and 1960s. As gurudwaras emerged, the community birthed Begumpura Societies worldwide, driven by Ambedkar’s ideals. Their entrepreneurial ventures strengthened Ambedkar’s legacy.
The anti-caste movement in the US began when Congressman Everett McKinley Dirksen’s visited Ambedkar in 1945. Dirksen, pivotal in shaping the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, not only shared academic ties with Ambedkar but also an unwavering commitment to social justice. In 1957, Senator Paul Douglas paved the path for Ambedkar’s work in the US Congress. In 1975, Congressman George Armistead Smathers continued the legacy of Ambedkar’s casteless society advocacy.
US House Representative Trent Franks introduced H.R.1802 – Human Rights in India Act in the 105th Congress (1997-1998). Resolutions like H.Con.Res.139, H.Res.1346, and H.Res.566 echoed the need to address untouchability and uphold human rights. Organisations such as Ambedkar International Mission, Ambedkar Center for Justice and Peace, and newer outfits like Boston Study Group, the Ambedkar Association of North America and the Ambedkar International Center amplify the Ambedkarite cause, albeit with the challenge of uniting under a common banner.
The resonant cries of Dalits/Ambedakrites, crucial to our democratic ethos, often fade amid dominant narratives, both locally and internationally. Notably overshadowing these voices are entities such as the RSS-backed HSS in USA and, strikingly, Equality Labs. While, on the surface, Equality Labs may project themselves as champions of Dalits, a closer examination reveals a story tangled in dubious motives and concealed intentions.
This US-based profit-driven organisation, as per media reports, parading its connections with anti-India factions, seems to replicate the RSS’s divisive tactics. Alarmingly, while the Equality Labs accuses tech behemoths like Google and X (formerly Twitter) of caste biases for mere media attention, these very platforms have empowered countless Ambedkarite students through the “X-Force” initiative to gain employment and support entrepreneurship and supporting Ambedkar’s work at United Nations.
More recent media news on Equality Lab’s ties to groups harboring extremist ideologies from Khalistan and Pakistan erroneously link Dalits with anti-India sentiments. This is a stark contrast to the robust “X-Force” belief in Ambedkar’s enduring proclamation: ‘Indians First, Indians Last’.
As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, the political landscape of India is on the brink of seismic transformation. The “X-Force” emerges not merely as a challenger, but as a revolutionary tempest that has already bested the RSS on international fronts. With the undying spirit of Ambedkar’s fighting spirit in their hearts and the formidable power of Artificial Intelligence in their arsenal, they aim to rewrite the destiny of marginalised communities, transcending the stale confines of traditional political dogma. In this high-stakes game, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s alignment with the “X-Force” isn’t just strategy; it’s a daring gambit.
Meanwhile, Modi’s conspicuous untouchability approach could spell an unraveling for the BJP, potentially jeopardizing their hegemony over 85 parliamentary seats. The stage is set, the players are ready, and as the nation watches with bated breath, the impending political maelstrom promises to redefine the very soul of India.
Also read: Robert Kennedy’s politics was almost Ambedkarite. The world needs leaders like him today
Rallying cry
While the California law may not possess the historical weight of Ambedkar’s SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act in the Indian Constitution, its significance is nothing short of monumental. This legislation serves as a rallying cry, resonating across not only various states within the US but also reverberating on an international scale. Countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and South Africa are watching closely, eagerly considering collaboration with the Ambedkarite-X movement to enact similar legislation within their borders.
In the vast expanse of global activism, a significant transformation is underway. Ambedkarites “X-Force”, representing not just Dalits but marginalised communities from 170 nations, are shedding the term “Dalit”. The word signifies the ‘broken’. They are choosing instead to rally under a banner that embodies the progressive ideals of Ambedkar.
This shift is as monumental as India’s ambitious strides in space exploration, from landing on the moon’s south pole to probing the sun’s atmosphere. Even as this movement gains traction in places like California, traditional entities like the RSS and its affiliates seem perplexed, struggling to decode its burgeoning success. The journey, however, is just beginning. With sights set on the US Congress and aspirations for similar resolutions across all 50 states, the “X-Force” is charting a new course in the quest for justice and equality.
Fueled by an unyielding spirit of resilience and determination, as well as the indomitable legacy of Ambedkar, the journey of the movement’s leaders is one that challenges conventions, defies norms, and molds the contours of an inclusive and equitable future. Their efforts are carving out a more just and compassionate world, not just for themselves, but for all who follow.
The author is the president of Foundation for Human Horizon, a UN-affiliated NGO that’s
leading the Anti-Caste legislation movement in the USA and an Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Research Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Views are personal.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)