Petition Summary:
Every year on April 14th, thousands gather at Annal Ambedkar Manimandapam in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a visionary leader and the Father of the Indian Constitution. However, publishers and booksellers of Dr. Ambedkar’s works and anti-caste literature are denied access to set up stalls within the premises. This undermines the intellectual and cultural richness of the occasion and excludes valuable literature from being shared with attendees.

Our Demands:

1. Permission for Book Stalls: The Tamil Nadu Government should fund and permit the operation of temporary book stalls within Annal Ambedkar Manimandapam on April 14, 2025, and every year thereafter. These stalls should feature literature on Dr. Ambedkar, anti-caste movements, and Dalit literature.
2. Alignment with Established Traditions: Many states, including Maharashtra, host book fairs during Ambedkar-related celebrations at venues like Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai and Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur. Tamil Nadu should adopt similar practices to integrate book fairs into the celebration of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.
3. Facilitation of Temporary Book Stalls: Authorities must allocate a portion of the premises and provide funding for temporary book stalls. This would resolve the grievances of publishers and attendees who wish to engage with Dr. Ambedkar’s works and the literature of the Dalit movement.
4. Recognition of Intellectual Legacy: Including book fairs during the commemoration underscores the intellectual and educational importance of Dr. Ambedkar’s teachings. This provides attendees with opportunities to engage deeply with his progressive ideas.
   
   

Why this matters:

Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy is built on knowledge, education, and social reform. Enabling book stalls at Annal Ambedkar Manimandapam will:

• Promote the socio-educational development of attendees.
• Offer access to transformative literature that reflects Babasaheb’s vision.
• Enrich the celebration with intellectual and cultural engagement.

Targeted Authorities:
 

• Director, Information and Public Relations Department
• Chief Engineer, Public Works Department
• Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai
• Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mylapore
• Inspector of Police, E5 Police Station

Sign this petition to support the inclusion of book stalls at Annal Ambedkar Manimandapam and ensure future celebrations honor Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy with dignity, inclusion, and education!