Celebrated poet Arun Mhatre captivated audiences at the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial in Airoli with a powerful performance of poetry and music, as part of the ‘Jagar’ lecture series organized by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). The series has been launched to commemorate Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.
In an evocative session titled “Priya Bhimas…”, Mhatre—accompanied by singers Gandhar Jadhav and Gatha Aigole—brought Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals to life through poetry and song. “Babasaheb’s poems and songs are songs of light—they shine through the darkness in people’s lives,” Mhatre said, adding, “Jagar is not just celebration; it’s a commitment to act on his thoughts.”
Mhatre opened the evening with his poem Jagar, unpacking its multiple meanings and stressing the importance of awakening to Ambedkarite thought. Reflecting on his involvement in the Name Change Movement, Mhatre recounted prison memories and protest songs, emphasizing how these moments brought him closer to understanding Dr. Ambedkar.
The event featured heartfelt recitations of Mhatre’s own works, including Pahila Bhim Amhi Ladhnaryamadhi (We Saw Bhim Among the Fighters), and tributes to literary giants like Namdev Dhasal, Vamanrao Kardak, Suresh Bhat, and others. “Babasaheb was in Namdev Dhasal’s DNA. His poetry is nothing short of love letters to Babasaheb,” Mhatre said, while calling Kardak the true people’s poet.
Singer Gandhar Jadhav delivered a stirring rendition of Mhatre’s Bhima Bhimraya, and offered a tribute to his grandfather’s lyrics, singing:
“Tujhyasathi to jhizla, tyacha atal ragaat; tej Bhimachya buddhich jara bhinu de angaat.”
(He toiled for you; let the light of Bhim’s wisdom flow through our veins.)
Gatha Aigole’s emotional performance of Majhya Bhimachya Navaacha Kunku Lavila Ramaan… earned a warm response from the audience. The recital of the well-known Samvidhan Geet, often featured by BARTI, was followed by Mhatre’s observation: “Babasaheb wrote the anthem of social liberation.”
The event concluded with Suresh Bhat’s Bhimraya Ghe Tujhya Ya Lekaranchi Vandana (Bhimraya, accept your children’s homage), as the entire audience stood in tribute. Mhatre also highlighted the relevance of Kabir’s philosophy in Babasaheb’s thinking, reciting the poem Kabira Kahe Ye Jag Andha.
In view of the large crowd, the civic body arranged live streaming on a large screen outside the memorial, which also drew significant footfall. Reflecting on the venue, Mhatre remarked, “I’ve performed across the globe, but this auditorium feels different—charged with Babasaheb’s presence. If you wish to meet him, visit this memorial, explore the photo gallery, and read the books.”
The Jagar series will continue on Tuesday, April 8, at 6:30 PM, with a special lecture by noted academic Prof. Harshad Bhosale on “Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Vision for Education.” Citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in this journey of reflection and awakening.
