A poetic and musical evening titled ‘Priya Bhimas…’ (Dear Bhima) turned into a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial in Airoli. As part of a fortnight-long Jagar lecture series organized by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to mark Ambedkar Jayanti, renowned Marathi poet Arun Mhatre led a soul-stirring performance that blended verse with powerful songs.
Calling Ambedkar's words “songs of light that shine through the darkest lives,” Mhatre emphasized that Jagar is not just about singing praises but a collective resolve to embody Babasaheb’s vision. Accompanied by singers Gandhar Jadhav and Gatha Aigaole, Mhatre captivated the audience with poems and songs rooted in social justice, memory, and resistance.
Recounting his experiences from the Namantar Andolan (Name Change Movement), Mhatre recalled moments of protest and incarceration, blending them with verses that echoed the spirit of the movement. Beginning with his poem ‘Jagar’, he reflected on the different meanings of awakening and the importance of preserving one’s voice in the journey for transformation.
The program featured powerful recitations from the works of legendary poets like Kusumagraj, Suresh Bhat, Vamandada Kardak, Namdeo Dhasal, Ashok Naigavkar, and Sambhaji Bhagat, alongside Mhatre’s own verses. While performing poems by Namdeo Dhasal, Mhatre said, “Babasaheb flowed through Dhasal’s DNA,” calling Dhasal’s poetry a manifestation of unwavering devotion.
A highlight of the evening was Vamandada Kardak’s moving song ‘Uddharli Koti Kule, Bhima Tujhya Janmamulay’ which resonated deeply with the audience. Gandhar Jadhav’s soulful rendition of Mhatre’s song ‘Bhima Bhimraya’ drew rousing applause. In a special tribute to his grandfather, he also sang ‘Tujhyasathi To Jhizla Tyach Aatla Ragat, Tej Bhimachya Buddhich Jara Bhinu De Angaat’, a heartfelt salute to Ambedkar’s brilliance.
Singer Gatha Aigaole mesmerized the crowd with her performance of ‘Majhya Bhimachya Navach Kunku Lavila Ramana’, while the impactful Samvidhan Geet (Constitution Song), famously performed at BARTI, was also presented. “Babasaheb wrote the song of social liberation,” Mhatre said, praising the transformative power of the Constitution.
The program concluded with the stirring poem ‘Bhimraya Ghe Tujhya Ya Lekrancha Vandana’ by Suresh Bhat. The audience rose to their feet in unison, offering a standing ovation to Babasaheb. Owing to the high turnout, the municipal corporation had arranged a live telecast of the event outside the memorial, which also witnessed a large crowd.
Speaking about the unique energy of the venue, Mhatre said, “I’ve performed around the world, but this place is special — steeped in Babasaheb’s vision. Visit the library here, see the photo gallery, read his works. If you wish to meet Babasaheb, this is where he lives on.”
As the Jagar series continues, the next lecture will be held on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:30 PM, where renowned speaker Prof. Harshad Bhosale will speak on ‘Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Vision on Education’. Citizens are urged to attend in large numbers and participate in the ongoing celebration of thought and transformation.
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