“In general libraries, it is difficult to find many books on Dr Ambedkar or Ambedkarite movement. They do not want to keep it. The same casteist mentality prevails today,” says Ramesh Tukaram Shinde, an 88-year-old book collector from Mumbai. He goes on to narrate his experiences of disappointments with school libraries back in the pre-independence era, which did not include a crucial book on the economy of the time, ‘The Problem of the Rupee’ by Dr BR Ambedkar, in their catalogue.
Born in 1933, Shinde is one of the very few witnesses to the growing momentum of the anti-caste revolution in the pre- and post- independence Indian sub-continent. Watching live speeches of Ambedkar after school hours with his friends was one of the first instances when inspiration struck the young minds to pick a book or two and invest time in reading. The impact of the charismatic leader on Shinde only grew over time with deeper affection and respect.
Though short-lived in the early teenage years, the passion to collect and read books reignited after the death of their beloved leader in 1956. It’s been over 60 years and Shinde has only worked to expand his collection of over 3000 books and other rare writings.
The first edition of Annihilation of Caste by DR Ambedkar, a report submitted to the All-India Depressed Classes Leaders` Conference and a hand-written letter by the leader. Photo Courtesy: Sarasvati T
Today, Shinde’s personal library at his Goregaon residence echoes some of the strongest historical sentiments of the bitter sweet, chaotic and steady social and political developments spearheaded by Ambedkar for the masses between the 1930s and 50s. With over 3000 titles on Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, Shahu Maharaj and other pioneers of the social justice movement stacked in ceiling-touching cupboards painted in the symbolic blue colour, the collection is a breathing link to history and the leader himself.
A treasure trove for those studying Dr Ambedkar
What started as a habit to preserve daily copies of newspapers founded by Ambedkar such as ‘Prabuddh Bharat’ and ‘Janata’, as an employee at the Bombay Porters’ Trust, Shinde went to collect rare titles published at selected places in and around the state, mainly in Pune, Solapur and Ahmednagar, during his free hours.
Rare old photographs of Dr Ambedkar in Shinde`s collection. Photo Courtesy: Raj Patil
From the first editions of ‘Annihilation of Caste’, ‘The Problem of the Rupee’, ‘The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India’, ‘Thoughts on Pakistan’, ‘What Congress and Gandhi have done to the Untouchables’ and original copies of the speeches at the Round Table Conference and the Constituent Assembly, Shinde’s treasure includes Ambedkar’s finest works of authorship on economy, caste, religion and national affairs of India.
“I always preferred collecting the first editions of books. This is because one cannot guarantee that the second or third editions are not modified or are in their original form as the first print,” he says.
Amid heaps of books, one can get their hands on files of Ambedkar’s original hand-written letters and essential seminal papers, thesis and speeches, which document his rigorous works advocating the fundamental rights for the labour community and the marginalised communities. There are also old photographs closely capturing some of Ambedkar’s family, social and political moments.
Though, away from the mainstream fame, Shinde’s valuable collectibles have not been away from the keen eyes of researchers, PhD scholars, filmmakers, activists in the anti-caste movement and those who acknowledge Ambedkar’s works and are involved in studying his works.
Throughout his journey, Shinde has been a host and guide for many such Indian and foreign visitors at his home. As someone who has historical facts with accurate dates at the tip of his tongue, a proficiency that comes with years of reading, he is also a keen observer of how others are writing about the movement and is quick to identify the errors and misinformation in mainstream media.
“It is my duty to help anyone from the student community or government, who are doing research on Babasaheb Ambedkar. I never take any money from them. I also do not shy away from correcting people when they write something incorrect,” he says.
Passing on the legacy
The perfectly categorised books, volumes and documents, a method known only to Shinde, now require a larger and safer space. As Shinde grows old, he is on the lookout to pass on the duty of preserving the legacy to an organisation or individual who can be determined, responsible and empathetic enough to value what they would inherit.
Most importantly, he wants the collection to be accessible to the common public in the same manner as it is now. He worries if he submits it to a government organisation, the collection will most likely be priced and out of reach of those who are in need, especially students. As the right person approaches, Shinde will be ready to strike a deal with necessary formal and legal requirements.
“My collection and hard work is all under Babasaheb’s name and if you are benefiting from it, then supporting you is my work. Everyone should benefit from Ambedkar’s thoughts,” he concludes.
Also Read: Dr Ambedkar Book Centre: Six years after demolition, the legacy continues at a makeshift stall in Dadar
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