What is ACJP

The Ambedkar Center for Justice and Peace (ACJP) is a registered non-profit association founded in 1991 by its founder president Mr. Yogesh Varhade, who is Dalit himself and a successful businessman based in North America, during the Birthday Centenary Celebrations of Dr. Ambedkar. It is an International Organization with its branches around the world including Canada, USA, England, Denmark, Chile, Austria, India, Middle East etc. Its mission is to foster recognition of the human rights of, and develop support for, the indigenous peoples of India (also known as Dalits or Untouchables)

Mr. Yogesh Varhade has been an activist since last thirty (30) years and focused on Internationalization of Dalit issue for last 10 years through United Nations mechanism. He has been also a founding member of VISION, USA.

Who was Dr. Ambedkar?

The Ambedkar Center for Justice and Peace (ACJP) is named in honour of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, India's foremost human rights champion (1891-1956). He has been recognized as the Chief architect of India's Constitution.

Ambedkar was an emancipator, scholar extraordinaire, social reformer, philosopher, visionary and a champion of human rights.

By his invaluable contribution to the making of modern India and his unflagging devotion and dedication to human rights, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has earned a special niche in India's history.

In her eloquent tribute to Dr. Ambedkar, scholar, Dr. Barbara Joshi provides the answer :

"How fitting that a man who did so much to reshape the world we live in, a man who left such a positive and yet provocative message for the global society of the late twentieth century, should receive international recognition on the Centenary of his birth. How very important that we learn from his life and its continuing message for our own times. Consider this man whose life we celebrate :

A Scholar - who puts aside the comforts of convention to ask probing questions about the structure and history of Indian society, and in doing opened our eyes to important lessons about the broader human experience.

An Educator - who insisted that learning was the birth right of all, not just the privilege of a few, and built institutions that would help to make this right a practical reality.

A Statesman and Nation-builder - who saw an international order crippled by the weight of colonialism, and an Indian independence that would be a meaningless illusion without the genuine equality of its long-divided people.

A Brilliant Lawyer - who dared to see beyond the profitable routine of briefs and fees, who challenged the law to become a partner in the search for change, and turned his attention to a series of initiatives that ranged from early human rights cases to his work in the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

A Political Visionary - who not only advocated democracy, but also helped millions learn to use democracy as a practical tool in their struggle for justice.

A Social and Religious Reformer - who went beyond criticism to grapple with the far more demanding challenge of actually creating a more humane world; who left behind colleges, political parties, contributions to the national Constitution, and the dynamic revival of Buddhism in India."


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Last revised: October 23, 2006.