->Onel5969 at 16:31, 27 December 2021

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{{Short description|American civil rights advocacy group}}
{{close paraphrasing|date=November 2021|source=https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/who-are-we/}}

{{use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
'''Ambedkar International Center''' ({{small|abbr.}} '''AIC''') is a [[Civil and political rights|civil rights]] [[advocacy group]] formed in 2012 to fight against [[Caste discrimination in the United States|caste discrimination]] in the [[United States]]. AIC's mission is to strengthen the unity among [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|scheduled castes]] (SCs), [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|scheduled tribes]] (STs) and [[Other Backward Class|other backward classes]] (OBCs) living in the [[United States|United States of America]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Who We Are|url=https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/who-are-we/|access-date=2021-09-02|website=Ambedkar International Center|language=en-US}}</ref> The organisation is named after the leading Indian [[Activism|social activist]] and caste reformer, and also architect of the [[Constitution of India]], [[B. R. Ambedkar|Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Books by 'Father of Indian Constitution' B.R. Ambedkar - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/features/best-books-by-b-r-ambedkar/articleshow/75078163.cms|access-date=2021-09-21|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

[[Caste]] is a birth based hierarchical system wherein people are divided into four [[Varna (Hinduism)|varnas]] or categories: [[Brahmin]], [[Kshatriya]], [[Vaishya]] and [[Shudra]], in an order of descending value.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR WRITINGS AND SPEECHES VOL. 1|publisher=Dr Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India|year=1979|isbn=978-93-5109-064-9|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/attach/amb/Volume_01.pdf}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=10 September 2020|title=THE ANNIHILATION OF CASTE|url=https://ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/mmt/ambedkar/web/readings/aoc_print_2004.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910091009/https://ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/mmt/ambedkar/web/readings/aoc_print_2004.pdf|archive-date=10 September 2020|access-date=10 September 2020|website=ccnmtl.columbia.edu}}</ref> As [[Yashica Dutt]]a writes in the [[The New York Times|New York Times]], [[Dalit]], meaning oppressed, is a self-chosen identity for a quarter of India’s population who have been at the receiving end of centuries old systematic and [[Institutionalized discrimination in the United States|institutionalised discrimination]] and disenfranchisement.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|last=Dutt|first=Yashica|date=2020-07-14|title=Opinion {{!}} The Specter of Caste in Silicon Valley|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/opinion/caste-cisco-indian-americans-discrimination.html|access-date=2021-09-10|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> {{Infobox organization
| name = Ambedkar International Center
| formation = June 2012
| logo = Ambedkar International Center Logo.jpeg
| named_after = [[Babasaheb Ambedkar]]
| type = [[Nonprofit Organization|Nonprofit]]
| purpose = "Establish intellectual, moral, and social democracy elements in every section of the Indian society, prevent and curb the plight of caste-based human rights violations to build a fairer, more egalitarian society based on the principles and philosophy of Dr. Ambedkar."<ref name="ambedkarinternationalcenter.org">ambedkarinternationalcenter.org "[https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/who-are-we/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902134509/https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/who-are-we/ |date=September 2, 2021 }}". Accessed September 23, 2021.</ref>
| headquarters = Accokeek, Maryland 20607 USA <ref name="ambedkarinternationalcenter.org">ambedkarinternationalcenter.org "[https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/who-are-we/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902134509/https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/who-are-we/ |date=September 2, 2021 }}". Accessed September 23, 2021.</ref>
| leader_title = President
| leader_name = Sanjay Kumar <ref name="ReferenceA">ambedkarinternationalcenter.org "[https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/who-are-we/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902134509/https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/who-are-we/ |date=September 2, 2021 }}". Accessed September 2, 2021.</ref>
| leader_title2 = Vice President
| leader_name2 = Rakesh G <ref name="ReferenceA">ambedkarinternationalcenter.org "[https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/who-are-we/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902134509/https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/who-are-we/ |date=September 2, 2021 }}". Accessed September 2, 2021.</ref>
| website = https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org
}}

== Context ==
[[File:Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.jpg|right|thumb|[[B. R. Ambedkar]] (1891-1956)]]

{{See also|Caste discrimination in the United States|Anti-Brahminism}}
[[Caste]] is a birth based [[Hierarchy|hierarchical]] system wherein people are divided into four [[Varna (Hinduism)|varnas]] or categories: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra, in an order of descending value.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

A person's caste is determined at birth and that channels them into that caste's occupation. [[Dalit]]s, who technically fall outside the [[caste system]], do the dirtiest jobs — cleaning sewers, taking away dead animals, tanning leather and other tasks that are considered to pollute a person in [[Hinduism]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Even with a Harvard pedigree, caste follows 'like a shadow'|url=https://www.pri.org/stories/2019-03-05/even-harvard-pedigree-caste-follows-shadow|access-date=2021-09-10|website=The World from PRX|language=en}}</ref> In the [[United States]] as well, caste follows,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-03|title=California example|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/cisco-systems-casteism-castes-merit-california-6487436/|access-date=2021-09-21|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> as a 2018 survey by Equality Labs reveals that 67% of [[Dalit]]s in the Indian diaspora within the [[United States]] admitted to facing caste-based harassment at the workplace.<ref name=":3" /> 25% of [[dalit]]s also reported facing [[Verbal assault|verbal]] or [[physical assault]] based on their [[caste]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Naik|first=Raqib Hameed|title=US students pass resolution to end discrimination against Dalits|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/16/california-student-body-demands-ban-on-caste-based-discrimination|access-date=2021-09-10|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref>

== Vision ==
Ambedkar International Center works for the [[emancipation]] of [[Dalit]]s in the [[United States]].<ref name=":0" /> In a context where a majority of Indians living in the [[United States]] are upper-caste,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-12-10|title=All Come to Look for America|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/books/the-other-one-percent-indians-in-america-book-review-migration-4419534/|access-date=2021-09-17|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> caste-Hindu practices such as performing a supremacist thread ceremony that is only for [[Brahmin]] men, lionizing [[vegetarianism]] as a virtue and in effect demonising the consumption of meat are some practices through which [[Forward caste|upper-caste Hindus]] establish their cultural presence as a community.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|date=2 March 2021|title=AMBEDKAR INTERNATIONAL CENTER POST-PRESS CONFERENCE BRIEF|url=https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Post-Press-Conference-Brief.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917081629/https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Post-Press-Conference-Brief.pdf|archive-date=17 September 2021|access-date=17 September 2021|website=Ambedkarinternationalcenter.org}}</ref>

This results in a bias towards a nostalgic and celebratory view of [[Hinduism]].<ref name="epw.in">{{Cite journal|date=2015-06-05|title=Why is the Indian Diaspora in Denial About Caste?|url=https://www.epw.in/engage/discussion/why-is-the-indian-diaspora-in-denial-about-caste|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|language=en|pages=7–8}}</ref> Scholars such as [[Kancha Ilaiah|Kancha Illiah]] have argued that [[Dalit]] practices do not fall within the umbrella of [[Hinduism]],<ref>{{Cite book|last=Samuel|first=Joshua|title=Untouchable Bodies, Resistance, and Liberation|publisher=Brill|year=2020|isbn=9789004420052|url=https://brill.com/previewpdf/book/9789004420052/BP000006.xml?pdfJsInlineViewToken=1782819820&inlineView=true|pages=80}}</ref> and that [[Hindus|Hindu]] practices have stemmed from the [[oppression]] of Dalit communities, where and all aspects of dalitbahujan social life are denied respect.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dalits|url=https://minorityrights.org/minorities/dalits/|access-date=2021-09-17|website=Minority Rights Group|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Kolappan|first=B.|date=2017-10-09|title=Oppressed by Dalits: living as the lowest among the lowest|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/living-as-the-lowest-among-the-lowest/article19826702.ece|access-date=2021-09-17|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

According to AIC, [[Caste system in India|caste]] is also downplayed within these [[Hinduism|Hindu practices]],<ref name="epw.in"/> as is clear from the argument a '[[Hindus|Hindu]] [[Supremacism|supremacist]]' organisation made in an injection in the Cisco caste discrimination case, that the [[State (polity)|State]] could not interfere in such matters, "effectively claiming impunity for [[Prejudice|bigotry]] in the name of [[Freedom of religion|religious freedom]]."<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=California's case against Cisco Systems violates Hindus' religious freedom|url=https://www.hinduamerican.org/press/california-cisco-case-violates-religious-freedom/|access-date=2021-09-21|website=Hindu American Foundation|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Karthikeyan|first=S.|title=The Hindu American Foundation's warped position on caste in the Cisco case|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/caste/cisco-haf-hindu-american-dalit-diaspora|access-date=2021-09-21|website=The Caravan|language=en}}</ref>

== History and organization ==
Ambedkar International Center is part of a coalition of American Ambedkarite Organizations which have been active in the anti-caste lobbying for over two decades in America.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=2020-07-04|title=American Ambedkarite organizations condemn caste discrimination at Cisco|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/american-ambedkarite-organizations-condemn-caste-discrimination-cisco-127939|access-date=2021-09-14|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> The civil-rights organization<ref>{{Cite web|last=Osgood|first=Brian|title=Calls to tackle caste-based discrimination in US gather steam|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/5/14/calls-to-tackle-caste-based-discrimination-in-us-gather-steam|access-date=2021-09-02|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref> was formed in the United States in June 2012, to strengthen the unity among scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes.<ref name=":0" />

In May 2013, AIC acquired the 13.2 acre property near the capital of the USA, Washington DC, to establish the world's first Ambedkar International Center in the west.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=TwoCircles.net|date=2013-05-14|title=Ambedkar International Center (AIC) acquires 13 acres of land in Washington DC area|url=http://twocircles.net/2013may14/ambedkar_international_center_aic_acquires_13_acres_land_washington_dc_area.html|access-date=2021-09-14|website=TwoCircles.net|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=16 May 2013|title=DR. AMBEDKAR INTERNATIONAL CENTER (AIC) ACQUIRES PROPERTY IN WASHINGTON DC AREA|work=Ambedkar Times|url=https://www.ambedkartimes.com/AT%20May%2016-31,%202013.pdf|access-date=14 September 2020}}</ref> As per the organisation's website, the site was inaugurated by former [[Chief Justice of India]] Hon’ble [[K. G. Balakrishnan|K. G.Balakrishnan]] on 21 July 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|last=AIC|date=2020-05-05|title=Bodhisattva Dr. Ambedkar Memorial|url=https://ambedkarinternationalcenter.org/2020/05/bodhisattva-dr-ambedkar-memorial/|access-date=2021-09-02|website=Ambedkar International Center|language=en-US}}</ref>

The organization is run by an executive council that is elected every two years. As of September 2021, the current executive council was elected in February 2021.<ref name=":0" />

=== Executive council members ===
1. Sanjay Kumar, President

2. Rakesh G, Vice President

3. Archana G, Secretary

4. Mahesh W, Treasurer

5. Ramkrishna B, Board Member

6. Mahesh G, Board Member

7. Chitra B, Board Member

8. Mahendra K, Board Member

9. Takshak N, Board Member

== Advocacy ==
As an American Ambedkarite organisation, Ambedkar International Center has been advocating for caste-issues that arise in the United States,<ref name=":4" /> and has also protested against the murder of [[George Floyd]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-06|title=American Ambedkarite organisations demand Justice for George Floyd; draw parallels between racism and casteism|url=https://www.theleaflet.in/american-ambedkarite-organisations-demand-justice-for-george-floyd-draw-parallels-between-racism-and-casteism/|access-date=2021-09-14|website=TheLeaflet|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Cisco caste discrimination case ===
On 30 June 2020 the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a [https://regmedia.co.uk/2020/07/01/cisco.pdf lawsuit]<ref>{{Cite web|title=California Accuses Cisco of Job Discrimination Based on Indian Employee's Caste|url=https://thewire.in/world/california-accuses-cisco-of-job-discrimination-based-on-indian-employees-caste|access-date=2021-09-06|website=The Wire}}</ref> in San Jose against [[Cisco Systems]] on behalf of an employee who alleged that he had been discriminated against on the basis of his caste.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-03-11|title=How Big Tech Is Importing India's Caste Legacy to Silicon Valley|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-03-11/how-big-tech-is-importing-india-s-caste-legacy-to-silicon-valley|access-date=2021-09-06}}</ref> On 2 March 2021 AIC approached the California Supreme Court to be admitted as an [[amicus curiae]] in the matter.<ref>{{Cite web|title=California's Legal Ground in Battling Caste Discrimination Takes Centre Stage in Historic Cisco Case|url=https://thewire.in/caste/cisco-case-caste-discrimination-silicon-valley-ambedkar-organisations|access-date=2021-09-06|website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=3 March 2021|title=Ambedkar International Centre moves California court to join caste discrimination case|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ambedkar-international-centre-moves-california-court-to-join-caste-discrimination-case/2039529|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906143035/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ambedkar-international-centre-moves-california-court-to-join-caste-discrimination-case/2039529|archive-date=6 September 2021|access-date=6 September 2021|website=OutlookIndia.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=US-based Ambedkar International Centre moves California court over caste discrimination with Dalit Indian|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/us-based-ambedkar-international-centre-moves-california-court-to-join-caste-discrimination-case/727331|access-date=2021-09-06|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ambedkar International Center Moves Court to Join Cisco Caste Discrimination Case|url=https://thewire.in/world/ambedkar-international-center-moves-court-to-join-cisco-caste-discrimination-case|access-date=2021-09-14|website=The Wire}}</ref>

=== Sought UN's support for Bhima-Koregaon activists ===
Ambedkar International Center has been a prominent signatory amongst organisations and individuals that mounted concern over the alleged illegal detention of civil rights activists in India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mounting international concern over detention of civil rights activists in India in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/noticeboard/international-corncern-over-detention-of-civil-rights-activists-during-covid-19|access-date=2021-09-14|website=The Caravan|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Global Solidarity Statement for Dr. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha – India Civil Watch International (ICWI)|url=https://indiacivilwatch.org/global-solidarity-statement-for-dr-anand-teltumbde-and-gautam-navlakha/|access-date=2021-09-14|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Wasnik|first=Mahesh|title=Statement in support of twelve Bhima Koregaon activists|url=https://roundtableindia.co.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9935:statement-in-support-of-twelve-bhima-koregaon-activists&catid=129:events-and-activism&Itemid=195|access-date=2021-09-14|website=Round Table India|language=en-gb}}</ref> The organisations allege that the evidence against [[Anand Teltumbde|Anand Teltumbede]], a prominent Indian scholar, has been fabricated and urged the United Nations to engage with the Government of India to immediately withdraw all charges against Dr. Teltumbde.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UN's Support Sought for Withdrawal of Charges Against Anand Teltumbde|url=https://thewire.in/rights/anand-teltumbde-un-antonio-guterres-letter|access-date=2021-09-14|website=The Wire}}</ref>

=== Rohith Vemula's death ===
After [[Rohith Vemula]], a notable dalit scholar died, AIC organised a protest in [[Boston]],<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|date=2016-01-25|title=HCU suicide: Rohith protest goes abroad|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/current-affairs/250116/hcu-suicide-rohith-protest-goes-abroad.html|access-date=2021-09-14|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ambedkar in America|url=https://drambedkarbooks.com/tag/ambedkar-in-america/|access-date=2021-09-14|website=Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's Caravan|language=en}}</ref> and was part of a protest in San Francisco.<ref>{{Cite web|title=San Francisco Protest - "Caste Apartheid" Responsible for Death of Dalit Scholar #RohithVermula - Kractivism|url=https://www.kractivist.org/san-francisco-protest-caste-apartheid-responsible-for-death-of-dalit-scholar-rohithvermula/|access-date=2021-09-14|language=en-US}}</ref> The Ambedkar International Center was quoted by the [[Deccan Chronicle]], saying that "Rohith’s death was a sad day for the Dalit movement."<ref name=":5" />

=== Covid relief ===
AIC-funded initiatives organised medical camps and online awareness programs in over 50 locations in remote rural and slum areas in 10 states of India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=COVID-19 and Vaccine Awareness Camp Organized at Over 50 Locations|url=https://beeducated.org/vaccination-awareness-program/|access-date=2021-09-17|language=en-US}}</ref> AIC also facilitated the procured of oxygen concentrators, which were shipped to Chandrapur in Maharashtra.<ref>{{Cite web|title=आम्बेडकर इंटरनेशनल सेंटर तसेच बोधिपथ मल्टीपरपज सोशल ऑर्गनाइज़ेशन तर्फे ऑक्सिजन कॉन्स्ट्रेटर मशीनची भेट|url=https://www.news34.in/2021/06/visit-of-oxygen-constructor-machine-by.html|access-date=2021-09-17|website=www.news34.in}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Bhim Army]]
* [[Republican Party of India]]
* [[Jai Bhim]]

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58347d04bebafbb1e66df84c/t/603ae9f4cfad7f515281e9bf/1614473732034/Caste_report_2018.pdf Caste in the United States: A survey of Caste among South Asian Americans, Equality Labs (2018)]
* [https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/attach/amb/Volume_01.pdf Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches Vol 1]

[[Category:Movements for civil rights]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2012]]
[[Category:Organizations based in the United States]]
[[Category:Civil rights organizations in the United States]]
[[Category:Civil rights organizations]]
[[Category:Ambedkarite organisations]]

Ambedkar International Center - Revision history

->Onel5969 at 16:31, 27 December 2021