Mr. D. Rama Naik took the historic
initiative to organize "World Roma-Banjara Day" in India.
Compiled
by-
Dr. Dinesh Sewa Rathod
(Author,
Maharashtra State)
________________________________________________________________
The Banjara community has made an immensely
significant contribution to India's history, culture, and trading traditions.
In an era when modern transportation systems did not exist in the country, the
Banjara community relying on their sheer hard work and courage strengthened
both trade and social life by supplying essential commodities to various parts
of the nation. Banjara’s folk traditions, rich cultural heritage and practices,
folk traditions and contributions to nation-building remain an important part
of India’s heritage which is a source of inspiration for us all.
For the past decade, this day has been celebrated
across India both meaningfully and symbolically serving to strengthen unity and
brotherhood among the Banjara community spread throughout the country, while
also promoting the preservation and development of their rich language,
literature, culture, and traditions.
The Banjara community shares deep historical and
cultural ties with the Roma community, which is dispersed across various
European nations. Since 1990, Roma communities worldwide have observed April
8th as International Roma Day; the objective of this observance is to safeguard
their cultural identity, raise awareness regarding the challenges they face,
and voice their opposition to discrimination and marginalization. As a symbol
of their distinct identity and unity, the Roma community has also adopted its own
flag and anthem, which stand as emblems of their collective strength and
resilience.
The Roma often regarded as the ancestral roots of
the Banjara community share profound historical and cultural connections with
the Banjaras of India. The Banjaras constitute one of India's largest
indigenous communities, there are about 15 crores of Banjaras in India and they
are significant in numbers in 64 countries across the world
Despite this, in India, their socio-economic status
today continues to face numerous challenges much like that of the Roma
communities settled abroad. Historically, the Banjaras lived a life
characterized by self-reliance and dignity; however, under the British rule,
they faced severe disruptions due to the enactment of the 'Criminal Tribes
Act.' This legislation compelled them to adopt a nomadic lifestyle and deprived
them of their traditional occupations and livelihoods, as well as fundamental
rights such as access to land, education, healthcare, and social dignity.
Notwithstanding such adverse circumstances, the
Banjara community has demonstrated remarkable resilience in preserving its
cultural identity. "World Banjara
Day" offers an opportunity to commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of
our ancestors and to reaffirm our collective resolve toward the reconstruction
and development of the community. It underscores the need for unity,
introspection, and proactive efforts to confront contemporary challenges.
Recognizing the deep-rooted ties between the Roma
and Banjara communities, Mr. D. Rama Naik (National Executive President of the
AIBSS) took the initiative to organize "World Roma Banjara Day" in
India for the first time in 2016, following his outreach to the Roma community
in Europe. He has participated in international conferences regarding the
Banjara community's connection to the Roma people, advocating for their
recognition as part of the Indian diaspora,
In search of Roma-Banjara by Mr. D. Rama Naik,
there's a wealth of evidence from genetics as well as linguistics that the Roma
are originally from northern India. This is probably because their ancestors
mixed with Europeans unlike the Gypsies who have remained in India. There are
many similarities in appearance, occupation, colour, culture and lifestyle in
both groups.
With this curiosity recently Mr. D. Rama Naik
travelled four countries; Hungary, Serbia, Bulgeria and Romania in search of
our brethren Roma Banjaras, Mostly he travelled Balkans and Transylvania
province where the Roma people are more concentrated and he visited 11 cities in these countries, he
came across four languages, four currencies and covered nearly 3000 kms by
road. He also visited the European Roma Right Centre at Budapest, Hungary and
met Mr, Dzavit Berisa and Mr. Atanas Zhrariev, Advocacy officers on 19th July
2016. He had an hour-long discussion with them. The ERRC is an International
public interest law organisation working to combat anti-Romani racism and human
rights abuse of Roma through strategic litigation, research and policy
development, advocacy and human rights education. This centre has fought more
than 500 court cases and it has secured over two million Euro (Rs.15 Crore 20
lakhs) in compensation for Roma individuals for the abuse they have suffered.
On 20th July,
he visited The Romedia Foundation and met the Executive Director
Mrs.Katalin Basrony and associates. This Foundation is a Romani
non-governmental organisation in Budapest. It works towards contributing to a
positive perception of Romani ethnic identity, combating anti-Roma prejudice,
and providing alternative information to policy makers through various means.
During their discussion he mentioned
about the first Padmasree awardee late Sri Ramsing Banavath who attended the
Roma Congress held at London in 1971 and also the role and objectives of AIBSS
and Nationa Banjara Professors Organization. (NBPA) He visited the Romanian
Parliament on 26th July at Bucharest and found three Roma MPs.1.Voicu Madalin
Stefan, 2. Paun Nicolae, 3.Damian Draghici. He tried to contact them but they
were away from Bucharest.
Initially, the observance of this "World
Banjara Day" began as a simple yet symbolic gesture offering flowers into
the country's rivers and seas, and exchanging good wishes among one another.
Over time, this day has evolved into a powerful symbol of the unity and
collective identity of these communities, transcending national borders.
Moreover, From the visionary perspective of Mr. D.
Rama Naik, this initiative led to the formation of the "International
Banjara Roma Organization" (IBRO), which further strengthened global
cultural ties. Over the years, various programs, seminars, and conferences were
organized in states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and
Gujarat; the participation of international Roma representatives in these
events further reinforced this shared global identity. I have personally
attended some of these events with Mr. D. Rama Naik and Dr. Dr. Pandit Chavhan,
Nanded
With the passage of time, and with the aim of
ensuring broader public acceptance within India, this observance came to be
known as "World Banjara Day," while respectfully retaining its
connection to the Roma community. Through sustained effort, dedication, and a
clear vision, this movement has today emerged as a symbol of unity and cultural
pride at the national level. This day aims to highlight the history and
cultural contributions of the Banjara community, playing an integral role in
India's trading traditions during early times.
Mr. D. Rama Naik’s dream to initiate this day is
dedicated to highlighting the significance of the Banjara community in India’s
history, culture, and commerce is being realized today. The objective of this
day is to promote the historical contributions of the Banjara community and to
accord them due recognition.
April 8th is not merely a day of celebration, nor
does it serve as a platform for individual ambitions or political agendas. It
is a "Day of Resolve" a day to re-establish the shared heritage of
the Roma–Banjara community, and a solemn pledge to respectfully preserve this
rich legacy for future generations. The Delhi Government is going to organise a
grand event on April 8 to mark World Banjara Day to highlight the historical
contributions of the Banjara community in trade, culture and social life across
the country. The Government of Maharashtra should also take the initiative to
celebrate this day to highlight the self-respect of the Banjaras.
WORLD BANJARA DAY !!!
The Banjara
community across the country should participate in the celebrations of World
Banjara Day with great enthusiasm. Let
us honour & celebrate Banjara culture, history & contributions. Also, a
day to advocate for rights & inclusion and raise awareness on challenges
& issues facing the Banjara community.
JAY
SEWALAL
Date 8 April 2026
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