Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal joined thousands in a grand ‘shobhayatra’ in South Delhi on Sunday, seeking the blessings of Shri Nagar Sen Baba and paying homage to his legacy of human equality and education.
Vowing to uphold Baba’s vision, Arvind Kejriwal emphasized his dedication to elevating Delhi’s government schools and expanding access to quality education through initiatives like the Jai Bhim Yojana. “Delhi’s government schools are now so exceptional that even affluent families are choosing them over private institutions,” he declared. During this, area MLA Prakash Jarwal was also present.
Addressing the people, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, “It is my great honor to have the opportunity to participate in today’s ‘shobhayatra’ (procession). As you all know, Baba Nagar Sen’s primary place of worship is located in Dimani, Madhya Pradesh, where there is a 150-year-old temple. Baba’s teachings were profound and impactful, not only for the Dalit community but for all people, who hold him in high regard.”
Highlighting Baba Nagar Sen’s life principles, the AAP Supremo stated that Baba Nagar Sen advocated strongly for equality among all individuals. He emphasized that everyone is equal and focused primarily on education, urging people to educate their children, as education leads to progress. Following Baba’s path is what we aim to do with the Delhi government.
“As you know, we have focused significantly on improving government schools, which cater primarily to children from underprivileged backgrounds, including the Dalit community, who often cannot afford private education. We have transformed government schools to such an extent that even affluent families are now withdrawing their children from private schools and enrolling them in government institutions. This is indeed the path taught by Baba Nagar Sen,” he shared.
Arvind Kejriwal mentioned that similarly, Baba Saheb Ambedkar emphasized the importance of education, stating that progress requires providing quality education to our children. With this vision in mind, we introduced the ‘Jai Bhim Scheme’. If a student has completed the 12th grade and wants to pursue engineering, medicine, chartered accountancy, law, or any other profession, they will need coaching for entrance exams.
The AAP Chief stated, “After my 12th, I did my engineering and for that took coaching. Coaching is often very expensive, with fees ranging from Rs 2 to 3 lakhs. How will a poor person get this much for coaching? Children from economically disadvantaged families are talented, but they often miss out on coaching due to financial constraints and fall behind.”
“Our government has created this scheme under which students from financially weak communities, including Dalit community, can take admissions in the coaching institute of their choice and Delhi government will pay their fees,” said the AAP National Convenor.
He further added that if one has completed graduation and wishes to take competitive exams like those for railway jobs, banking, IAS, IPS, or any other prestigious positions, coaching is also required, and these fees can also reach into the lakhs. The aim of our scheme is to make education accessible because there is no alternative to education.
Arvind Kejriwal asserted, “They (BJP) put me in jail, and halted the ‘Jai Bhim’ scheme. But the people of Delhi must not worry, after my return I got this this scheme resumed last week only. I want that our children must progress and progress depends on learning, and our children must study to move forward. There’s no alternative to education.”
“Previously, poverty held families back from educating their children, but now, with this scheme, financial concerns no longer need to be an obstacle. Till 12th grade there is free education in the Delhi government schools, and after the 12th standard we have arranged for the free coaching for your kids through this scheme,” stated the AAP Chief.
Extending his wishes for the upcoming festivals, Arvind Kejriwal stated, “The festive season is here, and as we celebrate Navratri, I extend my warm wishes to everyone. I hope all your dreams come true and that everyone’s life is filled with happiness.”
