Delhi Gurjar Mahotsav: Historic Confluence of Culture, Consciousness, and Constitutional Aspirations

Gurjars demanded a Cabinet berth and inclusion of Gojri language in Eighth Schedule

Advocate Ch. Rashid Azam Inqlabi

The Fourth Gurjar Mahotsav, organised at the internationally renowned Surajkund venue in Faridabad, Delhi, in which members of the Gurjar community participated from various states of India, has etched itself into history as one of the most impactful and inspiring community-led events of recent times. Surpassing all its previous editions in scale, vision, participation, and organisation, the Mahotsav emerged not merely as a cultural festival but as a powerful expression of collective identity, social maturity, and forward-looking consciousness of the Gurjar community.
In which Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar, Mian Altaf Ahmed, Member of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir, Rajesh Nager, Minister from Haryana, former Minister Avtar Singh Badhana, Manmohan Badhana (MLA), Attaul Pradhan (MLA), Satish Fagan (MLA), Mangu Choudhary (MLA), Congress MP Deepinder Hooda, Chander Shekhar Azad (MP), Kartar Tawar (MLA), Ravinder Bhati, Ant Ram Tawar, Ranvir Chandel, Raj Kumar Bhati, spokesperson of the Samajwadi Party, and Bindu Dara Singh, renowned film actor, participated and appealed for preserving Gurjar culture.
In every measurable dimension-visitor turnout, thematic depth, infrastructure, inclusivity, intellectual engagement, and discipline-the Fourth Gurjar Mahotsav set new benchmarks. It reaffirmed that cultural pride, when guided by responsibility and vision, can evolve into a platform of national relevance.
Beyond a Festival: A Visionary Social Movement
From the outset, the Mahotsav reflected a purpose far broader than celebration alone. It seamlessly blended cultural heritage with intellectual discourse, traditional sports with modern organisation, spirituality with social reform, and community pride with constitutional awareness. This holistic approach transformed the Mahotsav into a multidimensional gathering that addressed not only the past and present of the community but also its future aspirations.
Rather than remaining confined to folklore and entertainment, the event consciously projected Gurjar culture as a living, evolving, and inclusive heritage-one that contributes meaningfully to India’s social, democratic, and cultural fabric.
Record Participation
A defining feature of the Fourth Gurjar Mahotsav was its unprecedented footfall. Preliminary estimates indicate that more than 25 lakh visitors attended the event over its duration, significantly surpassing the turnout of previous years. What made this achievement even more remarkable was the diversity of participation. Visitors arrived from different regions, age groups, professions, and communities. The enthusiastic presence of people from outside the Gurjar community was particularly notable.
Landmark Additions that Expanded the Scope
The Fourth Gurjar Mahotsav distinguished itself through several significant new initiatives that enhanced its intellectual, cultural, and organisational depth.
A major attraction was the Kabaddi Competition, featuring eight elite teams. Deeply rooted in rural and warrior traditions, kabaddi resonated strongly with the youth and promoted discipline, physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
For the first time, a dedicated Art Exhibition by Gurjar artists was organised. Paintings and artworks reflecting history, folklore, social life, and contemporary themes were displayed. This initiative provided long-overdue recognition to Gurjar artists and revealed a rich creative dimension often overshadowed by other cultural forms.
The Budhijivi Manch
It emerged as one of the most intellectually powerful components of the Mahotsav. Eminent advocates, professionals, social thinkers, and community leaders engaged in serious discussions on advocacy, social justice, constitutional rights, and legal empowerment. A particularly impactful session addressed the demolition of Badoli, Anant Nagar, surrounding areas of Faridabad, and in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on due process of law, constitutional safeguards, and citizens’ rights. This transformed the Mahotsav into a platform of informed civic discourse rather than mere festivity.
Hospitality and Professional Management
Significant enhancements were made to food and hospitality arrangements. The introduction of the Haveli Restaurant added both aesthetic charm and improved service standards. Traditional cuisine was served in a hygienic, organised, and culturally immersive environment, greatly enhancing visitor satisfaction.
A separate stage for honouring achievers was another notable innovation. Individuals from education, sports, administration, social service, arts, and entrepreneurship were felicitated, reinforcing the values of merit, inspiration, and positive role models within the community.
Recognising the importance of structured communication, a dedicated Media Zone was established. This ensured responsible coverage, streamlined interactions, and accurate dissemination of information, thereby strengthening the public narrative and national image of the Mahotsav.
Gurjar Sansad Manch
The Gurjar Sansad Manch emerged as a resolute democratic voice, forcefully raising the long-denied issue of constitutional and political exclusion of the Gurjar community. Speakers asserted that it is a matter of grave injustice that even after 78 years of Independence, the Gurjar community has never been granted representation in the Union Cabinet of the Government of India. This prolonged exclusion was described as a clear failure of inclusive governance and democratic fairness.
The Manch unequivocally demanded the immediate induction of a Gurjar representative as a Cabinet Minister, emphasising that a community with a vast population, national presence, and historic contribution can no longer be ignored in the country’s highest executive body.
Intellectuals and social leaders also strongly pressed for the constitutional recognition of the Gojri language by its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, calling it a long-pending cultural and linguistic justice for millions of Gojri-speaking citizens.
Further, the forum highlighted the near-total absence of Gurjar representation in the higher judiciary and demanded the appointment of Gurjar judges in the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India, stating that true social justice is impossible without diversity and representation in constitutional institutions.
The collective voice of the Gurjar Sansad Manch made it clear that silence, neglect, and tokenism are no longer acceptable, and that the Gurjar community will continue its democratic struggle until its rightful place in governance, judiciary, and constitutional recognition is firmly secured.
Renewed Excellence
Alongside new initiatives, traditional features of the Mahotsav were presented with greater professionalism and visual appeal.
The Samvad Manch hosted meaningful dialogues on contemporary social and community issues, encouraging reflection and constructive debate.
The Ragni Manch, dedicated to legendary folk singer Madhashya Sat Pal Dousha, preserved and celebrated oral traditions, connecting generations through authentic folk expression. The Main Cultural Stage stood out for its national-level lighting and décor. Fashion shows by community designers, presentations on traditions, and the presence of prominent social, cultural, and political personalities elevated the stage to the standards of major national festivals.
Children’s art competitions were redesigned to promote creativity and cultural learning.
A unique attraction was the functional display of traditional household equipment-Hath Chakki, Chara Machine, Hand Pump, Khaat, Rahi, and Indee-allowing younger generations to connect practically with ancestral lifestyles.
Spiritual Depth and Social Reform
Traditional Gurjari attire and jewellery were attractively displayed and sold at economical rates, providing direct support to local artisans while reinforcing cultural pride and heritage. Panchayats representing various gotras demonstrated remarkable unity, organisational strength, and social cohesion, reflecting the collective spirit of the Gurjar community.
Several NGO stalls, including Pathshala, GA-500 (Akhil Bharatiya Veer Gurjar Parishad), Dahej Ek Abhishaap, and the Gurjar Mission for Education, showcased impactful, community-driven initiatives focused on educational empowerment, social reform, awareness generation, and the fight against the dowry system.
Prominent Gurjar advocates and legal experts actively participated in discussions aimed at protecting and safeguarding the constitutional and legal rights of the Gurjar community across Bharat, under the name and banner of GA-500 Law Con, with particular emphasis on demolitions in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. Eminent speakers, including Advocate G. S. Awana (former DCP), Ch. Rashid Azam Inqlabi (former Deputy Commissioner from Jammu and Kashmir), Advocate Bharat Bhushan Gurjar, Advocate Suraj Adhana, N. L. Gurjar, Advocate Kuldeep Bharagh, Advocate Garima Singh, and others from Sakat and Faridabad Bar, shed valuable light on pressing legal challenges, constitutional safeguards, and judicial remedies affecting the community.
The deliberations reinforced the resolve to pursue justice, equality, and social reform through legal awareness, unity, and organised action. Historical pictorial displays of eminent Gurjar personalities and named entry gates honoured legacy and collective memory, while the continuous Agnihotra performed throughout the event symbolised environmental purification and inner spiritual refinement.
Social Harmony
Perhaps the most extraordinary feature of the Fourth Gurjar Mahotsav was the impeccable discipline displayed by the visitors. Despite the presence of lakhs of people and minimal police deployment, not a single untoward incident was reported. This rare achievement spoke volumes about the social maturity, collective responsibility, and cultural values of the community. Visitors from other communities openly appreciated the harmony, inclusiveness, and disciplined conduct, making the Mahotsav a living example of peaceful mass participation.
Gratitude and Conclusion
Such a historic achievement would not have been possible without the visionary leadership and tireless teamwork of the Chairman of the Gurjar Art and Culture Trust, Diwakar Bidhuri; G. S. Awana; Tilak Raj Bansal; Ram Phul Bansal; Om Parkash Bansal; Hari Ram Bansal; Ram Basoya; Rajesh Nager; Niranjan Nager; Randeep Chowan; Dharminder Foji; Nathu Sarpanch; Sany Singh Kassana; Mohinder Singh Rathi; Surinder Bhati; Pawan Bhati; Manu Bidhuri; Surinder Choudhary; Prem Kumar Aria; Kartar Dehda; Sher Singh (Rajasthan); Nane Ji Bhai; Narinder Ghurriya (Madhya Pradesh); Braham Singh; Subash Bhati; Nirmal Dehda; Nisha Bidhuri; Gian Vati; Pratibha Bidhuri; Sargam; Dr. Reena Verma; Ram Kumar; Suresh Bidhuri; Rahul Chawari; Arun Bhati; Rajesh Kumar Dehda; Annu Badhana, and the entire organising team, whose dedication, foresight, and professionalism ensured flawless execution.
The Fourth Gurjar Mahotsav will be remembered not only as a proud cultural celebration but as a model of culturally rooted, socially conscious, and future-oriented collective action-a milestone that has set new standards for community gatherings across India. I reached Delhi on 12 December 2025 but attended the Mahotsav on 13 December 2025. I am thankful to Advocate Bharat Bhushan and G. S. Awana for providing companionship to visit the Gurjar Mahotsav and for extending logistical support during the event.
(The author is a former Deputy Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir and can be reached at [email protected])