An estimated 250,000 people came and sat in the rain for hours to celebrate the Maha Ekta Rally (or Maha Equality Rally) at the Ram Lila Maidan stadium, in New Delhi. The rain did nothing to dampen their spirit or passion, as they shouted slogans in praise of their leader. The huge crowd showed exceptional discipline and their determination to be recognised as equal human beings was evident on their faces.

Please visit http://www.empart.org/galleries/visual_journal.asp?journal_id=1 to look at our visual journal about the rally.

The rally was conducted under high security. Armed police and national security forces camped at every entrance and each person had to be searched and cleared before they could enter the grounds. This was the first such meeting in New Delhi where so many of the followers of Phule came together from so many different castes and political backgrounds.

The enormous stage seated almost 500 VIPs and politicians. Among those present was the event organiser and President of Samata Parishad, Mr Chagan Bhujbal. Other dignitaries included state and Union Ministers and political leaders from other states, all paying respect to the legacy of Mahatma Phule.

Mr Chagan Bhujbal is the former Deputy Chief Minister of the state of Maharashtra (population of 100 million). He has been greatly influenced by the social philosophy and work of Mahatma Phule, Dr. Ambedkar and Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj. This convergence led him to set up the Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad which espouses social equality as the very foundation stone of Indian society. This platform has greatly contributed to the building up of harmony and equanimity across all communities in that State. He is one of the Founder Members of "The Nationalist Congress Party" and was nominated its first President for Maharashtra. Bhujbal was instrumental in setting up statues of Mahatma Phule in many parts of the state. He is a great seeker of truth and has become a good friend of our leaders.

Sharad Pawar, the Union Minister of Agriculture, exhorted Chagan Bhujbal to spread the ideology of Mahatma Phule across the nation. He explained that the reason why Mahatma Gandhi had exhorted all sections of society to join the freedom struggle was because social justice and eradication of poverty was not possible without independence. However, he lamented, even after independence Gandhiji's dream has not been realised. He declared that amendments should be made to Constitution for giving justice to backward classes. And in conclusion he exhorted Bhujbal and the Samata Parishad to continue to struggle till they achieve equality and dignity for all its members.

The biggest surprise for us came when one of our leaders was unexpectedly given time during the rally to tell the people about the connection between Mahatma Phule and Christ. Our leader was able to clearly communicate the compelling message of Jesus" love, hope and reconciliation and encourage the people to search for truth that will set them free from the bondage of casteism.

Prior to the rally a special function was held at the Maharashtra Government House in Delhi to launch the gospel booklets. After the official launch, bundles of the booklets were given to the leaders to be distributed in the following states: Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar.

On March 25, a debrief meeting was held, which some 500 leaders from all over North India attended. They thanked us for this little booklet that is being widely distributed. All of them requested more copies, one leader wanting to print 50,000 copies to give to his people   all at his own expense.

God is using this little tool powerfully, with the Holy Spirit bringing conviction to people. Just last week our leaders in India received a phone call from a retired cabinet Minister. He had attended the meeting and after reading the booklet was ringing to say,  "I want to believe in Jesus Christ, can you please help me? " People want to know more about Jesus Christ. There is a huge hunger to know more about Jesus as a result of this booklet.

In June we are planning a national strategic planning workshop to discuss, plan and prepare for opportunities that the Lord is giving us. Some of these opportunities include:

  As a result of this rally and hearing about the powerful message of reconciliation that Jesus brings, many Dalits and Other Backward Caste groups from different castes, culture, language and political backgrounds are beginning to meet together. God's heart is that we reconcile to each other and to Him.
  On April 9-11, leaders of one particular caste traveled by motorcycle to various places in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh, spreading the message of the need for reconciliation.
  April 11 is the birthday of Mahatma Phule and April 14 is Dr. Ambedkar's birthday. (Ambedkar is another social reformer from the untouchable caste, and is one of the authors of the Indian constitution). In Maharashtra, from April 9-14, a series of meetings was organised and our leaders invited as the guest speakers to share about Jesus" message of reconciliation. Further opportunities were also given to distribute more copies of the booklets.
  We are receiving invitations from many different caste leaders to help them understand the message of the gospel and help them develop strategies to take this massage to the 700 million low caste people of India.

Friends, God is moving in a significant way among the Dalits and OBCs in North India. (For more information about these people groups, go to http://www.empart.org/news/stories/04_2006_dalits_obc.asp) We invite you to stand with us in prayer for them. These opportunities are beyond one man or one organisation   we need you more than ever to stand with us by praying and giving to see these unreached people come to Christ.

Specific prayer points:
  Thank the Lord for the opportunities and the doors that the Lord is opening
  Thank the Lord for the key people who have been influenced by the gospel
  Praise the Lord for the financial provision to make these booklets available
  Continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to use this booklet to bring conviction to the people
  Pray for our leaders who are involved in this ministry, pray for wisdom, direction, favor and provision
  Pray for the Lord to give us the right strategies and plans to maximise these opportunities for the Kingdom
  Continue to pray for the protection of all the leaders who have laid down their lives to reach these unreached people
  Please pray with us for the ongoing provision for every opportunity we have.