Manyavar Kanshiram

Manyavar Kanshi Ram was a pioneering Dalit leader and founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), who dedicated his life to mobilizing Bahujan (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes) unity and political power. One of his most iconic actions was the Cycle Yatra (Cycle Journey), which he undertook in the 1970s to spread awareness about caste oppression and awaken the political consciousness of Dalits and other marginalized groups across India.

Through this journey, Kanshi Ram personally reached out to educated Dalits, especially government employees, urging them to stop serving the Brahminical state and instead join the struggle for Bahujan empowerment. The yatra laid the groundwork for the formation of BAMCEF (Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation) and later the BSP. It symbolized his dedication, grassroots connection, and long-term strategy of social transformation.