Rahul to interact with students tomorrow
Patna: In its bid to win back the dalit and extremely backward castes votes, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will participate in ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ with the students in Darbhanga and Patna on Thursday (May 15). The other senior Congress netas will also interact with the students at 60 places in Bihar as part of the party’s ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’, NSUI national in charge Kanhaiya Kumar said on Tuesday. He said 62 national Congress netas, including Rahul, will directly communicate with the students of the state on their problems in SC, ST, OBC hostels and community halls at various places in the state under the programme. Kanhaiya alleged that the state’s education system had failed. “Nitish Kumar has been the CM for 20 years and Narendra Modi has been the PM for 12 years, but the condition of the state has gone from bad to worse,” he alleged. He further said not a single degree college has been opened in 358 blocks while there is a huge shortage of permanent teachers and a three-year degree is being completed in six years. “The student credit card scheme has pushed the youth into debt instead of employment. They have not completed their studies but debt recovery has started. The CAG’s report shows that the money of SC/ST scholarship was spent on the construction of roads and bridges, and even scholarships meant for the minority community students were stopped. Hostels for dalit, backward and minority students are either closed or on the verge of ruin. Instead of investing in education, industry and infrastructure in Bihar, the Modi-Nitish double engine govt is diverting funds towards Gujarat,” he alleged. At the press conference, student netas Triloki Kumar Manjhi, Ranjit Pandit, Bhagya Bharti and Manish Paswan raised five main demands of SC, ST, EBCs and women. Patna: In its bid to win back the dalit and extremely backward castes votes, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will participate in ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ with the students in Darbhanga and Patna on Thursday (May 15). The other senior Congress netas will also interact with the students at 60 places in Bihar as part of the party’s ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’, NSUI national in charge Kanhaiya Kumar said on Tuesday. He said 62 national Congress netas, including Rahul, will directly communicate with the students of the state on their problems in SC, ST, OBC hostels and community halls at various places in the state under the programme. Kanhaiya alleged that the state’s education system had failed. “Nitish Kumar has been the CM for 20 years and Narendra Modi has been the PM for 12 years, but the condition of the state has gone from bad to worse,” he alleged. He further said not a single degree college has been opened in 358 blocks while there is a huge shortage of permanent teachers and a three-year degree is being completed in six years. “The student credit card scheme has pushed the youth into debt instead of employment. They have not completed their studies but debt recovery has started. The CAG’s report shows that the money of SC/ST scholarship was spent on the construction of roads and bridges, and even scholarships meant for the minority community students were stopped. Hostels for dalit, backward and minority students are either closed or on the verge of ruin. Instead of investing in education, industry and infrastructure in Bihar, the Modi-Nitish double engine govt is diverting funds towards Gujarat,” he alleged. At the press conference, student netas Triloki Kumar Manjhi, Ranjit Pandit, Bhagya Bharti and Manish Paswan raised five main demands of SC, ST, EBCs and women. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Dalit Man denied temple entry in Karnataka, officials intervene after video goes viral
A 25-year-old Dalit man was barred from entering a temple in Karnataka’s Kavanadala village on May 10 by members of the dominant Vokkaliga community, sparking outrage after a video of the incident went viral. A day after a Dalit man was denied entry into a temple in Karnataka’s Kavanadala village on the basis of his caste, causing furore on social media, the district officials on May 11, ushered the victim into the temple after holding peace talks with the aggressors. A case is yet to be filed against the members of Vokkaliga community who restricted the entry of 25-year old Swaminath. On May 10, Swaminath, a resident of Kavanadala village in Madhugiri taluk, belonging to a Scheduled Caste, attempted to enter the Ramanjaneya temple on May 10 to offer prayers. However, he was stopped by members of the dominant Vokkaliga community. The next day, a video of the incident surfaced on X, triggering widespread condemnation online. A man in the video can be heard saying, “From time immemorial, your caste has not come inside the temple.” Swaminath is seen responding, “Why should I stay outside if everyone else is allowed in? Doesn’t the Constitution guarantee equal opportunity?”. The video of the incident went viral prompting the intervention of the district administration. Additional Superintendent of Police C Gopal told TNM that senior district police officials, including Tahsildar Shireen Taj, and Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Department Dinesh, visited the village to resolve the conflict. “After a peace committee meeting was held both Swaminath and the members of Vokkaliga community went inside the temple and performed a pooja,” said Manjunath, Inspector of Badavanahalli police station. The ASP clarified that no FIR has been filed against the offenders. “Swaminath has not made a decision about pressing charges. We have issued a verbal warning to residents and made it clear that barring temple access on caste lines is a punishable offence,” he said. The district police administration has said it will keep a close watch on the situation to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https://thenewsminute.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rajputs welcome Dalit groom’s wedding procession in rare display of social harmony in Nagaur district
Jodhpur: In a rare and heartwarming display of caste harmony, members of the Rajput community in Khariya Kalan village of Nagaur district welcomed the wedding procession of a Dalit groom Tuesday with full honour—leading the horse, offering traditional turbans, and hosting the entire barat at their ancestral haveli. The wedding of Ajay Singh Sansi from Jodhpur with Nitu Sansi of Khariya Kalan became a shining example of social unity in a region where caste divides often run deep. The groom was escorted through the village by Chailu Singh Rathore, Dariyav Singh Rathore, and Narpat Singh Rathore—members of the Poonaas estate—who personally took the reins of Ajay’s horse and walked him to the wedding venue. “In most cases, Dalit grooms are forced to seek police protection just to ride a horse, and their processions take place under fear and tension. However here, the Rajput community not only welcomed us with open arms, but they also celebrated us. It felt like a cool breeze in a climate often clouded by caste-based prejudice,” said Ajay The Rajput hosts made all the arrangements for the barat’s stay, refreshments, and ceremonies. The bride, Nitu, was received with respect and affection, and women from the community offered her a traditional chunri as a mark of honour. Chailu Singh Rathore, speaking on behalf of his community, said, “Nitu is the daughter of the entire village. Her marriage is our collective duty. There is no caste-based discrimination in our village—this is our tradition, our culture. India is one family.” For Nitu, the moment was deeply emotional. “The love and warmth with which my village welcomed our barat has become the most beautiful memory of my life. This was not just a wedding—it was a message of unity.” At a time when reports of caste-based discrimination during weddings are still common, Khariya Kalan’s gesture stands out as a powerful message that equality, respect, and harmony can prevail. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul Gandhi will participate in ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ in Darbhanga on 15th, 62 national leaders of Congress will interact with students
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will launch the ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ program in Bihar this weekend, which aims to highlight the pathetic condition of the education sector in the state. Kanhaiya Kumar told that Rahul Gandhi will come to Darbhanga on May 15 and the party leaders will visit colleges, universities and interact with the students. Patna: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be in Bihar this weekend to launch the ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ program. This public relations program is being run to highlight the pathetic condition of the education sector in the state. Senior Congress party leader and NSUI national in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar gave this information. Rahul Gandhi will come to Darbhanga on May 15 Kanhaiya Kumar told that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha will come to Darbhanga on May 15, when more than 60 national level leaders of Congress will be in different parts of the state to start the Shiksha Nyay Yatra. Kumar, a former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students’ Union, recently took out a state-wide ‘Palan Roko Naukri Do’ padayatra. He also clarified that unlike the previous programme, the ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvaad’ has no time limit. Congress leaders to interact with students Kanhaiya Kumar said that during the yatra, party leaders will visit colleges, universities and hostels and interact with students. Bihar students are facing delays in academic sessions, question paper leaks and state government repression for protesting against raising their voice. Feedback from students will be used to prepare Nyay Patra Kanhaiya Kumar contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from his home district Begusarai. He said that the feedback received from the students will be used to prepare Nyay Patra, which is a manifesto of promises. If the ‘India’ alliance forms the next government here, we will fulfill it in Bihar. Kanhaiya Kumar alleged that the Nitish Kumar-led state’s ‘double engine government’ has failed to benefit Bihar while Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is getting “investments and attractive projects like bullet trains.” The Congress leader also said that the party will ensure that the caste census, which the Narendra Modi government at the Center has agreed to, is done in a scientific manner, “taking inspiration from Telangana, where our government has drawn its conclusions on the basis of a comprehensive questionnaire. Assembly elections are now due in a few months in the state, which has been ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for nearly two decades. About the author Ravi Sinha Working in the Bihar-Jharkhand team of Navbharat Times Digital. Got a chance to work as Jharkhand representative in Rajasthan Patrika from December 2005 to April 2020. A journey of 17 years as a casual assistant editor in Doordarshan Ranchi and the regional news unit of Akashvani Center. Courtesy : Ravi Sinha, Hindi News
Bihar will become a hot political battle ground after Operation Sindoor, Rahul Gandhi coming before PM Modi; Know the political plan
Rahul Gandhi Bihar Tour: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an election rally in Rohtas, Bihar at the end of May. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi may also come to Bihar on May 15. Rahul Gandhi will meet workers in Gaya. In the last week of May, Prime Minister Modi will address a big rally in Bikramganj. Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Bihar after Operation Sindoor. He will hold an election rally in Rohtas. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is also coming to Bihar. He will meet workers in Gaya. Modi will come at the end of May. Rahul Gandhi may come on May 15. Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal said that PM Modi will address the rally in Bikramganj. He will give a message to the world on terrorism. Rahul Gandhi will come to Bihar on May 15 According to the information, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to visit Bihar soon. This will be his first Bihar tour after Operation Sindoor. At the end of May, he will address an election rally in Rohtas. On the other hand, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is also coming to Bihar. He is likely to come to Bihar on May 15. This will be Rahul Gandhi’s fourth visit to Bihar in the last five months. This time he will meet workers in Gaya. Many big leaders of Congress can also come to Bihar with him. Date not decided yet BJP’s Bihar state president Dilip Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will come to Bihar in the last week of May. He will address a rally in Bikramganj of Rohtas district. Jaiswal said that Bikramganj has been chosen for the rally to be held in Shahabad area. Prime Minister Modi will address the countrymen from this platform. Dilip Jaiswal said that the Prime Minister’s visit can happen anytime between 25 and 30 May. Its date will be told in the next 4-5 days. Display of power and leadership He also said that this rally will not be just a political gathering. It will also be a display of the country’s power and leadership. Dilip Jaiswal further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country has given a befitting reply to cross-border terrorism. He has also given a strong message to Pakistan. Similarly, PM Modi will once again roar among the people from the land of Bikramganj. His voice will reach the whole world. Political atmosphere of Bihar is hot Let us tell you that the political atmosphere in Bihar is hot. The election fervor in the state has intensified due to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. Both the leaders will try to garner support for their respective parties. It will be interesting to see what impact these visits have on the politics of Bihar. About the author Devendra Kashyap Principal Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Digital. Journey in journalism from Mahua TV, Zee News, Eenadu India, Rajasthan Patrika, ETV Bharat to Times Internet. Courtesy: Devendra Kashyap, NBT, Hindi News
South First investigation: A clash with a casteist tag, injured Dalits, deity-less temple, and TN politics
There was a clash between two communities. Several reasons are being cited but a concreate cause is yet to be made public. The Vadakadu violence needs a long-standing solution rather than cosmetic changes. Synopsis: There might be multiple reasons for the violence that left the Vadakadu village in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district in distress. However, it seems no concerted effort has been made to get to the fundamental, underlying cause or causes and address them for good. Filming violence has become common of late, though not many of those videos get to the root cause of the incident. Videos posted on social media after the clash between two communities at Thiruvalluvar Nagar, a predominantly Dalit settlement in Vadakadu village, in Alangudi Taluk in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district, too, did not shed light on the developments that had led to the violence. Several reasons have been cited. Police said it was the fallout of a drunken brawl between two youth groups over filling petrol. Some others felt it was a land dispute, many others blamed it on caste discrimination that divides people. The clash occurred on the night of Monday, 5 May, after the chariot procession at the Muthumariamman Temple. Besides local residents, people from other villages, too, have gathered at the temple located in an area dominated by the Mutharaiyar community. Selvarani Kannaiya a resident of Thiruvalluvar nagar, Vadakadu Selvarani Kannaiya, a 66-year-old Dalit, was praying after the procession along with fellow villagers. “We received word from our village that something was happening, and we should return immediately. She left immediately. “Around 50 women and children were with me. While returning, more than 300 youth from the Mutharaiyar community passed her,” Selvarani told South First. The figures she mentioned could not be independently verified. The woman was still in shock when she recalled the incidents of that violent night. “They must have mistaken us for residents of another area,” she continued. Fear had by then gripped the women and children. “After they had passed, we hid in a field. When it seemed clear and safe, we rushed back to our village,” the elderly woman said. She has been living at Thiruvalluvar Nagar. A road separated the village from the area where the temple was located. The women still felt something was about to happen. Along with the children, they hid on the upper floor of a house that was shrouded in darkness. Their fear came true as more than 300 youths from the Mutharaiyar community allegedly stormed Thiruvalluvar Nagar, attacking whoever came their way, setting a hut on fire, damaging houses and vehicles. They recorded their act on mobile phones and later uploaded them, with background music, onto social media. More than 15 residents of Thiruvalluvar Nagar were left injured. Some of the assailants, too, sustained injuries. Those with grievous injuries were admitted to the state-run Medical College Hospital at Pudukkottai. Police version The Pudukkottai police issued a media statement the next morning. The incident had no connection with the temple festival, they said. The violence allegedly stemmed from a drunken altercation over who should be allowed to fill petrol first at a nearby fuel station. The statement warned of action against those who “misrepresent” the incident as festival-related violence. However, on the night of the attack, Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy and Tiruchirappalli Range DGP Varun Kumar met with residents of Thiruvalluvar Nagar. They acknowledged that the attack was indeed linked to a long-standing temple-related dispute and that the violence was a continuation of earlier tensions. Whose version is true? On the first night, villagers told the minister one version of the story. The next morning, the police offered a completely different explanation. Long-drawn conflict Vadakadu is a large village, comprising 18 hamlets. While it is home to people from various communities, the Mutharaiyar, an OBC group, form the majority. Thiruvalluvar Nagar, located within Vadakadu, has been home to around 150–200 Dalit families belonging to the Paraiyar community for over seven generations. Growing flowers and jackfruits has been the primary occupation of the residents of Vadakadu. The “Adaikalam Katha Ayyanar” Temple, located on the main Pudukkottai–Alangudi road in northern Vadakadu, is regarded as the clan deity temple of the residents of Thiruvalluvar Nagar. Locals said there was a dispute around this temple. The Ayyanar temple sits on around three acres. Initially, a few youths from another community came to play volleyball there. “Since it seemed harmless, our elders allowed it,” Anandan told South First. Later in the 1990s, the government proposed a police station on that land. Our community protested, saying it belonged to the temple. He claimed that the plan was dropped after a series of negotiations. But ever since, individuals from the other community have been claiming that they too have rights over this land. Escalating the conflict “The issue escalated significantly in 2015. Until then, the temple was just a modest structure built with sand. We decided to renovate and expand it, and when we started digging a pit for the foundation, some people from the other community objected, saying it was their play area and that the land belonged to them.” Both sides went to court, and the case is still pending. “If they had ownership, they would have proven it by now. The problem isn’t about land; it’s about caste pride. Their real concern is how Paraiyars can build and run a temple independently. They can’t tolerate it,” Sethupathi said. Anandan added that more than six peace committee meetings were held to resolve the issue. “But no solution has been reached. I’ve been witnessing this tension since I was 18.” A temple without deity Due to the dispute, the temple has long remained unused for worship. In January this year, when residents of Thiruvalluvar Nagar attempted to clean the premises and celebrate Pongal, members of the other community objected, saying the land was under litigation and could not be used. They blocked the road in protest and prevented the Thiruvalluvar Nagar residents from
Truce again, Barbers return, villagers vow to shun untouchability in Koppal
Truce reached in Muddaballi after 50-day boycott; officials urge unity, warn against social evils KOPPAL: Almost 50 days after some eateries and two salon owners shut their shops after some Dalits visited a salon for a haircut, a truce was arrived at between the warring upper caste community and Dalits in Muddaballi village in Koppal district. Barbers carried out their business during this period by visiting houses. The truce became possible after Koppal district administration and police officials visited the village and held meetings with the two groups. The officials succeeded in pacifying the hotel and salon owners, and told them that in today’s digital world, they should root out social evils like untouchability and live together in peace. The officials held a mass meeting with the police, and villagers took an oath that they will not follow untouchability henceforth, and allow everybody into their eateries and salons. Village seniors also played a role in convincing the two parties, following which the barbers came forward and cut Dalit leaders’ hair. However, some leaders say this is a temporary solution and some eatery owners will revert to their earlier stand, and not entertain Dalits. Some villagers, who did not want to be named, said, “We appreciate the efforts of the district administration, but officials should keep vigil as some people will repeat the same thing. The truce will continue for some days and some eatery and salon owners may shut their shops, giving one or other reason out of fear of being targeted. But this time, all villagers have made a promise and let’s hope nobody breaks it.” An official from Koppal district administration said, “We went to Muddaballi village and convinced the villagers. We have also told people to treat all as equal and be a role model for others by maintaining unity. We have spoken to some seniors to intervene if any small disputes arise.” Courtesy : Raghottam Koppar, TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https://thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Man gets 20-yr jail for raping 5-year-old Dalit girl
Jhansi: Special Pocso Court Judge Mohd Niyaz Ahmed Ansari on Thursday sentenced a 32-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) for raping a five-year-old Dalit girl in 2020. The Judge also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on him for the offence. According to special public prosecutor for Pocso court, Ajay Kushwaha, the incident occurred on Oct 13, 2020, when the minor was playing outside her house near ITI area under Sipri Bazar police station. The accused, Bharat Yadav, who also lived nearby, lured her to an isolated place and raped her. Fortunately, the girl’s sister arrived at the scene and raised an alarm, causing Bharat to flee. Later, when the minor’s parents went to the accused’s house to confront him, they were assaulted and abused by Bharat, his father Gyan Singh, and his brother Balbir Singh. A police complaint was lodged against the trio under relevant sections of rape, the POCSO Act, and the SC/ST Act. During the trial, Bharat was found guilty of rape, while Gyan and Balbir were found guilty of assaulting and abusing the victim and her family members. On Thursday, Judge Mohd Niyaz Ahmed Ansari convicted Bharat and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The Judge also awarded three years of rigorous imprisonment each along with a fine of Rs 7,000 each to Gyan and Balbir. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https://timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
TM Exclusive: Darkness under the lamp in MP Congress, caste balance missing in spokesperson list, tribals zero, Rahul Gandhi’s slogan ignored?
55% of 53 spokespersons get nominal representation from upper caste, backward and Dalit leaders BHOPAL. Madhya Pradesh Congress organization is continuously proving unsuccessful in following the political slogan given by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi “Jiski jitni sankta bhaari, uski utni share” (the number of people is more, the share is more). The latest example of this is the recently announced spokesperson list of the state Congress, in which the basic spirit of social justice and caste representation is not visible. On May 5, the list of 53 spokespersons was released by the head of the media department of Congress, Mukesh Nayak, on the instructions of the president Jitu Patwari. In this list, the dominance of upper castes can be clearly seen, while the backward classes (OBC), scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST) and minority communities with large population have not got the expected representation. Dominance of general category According to the list, 18 Brahmins, 6 Thakurs, 6 other general category and 11 leaders from backward class have been appointed as spokespersons. That is, a total of 29 spokespersons belong to the upper caste, which is about 55% of the total list. On the other hand, only 9 leaders of the backward class, which is considered to have about 50% participation in the population of the state, have been given the responsibility of spokesperson. Only 7 representatives of the Scheduled Caste category are in this list and only 6 leaders from the minority category could become spokespersons. The most surprising thing is that the tribals have a participation of 21.10 percent in the state. Congress has not appointed any person from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category as a spokesperson, while Madhya Pradesh is a tribal dominated state. Questions raised on lack of caste balance Congress has been demanding caste census for a long time and Rahul Gandhi has made it clear while advocating social justice from every platform that the party’s goal is to ensure participation in proportion to the number. But this list of Madhya Pradesh Congress has not only weakened this idea, but has also exposed the neglect of caste representation at the ground level. Opinion of political analysts Political analysts believe that when the Bahujan Samaj will not get proper representation in the organisational structure itself, then how will the public trust the policies of Congress and its slogan of social justice? In a conversation with The Mooknayak, senior journalist Ramesh Sharma said that even though the Congress party talks about giving representation under social justice, but its list does not show representation in proportion to the numbers. List of representatives according to social classes General Category (Total): 30 Thakurs: (6) Ajit Bhadoria, Avnish Bundela, Santosh Singh Parihar, Samar Singh, Himani Singh, Santosh Singh Gautam, Brahmins: (18) Aparajita Pandey, Ambika Sharma, Gunjan Shukla, Jitendra Mishra, Dharmendra Sharma, Neelabh Shukla, Pramod Dwivedi, Priyanka Sharma, Mrinal Pant, Ram Pandey, Sangeeta Sharma, Rahul Raj, Sandeep Sablok, Sunil Mishra, Swadesh Sharma, Vivek Tripathi, Vinod Sharma. Other General Categories: (6) Bhupendra Gupta, Vinay Saxena, Ravi Saxena, Anand Jain Kasiwal, Harsh Jain, Kundan Punjabi. Backward Classes: (Total 11) Abhinav Baroliya, Amit Chourasiya, Anand Jat, Jyoti Patel, Yogesh Yadav, Rajesh Chouksey, Roshni Yadav, Shailendra Patel, Sparsh Chaudhary, R.P. Singh, Samar Singh Scheduled Caste: (SC) (Total 7) Amit Tawde, Praveen Dholpure, Mithun Ahirwar, Mukesh Panthee, Ravi Verma, Vikram Chaudhary, Sitasharan Suryavanshi. Scheduled Tribe (ST): No spokesperson. Minority community: (Total 6) Abbas Hafiz, Noori Khan, Firoz Siddiqui, Shahryar Khan, Sabir Fitwal. When The Mooknayak tried to get a reaction from the newly appointed spokesperson Dr. Vikram Chaudhary on this issue, he refused to comment and was seen avoiding speaking on this subject. SC/ST did not get representation even in Youth Congress elections In this election of Youth Congress, out of a total of 59 posts, only 7 seats have been reserved for the youth of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe category. This number is very less compared to the share of these classes in the population of the state. The total population of Madhya Pradesh has reached about 3.29 crores, in which Dalit and tribal communities have a large participation, but their share in organizational representation does not seem satisfactory. It is clear that the reservation policy has become a mere formality here. Why is the reduction in representation an important issue? Giving proper representation to social groups in political organisations is not just a game of numbers, it is a matter related to the soul of democracy and constitutional values. Giving leadership opportunities to young leaders of SC/ST community is the basic condition of social justice. When Congress calls itself a supporter of social justice, it is expected that it implements that idea in its organisational structure as well! Courtesy : Ankit Pachauri, Hindi News
Ambedkar month celebrated in 134 villages of UP, public meetings held on Dalit history and constitution; active workers were felicitated
Public dialogue on constitution awareness and Dalit history, public meetings and felicitation of volunteers on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti in 134 villages of Bundelkhand Uttar Pradesh/Orai. Celebrating the month of April as ‘Ambedkar month’ and ‘Dalit History Month’, Bundelkhand Dalit Adhikar Manch and Dalit Dignity and Justice Center organized various programs on the occasion of 134th birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in more than 134 villages of the district. Thousands of people were connected through constitution awareness meetings at village and panchayat level, mass recitation of the Preamble of the Constitution and social dialogue. The team that played an active role in this comprehensive campaign was felicitated by presenting “Samman Patra”. Among those who received the honor were Usha Devi, Debendra Anil, Anita, Surendra Kumar, Pradeep Dohre, Adv. Rashmi Verma, Adv. Nikhat Parveen, Adv. Priyanka Ahirwar, Anuradha Bauddh, Ayush Kumar, Sachin Chaudhary, Tinku Chaudhary, Shalini Bauddh, Madhu Anuragi, Kanchan Verma, Dharampal Rajput and Ramkumar Gautam are included. The team members who received the honor described this initiative as historic and said that this honor will keep reminding them of the struggles of Dr. Ambedkar. They said that during this one month, by going from village to village, they understood the real situation of the community and realized that even after 75 years of the implementation of the Constitution, there is a need for comprehensive change at many levels in the society. Highlights of the programme: Ambedkar Jayanti and Constitution awareness programmes in 134 villages/panchayats 92 public meetings organised, direct interaction with 15,490 people Participation of more than 25,000 women, men and children The programme reached more than 1.35 lakh people through social media Applications related to Dalit atrocities and problems received from 49 villages, which will be acted upon Advocate Kuldeep Kumar Baudh, founder and convener of Bundelkhand Dalit Adhikar Manch and Dalit Dignity and Justice Centre, said that this campaign is a historic effort towards documenting Dalit history and spreading awareness about constitutional values. He said, “The team not only celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti by visiting every village, but also compiled the stories of the struggling individuals there. Future generations will definitely remember this work.” The organizations plan to further train the volunteers of these 134 Gram Panchayats so that they can take leadership at the local level and contribute to social change and promotion of constitutional values. Courtesy: Hindi News