3-Time MLA And Dalit Face Vinay Kumar Is New Himachal Congress Chief
Vinay Kumar has been elected MLA from the Renuka constituency for the third consecutive time. Shimla: Ending the uncertainty that prevailed since the previous committee was dissolved on November 6 last year, Congress on Saturday appointed three-time MLA and senior party leader Vinay Kumar as the new President of its Himachal Pradesh unit. A statement in this regard was issued by AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal. The statement issued on Saturday mentioned that the party President, Mallikarjun Kharge, has appointed Vinay Kumar as the “President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect”. A prominent Dalit face of the party, Kumar was the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly and tendered his resignation from the post, which was accepted by Speaker Kuldeep Pathania. The resignation was seen as a step towards his formal announcement as the state Congress party president. It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had already advocated for a Dalit-affiliated party president. Party National President Mallikarjun Kharge also agreed with Vinay Kumar’s name. Vinay Kumar has been elected MLA from the Renuka constituency for the third consecutive time. Vinay Kumar was elected Deputy Speaker of the Assembly after the 2022 elections. With his position now becoming vacant, the names of Bhoranj MLA Suresh Kumar, Palampur MLA Ashish Butail, and Kasauli MLA KD Sultanpuri are being considered for the post. In an effort to rejuvenate the Congress organisation in Himachal Pradesh and strengthen its grassroots presence, the party dissolved its state, district, and block executive committees on November 6 of last year. The party’s top leadership initiated this organisational restructuring to address upcoming political challenges and to create a new structure that includes dedicated and influential party workers. This move was based on a proposal by then State President Pratibha Singh, which received approval from Kharge. Following this, KC Venugopal issued a letter on November 6, 2024, officially dissolving all executive committees except for the Congress President. Pratibha was asked to continue till further orders. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Chirag to revive Dalit Sena, embark on Bihar Yatra soon
Patna: Union minister and LJP (RV) chief Chirag Paswan on Friday said the party would embark on a Bihar Yatra to identify the state’s smaller issues. Chirag also said the Dalit Sena would be revived and reorganised under the leadership of Jamui MP Arun Bharti. He added that his party’s foundation day will be celebrated in a grand manner in Patna on Nov 28. Chirag said he wished to expand his party’s footprint beyond Bihar to states such as West Bengal, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, and plans to contest as an NDA partner. “We won 19 out of the 29 seats contested within the NDA because of the people’s blessings and PM Narendra Modi’s support to our party. The LJP (RV) has been given two ministerial berths in Bihar. I am satisfied. How greedy can Chirag be,” he said, laughing. LJP (RV) MLA Sanjay Kumar (Paswan) has been allocated sugar cane industries, while Mahua MLA Sanjay Singh has been given the PHED ministry. Singh defeated RJD chief Lalu Prasad’s elder son and Janshakti Janata Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav. Chirag also criticised the opposition RJD and Congress for blaming SIR and vote theft instead of undertaking self-introspection on why people have rejected them since 2005. “Even the third generation of Lalu ji will not come to power if they keep making excuses. Their mindset and thinking caused the downfall of RJD and Congress. We also suffered defeat but assessed where we went wrong. After defeat, you need to do some honest introspection,” Chirag said. The LJP (RV) chief said his party set up its organisation in all districts of Bihar and worked hard, which is reflected in the election results. “In these 5 years, the party further increased its vote share from 2020 elections. This time, we contested just 29 seats, but we touched 5% vote share. This reflects a constant growth of LJP (RV),” he said. Replying to a query on the accusation of ‘parivarvad’ in politics, the son of former Union minister late Ram Vilas Paswan said everything depends on competence. “My party was dismantled in 2021, but because of competence, I revived it,” Chirag said. He added that his estranged uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras congratulated him on the party’s success in the assembly elections. “I accept it. My uncle said so many things against me, but still he is my elder and I have his blessings,” he said. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Rising from the Dust’ Dalit Stories from Bengal
“Let me forget that I was born in the dust; there is no dust within me…” ‘Chandalika’, Rabindranath Tagore In hand is a compilation of twelve short stories from both female and male Dalit caste and non-Dalit writers. Dalits have also been categorized as a ‘Backward Caste’, ‘Untouchables’ and are subject to systematic social exclusion. The collection presents a painstaking perception in the translation from Bangla into English. We have an immensely praise-worthy undertaking by Aruna Chakravarti, a Kolkata Bangali writer and translator residing in New Delhi. As a reviewer, I quote Chakravarti in her ‘Translator’s Note’ in her book: “shakes the reader both intellectually and emotionally.” She has in ‘Rising from the Dust’ achieved both. The first short story ‘Fortress’ written by Manoranjan Byapari, shook me to the core. This is a raw and unsettling read. The ability of the translator to transfer the Bangla text into such impactful English is both evocative and haunting. How to convey desperate nuances? She has selected and translated chilling and compelling writing, painfully profound till the last paragraph. We are reading a masterful handling of the tone and meaning conveying Bangla expressions. Every day expressions in one language do not easily convey the essence and atmospheric content of the written output. Lives are ‘Rising from the Dust’ at times. However, at what cost? Life? Is this salvation? Is heart break or surrender survival? These short stories linger long after the book closes. How do short stories, a form of literature convey in such a short space the intense context of ‘Rising from the Dust’? It is an immensely impactful literature achievement by the writers. Aruna Chakravarti is the recipient of numerous prestigious literary awards; Vaitalik Award, Sahitya Akademi Award and Sarat Puraskar. Her first novel ‘The Inheritors’ was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. Her second, ‘Jorasanko’ and its sequel ‘Daughters of Jorasanko’ remain best sellers. In fact, upon a second visit to Rabindranath Tagore’s family home in Kolkata, I was told by a young guide that “the footfall of visitors to Jorasanko has increased immensely since the publication of the above two books.” (I have reviewed both.) ‘Suralakshmi Villa’ received ‘Novel of the year (India 2020) by Indian Bibliography published in The Journal of Commonwealth Literature U.K. ‘The Mendicant Prince’ (2022) is known historically in both Bangladesh and West Bengal. It is inspired by the legendary Bhawal Sannyasi case. (Also have reviewed.) Her translated works include an anthology of songs from Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Gitabitaan’, Saratchandra Chattopadhyay’s ‘Srikanta’ and Sunil Gangopadhyay’s ‘Those Days, First Light and Primal Woman: Stories.’ The book title is ‘Rising from the Dust’ Dalit Stories from Bengal. And not ‘Risen from the Dust.’ Chakravarti’s book is reflective of the social dictates, the personal sacrifices and even the loss of lives in an environment that despite every initiative of the individual; continues to impact. The selection of stories portrays the patriarchal societies in dominance; the male oriented moral framework. Of the twelve chapters, female lives are particularly characterized. Their livelihood and lives; provide little light in the tough tunnel of existence. Deprivation and exploitation; from birth, through adolescence into adulthood and old age is common. Unheard echoes from a marginally discriminated population remain subject to communal dust. There are two selections of the writings of Mahasweta Devia. In ‘Notes on Contributors’ assembled by Aruna Chakravarti; the author sketch informs us that “Her specialization lies in her studies of Adivasis, Dalits and other marginalized people of India…Her works have been widely translated and she has been the recipient of several prestigious awards in India…One of her novels was shortlisted for the Man Booker Award and she was nominated for the Nobel Prize in 2012.” She was born in 1926 in Dhaka and passed away in Kolkata in 2016. Mahasweta Devia was not a member of the marginalized Dalit caste. I have selected ‘The True Life Story of Uli-Buli’s Mother’ as presentation of the essence and depth of her writings and acute ability of the translator to convey the entirety of the text. Four other presentations highlighting a selective text follow. “Uli-Buli were the twin girls she gave birth to. “Shame on you!” my husband used to say. ‘First one girl, then another; and now two together! I”ll find myself another wife.’ ‘Do that, I would weep and plead. But don’t drive me away. I’ll move out of the house and live in the cowshed with the bull calf…I work in five houses even now, cleaning cowsheds and making dung cakes. I’ll feed myself…I summoned up all my courage and approached the village elders. No land. No roof above my head.’ I wept. ‘Where will I live? I have four daughters.” In response, Uli-Buli’s father says: ‘Why does she give birth to girls?…I’ve heard Dada say that she went prancing to the pond anytime she felt like it. She would eat mussel chachhari on Saturdays! Won’t evil spirits enter such a woman’s body and spoil her womb?” “Twelve greybeards sat with long faces…The decision was reached that husbands would be found for the two older girls…One bridegroom needed a second wife and the other a third. Everything was sold. The house and land, the bull calf, my nose stud and ear-rings…” “I would beg during the day and sleep under the porch at night. And it was from there that my Uli and Buli were stolen…” The twins were a year old and sold to a hospital. Four years later, she comes to know of this happening and searches for her twin daughters for twenty-three years. “Her daughters would have been twenty-four years old today…wouldn’t they?…She doesn’t understand that. She searches her one-year olds. She thinks she will find them someday…She howls and beats her breasts. Swears and curses. Rushes at them. She looks the way she does but she’s really quite young…Perhaps all women with a life story like Uli-Buli’s mother look like her.” *A story to tell and tough to look away. Reviewer* Another entry is ‘Motho’s Daughter’
Attempted rape of Dalit woman, brothers beat her: Khaga’s Hathgaon police accused of inaction
A case of attempted rape and subsequent assault of a Dalit woman has come to light in the Hathgaon police station area of Fatehpur district. The victim has filed a complaint at the police station, but it is alleged that the police have not taken any action in the matter. This incident raises questions about the crime control efforts of Superintendent of Police Anup Kumar Singh. In her complaint, the victim stated that a young man named Harishankar alias Bachaniya Vishwakarma suddenly entered her house while she was bathing. The accused entered the bathroom, grabbed the victim, threw her to the ground, and attempted to rape her. When the victim raised an alarm, Harishankar’s brothers, Rinku Vishwakarma and Pintu Vishwakarma, also entered the house. The two brothers hurled casteist slurs at the victim and assaulted her. They also threatened to kill her if she complained, after which they fled. The victim immediately filed a written complaint at the local police station, but the police merely offered assurances and dismissed the matter. According to sources, a man from the village has been seen actively involved in the incident at the police station, raising questions about the police’s inaction. Meanwhile, the accused, Harishankar alias Bachaniya Vishwakarma, has admitted to being assaulted by his brothers. A video of the incident is also rapidly going viral on social media. When contacted via mobile phone, station in-charge Durgesh Prasad Gupta stated that such a case had not yet come to his attention. It is possible that the victim came to the police station and left after submitting a complaint. The case will be investigated, and if the accused did indeed commit such an act against the woman, the culprits will be identified and strict legal action will be taken. Vikash Trivedi Courtesy: Hindi News
Kerala University denies PhD approval to Dalit scholar amid caste discrimination row
Speaking to TNM, Vipin Vijyan said he had not received any information about the withholding from the University. Prolonging the caste discrimination controversy, the University of Kerala has reportedly withheld the approval of awarding PhD Degree to Dalit scholar Vipin Vijayan while awarding PhD degrees to 64 other candidates. The decision was taken by Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Mohanan Kunnummal. A PhD degree will be conferred after the candidate successfully completes all requirements, including thesis submission and an open defence. According to reports, the VC approved the PhDs under the syndicate’s consideration, exercising special powers granted under university regulations. The thesis work of 39-year-old Vipin Vijayan, belonging to the Pulaya community, was earlier rejected by CN Vijayakumari, Dean and Head of Kerala University’s Sanskrit department. Vijayakumari is accused of hurling caste-based slurs at the scholar, for which a case is registered against her. Speaking to TNM, Vipin said he had not received any official communication from the University pertaining to this. “I came to know about it from the newspapers. My future course of action will be decided after a detailed inquiry,” he said. On October 15, when Vipin was defending his thesis Vijayakumari disrupted the session, demanding changes in the thesis despite the supervisor’s opposition who validated the arguments made by Vipin in the thesis. According to the scholar, Vijayakumari refused to sign the thesis though both the supervisor and the thesis examining committee chairperson had approved the thesis. During the verbal altercation, Vijayakumari allegedly hurled caste abuses at Vipin. “‘Why do you need a doctorate to add to your name? You have a Pulaya surname, that is enough,’ Vijayakumari told me when I requested her to sign my PhD thesis”, Vipin had told TNM. Reports suggest that after the defence became controversial, the Vice-Chancellor requested the online recording to understand the issues raised during the open defence. However, the research guide responsible for conducting and documenting the open defence reported that no recording was made. Meanwhile, Vipin has filed a complaint against Vijayakumari with the police, the University and the SC/ST commission. The Sreekaryam police has booked Vijayakumari under Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which deal with intentionally insulting or abusing a member of the SC/ST community by caste name in public view. Written by:TNM Staff Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewsminute.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Chirag Paswan Announces ‘Dhanyavad Yatra’ in Bihar from January, Revival of Dalit Sena
LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan plans ‘Dhanyavad Yatra’ to thank voters for NDA’s sweeping mandate, while launching a renewed Dalit Sena structure. Patna: Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Friday announced that he will embark on a statewide tour early next year, once the Kharmas period ends in mid-January. The “Dhanyavad Yatra”, he said, will be aimed at thanking the public for the National Democratic Alliance’s sweeping win in the Bihar Assembly elections.Patna city guide Speaking at a press conference at the LJP (Ram Vilas) office in Patna, Chirag said the yatra will begin immediately after the traditional dahi-chuda feast on Makar Sankranti. “This journey will be our way of expressing gratitude for the historic mandate given to the NDA,” he said. In a move signalling consolidation within his party, Chirag also announced the formation of a new Dalit Sena—an organisation originally created by his father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, before he founded the LJP in 2000. Taking a swipe at his estranged uncle and former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, Chirag alleged that Paras had “usurped both the party and the original Dalit Sena”.Bihar tourism packages The revived Dalit Sena will be headed by Arun Bharti, LJP (Ram Vilas) MP from Jamui and Chirag’s brother-in-law. Former minister Sanjay Paswan, who long served as state president of the earlier Dalit Sena, will work alongside him. Chirag also announced that the LJP (Ram Vilas) will celebrate its foundation day on November 28 in Patna, marking 24 years since Ram Vilas Paswan launched the party. He said details of the programme would be released soon. The announcements come at a time when the party is seeking to expand its organisational footprint after securing a strong position within the NDA and gaining key portfolios in the newly formed state government. Courtesy : Patna News Note: This news is originally published on https:/patnanews.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Tamil Nadu: Dalit student dies after suffering caste-based discrimination and assault, fights for life for 10 days
The student attempted suicide after being subjected to caste-based abuse; father questions police investigation, department offers 6 lakh rupees in aid Villupuram: A heartbreaking case of alleged caste-based discrimination has come to light in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu. An 18-year-old Dalit student, who attempted suicide after being humiliated by caste-based abuse and assault, died in hospital on Tuesday. The deceased student had been battling for life in the ICU for the past 10 days. The deceased has been identified as S. Gajini, a resident of Vadakuchipalayam. He was a first-year history student at the Government Arignar Anna Arts College. What was the full story? According to sources, the incident occurred on November 6th. Gajini was returning home from a hotel. Meanwhile, three men from the Vanniyar community, who were allegedly intoxicated and riding on the same bike, hit Ghazni’s two-wheeler. The collision led to an altercation. It is alleged that upon learning that Ghazni belonged to the Dalit community, they began hurling casteist slurs at him and physically assaulted him. Sources say that when Ghazni’s father tried to intervene, the three accused fled the scene. Horrified by the humiliation, Ghazni took a drastic step. Three days after the incident, Ghazni attempted suicide at his home. His family immediately rescued him and admitted him to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Mundiyambakkam. He was admitted to the Intensive Critical Care Unit (ICU). After 10 days of treatment, he succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning. Questions about the police investigation The Villupuram Taluk police have registered a case under the SC/ST Act against three unidentified men based on the complaint. Police sources say the student was unable to confirm the identity of the accused, making it difficult to trace the suspects. However, the family claims that Ghazni had identified at least one of the attackers. “My son is gone, we want justice.” The deceased’s father, P. Semmeneri, has questioned the administration’s actions. He said, “How difficult is it for the police to track the mobile tower signal at the scene? The police are not conducting a proper investigation because my son is no longer alive. We want justice.” He also demanded that Dalit residents on the route to the bus stop be ensured of safety. Compensation announced: Amidst this tragic incident, the District Adi Dravidar Welfare Department has approved a compensation of ₹6 lakh for the victim’s family. The student’s death has left the area in mourning, and the family is pleading for justice. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Bhopal: A Dalit youth was brutally beaten and dragged by his hair just 500 meters from the police station; police took action after the video went viral.
He was beaten with sticks and rods on the road 500 meters from the police station, and his friend who came to his rescue was also attacked; one accused was taken into custody after the video went viral. Bhopal/Narmadapuram: A recent case challenging law and order has emerged in Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh. Five youths brutally beat a Dalit youth at the Makhannagar High School grounds. Shockingly, the scene of the incident is just 500 meters from the police station. The accused committed this crime in broad daylight, creating an atmosphere of terror in the area. On Wednesday, a video of the incident surfaced on social media, causing panic within the police administration. The video clearly shows the accused dragging the young man by his hair and repeatedly assaulting him with sticks and rods. When the victim’s friend tried to rescue him, the accused did not spare him and attacked him as well. What is the whole matter? According to the police complaint, the complainant, Pawan Sharma, and his friend, Pradeep Ahirwar, went to Makhannagar on Monday, November 17th. They had gone there to visit local temples. At around 3 p.m., while returning after having tea near the Tehsil Ground, two local youths present there stopped them. The accused began abusing Pradeep without any reason. When Pradeep and Pawan protested, the situation escalated. Three more youths arrived shortly afterward. The five then attacked Pradeep, brutally beating him with sticks. Referred to hospital in critical condition Seeing the street brawl, passersby intervened and rescued the young men. Seeing a crowd gathering, the accused fled the scene, threatening to kill them. Pradeep suffered serious injuries to his head, back, and arms and legs in the attack. Immediately after the incident, Pawan brought his injured friend to the police station. From there, police sent Pradeep to the local government hospital for first aid, but due to his critical condition, he was referred to Narmadapuram District Hospital. Police Action Given the seriousness of the matter, Makhannagar police have registered a case under the SC/ST Act and other sections of the assault. Acting swiftly, the police have detained one of the accused involved in the incident, while the search for others is ongoing. The remaining accused are being identified based on the video. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
16% Dalit population but zero net worth! Baba Saheb’s SC-Buddhist Bank will now bring the dream of self-reliance to life.
Ambedkar emphasized that over ₹5,000 crore of Dalit funds are deposited in the Brahminical system (such as Saraswat Bank, HDFC, SBI), but we are unable to reach such people. Mumbai – The harsh truth of caste inequality in India’s economic structure has come to light. Rajratna Ambedkar, great-grandson of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and National President of the Buddhist Society of India, revealed that according to the 2011 census, the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, which constitutes 16.6% of the population, has zero net worth in the cooperative sector. Meanwhile, smaller communities like Brahmins, Sikhs, and Parsis have net worths in the thousands of crores compared to other communities. To address economic inequality, Rajratna Ambedkar launched the ‘Dr. Established the Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Multistate Cooperative Credit Society Limited (AMSC), the country’s first Scheduled Caste and Buddhist cooperative credit platform. Branches are operational in Nagpur and Thane. The goal is to transform it into a cooperative bank within the next two years, and move towards becoming a fully nationalized bank within five years. This initiative not only symbolizes economic empowerment but also attempts to realize Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of a self-reliant economy. Rajratna Ambedkar said, “The net worth of 16.6 percent of our population is zero because our money is lying in other people’s banks.” Citing 2011 census data, Ambedkar presented a comparative analysis of the population of different communities and the net worth of their cooperative banks, which are as follows: Muslim population: 14.2 percent (approximately 172 million). Christian population: 2.3 percent. Jain population: 0.4 percent. Parsi population: Exactly 0.006 percent. Their cooperative net worth was estimated to be around ₹10,000 crore. Scheduled Caste (SC) population: 16.6 percent (approximately 200 million), but the net worth in the cooperative sector is zero. Ambedkar clarified that the recently established ‘Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Bank’ (2024-25) has been considered zero due to the unavailability of its audit report. Brahmin population: Estimated 4 Percent, whose Saraswat Bank has a net worth of over Rs 59,000 crore. Sikh population: 1.7 percent. Khalsa Credit Society has a net worth of $75.7 million (approximately Rs 6,300 crore). Ambedkar stressed that funds worth over Rs 5,000 crore belonging to the Dalit community are deposited in the Brahminical system (like Saraswat Bank, HDFC, SBI), but are not being utilized due to lack of access. “How will an 80-year-old person leave the house? So, I am hiring missionaries who go to his house and fill his shareholder form and fill his FD, RD, current account forms, savings account forms. We need missionaries who will go door to door and fill out forms.” Missionary Recruitment: Not a Job, a Call to Mission Ambedkar stated clearly that he was looking for missionaries, not employees. “This is not a 10-to-5 job, but a 24×7 mission. Like Kanshi Ram ji, we need to go from village to village on a bicycle and build an independent economy. Just as Honorable Kanshi Ram ji formed his government four times in this country and elected his own Chief Minister by traveling on a bicycle, we need similar people who will go to villages and create their own independent economy.” Applications for recruitment are due by November 21st at jobs.amsc.co.in. Interviews will be held at the headquarters, where dedication to the mission will be assessed. Currently, the customer base at the two branches is growing rapidly, necessitating a staff increase. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit student dies ten days after attempted suicide following alleged caste assault in TN
Villupuram, Tamil Nadu: Ten days after he attempted to take his own life following an alleged caste-based assault, an 18-year-old Dalit student from Vikravandi in Tamil Nadu died of his injuries on Tuesday. The student, S. Gajini of Vadakuchipalayam, was in his first year of a History course at Government Arignar Anna Arts College. The Observer Post reported that the chain of events began on November 6, when Gajini was returning home from a hotel. According to police and local sources, three men from the Vanniyar community, allegedly drunk and riding triple on a motorbike, collided with his two-wheeler and a confrontation followed. When the men learnt that Gajini belonged to a Dalit locality, they allegedly assaulted him and hurled caste slurs before fleeing as his father arrived at the spot. On November 9, Gajini attempted suicide at home. His family immediately took him to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Mundiyambakkam. He was admitted to a local intensive critical care unit, where he received treatment for ten days and died early Tuesday morning. Villupuram taluk police have filed a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against three unnamed men. According to authorities, the investigation has been obstructed by Gajini’s inability to accurately identify his attackers, despite his family’s claims that he recognised at least one of them. Gajini’s father, P. Semmaneri, said “The police are not investigating properly because my son is already dead. Authorities should examine mobile tower data from the location. We want justice,” he told The New Indian Express, adding that Dalit residents who use the same stretch of road need assured safety. The district Adi Dravidar welfare department has announced a compensation of ₹6 lakh for the family. Courtesy : Vartha Bharati Note: This news is originally published on https:/varthabharati.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights