The man who made Dalit voices rise
Dr M N Wankhede, on his 100th birth centenary, is remembered for mapping the Dalit vidrohi canon and urging writers to speak out, linking India’s caste struggle with global movements for justice The Ambedkarite thinker, fierce essayist, and mentor of the Dalit rebellious canon is, of course, known in academic circles, but not in the national or regional consciousness. It is to him that the arc of Marathi Dalit writing (and its translations) can be traced. From Baburao Bagul’s Sood (whose foreword he wrote) through Daya Pawar’s Baluta, Laxman Mane’s Upara, Baby Kamble’s Jina Amucha, and Urmila Pawar’s Aaydaan, the genre found its most forceful voice in memoir and autobiography — work that today stands translated in several foreign languages and remains a matter of pride in Maharashtra. Behind this lineage stood Wankhede, who wrote, spoke, and organised around the need for rebellious literature that would name oppression and speak in its own cadence. His years were few, but his impact was decisive: through his essays, speeches, institution-building, travel and study abroad, and his work at Aurangabad’s (now Sambhajinagar) Milind College, he shaped the very definition of rebellion in letters. Dr Wankhede (second row, third from left) and other students travelling to UK with Babasaheb AmbedkarDr Wankhede (second row, third from left) and other students travelling to UK with Babasaheb Ambedkar A new Marathi volume titled Krantdarshi Dr M N Wankhede — which includes the scholar’s select English quotes — edited by senior litterateur Yashwant Manohar, brings together some 60 scholars from across Maharashtra. Manohar excerpts from Wankhede’s speeches, public interviews, and English writings. He, in fact, calls Dr Wankhede “Maharashtra’s Sartre”, whose influence, he notes, has never faded. The collection situates the aesthetics of Dalit literature within a global frame, where Wankhede’s thought carries the existentialism of total revolution, anchored in Dr Ambedkar’s foundational sadvivekvaad — the reasoned humanism that defined his worldview. The volume highlights Wankhede’s profound grasp of Dr Ambedkar’s teachings and his eloquent insistence that Dalits must write fearlessly from their own lived experience. He challenged inherited heroes of history and myth, urging Dalit writers to create their own protagonists — shaped by their time and struggle. For him, the Dalit quest was inseparable from the human one. PM Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr Wankhede (right) in Aurangabad to inaugurate Marathwada UniversityPM Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr Wankhede (right) in Aurangabad to inaugurate Marathwada University Dr Wankhede went to the UK on an Indian government scholarship, and later became a Fulbright scholar in the US, completing his PhD at the University of Florida on “Walt Whitman and Tantrism: A Comparative Study.” There, he witnessed the African American civil rights movement firsthand, profoundly shaping his understanding of social justice and equality. As a scholar of English literature, deeply influenced by Martin Luther King Jr, Langston Hughes, Walt Whitman, and James Baldwin, he urged Dalit youth to pursue education as a tool for transformation. He felt fortunate to have been chosen by Dr Ambedkar to head the English department at Milind College, the institution Ambedkar founded, hoping others would follow this dnyānmārga, enabling them to tell their stories in their own idioms. Returning to Sambhajinagar, he brought insights from the Black Panther movement in the US, transforming Milind College into a crucible of cultural resurgence. Dr Wankhede (seated on the left in the foreground) with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi Dr Wankhede (seated on the left in the foreground) with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi As Arjun Dangle, Dalit Panther leader, wrote in the new volume — and reiterated at the Mumbai centenary gathering — “revisiting Dr Wankhede is vital today”, as the values sustaining our welfare state are under threat. In his time, Wankhede urged writers to practise vidroh (rebellion) against the caste establishment. That call resonates till date. Dangle notes that certain figures in history remind us of the need for counter-revolution; Wankhede is one such defining figure. Many writers of the Dalit vidrohi canon remember Dr Wankhede with deep gratitude, acknowledging that much of their own writing owes its inspiration to him. Many hail from Marathwada, especially Milind College, where Wankhede was either their guru or contemporary; a vatvriksha whose canopy sheltered writers, translators, and theatre-cinema-art creators. The volume showcases the Dalit intelligentsia across generations and geographies, including ideologue-thinker Janardan Waghmare (Latur), Hindi translator Aruna Lokhande (Sambhajinagar), educationist Chetana Sonkamble (Kolhapur), and poet-writer Vandana Mahajan from Mumbai. Literary critic and editor of Phule-Ambedkari Vangmaykosh, Dr Mahendra Bhaware, situates Wankhede at the heart of Maharashtra’s cultural renaissance — a force that introduced the revolutionary intensity of African American writing. Tapping into the moral and aesthetic upheaval after the 1956 mass conversion to Buddhism, Wankhede urged Dalits to question all entrenched powers — god and religion included. He institutionalised his ideas through journals such as Asmita, Asmitadarsh, Milind Magazine, and Milind Manuscript Fortnightly, building platforms for new voices. Dalit theatre also took shape under his patronage: he directed Yugyatra, the first Dalit play, performed in Ambedkar’s presence at Sambhajinagar and again before a massive audience at Nagpur’s Dhammadeeksha in 1956. Wankhede’s engagement with Marathi and Indian literary discourse was balanced: never an extremist, he was always open to new ideas. In the preface to Sood, he initially described Dalit literature as Dalit expression fuelled by anger against perpetrators, but later adopted a more nuanced diverse construct. How many public intellectuals are willing to revisit and correct their own definitions? Dr Mangesh Bansod, professor at the University of Mumbai’s Academy of Theatre Arts and an active member of the centenary celebrations, notes that Wankhede was a towering figure who refused to let narrowness or hatred shape the canon he built. He remained in dialogue with scholars of all persuasions, and his engagement with non-Dalit thinkers reflected the intellectual openness highlighted in the Krantdarshi volume through reflections by samavichari such as R G Jadhav, M P Rege, and V L Kulkarni. Renowned reformist writer-critic M B Chitnis — who shared Wankhede’s belief that Dalit literature must be intellectually rigorous yet
Mirzapur News: Government serious about oppression and exploitation of Dalit community
Jigna. Dr. Lalaji Prasad Nirmal, Chairman of the Natural Disaster Management Inquiry Committee, who holds the rank of Minister of State, addressed a gathering in Bihasra Bazaar on Saturday, stating that the Chief Minister has implemented numerous public welfare schemes for the development and upliftment of the community. Advertisement: 0:02 He stated that the government is serious about oppression and exploitation of Dalit community. He said that it is best for the community to remain with the BJP. The Chairman stated that he has donated money from his own funds for the construction of a road in Bihasra. The meeting was conducted by Lalji Verma. Deepak Verma, Vinay Kumar Singh, Ajay Jaiswal, Lal Saheb, Raj Mishra, Indrajit Verma, Shyam Babu Verma, Sanjay Sonkar, Sunil Verma, etc. were present. Dalits are free from fear, land encroachments are no longer prevalent under Yogi’s rule: Dr. Nirmal Vindhyachal. The BJP government is empowering Dalits socially, economically, and politically. Dalits are completely free from fear under Yogi’s rule. Their lands are no longer being illegally encroached upon. Dr. Lalji Prasad Nirmal, Member of the Legislative Council/Chairman of the Natural Disaster Management Inquiry Committee, Uttar Pradesh, stated this in a press conference held at the Ashtabhuja Dak Bungalow auditorium on Saturday. He stated that the Chief Minister has accomplished significant work for Dalits. As a result of this strictness, no gangster or mafia dares to encroach upon the land of Dalits or those from the marginalized communities. Now, Dalit and backward class employees recruited through outsourcing in the state will receive the benefits of reservation. Dr. Nirmal stated that the Chief Minister will inaugurate the world-class Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial and Cultural Center being built in Lucknow on April 14, 2026, on the occasion of Baba Saheb’s birthday. Courtesy: Hindi News
World News | NY Consul General Meets Dalit Chamber of Commerce to Strengthen Business Ties
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Pradhan met a delegation from the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and discussed strengthening of business opportunities for entrepreneurs of DICCI. New York [US], November 16 (ANI): India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Pradhan met a delegation from the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and discussed strengthening of business opportunities for entrepreneurs of DICCI. In a post on X, the Consulate stated, “Consul General Binaya Pradhan met a Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation led by Milind Kamble and Mr. Sanjiv Dangi. The discussion focused on strengthening business opportunities for entrepreneurs of DICCI in the US-India economic cooperation.” Earlier on Saturday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the Consul Generals Conference and appreciated the Embassy and Consulates for strengthening India-US ties. He reviewed bilateral ties with the US. In a post on X, he said, “Chaired a Consul Generals Conference in New York today, attended by Embassy of India in Washington DC, Consulate General of India in New York, Consulate General of India in Los Angeles, Consulate General of India in Seattle, Consulate General of India in San Francisco, Consulate General of India in Atlanta, Consulate General of India in Houston, Consulate General of India in Chicago and Consulate General of India in Boston. Reviewed our bilateral ties and support for diaspora activities. Appreciate the commitment and efforts of our Embassy and Consulates to strengthening the India-US partnership.” The Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X, “Team CGI New York was honoured to welcome External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. His vision, guidance and leadership strengthen our commitment to work for the India-USA partnership.” Earlier on Friday, Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Thursday and discussed the current global order, regional flashpoints and the role of multilateralism. In a post on X, Jaishankar said he valued Guterres’ assessment of global developments and thanked him for his “clear and consistent support” for India’s growth. “Good to meet with UNSG @antonioguterres in New York today. Valued his assessment of the current global order and its implications for multilateralism. Also appreciated his perspectives on various regional hotspots. Thank him for clear and consistent support for India’s growth and development. Look forward to welcoming him in India,” he wrote. (ANI) (The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia’s leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY) Courtesy : LatestLY Note: This news is originally published on https:/latestly.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
MP: BTP MLA writes to CM, demanding an investigation into the expenditure of ₹1.25 lakh crore from the Tribal Sub-Plan Fund.
The MLA has requested the Chief Minister to prepare a department-wise review report of the expenditure of the TSP Fund over the past three years, to clarify whether the funds have been used in accordance with the intended objectives. Bhopal. Serious questions have been raised regarding the use of the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) funds, created for the development of tribal-dominated areas. Kamleshwar Dodiyar, MLA of the Bharat Adivasi Party from the Sailana constituency in Ratlam district, has sent a letter to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav demanding a high-level investigation and department-wise review of the expenditure incurred under the TSP Fund over the past three years. 1.25 lakh crore spent in three years, but where is the benefit? MLA Dodiyar stated in his letter that the state government has spent approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore under the TSP Fund over the past three financial years. However, the worrying fact is that this amount was primarily spent not through the Tribal Affairs Department but was used by 42 other state departments for their own projects. According to him, out of a total provision of ₹148 lakh crore, actual utilization of ₹125 lakh crore was recorded. Of these, the Energy, Agriculture, and Rural Development departments spent the most. In contrast, expenditure by the Employment, Industry, Tourism, and New Energy departments was negligible, raising questions about the scheme’s objectives. Serious Allegations Regarding Fund Transfer Dodiyar also mentioned in his application that the Water Resources Department transferred ₹355 crore from the TSP to other general items, which is contrary to the spirit of the Tribal Sub-Plan. He stated that when departments use TSP funds for their regular schemes, it raises concerns about how much of the actual benefit has reached the tribal community. Implementation deviates from the original spirit of the scheme MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar stated clearly that the primary objective of the TSP fund is to develop basic amenities such as education, health, roads, irrigation, electricity, drinking water, employment, and social security in tribal-dominated areas. This fund was specifically created for areas where infrastructure remains weak and people lack easy access to basic entitlements. However, he expressed concern that when this amount is spent on general schemes of various departments, the intended development work in tribal areas remains incomplete. This not only undermines the original objective of the scheme but also adversely impacts the socio-economic empowerment of these communities. Demand for Department-Wise Review and Audit The MLA urged the Chief Minister to prepare a department-wise review report of the expenditure of the TSP fund over the last three years to clarify whether the funds have been used in accordance with the intended objectives. He also demanded that financial audits be conducted against departments that have arbitrarily diverted funds to other items, ensuring transparency in the entire process. The MLA also demanded that departments or officials whose negligence has adversely affected the development of tribal areas be held accountable. He believes that without strict action, the proper utilization of TSP funds cannot be ensured, and its true beneficiaries, the tribal communities, are being deprived. MLA Dodiyar suggested that in future, TSP funds be allocated and spent only through the Tribal Affairs Department, so that the funds can truly be utilized in accordance with the needs of tribal areas. He said that if TSP funds continue to be used for general schemes of other departments, the development of tribal areas will remain limited to paper only. MLA Dodiyar requested Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav to take immediate cognizance of this serious issue and issue necessary instructions. He also said, “An investigation should be conducted into the misuse of TSP funds and I should be informed promptly of the action taken.” Ankit Pachauri Courtesy: Hindi News
Chhattisgarh: This unique museum in Naya Raipur tells the saga of bravery of unsung tribal heroes.
History from 1774 to 1939 comes alive in 16 galleries; the sword of Martyr Veer Narayan Singh and the ‘Adi Vani’ app are the main attractions. Raipur: Whenever the country’s freedom struggle is mentioned, images of great heroes like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose come to mind. Their stories inspire millions. However, the contribution of revolutionaries from the tribal community in this struggle was no less, although very few people know about them. To recognize these unsung heroes and make their stories accessible to the public, a very special museum has been created in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The ‘Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum’ is not just a building, but a living document of history. PM Modi inaugurated Located in Sector 24 of Naya Raipur, this sprawling museum spans 9.75 acres. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 1 of this year. The total cost of this project, designed by the Tribal Welfare Department, was ₹53.13 crore. The museum aims to provide visitors with a holistic experience of the lives and struggles of tribal revolutionaries. Displays include life-size statues depicting key moments of the freedom struggle, historical documents containing execution orders, and weapons used by the rebels. A testimony to the struggle from 1774 to 1939 The museum is divided into 16 galleries, where hundreds of statues narrate the untold stories of the atrocities and resistance faced by tribal communities between 1774 and 1939. Sonmani Bora, Principal Secretary of the Tribal Development Department, said, “The digital experiences here, including the sword used by martyr Veer Narayan Singh against the British, his memorial, and a digital view of the famous Maa Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada, make this museum an unforgettable experience for visitors.” A Wonderful Confluence of Art and Culture The main entrance of the museum is decorated with traditional wood carvings from the Surguja region. The names of 200 tribal freedom fighters are also inscribed, giving visitors a sense of pride even before they enter. A life-size statue of Birsa Munda is installed in the courtyard. It is noteworthy that Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary (November 15) is celebrated nationwide as ‘Tribal Pride Day’. More than a dozen digital screens have been installed in the reception hall, playing animated video stories. Additionally, there is a mini-theater where short films based on the life stories of tribal leaders like Veer Narayan Singh, Gend Singh, Gundadhur, and Ramadhin Gond are shown. A glimpse of various tribes While the reception area is brightly lit, the galleries are dimmed to bring the statues to life. The exhibits showcase the culture, beliefs, arts, and skills of Particularly Backward Tribes (PVTGs) such as the Kamar, Baiga, Abujhmariya, Pahari Korwa, and Birhor. Their sculptures, paintings, and everyday objects are also on display. From the Pages of History: Captain Blunt and Veer Narayan Singh Recalling an interesting historical incident, TRTI Assistant Director Anil Virulkar told the Indian Express, “The museum also features the story of Captain Blunt of the East India Company. When he tried to invade Bastar in 1795, the local tribes—Gond, Koya, Dorla, and Madia—attacked him with their traditional weapons and forced him to retreat.” Another gallery tells the story of Veer Narayan Singh’s rebellion, who raised his voice against the British when they refused to give grain from their warehouses to tribal people struggling with hunger and poverty. Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Dhamtari is also mentioned here. Connecting through Technology Special arrangements have been made to connect history with modern technology. TRTI Director Hina Netam said, “We have developed an app called ‘Adi Vani’, which offers translations in Gondi and Halbi languages. Additionally, we have created short films and videos in local languages such as Chhattisgarhi, Gondi, and Halbi, which will be shown on the museum’s immersive dome and other digital platforms.” This museum is certainly an enlightening pilgrimage for those who want to understand the incomparable contribution of tribal society to India’s freedom struggle. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Badaun: Dalit wedding party members attacked with pistols and sticks; police accused of mishandling a serious case as “breach of peace.”
Viral video shows the accused with pistols and sticks, misbehaving with a statue of Ambedkar; police accused of suppressing the SC/ST Act. Badaun: Police performance in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district is once again under scrutiny. The police have been accused of “covering up” the serious case of misbehavior and assault on Dalit wedding party members in the Faizganj Behat police station area. The victims claim the accused were armed and used casteist slurs, yet instead of registering a case under the SC/ST Act, the police merely charged them under sections of breach of peace. What is the whole matter? The incident is reported to have occurred late on November 12th. Dharampal Singh, a resident of Mewali village in the Ughaiti police station area, was traveling by car with his family and relatives to attend a wedding. It is alleged that two unidentified individuals overtook his car on the road and forced it to stop. Dharampal Singh stated in his complaint that his car had a statue of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. Upon seeing this, the accused began using casteist slurs and attempted to attack him with a knife. Hooliganism Caught on Video According to a Dainik Bhaskar report, a video of the incident has also surfaced, exposing the police’s claims. It can be clearly seen in the video that one of the attackers is holding a transparent police-style baton, while the other is seen holding a pistol. Questions about the police’s role It is alleged that the police kept the case on hold for two days. Only when the video of the incident went viral on social media on the night of November 13th and higher officials took cognizance did the local police take action. The police quickly arrested one accused, Neetu, but he was also charged only with breach of peace (Section 151). The other accused remains at large. Weapons not recovered, serious charges missing Surprisingly, despite the weapon visible in the video, the police have not yet recovered either the transparent stick or the pistol. The victim alleges that they filed a complaint under the SC/ST Act, which the police ignored. In this case, Station House Officer Rajkumar Singh confirmed that action has been taken against one accused for breach of peace. However, the police’s intentions are being questioned for ignoring serious charges. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Krishnagiri man gets double life term for killing son, mother over intercaste marriage
Dhandapani, a caste Hindu had opposed his son D Subash’s marriage to dalit girl S Anusuya from Ariyalur district three years ago. KRISHNAGIRI: A 53-year-old man was sentenced to two life sentences by a Krishnagiri court on Friday for ‘honour’ killings. The Krishnagiri Principal and sessions court sentenced 53-year-old P Dhandapani, a native of Arunapathy village near Uthangarai taluk for the murder of his son and mother over his son’s intercaste marriage with a dalit girl. “In 2023, while Subash was working in a textile company he came into contact with Anusuya and the couple got married in March 2023. However, Dhandapani had opposed the union, while Dhandapani’s mother P Kannammal (65) had supported her grandson’s choice,” say police. In April 2023, Dhandapani invited the couple to his home in Arunapathy in the guise of reconciliation. But the next day Dhandapani hacked Subash to death while he was asleep. Kannammal, who attempted to rescue her grandson, was also hacked to death. While Anusuya tried to escape, she was also hacked and left for dead. Anusuya was later rescued and rushed to the Krishnagiri government hospital and later transferred to the Dharmapuri Medical College hospital where she survived after treatment. The Uthangarai police arrested Dhandapani under IPC 307, 302 and SC/ST POA Act. The trial of the case was being conducted in the Krishnagiri Principal and Sessions Court. On Friday, judge VR Latha sentenced Dhandapani to two life imprisonments for murder and another 10 year for the attempted murder of Anusuya. Further, he has been fined Rs 8,000 and the judge ordered the Krishnagiri District administration to pay Rs 2 lakh to Anusuya in accordance with SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. In a press meet at the CPI(M) party headquarters in Krishnagiri, Anusuya told media personnel, “The Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front and the CPI(M) had played a key role in helping me overcome the loss and seeking justice. The judgement brings hope to victims of honour killing. As a victim I feel a separate law for honour killing must be enacted in Tamil Nadu. This judgement is a lesson to people who place caste above all else”. Anusuya also expressed her thanks to TNUEF and CPI(M) for their aid in nine surgeries and education, helping her to complete her B.Ed course. P Suganthi, state general secretary of TNUEF, was also present at the press meet. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
The Forgotten Assam Freedom Fighter Who Fought Untouchability, Marched With Gandhi, Opened Schools For Dalits And Challenged British Rule
Krishna Nath Sharma, a forgotten Assamese freedom fighter, challenged caste barriers long before it was fashionable. In 1934, he opened his namghar to Dalits alongside Gandhi, enduring a decade of social boycott. From fighting Assam’s opium crisis to supporting the Dandi March and opening schools for Dalit children, his life was a relentless struggle for dignity, equality, and justice. Every so often, history surprises us with a character whose bravery is so understated, so disarmingly gentle, that it almost slips through the cracks of our noisy national memory. Assam, with its floodplains, fierce revolutions, tea gardens and unhurried rivers, has produced several such rebels—people who fought with conviction instead of microphones, with defiance rather than spectacle. Among them stands a man who, despite having walked beside Mahatma Gandhi, challenged caste superstition head-on, opened his sacred space to those the world refused to touch, and still somehow remained a footnote. His name was Krishna Nath Sharma, fondly known across his community as Krishna Mama, and his story begins in a simple prayer house tucked away in Jorhat. Picture this: it is 18 April 1934 in Sabaibandha, a quiet neighbourhood in Upper Assam. A namghar—a traditional Assamese prayer hall—breathes gently in the morning air. It is much like any other, except for one extraordinary detail. Mahatma Gandhi is standing at its entrance, ready to walk inside. Beside him stands the owner, Sharma, a man from a conservative Brahmin family, fully aware that what he is about to do will turn his own community against him. Yet his eyes are fixed ahead. Because for him, the opening of this prayer house to Dalits—sweepers, manual scavengers, ordinary people denied dignity—wasn’t merely symbolic. It was a necessary rebellion against a cruel social order. What followed next was a decade of isolation for his family, a lifetime of activism for him, and the opening of a chapter that deserves a place in every history classroom. This is the story of the man who walked the Dandi March, fought opium addiction, opened schools for Dalit children, challenged untouchability, and still died before seeing the freedom he fought for. The Namghar That Became a Battlefield of Beliefs The Sabaibandha namghar might look unassuming to a passing visitor today, but in 1934 it became a site of remarkable dissent. Gandhi had been travelling across India campaigning against untouchability, and Sharma—who had already begun pushing back against caste barriers in Assam—invited him to inaugurate his prayer house Gandhi accepted. And that decision ruffled more feathers than any of them could imagine. When Dalits stepped inside the namghar that day, they crossed not just a doorway, but a century-old threshold of exclusion. Gandhi lauded Sharma’s courage publicly, telling local media (credit: contemporary press reports): “Valiant soldiers like Krishnanath Sharma never care to face any odds. The temple entry movement will lead the rest of India to remove social evils.” But while Gandhi praised him, Sharma’s own community punished him. Ostracised is too mild a word—his family was shunned into social invisibility. At weddings, guests would walk out if he entered. When his wife, Swarnalata Devi, stepped into a temple, women fled as though her presence would contaminate stone. Yet they persevered. Fun fact: Assam had seen efforts toward egalitarian worship before, courtesy of the neo-Vaishnavite movement of Srimanta Sankardev. But never before had a mainstream Brahmin family taken such a bold stand in the early 20th century—making Sharma’s defiance quietly revolutionary. Meet Krishna Mama: Scholar, Lawyer, Rebel in Cotton Khadi Born in 1887, Krishna Nath Sharma was academically gifted. He completed degrees in science and law—an unusual combination in those days—and launched a successful legal career in 1917. But the courtroom couldn’t hold him for long. Gandhi’s arrival on the national stage changed the rhythm of his life. Soon enough, Sharma abandoned his practice, embraced the Gandhian ethos, and joined the freedom movement. His nickname Krishna Mama originated much earlier, during his student years. Friends found his calm maturity and independent thinking far beyond his age. The name stuck, and soon he became “Mama” not just to friends but to entire communities who admired his guidance. His First Fight: Crushing Assam’s Deadly Opium Addiction Before Sharma battled caste prejudice, he fought a quieter war—against the opium crisis devouring Assamese society. Opium, introduced by East India Company soldiers in the 18th century, had become a widespread menace by the early 1900s. Sharma partnered with Kuladhar Chaliha and Rohini Kumar Chaudhuri, two prominent Assamese freedom fighters, gathering data, interviewing addicts, and documenting the scale of the damage. His conviction was crystal clear: “To save a nation from a ruinous habit, no effort should be spared. The only way is total prohibition.” And astonishingly, he succeeded. Through relentless advocacy, public meetings, and political pressure, he helped shape the movement that pushed Assam towards opium prohibition. Fun fact: Assam was one of the earliest regions in India to enforce large-scale opium restrictions—thanks largely to grassroots activists like Sharma. The Gandhi Connection: From Temple Doors to the Dandi Salt Wind Sharma’s activism stretched far beyond his town. When Gandhi began his anti-untouchability drive in 1933—opening temples like the one in Selu, near Wardha—Sharma recognised it as a moment for Assam to step forward. He invited the Mahatma to his namghar. But that wasn’t their only intersection. Sharma also walked with Gandhi during the historic Dandi March. He became deeply involved in promoting khadi, sometimes cycling through villages with bundles of homespun cloth under his arm, urging people to discard British textiles. And even when British officials repeatedly arrested him, he remained unflinching. The 1942 Garlanding Incident: A Moment So Daring It Feels Almost Cinematic One of Sharma’s most remarkable confrontations with colonial authority occurred on 2 October 1942—‘Soldier’s Day’. His mission was bold: persuade Indian soldiers to support the Quit India movement. According to historian Anil Kumar Sharma (credit: Quit India Movement in Assam), Sharma led a massive procession into Jorhat with a garland in his hand. When armed American military personnel blocked them, he
A 150-year-old evil tradition was broken after 150 years! A Dalit groom rode a horse for the first time in Rewari, with the wedding procession escorted by police.
A 150-year-old evil tradition was broken in Khedi Dalu Singh village in Haryana’s Rewari district when a Scheduled Caste groom rode a horse for the first time. However, the family had sought security from the police and administration as a precaution, fearing untoward incidents. The procession proceeded peacefully under the presence of a police force. In Khedi Dalu Singh village, located in the Bawal area of Rewari, Haryana, a Scheduled Caste man’s wedding procession rode a horse for the first time in 150 years. The procession departed on Thursday, November 13th. Police forces from three police stations were deployed, supervised by the DSP. The procession departed from the village for Ateli. According to reports, a horse-riding procession for a young man had never been carried out in this village in history. This evil practice had been prevalent for years. The groom’s family feared an untoward incident. Due to this, they requested police protection. The family expressed gratitude to the police and administration. Ankit, the groom, who works in the Animal Husbandry Department, explained that this evil practice had been prevalent since the village was formed. He said that many people had tried before, but were unsuccessful. Fearing something untoward, the family filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, Rewari police, and the administration. The family appealed for protection from the Rewari police, administration, and the National Human Rights Commission. Following this, the wedding procession proceeded peacefully in the presence of police from three police stations and the duty magistrate. Following the incident, the family expressed gratitude to the police and administration. There was no tension in the village. Bawal DSP Surendra Sheoran stated that there was no tension in the village. He stated that police were present as a precaution, and the wedding procession proceeded peacefully. Meanwhile, Nepal Singh, the Sarpanch representative of Khedi Dalu Singh village, stated that there was no tension in the village, nor did anyone protest. He added that everyone in the village wants peace. The family had filed a complaint with the police administration, which led to precautionary measures being taken, and the horse-riding ceremony passed off peacefully. In many areas of Haryana, disputes have previously arisen over Scheduled Caste grooms riding horses, so as a precaution, the horse-riding ceremony was conducted under police protection. Authored by: Manoj Kumar Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit leader murdered in Sangli, Maharashtra; accused attacked with knife and rod during birthday celebration
Uttam Mohite, president of the Dalit Mahasangh in Sangli, Maharashtra, was stabbed and killed with a knife and rod while celebrating his birthday. One of the attackers also died during the scuffle. Police have registered a murder case and launched an investigation. Digital Desk, New Delhi. Uttam Mohite, president of the Dalit Mahasangh in Sangli, Maharashtra, was stabbed and killed with a knife and rod while celebrating his birthday at his home. According to police, Mohite had a fight with the accused, Ganesh More, before the attack. In fact, the founder of the Dalit Mahasangh in Sangli, Maharashtra, was celebrating his birthday on Tuesday night. Mohite was celebrating his birthday at his home near the Garpir Dargah Chowk area. He was murdered during the celebration. One attacker also died One attacker also died during the incident. According to police, one of the attackers, Shahrukh Rafiq Shaikh (26), was seriously injured during the scuffle. During the scuffle, one of the attackers, Shaikh, sustained a serious knife injury to his thigh, possibly accidentally. He died at a hospital on Wednesday morning. Attack with knives and rods After the guests had left and preparations were complete, some men armed with knives, iron rods, and sticks began abusing Mohite. Fearing for his life, Mohite fled inside his house while being chased by the attackers. The attackers stabbed Mohite multiple times in the stomach and chest and hit him on the head and hands with iron rods and sticks. Mohite was rushed to Sangli Civil Hospital by his nephew, where doctors declared him dead. A police officer said on Wednesday that Mohite and one of the accused, Ganesh More, had a brief altercation during the birthday celebration. Before leaving the venue, More allegedly warned Mohite that he “won’t spare him.” Murder case filed against 8 people Based on a complaint by Mohite’s wife, Jyoti, police have filed a murder case against Indiranagar residents Ganesh More, Satish Lokhande, Shahrukh Shaikh (deceased), Banya alias Yash Londhe, Ajay Ghadge, Jitendra Londhe, Yogesh Shinde, and Sameer Dhole. (With inputs from news agency PTI) BY SHUBHAM TIWARI EDITED BY: SHUBHAM TIWARI Courtesy: Hindi News