Media Release

Udupi, Oct 14: In recent days, certain WhatsApp messages allegedly made by Umesh Naik Sood of the Marathi community, containing derogatory remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Scheduled Castes, have been widely circulated. In response, some Dalit organisation leaders have criticised the Marathi community.

The Udupi District Marathi Samaja Seva Sangha has issued a clarification regarding the ongoing controversy, stating, "The organisation wishes to clarify that Umesh Naik Sood's statement is his personal opinion and does not represent the views of the community or any Marathi organizations. The Marathi community holds Dr B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, in the highest regard."

While expressing regret over Sood's comments, the community emphasises that it is unfair to blame the entire Marathi community for the actions of one individual. They state, "The reservations granted to us under the Constitution are our right, not charity."

Through the utilisation of just 3% reservation, the Marathi community, once highly backward, has made significant progress in terms of social and educational development. Similarly, the Scheduled Castes, entitled to 15% reservation, have been provided with opportunities for their own advancement.

The community further clarified that their practice of going door-to-door during festivals like Holi to collect offerings is a tradition passed down by their ancestors and rooted in religious faith. "As a devout and theistic community, we have never engaged in defaming or targeting any other caste."

The Marathi community, classified under the Scheduled Tribes, includes several touchable castes that receive reservations. The government identified the community as a "Girijan" or tribal group based on its socio-economic and cultural lifestyle, having lived in remote hilly regions, and awarded them reservations. The privileges granted to the Marathi community are legal and not obtained unlawfully or by depriving others, the statement clarified.