Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Jan 27: Nidumamidi Sri Veerabhadra Chennamalla Swamiji said that even after six decades since India gained independence, there has been no change in the way the society treats Dalits. "The forces which deny the genuine rights of Dalits and look down upon them with derision are very strong. These vested interests want the Dalits to remain in the situation they are in," he noted.

He was speaking after inaugurating the programme of partaking meals in the company of Dalits and symposium about Dalits on the occasion of Republic Day, organized by Dalit Rights Action Committee at Melantabettu Kellakere Dalit Colony in the town on Monday January 26.

He said that the Dalits have been getting educated and coming up in life. He regretted that there has not been any transformation in the mindset of the people as far as treating Dalits is concerned. 'The upper class people seem to think that Dalits have to be kept oppressed in order to maintain their own status as upper castes. This exploitation has a history of thousands of years. It is very difficult to bring about this transformation, but this can be achieved through constant efforts,' he opined.

He said that the food culture does not differentiate between haves and have nots. 'In the past, we followed this culture. But the caste system brought about in the past played havoc with equality between human beings. In almost all the communities in India the system of upper strata and lower strata of people is being practised. There is a need to end this menace at the earliest,' he stressed.

Writer, Atrady Amrita Shetty, placing her views before the audience, said that exploited sections of the society suffer from a sense of inferiority and tend to accept exploitation as a rule,without trying to break free from their shackles. Lack of power appears to be the main reason for their exploitation. Merely releasing their hands from confinement does not do the trick, Dalits have to change their attitude and mindset,' she opined.

Sri Jnana Prakasha Swamiji of Sri Shiva Yogeesha Math Mysore, felt that the India now we see is artificial. He called upon to achieve social change first, before political and economic changes can happen in the lives of Dalits.

Adivasi Hakkugala Samanvaya Samiti state joint convener, S Y Gurushant, presided. Sri Basavanagideva Sharanaru from Chitradurga, Sri Okkaliga Muddanna Swamiji from Huliyoor Durga Tumakuru, Bantwal assistant superintendent of police, Rahul Kumar, writer, Admar Sripati Acharya, CPM leader, Vasant Achary, and several other leaders were present.

After the meeting, food prepared and served by Dalits in their own houses was served to everyone. All the Swamijis, media persons, leaders of various organizations etc took part in the programme and partook the food served to them in the company of Dalits.