Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Oct 10: Hundreds of people participated in the historical Swabhimani Sangharsha Jatha - Chalo Udupi. The Jatha organized by the Dalit-Damanitara Swabhimani Horata Samiti and by various likeminded organizations was held here on Sunday, October 9.
The Jatha had begun from Bengaluru on October 4 with the theme ‘Food is our choice, land is our right’.
In Udupi, Jatha began from Mahatma Gandhi martyrs ground near Ajjarakad. Dalit leader Palraj flagged off to the Udupi Chalo Jatha.
Chalo Jatha passed through Jodukatte, Court Road, Kavi Muddana Road, Service Bus Stand, BSNL Road, Chittaranjan Circle, Mitra Hospital Road, Fish Market Road, and Volakkadu School Road before culminating at the Mahatma Gandhi Bayalu Ranga Mandira, Beedinagudde.
Speaking on the occasion Lakshminarayana Nagavara said “Pejawar Swamiji used to visit Dalit community areas in order to eradicate untouchability among people and to convincing them. But, no Dalit is practicing untouchability. Pejawar Swamiji should visit the houses of upper class people to convince them not to practice untouchability,’
“Right wing leaders say that we are Hindus and we are one. I say all minorities are one. When the minorities are not Hindus, untouchables are also not Hindus. Right wing activists are brutally killing beef eating people. The right wing parties are trying to uproot our constitutional system of India conceptualised by Dr Ambedkar.” Nagavara added.
Jignesh Mewani, lawyer, social worker and convenor of Una Dalits Atyachar Ladat Samiti addressing the gathering said, “Some people say Gujarat model is good. Nearly 119 villages are living under police protection in Gujarat and people are lifting carcasses in 55 villages. Modi is portraying himself as avid follower of Ambedkar. But Dalit women harassment has increased by 30% in 10 years. And Modi has not met any of the victims.”
“There is need now to fight against caste based discrimination. Modi supports capitalists and allots land for Adani and Ambani. Why he does not give land to Dalits?” Mewani questioned.
Dinesh Amin Mattu speaking on the occasion said “Vemula sacrificed his life for deprived community. Ambedkar also faced the same difficulties in his life. Lower class people are living a life of humiliation. Vemula should take rebirth in this nation. Vemula is the first person, who stood for Dalits after Ambedkar. After that Kanaiyya and Jignesh followed. Social change is only possible through youngsters,"
"I can eat anything except human being because it is my right. No one can control my food habits." Mattu added talking about food habits of people.
“I have no objection for the religious principles proposed by Basavanna, Buddha and B R Ambedkar. But I oppose Hindutva defined by Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and Mohan Bhagavath. They are playing religious politics. Ambedkar proposed economic freedom first, not political freedom to bring equality in society. Hence, there is need to establish social democracy. This is today's necessity. Present generation have fear about future. They are in frustration. They need proper guidance to reach their target. So it is our responsibility to create such environment and educate youth about equality among people in society." Mattu concluded.
Bhaskar Prasad delivered key note address.
The five demands of the convention are as follows:
Food right of poor and deprived should be protected. Nobody should impose any restrictions on food consumption in the name of cow protection. Dalits should get reserved lands. Government additional and reserved land should be distributed all community on priority base.
Reservation policy should apply for private sector and proper rules to be made for controlling private sector.
The government should take decision on distributing land for Dalits within two months. If not, severe protests will be held.
Panktibadha should be banned at Udupi Krishna Math.
Mohammed Idris from Muslim Okkoota Udupi welcomed the gathering
Sushila Nada, dalit Community leader, Vikas R Maurya, Gowri, G Rajashekhar, Dinakar Amin Mattu and others have presented their thoughts on the occasion.
Jayamrutyunjaya Swami of Panchamashali Gurupeetha and C S Dwarkanath were present among others.
Sundar Master, president of the welcome committee presided over the programme.
K Phaniraj, Satish Amin Padukere, Fr William Martis and others were present.
A street play directed by Uday Sosale and other cultural programmes were performed on the occasion.