Untouchability is still practised in Swarnim Gujarat: Report
Paras Jha / DNA
Thursday, January 28, 2010 8:51 IST
Ahmedabad: For Dalit communities in Gujarat and in the country, even
after 60 years of India becoming a republic and 50 years of Gujarat
becoming independent, nothing has changed much. A study conducted by
Navsarjan and Robert F Kennedy Centre for Justice and Human Rights,
revealed that nearly 98% untouchability is practiced by Non Dalits
(ND) on Dalits for serving tea and more than 97% in matters such as
touching articles of worship, during Katha, religious services by ND
priests, temple entry etc.
The result of the study was released on Wednesday by Prof. Sukhdev
Thorat, chairman, University Grants Commission at Gujarat Vidyapith,
in presence of social scientist prof. Ghanshyam Shah, Gujarat
Vidyapith, vice-chancellor prof. Sudarshan Iyengar, retired Justice of
Rajasthan High Court, AP Ravani, Central University of Gujarat
Vice-Chancellor prof.RK Kale, social activist Indukumar Jani, Dalit
activist and founder of Navsarjan Martin Macwan and Navsarjan's
executive director Manjula Pradeep.
Appreciating the study, the experts expressed the dire need for action
to be taken to eradicate this 3000-year-old practice of untouchability
and social discrimination. Prof. Thorat said, "This is a widespread
study, so it can't be questioned and may be applicable to other areas
of the state also. This study reflects the reality of Gujarat's social
situation."
Indukumar Jani said, "This report has thrown light on the fact that
our age old mentality has not yet changed. Caste system will only be
eradicated if the citizens of the country are sensitised."
Sudarshan Iyengar said that, "though we are celebrating Swarnim
Gujarat, looking at the facts revealed in the study is like spoiling
good fish with an ill sauce. Social distances between Non-Dalits and
Dalits had reduced when Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar were
alive, but after their death the situation has not been changed."
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