Latest News Update: Oct 27, 2011

Thursday, October 27, 2011

[ZESTCaste] Two Symbolic Icons On Yamuna River Bank

http://www.eurasiareview.com/25102011-two-symbolic-icons-on-yamuna-river-bank/

Two Symbolic Icons On Yamuna River Bank

Written by: Eurasia Review
October 25, 2011

By Madhu Chandra

Socio-cultural religious revolution versus socio-economic educational
revolution is what the nation is witnessing now in Uttar Pradesh.
Mayawati – the Dalit Chief Minister has brought socio-cultural and
religious revolution within her state in last five years. State
capital city Lucknow looks like an ancient Buddhist monastery city
today. This socio-cultural and religious revolution has moved toward
National Capital Region (NCR) as well, where she has inaugurated
National Dalit Prena (Inspiration) Sthal (Place) – a park worth of Rs
685 crores (US$ 150 million) on October 14, 2011, marking the 55th
Anniversary of Bhim Rao Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism.

With this, two symbolic icons stand on Yamuna river bank right in
National Capital Region. Akshardham temple begun building in 2000 and
completed in 2005 is a symbolic of Brahmanism – a dominion sect of
religious society while National Dalit Prena Sthal a neo symbolic of
Dalits – oppressed people, formally known as untouchable. Both iconic
symbols lay on same side of Yamuna river bank on east, hardly 5 KM
away from each other.

Akshardham temple built during Bharatiya Janta Party regime and
National Dalit Prena Sthal during Bahujan Samajwadi Party. Earlier is
headed by Brahmin political party while the latter by Dalits.

Akshardham means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme god, the
abode of eternal values and virtues of Akshar as defined in the Vedas
and Upanishads where divine bhakti, purity and peace forever pervades
accordingly Brahminical philosophies. It has become a tourist spot and
promotes the socio-cultural religion of Brahmanism.

National Dalit Prena Sthal though inaugurated is yet to open for
public. Hopefully it will become another tourist spot soon and
millions of unanswered question will be arise by seeing least known
iconic statues erected within the park. The statue of Bhim Rao
Ambedkar, the architecture of Indian Constitution, a Dalit icon, who
fought against untouchability and left Hinduism by embracing Buddhism
on October 14, 1956 at Nagpur along with over 50,000 followers from
same communities. It was a symbolic exodus from Hinduism to Buddhism
to get rid of casteism. Ever since then, the day is observed.

Must also be noted the spot chosen for India's first Grand Prix
Formula One race scheduled on October 30 at Greater Noida.
Interestingly, Mayawati named it "Buddha International Circuit."
Wonder why "Buddha" while most of the spots, events and awards are
chosen in Aryan names.

The park also has many other statues like Mahatma Jyothi Rao Phule,
Kanshi Ram, who brought resurgence of Dalit politic, the mentor of
Mayawati and her own. Perhaps, these symbolic statues will tell to the
world about caste system, caste taboo and apartheid faced by 250
million Dalits in India.

Dalit-Bahujan activist Kancha Ilaiah debates in book "Post Hindu
India" that caste is like a cancer that will kill the religion itself.
He predicts that socio-cultural and religious revolution will arise
against dominion caste and a neo India will emerge which will be of
Post Hindu. The question is, "Will it really happen?" It will be worth
to do an analysis on resurgences taking place in Uttar Pradesh.

It took 3000 years for Brahmanism to make whole India into a Hindu
land but Mayawati reverted Lucknow into a city that looks like an
ancient Buddhist monastery city just in last five years and now with a
symbolic setup of National Dalit Prena Sthal at Noida within National
Capital Region.. Such reversion might able to do away with the man
make system to oppress another human being.

Mayawati faces the challenges between the socio-cultural, religious
and political revolution versus socio-economic, educational and
development revolution! She has been criticised for investing Rs 685
crores in Noida Park by neglecting socio-economic, educational and
health care challenges within her state. She defended that it was just
1% of her government budget.

What should prioritise, whether on Socio-cultural religious changes or
socio-economic and educational development, is the question debated in
national forums. Kancha Ilaiah defends in NDTV channel that it is
important to deal historically. "Historically, India has been
Brahmanised through socio-cultural and religious establishment and it
should in responded in same manner," says Kancha Ilaiah.

However, both are important equally. One without another, the
emancipation of Dalits and the dream of caste free society will remain
next to impossible. I do not agree with those who realise the
importance of socio-economic and educational development yet deny the
importance of socio-cultural, religious and political resurgence.

Madhu Chandra is a research scholar and social activist based in New
Delhi. He works as Regional Secretary of All India Christian Council
(www.indianchristians.in) and Spokesperson of North East Support
Centre & Helpline (www.nehelpline.net).

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[ZESTCaste] Jairam Ramesh takes on Mayawati over NREGS

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/jairam-ramesh-takes-on-mayawati-over-nregs/196381-37-64.html

Politics News | Updated Oct 25, 2011 at 08:45pm IST
Jairam Ramesh takes on Mayawati over NREGS
Bhupendra ChaubeyBhupendra Chaubey, CNN-IBN

New Delhi: It's Mayawati vs Rahul Gandhi's key lieutenant Jairam
Ramesh. With the countdown for UP elections beginning, UPA is on an
overdrive to provide ample ammunition for its own campaign against
Mayawati.

First shot fired through this letter addressed directly to UP Chief
Minister Mayawati threatening a CBI probe in irregularities committed
in National Rural Employment guarantee scheme.

Signal has gone out by state government's continuing inaction - make
money openly, flout all rules and procedures blatantly and nothing
will happen to you if you have the patronage of the ruling
establishment in the state. You should have no objection to our
request of a thorough CBI inquiry conducted into NREGA implementation
in some districts of the state

"UP Chief Minister may have managed to build these monuments of dalit
icons by spending thousands of crores. But she just can't manage to
escape criticism of not spending enough in key areas. Whether its
health care or the NREGA scheme. Whats worse for her is that her own
state's reports in the 7 districts that Jairam Ramesh talks about in
this letter, have pointed out to involvement of several senior
officers in UP in the scam. None of whom have been punished," Ramesh
said.

IAS officers Sachidanand Dubey, Hridesh Kumar Joshi and RK Singh were
found guilty by state's own probe. No police action has been initiated
against them. On the contrary they have all been given prime postings.

Congress leader Rashid Alvi says, "It's not just this scheme, there is
corruption all over."

In the coming days, this is one battle which is bound to escalate further.

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[ZESTCaste] Anna’s castist remarks infuriate SC/ ST

http://theindianawaaz.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4543&catid=12

Anna's castist remarks infuriate SC/ ST
Tuesday, 25 October 2011 17:01

TIA Special correspondent
NEW DELHI: The Social activist from Maharashtra, Anna Hazare has put
himself in another controversy while trying to save his comrades. Anna
alleged castist's remark in his latest blog has infuriated people of
lower castes.

In his latest blog in Marathi Anna said 'चांडाळ-चौकडीला नेस्तनाबूत
करा'!, Group of Chandaal want to divert us from mission.

"Anna words reflect sense of hatred. Even if he uttered these words
unintentionally it is dangerous for the society" said Dilip Mandal, a
social activist who is fighting for equal opportunities for the people
of lower caste.

"Even unintentionally you brand a community as criminal and talks
about removal of corruption from society. Even phrases in your
language has caste prejudice", he said.

"I strongly condemn the Anna Hazare's comments using castist words,
why chandal's why not Bramhins"? asked Vijay Orkay
Chndaal Choukdi is an offensive term said Ali Sohrab on facebook while
commenting on Anna remarks. Hundreds of people are condemning Anna's
remark on facebook and twitter.

Anna Hazare on Monday wrote in blog targeting the Government over
recent attacks and allegations on Team Anna members and hit out at the
Chndaal Choukdi, referring to "gang of four" within the UPA Government
for targeting the members.
Chandaal is a lower cast community in different part of the country
with population of over one crore. In six states this community is
listed as schedule caste which is a constitutional category.

Chandaal community generally deals with disposal of corpses, and is a
Hindu lower caste, formerly considered untouchables. Chandal is a
general derogatory slur used to refer to a filthy, mean or low person
in North India.

The Chandalas are not a single tribe with a common defining ancestry,
and in fact many Dalit groups in north India are referred to as
Chandalas, and the term is used in a general way to denote any similar
caste as well. Chandalas reside in Maharashtra, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar and West Bengal.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 October 2011 22:55

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[ZESTCaste] Dalit activists arrested during Jaya trial

http://news.chennaionline.com/South/Dalit-activists-arrested-during-Jaya-trial/9e5b1130-dcf8-46fd-bdb4-365486d6d6d7.col

Dalit activists arrested during Jaya trial

Bangalore, Oct 20 : Nearly 50 Dalit activists, representing Samata
Sainik Dal, were arrested today when they tried to hold a black flag
demonstration during the visit of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J
Jayalalithaa to Central Jail premises here in connection with the
recording of her statement in the Rs 66-crore dispropotionate asset
case.

Soon after the protest, police, who were present in very large
numbers, promulgated a ban order Under Section 144 Crpc. The Dalit
activists were protesting the killing of eight dalits in Paramakudi in
Southern Tamil Nadu last month allegedly by the police. Meanwhile,
speaking to reporters, Bangalore City Commissioner of Police Jyothi
Prakash Mirji said the elaborate security arrangements were made
mainly with a view of a very large crowd expected to come near the
Parappana Agrahara jail, however, they did not.

When asked whether the police would ensure security to Ms Jayalalithaa
if the court proceeding spilled over to tomorrow, the official said
police was ready to provide security to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
for a number of days. He said exccepting the Judge, the accused and
the Counsels, nobody else was allowed inside the court hall. Even I
did not go inside the court room'' Mr Mirji said.

When asked on the blanket security cover by police numbering over
1,500 including 500 from Tamil Nadu, he said we do not want the court
proceeding be hampered in any manner. This has been our focus."

- Agencies
Oct 20, 2011

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[ZESTCaste] Order CBI probe into NREGA fund loot, Jairam Ramesh tells Mayawati

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-10-26/news/30324174_1_jairam-ramesh-cbi-probe-order-cbi

Order CBI probe into NREGA fund loot, Jairam Ramesh tells Mayawati
ET Bureau Oct 26, 2011, 02.14am IST

NEW DELHI: Congress sharpened its attack against BSP, with Rural
Development Minister Jairam Ramesh accusing the Mayawati government of
embezzling MGNREGA funds. In a letter to the chief minister, Ramesh
asked the state government to seek a CBI probe into "violations and
cases of deliberate embezzlement of funds" in the implementation of
the Centre's flagship programme.

Ramesh pointed to alleged siphoning of funds earmarked for the rural
employment guarantee scheme in seven districts - Balrampur, Gonda,
Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Sant Kabir Nagar and Mirzapur. "Surely, if the
state government has nothing to hide and has a clear conscience, it
should have no objection to our request to have a thorough CBI inquiry
conducted into MGNREGA implementation in some districts of the state,"
Ramesh said.

He also charged the Mayawati government with not taking action on the
findings and recommendations of either the Centre-appointed National
Level Monitors or the State Quality Monitor. "I am sorry to say that
the state government has not been taking any worthwhile action on the
findings and recommendations of these National Level Monitors (NLMs).
22 NLM reports, which have pointed out grave irregularities, have been
pending for action with the state government for months together. It
is not just the findings of the National Level Monitors that have been
ignored by the state government. I find that findings of the State
Quality Monitor (SQM) himself in relation to the implementation of
MGNREGA in the four districts of Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Kushinagar and
Sant Kabeernagar have been ignored," Ramesh wrote.

He said while the Centre was within its powers to withhold funds for
UP, it will not do so as it would only "amount to penalising the poor
people of the state for crimes committed by officials at various
levels and their political patrons." In doing so, the minister
questioned Mayawati's commitment to the weakest sections of society.
Pushing the state government to a corner to prove its bona fides,
Ramesh said the state government should give its concurrence for a CBI
probe. "Such an inquiry would ensure and expedite justice to the
weakest sections of society," he wrote.

Ramesh did not miss the opportunity to draw attention to the scam in
the National Rural Health Mission in the state. "The criminal
conspiracies in these districts to defraud the central and state
governments appear to be as scandalous as what has been the case with
the National Rural Health Mission in the state which is the subject of
an on-going CBI investigation," the letter states.

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[ZESTCaste] Girl killed for eloping with Dalit

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/girl-killed-for-eloping-with-dalit/865729/

Girl killed for eloping with Dalit

Express News Service Posted online: Thu Oct 27 2011, 00:50 hrs
Lucknow : In yet another incident of honour killing, a man slit the
throat of his teenage daughter after she had eloped with a Dalit
youth. The incident took place under Charthawal police station area of
Muzaffarnagar district on Wednesday.

Abdul Sattar has surrendered and confessed to his crime to the police
after the girl's body was found.

Muzaffarnagar SSP Praveen Kumar said some people informed the police
about the body of a girl lying at a secluded place behind an unused
room at a municipal building.

"Someone identified the body as that of Gulshana (19) and said that
her family resides about 500 metres from the spot," Kumar said.

During questioning, Sattar admitted that he had killed Gulshana when
she was asleep at night and dumped the body at that spot. He also said
that he had killed his daughter because she had an affair with a Dalit
youth.

He had warned his daughter to stay away from the youth, but they
eloped on October 23.

He traced the couple to a hotel near Roorkee, brought her home on
Tuesday and tried to convince her not to marry the youth, but Gulshana
did not agree, police said.

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