Pics by: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (PS)
Udupi, Oct 29: Dalit Sangharsha Samithi (Ambedkar Wada) state secretary Mavalli Shankar said that there is a need for the people of Dalit community to strengthen their base in the political arena.
He spoke after inaugurating the felicitation programme organized to congratulate talented students of the Koraga community held at the Ambedkar Bhavan, Adi Udupi. The programme was organized by Udupi zilla Koragara Sevaabhivriddhi Sangha here on Sunday October 28.
“Artistes of Bharatha Natya and other forms of art are given royal treatment at five stars hotels while dollu, tamate, clarinet and flute artistes are not given any value. This kind of discrimination is practiced by the government itself”, he said.
“This should be stopped”, he urged and added that ritual practices like bhoota and kola which intimidate people should be discourage and God who empowers people should be worshipped.
“Nobody will work to improvise the condition of Dalits. Religious leaders like pontiffs speak about the ‘Made Snana’ ritual, but none speak about the condition of Dalits who have been suffering in the society. The number of rich people is mounting with the poor people remain poorer. Inferior complexity needs to be overcome by the Dalits and they should live a dignified life”, he stressed.
Entrepreneur Pramod Madwaraj, speaking on the occasion, said that one has to learn to give respect to the people of Koraga community. He pointed out that the practice of untouchability is still being practiced in the district. “All have permission to enter shrines; however Koragas are denied admission. But God is one and he treats everyone equally. This rigid practice should be flayed and eradicated by the DSS”, he urged. He also added that separate reservation classes should be made available for Koragas for their economic development.
Dinesh Kenjur and Sabitha Gundmi who passed UGC first time from the Koraga community and first ever PhD holder from the community Dr Babu were felicitated on the occasion.
MLA K Raghupathi Bhat presided over the programme. He distributed scholarships to the students.
A procession was held from Bannanje Narayana Guru Sabha Bhavan to Ambedkar Bhavan.
Udupi zilla Koragara Sevaabhivriddhi Sangha president Ravi Alevoor was present during the occasion. B Ganesh welcomed the gathering.