Indian Constitution though abolished “Untouchables”. But in reality it is still prevalent very much in our modern society. Occupations such as sweeping, scavenging, leatherwork are still the monopoly of Dalits. Nearly 140 forms of work discriminate at the hands of upper castes.
Their lives are miserable. The survey undertaken in 673 villages in 13 states of India. Inhuman and illegal practices of untouchability are still prevailing in India irrespective of rural or urban. The statistic shows about 38 percent of government schools, Dalit children sit separately while eating, about 20 percent of Dalits are not permitted to drink water from same tap. Most shocking was about 28 percent of Dalits were prevented from entering police stations. About 15 percent of villages, Dalits were not permitted to enter the Panchayati building and about 12 percent villages surveyed, Dalits were either denied access to polling booths or forced to form separate line. Almost little less than 50 percent of villages surveyed, Dalits were denied access to common water source. Shopkeepers keep the goods that they buy on the ground. Tea shops, Dalits were denied seating with upper castes and use separate cups. Restrictions on the temple entry by Dalitsis as high as 64 percent. Most among states is Karnataka followed by Uttar- Pradesh. Dalit women experiences triple discrimination based on castes, economic situation and their gender.
It’s like you are born with a stamp on your forehead and you will never get rid of it, says Amit, Community Correspondent. Though he admits that things are changing but also admits that discrimination is not limited to Upper castes, within Dalit Community there are sub cates and hierarchies. Dalits have worked hard to increase their political power but they are still few in numbers. Big name in Journalism, Supreme Court Judges very few.
Nevertheless, things are changing, empowerment through democracy, economy opportunities and schemes of government. Recent schemes announced by Modi Government will definitely boost up the Dalit conditions. All these reforms will create astonishing results in due course of time. The state governments should also take on high priority in the implementation of programs.
Several Dalits from lower class, families from downtrodden are getting education and made good, some of Dalits came from laborer families and their rise is mind blowing.
Dalit Millionaire cannot buy a house for his mother in upper caste part of her village or see his/her son marry an ‘upper caste’ girl. There are lot many stories about dalits who have fought against the caste system to climb on the top of ladder of Indian Society.
Hari Kishan Pippal, a Dalit Millionaire who owns a successful hospital, a shoe factory, a restaurant believes that India is growing richer. So much talent is being excluded in country’s growth and development, Pippal says.
Ashok Khade, head of $32 million engaged in construction business. He says- “I have bought 100 acres of farmland, built a palace for my mother but I could not build a house in the heart of village.” Ashok Khade’s father was a cobbler. He educated his son and then Ashok joined Mazagon Dock. He acquired skill from there and established his own company ‘DAS OFFSHORE’. Now he has 2500 workers of which only 1 percent of them are Dalits.
Kalana Saroj, a deprived Dalit woman climb to become self made Dalit Millionaire. Her company Kamini Tubes is worth INR 5 billion.
Bhagwan Gawari worked as a construction laborer in Mumbai. He completed his education and joined HPCL. He was denied promotions he deserves. Later HPCL transferred him to Dubai. There he left the job and established his own business with one of his Arab friends. Now his business is worth $ 20 million. Sushil Patil has earning of worth 280 crores annually, Ballu, a Dalit with a worth of 2.5 crores was rejected by at least 32 girls for marriage because of poor Dalit.
The proportions of Dalit Entrepreneurs have risen substantially from 6 percent to 37 percent in Western Uttar Pradesh and 4 percent to 11 percent in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. However, the new Dalit Millionaires are helping several other Dalits by employing them in their companies, building schools, roads and backing monetarily to Dalit students. Now they have ‘Dalit Indian Chamber Of Commerce and Industry’ to fight against all odds. This is remarkable fight back and makes them a grand success. Let politicians keep on chanting, in reality they are on the move.
