Geddes Yates, The Big Peg Unit 205b, 120-Vyse Street, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6NF, UK: I got your name from a book that | recently bought, called The African Presence in Early Asia, by lean Van Sertima. am not a student or anything. I am interested in the presence of African peoples in Asia, and anything remotely concerned with the African diaspora. in The African Presence in Early Asia, (1995, Transaction Books, Rutgers – The State University, New Brunswick, New Jersey – 08903), you are referenced as someone who has written extensively on this, and other related anthropological topics. | have been trying to trace any books written by yourself, but with no luck. I would greatly appreciate any books or literature that you have written on this subject. Would you be so kind as to send me a list of your publications, with any special recommendations that you think would add to my knowledge of this obscure subject.
Dr. Darothy Anne Masters, Anthropologist, c/o P.O. Box 78, 59-High St., Southampton, SO 4 2GA, UK: | will be in the South of France on holidays. | will be working on a memo to submit to you. (I) Read with horrified incredulity the murder of 10 Dalits in March ’97. The day should be marked as “Martyrs Day” should mark a turning point in the struggle. (I) The worlds’ media should know about these atrocities. How? (iii) It surprises me that the Untouchables have meekly accepted their lowly status allocated to them by Brahmins for over 3,000 years. (iv) Every student of sociology knows the caste system was a cunning socio-economic device to get some unsavoury jobs done. (v) The word untouchability should be expunged together with other derogatory references to of human binges. niggers, coons, Woo, coolies, kefirs. (vi) The caste system, as a whole must go, not only untouchability. We are getting rid of our class- system in England gradually. (vii) No rest for us till we give the people of India a vision of better world. Jeffrey Masson, Professor of Sanskrit, University of Tor- onto, in his book, My Father’s Guru, Harper Collins, says (on p.112):
India was particularly well suited to the spiritual insularity | had developed. It too, suffered, to some extent, from the same debility, so we were well matched. Indian philosophy had long ago solved the puzzle of human suffering by depriving it of its reality. The philosophers were constantly discoursing on a cosmic double standard. Suffering, misery, and were defined as such only from the lower point of view. From the higher point of view, there was no difference between the wealthy man and the beggar. It was, needless to say, extremely convenient as a balm for any conscience that threatened to erupt when faced with the suffering all around. This powerful rationalizing phrase – with parallels in many other spiritual traditions – was invented by a privileged Brahmin class to distract from the poverty and misery created by this same class.
Arthur Koestler also echoes similar views about Hindus living in a world of unreality. After 50 years of “any! dependence”, it is difficult to believe some of the things happening in India.
M.S. Laher, P.O. Box 42023, Fordsburg, 2033- Johannesburg, South Africa: It is sad to note that Deve Gowda has been dethroned. We knew from the be- ginning that the Brahmins will never allow Gowda to rule peacefully. The only way to achieve peace and justice in India is for the Dalits and Muslims to unite in | a powerful political organisation with clearcut aims and objects. Leaders for such an organisation must be trained right from today. They must be well educated, incorruptible and have the best interests of the masses at heart. If such a leadership could be developed, have no doubt that Brahminism will be dead, and India will undergo a rapid transformation to peace, justice and security for all its peoples. Best wishes for your success in your campaign to demolish the power of Brahminism.
K. B. Gamer, London: Prof. Akbar S. Ahmed, the eminent Pakistan scholar, in his book on M.A. Jinnah quotes the Dalit Voice article, ” Who Created Pakistan?” He knows about you. Jinnah’s film makers have asked my support in Bombay. Channal 4 (TV) are making first documentary. In London, Akbar Ahmed spoke on the details of his ongoing project of making ¥ a film on the life of Jinnah. He said:
“When I started the project in 1989 it was based on certain assumptions: Firstly, that a major tribute was long overdue to the Quaid. Secondly, that the young generation needs to learn about the Quaid especially in view of films like Gandhi which portrayed him so negatively. Thirdly, it was time especially with the 50th year anniversary of the creation of Pakistan round the corner to review and reassess the historical figures who led the drama of 1947 – the Quaid, Gandhi, Pandit Nehru and Lord Mountbatten. Fourthly and finally, that the international image of Islam would be improved if we were to tell the Quaid story. After all, he was a man who believed in human rights, women’s’ rights, minority rights and the rule of law”.
There were four components of the project aimed at different audiences, each project was of high international standard; each was differently funded and Sell supporting. The first component will be in the form of a graphic novel. It is an illustrated picture book, 9 the first of its kind. The book will be in Arabic and French and Dr. Ahmed hopes to publish the book by December 1996 on the anniversary of the Quaid’s birthday. The second part of the project will be in the form of a book in which Akbar Ahmed will analyse and interpret as an anthropologist and as a student of semiotics – unique material – unpublished photographs and rare interviews, including one with Dina, the Quaid’s only child. By far the most ambitious part of the project, Dr Ahmed aims to Create is a motion picture about Jinnah. The film, which is preproduction at the moment, is to be released by August 1997, will, in Dr. Ahmed’s words, “take on the film Gandhi.” The aim is to raise 2 million pounds for the film. The Quaid Project has a purpose, focus and above all moral integrity. I
Haseen, Muscat, c/o Dr. Haider Ali K., psychiatrist, Kaliyah Hospital, Kerala – 666 107: | am working as a biomedical engineer in Muscat. A friend, who came on a visit to Muscat from Dubai, gave me an interesting book titled, Awake! You are a Hindu, by Dr. Chatterjee. From this book, | got your address. My brother-in-law, a neuro-psychiatrist working in the Malabar belt of Kerala, is a student of comparative religion. He reads a lot which at times is pretty helpful in his profession. I want to read more books by you. The spirit of brotherhood is essential for India. For that each individual has to diagnose himself so as to find where actually he stands.
P.P. Lakshman, New York: Dalit Voice often gives the names and addresses of its writers. This has helped me, and perhaps many others, to build support groups based on special interests and concerns. This task has, however, been hard, in view of the varying qualifications and experiences and background of our pen-friendly brothers. | am a septuagenarian, with energies-dwindling and faculties fading. At this stage in life, it would be wise to devote my time, money and other resources as leverage to assist younger brothers to promote interests dear to me, better than do the work myself. But our youth often seem to be enthusiastic and impatient for the ‘cure-all” money. In the last two years, | have sent money, big and small, to at least a score of people. While | am happy with some of them, some could not do what they were expected to do. They don’t even reply to my letters, perhaps shy of failure and accountability. Benefitting from the experience gained, | wish to make a suggestion in the hope that it will be picked up by some of our brothers. One of the ways of ensuring the future growth of the movement for Ambedkar’s and Buddhism in India would be to assist recognised educational institutions for taking their students on conducted tours of Diksha Bhoomi at Nagpur, particularly in October. If such tours prove beneficial, they can be repeated in the following years, and can be extended to cover other centres like Bodh Gaya in Bihar. I am considering an endowment for students in memory of my father who was attracted to Buddhism.
Dalit people are boor” because they are deprived people. Such people Can be forgiven I there’s some financial lapses on their part. When upper castes can be notoriously corrupt for the core, why Notour people also fake something? Corruption is universal n India and the upper castes have a monopoly of it. But for see that your hara-earned money s share and well-utilised we have no suggestion and it is for you for consider, if you think we are honest and effcient enough for kulfi Your dreams. As our dream s exactly like yours we too very much like our people or see with their own eyes the miracles of Bushism. seeing Jos believing. You may Toke us as your representative to do the Job for you in India. We are as much interested in seeing Your mission becomes successful – EDITOR,
Jamaat al-Muslimeen International, P.O. Box 10881, Baltimore, MD 21234, USA: America’s political pris- oner, #| being held incommunicado, Shaikh Omar Abdel Rahman, loses all rights at Janet Reno’s Orders. For the last three weeks no one has been able to talk to him. In his cell in Springfield, Missouri. He is disallowed visits by the media. Friends and well-wishers, are not allowed to visit him. He is not even allowed visits by spiritual counsellors and deprived of translators. He is being held in solitary confinement.
V. Rattail, 14/7-Crow Island, Mattakkuliya, Colombo – 13: I have shifted to Sri Lanka from Maldives. 1 visited Jaffna and stayed there for two weeks. Recently I wrote an article on Dr. Ambedkar in the Daily News, April 16, 1997. | need more books on Dr., Ambedkar.
Dr. Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, Leader, the Muslim Parliament of Great Britain, 1 09-Fulham Palace Road, London. W6 8JA: Massoud Shidharth has been dismissed as chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Muslim Parliament with effect from March 24, 1997 due to negligence and mismanagement. He has also been removed from all positions within the Muslim Parliament.
H.R. Bheema Shankar, Director, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, 25-Ashoka Road, New Delhi – 110 001: The Government of India has instituted the “Dr. Ambedkar National Award” to be presented to individual(s), group(s), organisation(s), institution(s) who have made outstanding contributions for promotion of social understanding and upliftment of weaker sections of society in India. This Award is presented annually by the President of India and carries a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs along with a citation and plaque. We are inviting nominations for the Award for 1997.
Naresh Bhagat c/o Centaur Hotel, Srinagar – 190 001: The refugee Prime Minister of India, 1.K. Gujral, is not secular but anti-Bahujan. He conspired with the Bihar Bania, Sita Ram Kesri, to stab the Shudra Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda in the back. Gowda has shown that neither the Shudras nor the BC/SC will be tolerated by the Hindu nazis. The visit of Gujral, soon after taking over as PM, to the camp of migrant Kashmiri pandits proves his love for his Aryan jaywalks. Gujral is concerned with the “plight” of pandits who migrated only seven years ago, but he is not at all concerned with the plight of Pakistani migrants who have been suffering for the past 50 years inside Jammu and Kashmir and still being considered second-class citizens and even being denied the right to vote. Gujral’s love for his Aryan jaywalks is evident from the first few decisions.
Gujral, the Punjabi Khatti, disappointed the whole country when he sacked his own trusted friend, Dr. Bhabani seen Gupta, eminent journails for opposing the upper caste craze roar bomb-making and seeking friendship with Pakistan., Dr. Gupta spoke #the heart of millions of oppressed but for please the 15% Aryan bomb lobby, which is also the enemy of Pakistan and Muslims, Gujral took the side of Hindu Nazis. His socialist face s fake. His stand on the women’s quota Bill clearly exposes his Aryan face – EDITOR.
Dr. N. Suresh, X/1183-A, Veli, Kochi – 682 001: The National Development Front (NDF) organised a 2-day conference on human rights on May 10 and 11 at Calicut. Our Editor and Brother Elumalai were key speakers. The morning session on May 10 was chaired by a Savarna human rights leader, Mukundan C. Meena. Lot of falsehoods were uttered by the Savarna bogus human rights alas during the discussions. But we Dalits hit back effectively. At the end of the morning session, the Savarna chairperson ruled that “only decanter and declass people need to attend the post-lunch session”. As a protest, we the Dalits boycotted the post-lunch session. What nonsense these bogus Savarna human rights alas want to discuss? The root cause of human rights violation in India is the caste system of which the Dalits are the worst victims. We have no confidence in this Savarna human rights alas. We want to warn the NDF, if it is really serious in its intentions 1o expose the human right violations, then it should consult only the Dalits, the victims of human rights violations. Otherwise, we have to say that the NDF too is bogus.
NDF leadership has assured us that they will stand by Dalits. As the fop leadership of this newly-formed Muslim organisation is known for us and they are all intellectuals, we will give them a year’s impairing which every action and word of the NDF has for be carefully watched and scrutinised. The oppressed Muslims of Kerala have been set down by the Savarna leadership of their own community. NDF has raised new hopes and that is why we honoured their invitation and took prominent part in their deliberations. Orderable representer, Viv Prabhakaran, s closely connected with NDF leadership. We have every hope that they will not disappoint us – EDITOR.:
S. Krishna, Baroda: | am proud to inform you that the Supreme Court of India has relied upon your book, Merit, My Foot in its recently delivered judgment in the case of Ashok Kumar Gupta & another vs. State of UP & others. The judgment has been delivered by Justice K. Ramaswamy on behalf of a division bench. Relying on your book, the court has upheld the validity of Article 16 (4A) of the Constitution of India. The judgment will go a Jong way in improving the condition of Dalits. The judgment has been reported in the Judgment Today (J.T) 1997 (4) Supreme Court, 251. The judgment is over 70 pages.
Manmohan Singh, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi: | was present at a seminar held at the Indian Social Institute (1S1), New Delhi, in January. The seminar was rightly criticised as an “Aryan Brahmin conspiracy” in the “Editor’s Page of Multiverse Times (April 1997). Is it a Jesuit institution dominated by upper caste Christians, mostly Syrians. Some years back ISI was hauled up by the Union Home Ministry for receiving foreign funds and its FCRA account was closed. The Aryan Brahmins in the govt. did not like the 1SI sponsoring programmes to support Dalit and Tribals. The Brahmin Christian bosses of the I1SI got over the crisis by assuring the rulers that they will not offend them. After this IS has become a “Natak company” and the January seminar is part of its Natak to deceive the Bahujan Samaj. The Malvinas Times says the Aryan Brahmins are trying to remove some castes from the list of SCs. The seminar is a part of this conspiracy. trans a magazine, Hum Dalit, misleading the Upalites. Of the 23 delegates only, a few were Abderites and anti-reservation racists dominated the seminar. The Hum Dalit editor conducted the seminar including Hindu nazis. The mischievous intention of the seminar was to manufacture a resolution recommending the govt. to delete the ‘creamy layer” from the SC list. Jatav-Chamar of UP, Buddhist-Mahar of Maharashtra and Malas of AP were dubbed “creamy layer” and demanded they be dropped from the SC list. A top Hindu nazi leader, K.R. Malkani, a Sindhi Brahmin, and enemy of Dalits, Mani Shankar Aiyer, MP, a papan from TN, opposed SC/ST reservation. It was clear from the seminar that the Aryans were bent upon scrapping SC/ST reservations assured in the Constitution. So, | call upon your readers to lodge a strong protest with the Director of Indian Social Institute, Lodi Rd., New Delhi – 110 003 and warn him against sponsoring anti-Dalit programmes. DV has launched many a battle against Brahmin Christians but so far it has spared ISI.
ISI people have slopped inviting us long back. The charge made by Viv Brother Manmohan is too serious. The CBCI (Catholic Bishops Conference of India, New Delhi), has set up o Commission i1self on Dalits and has assured of support every struggle of Dalits, IS/ comes under the CBC/ supervision though the CBCY if self is dominated by upper castes. Whatever I 5, CBCI owes an explanation or the public as to how /S| a creature of CBCY, could sponsor o seminar for sable fadge SC/ST reservations – EDITOR.
Dr. D. Yadaiah, B2-24, MIG, Huda, Chandan agar, AP – 500 050: Forth past two months Telugu Dalit Voice is not being published. We entrusted this work to Varun Kumar. After publishing few issues, he is expressing his inability. We will overcome the difficulties.
Bajirao Kamble, Ex-MLA, Anjali Hospital, 12-Tadiwala Road, Pune – 411 001: Publication of the proposed Marathi edition of Dalit Voice, scheduled to be released in May, is postponed again. But everything is ready.
Kashis war Sarkar, 157/ 3-M.C. Garden Road, Calcutta – 30: You had advised DV subscribers of Ben- gal to contact me regarding publication of Bengali DV (DV April 16, ’97, p.16). | want to contact them directly to prepare a missionary team to do this work.
Publishing o language edition of D Vis as good S as publishing a new journal. The setback we suffered in publishing Tamil Malayalam, Telugu Anda earlier Hindi has Faught us that we have to be cautious. So, we request you for come here for talks so that we may test your capacity – EDITOR.
Dr. M. Thangaraj, Research Associate, Madras Inst. of Development Studies, 79-Second Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Madras – 600 020: 1was in the US in Oct. 1996 in connection with my research work at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IF- PRI), Washington DC. In New York, | met Prof. Owen M. Lynch, Department of Geography, New York University, and a noted scholar who has done to of re- search work on Dr, Ambedkar, Buddhism and Dalits of India. Like a Dalit scholar, he discussed with me about the persecution of Dalits and Indian Buddhism and politics. On his advice | met Dr. Laxmi Berwa, a medical practitioner and a great admirer of your work.
T.R. Azad, Jammu: Rajouri is a Muslim-majority district in J&K and militancy is developing fast. M. Igbal, Chairman of the Peery Devo. Committee, Peery, Budha, Rajouri, has called for speedy construction of a motorable road from Khand Bridge to Peery dt., covering a population over 50,000. The majority of the people in these villages are poverty-stricken Gujjars and Baker Wal castes. There is one higher secondary school which remains for most of the time with- out principal. There is also one allopathic dispensary which is without doctor for the last many years. For want of a motorable road from Kandal Bridge to Peery the people remain backward and poor.
K.N. Kuttab, Advocate, No.92-Burma Road, Kuma- Raguram, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 011: The BJP-BSP alliance has taken over UP, thus putting an end to the long political stalemate in the largest state in India. The alliance has disturbed our minds mainly because we could not relish such an idea. To some the all- acne is a “shameful one”, whereas it is “opportunist” to some others. But they forget that “politics is the game of possible”.
Dr. Sunita Sadanand, MD, 14/ 7-Pari Bazar, Bhopal – 462 001: On Feb. 19, 1997, the Supreme Court declared its verdict in the case of Dr. Sadhna Devi against the UP Govt. (WP No. 679/1 995). The court fixed minimum qualifying marks for pre-PG exam for MD/ MS i.e., 35% for UP and if SC/ ST/ BC candidates could not qualify pre-PG then the seats should be occupied by general candidates. Some non-SC/ ST students in MP have gone to the High Court seeking minimum qualifying marks in MP i.e., 50% and if the candidates of SC/ST/BC fail to secure 50% marks, then seats should be shifted to non-SC/ST/BC students. Only about six Dalit students and none of ST could get 50% marks. It is the Hindu prejudice against our students that made them go to the court. SC/STs get reservation in proportion to their population in each state. MP is a tribal dominated state and whatever is applicable in UP or other states, can’t be applied to MP and our seats cannot go to Hindu students. The ruling upper castes pretend giving us reservation from front door put snatch it cunningly from the pack door. We get reservation only in entrance exams i.e., in PMT and pre- PG but at MBBS and PG level academic sessions we have to compete like Hindu general candidates. SC/ ST are still socially, educationally and economically backward. The Supreme Court has given one-sided decision favouring upper caste people but overlooking the human rights of the oppressed Dalits. We need a good Dalit lawyer to challenge the Supreme Court order.
C.K. Chandran, Chengde house, Odour, Parli, Kerala-678 612 Atrocities against Dalits are increasing in Palakkad dt. Two months ago, a Tribal girl was raped in Alappuzha, a Dalit housemaid was murdered at pusher, a Dalit pregnant woman was target of rape in Parli panchayat. At Olikodi Rly. Colony, a Dalit youth was beaten up by police officers. At Placarbil, a village in peril panchayat, 2 Dalit, P.K. Velayudhan, and his brothers were eaten up. This is the condition all over Kerala. in all these incidents, the police were on the side of Hindus. This is forcing our people to join Ambedkar Padina Kendra and BSP. The ruling Hindu Party (CPM) is our enemy.
Dr. Jamnadas,.Chandrapur, MS: Happy to note that ‘some Marwari youths have started a social movement to assert that Jains are not Hindus.” Once upon a time Jainism was a revolutionary religion, and they had to suffer for it at the hands of BSO. K.A.N. Sastri tells us how 8,000 Jains were put to death by a Saiva King and how & festival is celebrated every year, even now, to commemorate this event in a temple at Madurai. (See my Pook: Tirupati Balaji was a Buddhist shrine, p.134). Whether the same spirit will be revived again? | “only know of one read Jain revolution- . Geary in modern times. He is (Osho) Rajnish, who said about the glass of orange juice given pie Tagore 10 preach the fast of M.K. Gandhi at the conclusion of Poona Pact”.
But this orange juice, this one glass of orange juice, contains millions of people’s blood. (Read Hindi book, Dr. Ambedkar aur Osho, Sandesh Balkar p.43, Vision publication, Nagpur).
He had the courage to denounce Manu in no uncertain terms that if we could forget the Manu smriti the whole world would call us more liberal and broader minded. Manu is sitting on our chest like a big stone. (p.51).
Dr. M. M. Kothari, 87-Ajit Colony, Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Explaining the reasons for withdrawal of support 10 the Deve Gowda Govt. Priya Ranjan Das Munshi told Parliament that his party (Congress) had lost confidence in the Prime Minister after he ignored the Party’s appeal to ensure that a Dalit woman (Mayawati) was made the Chief Minister of UP. He also produced a letter which he said the Congress president had for the purpose. If the Congress had written to Gowda been sincere and keen about it, why didn’t it break with the Front on this issue? The fact is that they never made it an issue, never brought sufficient pressure on their allies in the Errant in favour of their ally in Uttar Pradesh. The BSP gave them a Jong time but throughout this period, the Congress leadership gave the impression of being lukewarm and non-serious. I And now these messiahs of the Dalits are shedding crocodile tears. It is still not too late to mend. Very shortly, they will have a diamond opportunity 0 plate {0k Baht woman” in the Restriped Bhavan for at least five years. fess Genial had expressed his wish that the Viceroy-vacated Viceregal Lodge (now Rashtra Pati Bhavan) be given Toa Harijan. Since then, they got many opportunities put they have ignored the wish of their guru.
Bhikkhu Rajyashree, monk-in-charge, Boudhayan . 824-231: We are ten monks regularly working for the liberation of Mahabodhi Mahavihara. Our agitation is going on since Feb. 25, ’97 in Delhi, near the Parliament House, and over 100 monks and devotees are on strike against the Govt. of India. They will not stop it without the passing of an amendment to the Budha Gaya Temple Management Act 1949.
Kodanda Ram, # 279-Nellorepuraim, New Haparanda (P), Bangalore – 75: April 30, 1997 is a dark day in the history of Dalit movement. The sudden demise of Prof. B. Krishnappa on this day has put all Dalits of Karnataka into sudden confusion. During his last days he was not happy with some of the fake Abderites old 4 – S – within the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti. After joining hands with the ruling Jannat dal for the sake of I some posts and positions, they tried to sell out the DS itself. They undermined Krishnappa and insulted him several times. Soon after realising these developments, genuine Abderites and workers exposed these black-legs and expelled all those cha-cha’s and purified the DSS.
Upendra Nag, at/po. Boden, Nuapada dt., Rissa – 766 111: Happy 10 note from the Dalit Varta (Oriya) that you have agreed to visit Orissa. We want to accord a hearty welcome to you. Brahminism is the pest of the Indigenous people of India. The indigenous people are attacked by this. So, the Dalit Voice pesticide has to be sprayed to save our people from this pest. We should have also an integrated Brahminism pest control training programme among our indigenous intellectuals in every corner of India.
We have not so far visited Orissa where DV circulation is growing and many conscious Dalit intellectuals like you are spotted. However, our eagerly awaited visit will take place on June 29 97 when our DV fancily members in Orissa will have their first get-together at Bhubaneswar, Besides, this meet would also finalise plans for publication of our Oriya edition. So, on the promise of fulfilling these two conditions we have agreed for visit Orissa – EDITOR.
Nitish Biswas, Dy. Registrar, Calcutta University, Aikatan, 1-Vidyasagar Street, Calcutta – 700 009: Education Minister of Tripura Anil Sarkar addressed a seminar at the Calcutta Book Fair on Feb. 2, organised jointly by Dalit Sahitya Sabha of Tripura, Akaba and Charvaka Magazine. The theme of the seminar was “traditional literature, progressive literature and Dalit literature.” Nitish Biswas, co-ordinator of the seminar, while explaining the background for such a de- bate on Dalit literature at an international book fair said Dalit literature, as well as Dalit politics, is a burning subject in modern India. Anil Biswas, Professor of Law, said Dalit literature is the literature of the Untouchables. Prof. Jyoti Chattopadhyay said the Marxists thought about the depressed people first but now they are hesitating on this front. Some Marxists are speaking against Dalit. Dr. Amalendu Dey said the debate on Dalit literature began with Marathi literature and then spread all over India. Manohar Biswas, a noted Dalit writer, said only Dalits can create Dalit literature. Others can’t write Dalit literature. Prof. Su- din Chattopadhyay explained how the depressed class has been exploited from the dawn of civilisation. He asked the leftist to be conscious about them. The Editor of Bangalow, Dr. Partha Chattopadhyay, hoped that the second renaissance of India would take place by the awakening of Sudras. The president of the seminar and the Vice-Chancellor of Kalyani University said “there is no alternative to quality”.
Mrs. Sangat, Madras: This has ref. to the article on “Debate on fall of Sikhism” by Saran Singh, Editor, Sikh Review, Calcutta. (DV Feb. 1, ’97 p.11: “Punjab’s Congress Govt. is stooge of Brahminical forces”). Sardar Singh has defended the agitational aspect of Sikh psyche by blaming the Sikh Congress leadership and the Bania press for the miseries of the Sikhs. But he is silent on other related issues responsible for dragging them to zero. To finish the brahmin. ictal Goliath, Guru Gobind Singh had supplied us with well-balanced tactics/strategies, called “Principles aft the Khalsa”. Has the leadership honoured the Guru’s commandments? Instead of fighting this Brahminical Goliath, they started fighting among themselves and / or against Muslims, Christians etc., or vice-versa on the instigation of Brahminism. Sikhs were being hit constantly on their weakest point in a phased and planned way. Media, organisation, economy sectors etc., were shattered by the ruling class of India. The Sikhs faced the “Operation Blue Star” and later genocides, humiliations, persecution etc., But the corrupt leadership did not learn any lesson from the mistakes of the past and still continued to lick the bottom’-of Brahminical forces. Sikhism was swallowed by this Brahminical demon in a short span. The “Operations’ Blue Star”, in fact, symbolises the cumulative I Ders committed by the Sikh leadership. In brief, the: decline of Sikhism had started the day media was neglected. let’s political murder was completed in 19471 when the Sikh leadership accepted, unconditionally the graded Sanatana system on mere verbal assurances. Out of the total resources criminally wasted on irrational “armed struggle” for self-respect, if 25% of it could have been utilised on “Media Centra” for Bahujan’s it would have shown better results. All the. ten Sikh gurus were Hindu Banias but still they revolted against the Sanatana system of Brahminism., Bania / Vaishya is called papayotin and equated with the Shudra (bastard) vide Gita (9/ 32). It is not the Banihal press which is against the interest of Sikhs, but it Is the Brahminical media which is dead against the Sikhs the Sikh intellectual leaders like Sardar Saran Singhji | should note it.
S.M. Pasha, Madras: Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, in ‘I the course of a speech in 19486, said: if |
“Undoubtedly, Islam, as a religion, is best among all religions but if | should embrace Islam, | must, first of all, solve a dilemma whether | should become a Shiah or a Sunni; whether | should become a grave-worshipper or a worshipper of an unseen god. Musselman’s are so divided that one sect calls the other Kafir (unbeliever). | know that it is because of excessive zeal that graves are worshipped but then fail to exhibit that zeal, | will be expelled from Islam denouncing me as a Wahabi. Before converting others into Musselman’s, the Musselman’s must themselves become Muslimas and sink they’re internal sectarian differences.”
How true and Nobel are these words and how topical are they What the great soul said 50 years ago, is applicable today: Muslims are, unfortunately, still divided into umpteen sects, hating one another. If Muslims really wish that non-Muslims must embrace lslam, then they must, first of all, become “true” Muslims and not choose to remain as “nominal” Muslims.
Qaderkhan, 102-Rajkamal, 2ond Hasan Abad Lane, Santacruz (W), Bombay – 400 054: Lately, Dalits have x stared asserting their rights. V.T. Rajshekar, Editor of Dalit Voice, has worked very hard to highlight the plight o1 Dalits and its causes. His book, Dialogue of Blood-evatas, was published recently and it was translated i1 Hindi by a person at Agra. We may try to find some avenues so that this Dialogue is stage-performed nicely for public show so that more people could enjoy it May be there could be some sponsors for it, maybe it could be handed over to upcoming stage performers who work in it just for satisfaction and not for money. Since this is a Dalit effort, most of whom are still boycotted and most of whom have little or no money, they should be helped whatever way. The Hindi translation can be had from Dr. Yogendra Kumar, Eklavya Prakashan, R2/27-Sunder Para, Police Lines Road, Agra, UP – 282 010.
P. Kova, 5/3274-A, Bank Road, Calicut – 673 001: | am afraid Mukundan (DV guest editorial Jan. 16, 1997 caranna Muslims of Kerala get handguides and become deadly enemies of Islam”) has got it totally wrong when he says that “the Muslims in Kerala use ‘Bilal to seared away dogs and insult whom they hate”. They ” 45 not. The word that they use is not Bilal but Bala which is often corrupted into Balal which means many things in Arabic, one of them being plague. Bilal is a highly respected name among the Kerala Muslims too. One should check the facts before taking up the cudgels.
Already another complaint against Brother Mukundan’s reference for Bilal from a member of the DV family was published. During our recent visit for Calicut, our Kerala reprehensive, Viv Prabhakaran also fold us about complaints from other Muslims. Mukundan was also present airing this talks and had agreed to clarify the position – EDITOR.
S. Haq, Patna: Since “independence”, over 13,000 anti-Muslims riots have been recorded by the Government of India. Muslims have been at the receiving end in the form of casualty, economic destruction, largescale deaths, devastation. Few other “minorities” fad mat with similar fate like the Muslims. The demolition of Babri Masjid on Dec. 6, 1992 has ripped off the mask of democracy. Is this democracy in the guise of democracy?
Qazi Abdul Hameed, 45-Srinagar Extn., Indore – 452 001: We boast that we have the biggest democracy in the world. it has now been proved how fragile it is. The whim of a senile and decrepit politician has sent the whole country in an unprecedented constitutional and financial crisis. He claims, “l have done it, | have done it”. What a shame. The politicians in Parliament are playing the number game and we have become the laughing stock of the whole world.
Isa Haque. Vill- Madhupur, PO Hoe rah, WB – 712 147: After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the world is heading fast towards a unipolar world order with the USA at the head. The Afghan Taliban’s branded as fundamentalists and worst enemies of social change have scored spectacular victory over their opponents having captured the capital city of Kabul with three-fourth of Afghan territory. After the Islamic Revolution of Iran, it was a major international event that evoked world- wide reaction. Taliban’s, as they are depicted in home and foreign media, are not enemies of humanity, they are rather staunch, faithful servants of Islam. When the Western imperialist have vowed that to destroy Islam, it is these Taliban’s in Afghanistan and their brethren in Algeria, Bosnia, Chechenia, Egypt and evening Iran and Turkey who are fighting these forces dying in thousands. The Taliban success, therefore, at the doorstep of Russia and many other Muslim-dominate- ed Republics of Central Asia, has become headache to these countries. Afghanistan had seen many regimes. But it has not seen any regime enjoying So much popularity and support as the Taliban’s. Why? Because, firstly, Taliban’s are with roots in Islam, which is why they are enjoying full confidence of the people. Secondly, they are fighting for Islam. They want to plant Islam firmly on the Afghan soil. They want the country to follow the path of Islam. Thirdly, the battle they are fighting is equated with Jihad. Nowadays no one takes to-Jihad. But the Taliban’s, like their Chechen and Algerian brethren, do. This is gene of the reasons why the Muslims of Central Asia – Uzbekistan, Tajiki- stan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Jayarajan and smaller pockets like Ossetia, Chechenia and Daghestani – who lost their roots in Islam under socialism are attracted to the Taliban’s. Not only that, they are dreaming to bring back the lost glory and halcyon days of Islam at the instance and on the model of the Taliban crusaders.
Manjoo Gopalan, Surabhi, Kanak Kari P.O., Kottayam, Kerala – 686 632: This has ref. to the Letter by D1 P.K. Purushothaman (DV May 16, ’97 p.15)). He 15 making a heroic attempt to mislead us by hiding the facts of the “bloodbath at Sivagiri”, Vakala, on 11.10.1995. He wants to tarnish the image of Swamy Swahananda and the Malayalam Daily, Kerala Kaumudi. A report on the heart-breaking events at Sivagiri was included in the book, Sagarika Muhallil Himaghana, written by M.S. Mani, chief editor, Kerala Kaumudi. He did not allow the RSS march for “Ram salvinias” from Aruvippuram temple. That is why the RSS hates him and tried to abuse and defame him. Capturing the Sivagiri Mutt by Savarna sanyasis (monks) under the leadership of Kaivalya- Ananda was instigated by the RSS. I have been a subscriber of the Kerala Kaumudi for the last 35 years and | am not an Eleva. Hence | can testify to the commitment of this daily. The Kerala Kaumudi follows Sri Narayana Guru’s philosophy. Since the Guru was not a Hindu, its attitude also is ‘anti-Hindutva. The reports, editorials and articles of the Kerala Kaumudi encourage the Dalits and BCs to fight the Savarnas. Copies of the book written by M.S. Mani have been sold out through the agents of the Kerala Kaumudi. It is a valuable book. Our Kerala representative V. Prabhakaran, has written a detailed report on the “Sivagiri blood bath”, making a spot study (DV 1.12.95). His report was impartial.
Ruby Nishat, Post Box No. 1797, Bangalore – 560 017: Reservation for women in legislature is a conspiracy and a political gimmick of the BSO against the BCs. As democracy is gradually taking roots and social justice is becoming a reality, the BSO is playing its dirty game with a dual purpose. (1) To occupy the space their masters have been forced to vacate through their “educated ” women. (2) The other more dangerous purpose is to block reservation for the BCs in the legislature because there is presently a ceiling of 50% on the total reservation by Supreme Court. Out of 50% ceiling, 22.5% seats are already reserved for SC/STs. After giving 33% reservation to women, BCs can’t enter the legislature. Nazi Hindus intend to enjoy all the fruits-leaving behind the deprived women to be stone-breakers and grass-cutters. Suddenly a ground swell of sympathy for their women whom Manu’s law consider as untouchables and animals. Reservation in proportion to the population is the only way-out. We fully support your demand for proportional representation (DV Oct. 16, 1996 p.9: “Women’s quota must be caste-based” and DV March 16, 1997 p.10: “Vaidik’s admit defeat on women’s quota Bill”).
Lajja Ram, Jodl. Magistrate (retd.), 457-Nabi Karim, Hapur – 245 101, UP: Within 40 days of becoming the Chief Minister of UP, Mayawati has decentralised the administration by creating five more new districts in this sprawling state. And they have been given names close to the heart of Dalits. By this, she has fulfilled the long and overdue demands of the respective regions.
T.R. Azad, J&K SC/St Employees Assn., 39-A, Rajinder Nagar, New Company Bagh, Jammu: We celebrated Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on April 20 last. The Social Welfare Minister of the State, Mian Altaf Ahmad, was the chief guest and Shiva Rao Komal, president, Federation of All India SC/ST employees, P&T Dept. New Delhi, presided. The function was inaugurated by Sardari Lal Bharati, Principal.
Malappuram Sankaranarayanan, APC Post Box No. 506, Area code P.O., Malappuram dt., Kerala: I invite your attention to a resolution passed by the Dalit writers at a meeting organised here about the publication of the Malayalam Dalit Voice – which is stopped from Oct. 1996.
P.C. Joshi, Associate Professor, J.N.V. University, Jodhpur, Raj – 342 001: The Dalit Voice in its special issue (April 1-15, 1997 p.23) has quoted from the book, Critique of Gandhi, by Dr. M.M. Kothari that M.K. Gandhi condemned Maharana Pratap as a “giant bandit”. Although Gandhi used to offer uncharitable comments on Indian revolutionaries like Dhingra, Bhagat Singh, Subhash Bose and many others, his denunciation of Maharana Pratap in such an abusive language is an intolerable insult to the hero of Mewar and his sacrifices. It offends the sentiments of all true patriots of India who lived, fought and died for safeguarding the unity and integrity of the country. Gandhi deserves severest condemnation for his impudent remarks against Maharana Pratap.
