Philippe Godard, 10 Rue Pointelin, 39600, Arbois (France): 1 have received Dalit Voice and your book, Separate Electorate & Separate Settlement (DSA-1996). I was very happy to find these works. I am searching Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings & Speeches. I am a French activist and writer. I am actually writing a book about India for children 12-16 years old. I will send it to you when it is published in March 2003. I have learned Hindi in 1987.1 came to India in October 2001, just 12 days. I became interested in the Ambedkar works and I know also a little Jotirao Phule. I have published a book in 2001 against child labour in French and it’s essentially a thought about adults-children relations, about work, and about rich and poor countries unequal relations. I will rad Dalit Voice and Separate Electorate and write to you again. I also would like to read your books: Caste A Nation Wath in Nation, Dalit-The Black Untouchables of India, Brahminism, Why Godse Killed Gandhi?, Untouchables are not Hindus but a Separate element and Why Go for Conversion”. And I will also subscribe to Dalit Voice. I have written a chapter about Babasaheb Ambedkar for a book about India. I will publish here in 2003. It is in French. I explain the “Poona Pact” and Dr. Ambedkar politics about Dalit. So, you have my support to make this situation of Dalits known, but the problem in France is that the people have very few interest for things outside. This country has lost its great idea of brotherhood and we, activists of the emancipation of mankind, are not in a good position. We are very weak for the moment. And we work hard to change this weakness in a strong position.
“Poona Pact was a brahminical conspiracy hatched by M.K. Gandhi to destroy the human rights of india’s Black Untouchables Christophe Jaffrelot, a French author has written a book on India’s Hindu nazis it is a good book published by Oxford University Press, India is the original home of racism and the world’s most violent country. We need the support of scholars like you to tell this to your countrymen-EDITOR
Faisal Kutty, 885-Progress Avenue, UPH14, Toronto, Ontario, MIH 3G3, USA: Out of the horror and tragedy of Sept. 11 came a rude awakening for all of us, including Muslims. In an attempt to come to terms with the proclaimed acts of jihad, Canadian Muslims were forced to engage in jihads (struggles) of our own in a frenzy to establish our identity and alliances. The acts of a misguided few became a warrant to target an entire community. Muslims and Arabs, and those perceived to be, were subjected to verbal and physical assaults, arson death threats, bomb threats, harassment, vandalisan and venomous emails. In fact, a Hindu temple in Hamilton was burned to the ground within days. Police forces across the country reported significant increases in hate crimes and the Toronto Hate Crimes Unit even noted that despite the serious under-reporting, 90% of the increase in hate crimes in 2001 was directly attributable 10 9-11. The perpetuation of stereotypes and the growing perception that Muslims represented the “other” made it easy to indict the community through guilt by association. The climate of distrust resulted in a number of people being detained without charges, legitimate money transfer businesses shutting down, established mosques and charities losing support and a Muslim landlord even having his insurance cancelled for his apartments. And none of them had committed a crime.
Infotimes, (infotimes@yahoogroups.com): Edolphus Towns (D-NY) speaking at the US House of Representatives on Sept.4. 2002 referred to a “very significant article in the Indian newspaper, The Hindu (Aug 8, 2002), written by Robert M. Hathaway, whom many of us know as a former aide to former South Asia. Subcommittee Chairman Stephen Solarz, a fervent defender of India. Hathaway’s article is called “Charity…. or terrorism?” It exposes the rise of terrorism in India and how charitable contributions from Indian-Americans support it. Hathaway writes:
“Substantial sums of money are sent from Indians resident in the US and from American citizens of Indian origin, to groups and organizations in Gujarat and elsewhere in India that are directly linked to the violence in Gujarat”
He also writes that “respected Indian journalists have uncovered disturbing linkages”. These transactions could raise issues of fraud and they appear to violate US anti-terrorism laws. We must not allow money from the US, even in the form of private contributions, to be used in support of terrorism. In that case, President Bush should act. After Sept. 11, the President froze the assets of charities involved in supporting the terrorist network that attacked the WTC and the Pentagon. Similar action should be taken to freeze any American assets of charities involved in the violence and terrorism in India. And contributions from US residents to those charities’ offices in India should expressly be prohibited. America should also stop its aid to India until it stops repressing the minorities, sponsoring cross-border terrorism against Sindh and other neighbors, and until it allows self-determination for all the peoples and nations seeking freedom from India.
Runoko Rashidi, PO Box-201662, Sant Antonio, TX78220, USA: The Dalit The Black Untouchable of India continue to be the largest single oppressed socio-economic group in the world and the Black presence in India is the largest concentration of Black folks in any one country in the world. This is something that staggers many people hearing it for the first time. The first thing that I am going to do is subscribe you to our Global African Presence Egroup. It is a complement to the Global African Presence Web Site. We have numerous Dalit, Dravidian and South Asian members. Start with the book, African Presence in Early Asia, edited by me and Ivan Van Sertima. It has a lot of essays and references about that which you seek. Another book is Dalit: The Black Untouchables of India by VT. Rajshekar. I wrote the afterward to the book. Start with that and more will come. We are one people, a great people, and we shall emerge triumphant together.
Prof. Aleef-ud-Din Turabi, Kashmir Information Centre, PO Box-2292, Islamabad: We have started. serializing your book, Brahminism Father of Fascism, Racism. Naziam (DSA-1994) in our English monthly magazine, Kashmir Mirror. The first instalment was published in August 2002 issue. Meanwhile, the third revised edition of the same book has been released. Please accept our congratulations on the successful accomplishment of your endeavours. Please send us two copies of this book. We continue to receive Dalit Voice and are highly thankful for the courtesy extended by you. We pray for the success of your noble mission.
A.N. Parmar, Asst. Editor: Samajmitra, Plot 63/1. Sector-14, Gandhinagar-382 016: I attended the Dalit-Muslim unity conference at Bharuch on Aug.25. The inaugural speech delivered by the Editor of Dalit Voice was thought-provoking. The Gujarat Genocide (2002) of Muslims took place after the stage-managed Godhra train tragedy. The worst sufferers of the violence were both Dalits and Muslims. Neither the Dalits nor the Muslims are foolish to kill each other. But it is our bad luck that Hindu nazis managed to put Dalits against Muslims. The nazi plan was to push Muslims and Dalits into a confrontation with each other. In Gujarat, both Dalits and Muslims have understood this conspiracy and will not allow its repetition. Amidst this feeling the Dalit Voice Editor visited Gujarat on Aug.25 last and addressed the Bharuch conference organised by the Anjuman-e-Imdadul Muslimin, Bharuch, at its ITI IQRA Hall. In his extraordinary speech, the Editor said:
“We are here today because of the large-scale killing of Muslims and Dalits in the recent violence of Gujarat Both Muslims and Dalits should realise that their real enemies are the Hindu nazis who engineered the Muslim-Dalit confrontation. This bad blood in our body must be removed. If the Muslims, like Dulits, are not ready to openly anticise Brahminism the Dalit-Muslim unity is not possible. Dalits are 20% and Muslins are 15% in India. If we add the Tribals and Backward Castes the percentage of oppressed will reach 85%. This much percentage is sufficient to acquire political power too. But despite the Truth and Justice with us, we are facing injustice. This is only because we are not united and we do not have our own media”
Quoting Quran which clearly asked the Muslims to know the Enemy, he named Brahminism as the Enemy No.1 of the Muslims and said that before getting trapped in the net spread by the Hindu nazis, Muslims should study the thoughts of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar first. The word Hindustan is not used even in our Constitution, the word used is Bharat. How then the Muslims are calling India as Hindustan? India is not a Hindu country. Over 85% of its population is not Hindu. The Muslims must correct this weakness. Even the Hindus do not call this country as Hindustan. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is a mad man. It is possible that like Slobodan Milosevic and such other cruel rulers of the world, Mody too could be arrested and tried before the International Criminal Court. Moulana Mehboob Madani of the Jamaitul Ulma from Delhi said Dalit-Muslim unity was not possible until the Muslims were ready to sit and eat with their Dalit brothers. Over 90% of Muslims and Dalits were poor. Muslims are not at all interested in political power. Hence, for the sake of Dalit-Muslim unity, Muslims must shed their blood. Moulana Habibur Rahman, the host, said both Muslims and Dalits of Gujarat will soon prove their decisive unity. Muslims should know Dalits were the only well-wishers of the Muslims, said advocate of Bombay High Court. Syed Akhtar. Retired principal of the Anjuman High School, Bharuch, Mohd, Jamil Malik, Sultan Akhtar Patel of Islamic Translation Service, social worker, Ilyas Patel, BAMCEF president Baheeharrbhai Patel. Chhitubhai Parmar were responsible for the success of the conference which by all means was a very impressive one. Especially because of the presence of DV Editor, V.T. Rajshekar, it got a new dimension. We should take this as a good beginning of Dalit-Muslim unity and extend it to other cities.
M.S. Shaikh, 49-Tawakkal Society, Sanand Road. Sarkhej, Ahmedabad-382 210: The Bharuch conference of Dalit-Muslim unity on Aug.25 last was a successful one and by this get-together the Dalits and Muslims came nearer to a proper understanding, mutual friendship and brotherhood which was the need of the day thereby developing national unity on a large scale. It is hoped that the ensuing Baroda and Ahmedabad meetings will also be more encouraging to unite the people of the same ideology. Our brothers deserve congratulations for the excellent arrangements, particularly Ilyas Patel, Fazal Mohammad, Matadar, Iqra persons and the participants who took trouble to attend from Kanpur, Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat and so on. The bold speech of V.T. Rajshekar and Dr. Ram Nath, Prof. Salat etc. were encouraging and praiseworthy. Spontaneous translation by Ahmed Sharif was attractive in words and style too. So was Moulana Matadar’s comments for unity and invitation to others to understand properly and come nearer to Muslims and be united and the announcer picking up the words spontaneously were no less praiseworthy.
Ilyas Patel, Khanpur Deh, Bharuch dt., 392 150: As a co-editor of the Anjuman Voice, we have published a report of our Dalit-Muslim unity conference of Bharuch (Aug.25) in which your photograph has also been published. I am doing my best despite my poor monetary and social position to propagate our ideology. I hope you can understand my position and its limitations but I will never lose the battle against all evils including within the community. Please forgive me whatever inconvenience and troubles you had to bear. I consider that if a missionary could not face difficulty he/she should introspect as revolution is not a childish play. One has to suffer and sacrifice all assets of life, then only revolution is possible. One should reach the juggi zopadpatti and hold the hands of ignorant people who have been denied all human rights and make them aware that they too are human beings. Though in Bharuch I felt alone, few friends are giving me support and encouraging me like our Maulana Habibur Rehman and Sultan Akhtar but they too have many restrictions. Time is not far away, we will try and try to achieve our goal of Dalit-Muslim unity at any cost even if we have to lose support of our so-called intellectuals and elites
Save India Front, Udit Raj, National Chairman, All-India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations, Convener, & Maulana Mahmood Madani, General Secretary, Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind, No.1- Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110 002: Several top Dalit and Muslim leaders including V.T. Rajshekar, Editor, Dalit Voice, have been invited here to participate in a day-long discussion on upholding the Constitution, freedom of religion and faith, rights of reservation, employment, to secure education and protection to each citizen of the country on Sept. 15, 2002. Internal social harmony and unity is a must for the development of any nation. Unfortunately our nation had been and is facing a sort of Invisible war that led to overall decay of the Indian society. There is enormous scope to carry out constructive work, if one wants and this Dalit-Muslim unity is precisely for achieving this left-over work. After the “independence”, there had been talk of combining Dalits and Muslims but it had never worked and now a pioneering effort has started. Only selected senior and effective Dalit and Muslim leaders of the country are invited. It may look that the meet has political hidden agenda but there is nothing of the sort.
- Subba Rao, 3-15, APHB Colony, Moula Ali, Hyderabad-500040: I am the editor of Rationalist Voice, a hi-monthly magazine published from here. I attended your 70th day function held here on July 17, 2002 and also the release of your book, Brahaninism. I purchased most of your publication. I am in touch with local Dalit organisations and Veeramani of DK. Earlier I purchased 10 copies of the book, Hindu Imperialism. The local HBT translated this book into Telugu. There are seven rationalist organisations in AP. Two are M.N. Roy groups. one Atheist Centre at Vijayawada which considers their father “Gora” as great. They do not write on anything other than their “father”. Mine is Rationalist Forum of Hyderabad. We write on rationalism, atheism, humanisen etc. There is one more rationalist organisation at Anantapur and one atheist organisation at Visakhapatnam. There are no Brahmins in our rationalist forum. Three years back I had lengthy talks with you on phone. I am a regular reader of Dalit Voice. Your magazine is the inspiration to my magazine. I am of your age, 71 years.
If irationalism has crept into India, it is because of Brahminism. Christian, Budhist, Muslim countries have hardly any rationalist organisations because their religions themselves are closer to rationalism though no religion can be fully rational. Hinduism is a business More irrational it becomes better business it can generate So only the Hindus need to become rationalist. Dalits and BCs have become irrational after they got hinduised (enslaved) So if you are not a Hindu why bother about reforming the Hindus? is it not a waste of time? That is our point – EDITOR.
Sultan Patel, Khanpur Deh 392 150: This refers to DV of Aug. 15, 2002. The following sentences in S.P. Singh’s article about Budhism and Brahminism are most thought-provoking as well as enlightening:
(1) Brahmins became vegetarians to kill Budhism, (2) Brahminism cannot be destroyed unless their main stooges, the BCs of India, kick the Brahmins out from their social and religious functions. (3) Anyone who is dependent on a Brahmin for social functions (marriage etc.) or temple (read idol) worship or spiritual training is a sudru. (4) Brahmins called him (Budha) an avtar and finished Budhism.
Seven salutes to Singh sahib. Neerav Patel is not 100% wrong. Our people (Muslim Patels) have not yet totally abhorred the Hindu system of their (our) forefathers’ thinking, one being money-worship (Laxmipuja) and hence they do not sell out their bungalows in Hindu majority areas and move to Muslim huts. Some of them (us) still keep separate cups for serving low (manmade low) caste beggars some tea. Islam demands killing of self-egotism in practice.
Indrajit Kumar Halder, 56/1-D, Santosh Roy Road (Jameslong Sarani), Calcutta 700 008: I had a great desire to meet you and this was fulfilled when you visited Calcutta early this year and addressed a meeting at the Youba Kendra, Maulali, Calcutta. I felt so proud of myself to be introduced to you. I like Dalit Voice which is giving me inspiration.
L.R. Balley, Editor, Bheem Patrika Publications, Jalandhar – 144 003: Please refer to p. 15 of DV Aug. 16, 2002 wherein Gumam Singh Muktsar says:
“Dr. Ambedkar came from Maharashtra to embrace Budhism
Babasaheb never visited Punjab for conversion to Sikhism. It is factually wrong to say that he visited Punjab for conversion. Such writings should be avoided in DV. The whole story of Dr. Ambedkar versus Sikhism has been narrated by Kapoor Singh, ICS, in his book in Punjabi, Sachi Sakhi. Your book, Brahminism, has been reviewed in the Bheem Patrika, Aug.2002 issue.
T.R. Azad, Vill. Ranjitpur, PO Gole Gujral, Jammu-180 002: This refers to the DV Edit June 1, 2002: “Who is the enemy of Dalits: Vaidiks or Backwards?” and the Debate that followed it. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar wrote:
“Under the reformed constitution that came into operation in 1920, the right of the economically and educationally backward communities was recognized in the two provinces of India namely Bombay and Madras. In Bombay, the Marathas and allied castes and in. Madras the Non-Brahmins were given separate representation on the only ground that they were economically and educationally backward. It was feared that if special representation was not give to those communities, they would be politically suppressed by the minority of high caste Hindus such as Brahmins and allied castes. There are many communities in other Provinces who are in the same position and who need special political representation to prevent their being suppressed by the higher castes. It was therefore perfectly proper for the representatives of the Backward Classes from the Hindus to have claimed special representation for themselves. If their point of view had been accepted the total number of Depressed Classes would have swelled to enoritious proportions. But they received no support either from the Untouchables or from the high caste Hindus, The Hindus were opposed to the move which was calculated to increase the population of the Depressed Classes The Untouchables did not want to be included in their category any class of people who are not really Untouchables. The proper course for these backward commities was to have asked to make a division of Touchable Hindus into advanced and backward and to have claimed separate representation for the Backward In that effort the Untouchables would have supported them. But they did not agree to this and persisted in being included among the Depressed Classes largely because they thought that this was easier way of securing their object. But as the Untouchables opposed this the backward communities turned and joined the Hindus in denying the existence of Untouchables, more vehemently than the Hindus”. (Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings & Speeches, Vol.5, p. 243-244)
From the above quotation it is very much clear that Babasaheb held the view that the Backward communities needed representation. The Mandal Commission solved the Backward Caste problem to some extent but the Kashmir State Backwards now have started opening their eyes. Most of them do not know the contribution of Babasaheb for their betterment. They have not studied Babasaheb. I appeal to the organisers of the rally held at Jammu on Aug.27 to turn their attention to the burning thoughts of Babasaheb so that they may work in right direction. Only Babasaheb had given the BCs the strength to fight the upper castes.
Chinta S. c/o Ch. Babu Ambedkar, 4056-OFMK Estate, Yeddumailaram, AP-502 205: This refers to the DV Edit of June 1, 2002, “Who is the enemy of Dalits? Vaidiks or Backwards?“. The Editor is trying to confuse the people. Brahminiam is an ideology whereas Backwards are castes, a group of people. How can the two be clubbed? Definitely Brahminism is the Enemy of Dalits. Not the Backward Castes (BCs). But what is Brahminism? We can define Brahminism as:
- A feeling of belonging to a superior race. Others should serve them (racial supremacy or apartheid). (2) A mindset of dividing human kind into lower and higher (3) Creation of social system and cultures to sustain this unjust division of society. (4) Reinforcing this unjust social order by using religion as potential weapon and enforcing it through political power. This in brief is the essence of Brahminism.
Whoever espouses this line of thinking are vaidiks even if they are not Brahmins by birth. Thus the BCs who have the mindset of Brahminism are Backward Caste Brahmins or neo-Brahmins. The BCs, once they become Hindus, behave like 150% brahminical people. This is the observation of Periyar EVR. This is the social reality today. One reason may be, it benefits them or ignorance and lack of proper leadership. Come to the main point. there is no doubt that the Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishyas castes are 100% brahminical, Hence they are the enemies of Dalits. But for purposes of expediency, they can become friends of Dalits. For furthering the cause of Dalits, political necessity may make or mar this friendship. Similarly among the BCs the dominant castes among them viz., Yadava. Kurmis, Kammas, Reddys, Lingayats, Vokkaligas. Kunbis and Kayasths etc are also brahminical in their mindset, and content. They are not Brahmins but they are 150% followers of Brahminism. Hence they are also the enemies of Dalits. Dalits should hate what the Enemy loves. (not enemy, it is plural, because Dalits have many enemies). Our enemies do not want us to form the government in UP. They hate us. So Dalits have to make friendship with one enemy to further its interests. The enemy’s enemy is our friend. It is perfectly alright and is in tune with the DV line of thinking. DV’s definition of the upper castes is wrong. It includes all castes including Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, dominant Backwards (Shudras) castes. Thus the castes viz., Yadavs, Kurmis, Kammas, Reddys. Lingayats, Vokkaligas. Kunbis and Kayasths with brahminical mindset are also upper castes. No confusion in this. The social reality in villages proves this point. Yes, it is a fact that the Dalits led the Mandal agitation. DV is right in saying this. The BCs both dominant and dormant castes are lacking in leadership. They don’t accept Dr. Ambedkar’s leadership. But we respect BC leaders, their contribution. We see Dalit movement as a continuation of the BC movement for self-respect, equal tights and opportunities. Babasaheb even declared Mahatma Phule as his guru. BSP stands for Dalit, Backwards, Muslim and minorities unity and advancement of these groups vis-a-vis brahminical manuvadi groups. The days of Brahminism are numbered. Let us further reduce those days by half by correct diagnosis of the disease and prescribe correct medicine.
- Prakash, TGT (M), Javahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Chikkajogihalli, Bellary dt.583 126: For a long time DV has published nothing on the Blacks of USA and African Blacks. Request you to take a note of this.
Udit Raj, president, All-India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations, 478-Laxmi Bai Nagar, New Delhi-110 023: We have succeeded in repealing the anti-reservation orders. We started the struggle in 1997 and staged many rallies. Because of privatization under the garb of globalisation, the reservation is coming to an end. The higher judiciary is also bent upon killing the reservation by delivering adverse judgments. The only door open to Dalits was reservation in government job and all other avenues had been closed. If we do not take up the issue of reservation in private sector, Dalits will again be relegated to background. The Confederation will start its movement from Sept. 8 at a convention demanding reservation in private sector and higher judiciary, enactment of reservation Act, compulsory and equal education and other basic needs of common people. Gujarat is part of the nation and every human being is an Indian and considering this humanistic factor and other national issues and interests we will oppose Modi’s Gaurav Rath Yatra in Gujarat. We are not supporters of the Congress Party. Yet there are Aryans like Jayalalitha had come to India from Central Asia and their origin also should be questioned.
Innaiah N., A-60. Journalist colony, Hyderabad 500 033: 1 read your latest book Brahminism. I am working in humanist, rationalist associations. We are concentrating on exposing the superstitions and fraudulent godmen.
Dr. R.P. Harsh, Harsh Clinic. Barnala Road, Sirsa-125 055: I have read your latest book, Caste, A Nation Within the Nation (Books for Change, 2002, Rs. 140), It is indeed a great contribution. It is a fusion of personalities like Dr. Ambedkar and V.T. Rajshekar. You have given the answers to all doubts of the confused Ambedkarites on “Caste identity”. The book needs one more annexure “without cultural identity caste identity will remain incomplete because masses need prophetic images to satisfy their spiritual hunger and that image should be one common to all like Budha, Dr. Ambedkar. In the next edition of the above book, please add one more chapter to satisfy the spiritual hunger of masses. This is an outstanding contribution to Indian social science. Your both latest books, Brahminism and Caste, A Nation Within the Nation, are the death warrant to brahminical imperialism. Your life is more precious to us than anything else. Therefore beware of those fake Manavtavadies of Kurukshetra (Haryana) which is a stronghold of Hindu nazi RSS. You are the only hope of persecuted nationalities today. Please beware with these unknown forces.
P.K. Jena. C-9, BJB Nagar. Bhubaneswar, Orissa-751 014: For the first time a marriage ceremony of our society was held in the Budha Mandir here. I am marrying my daughter Jyotsna, to Dr. Ramnath Naik on Sept. 10, 2002. This is the only Budha Vihar in the state capital.
Dr. Jawahar I.S., Dale View, Irumpil, Neyyattinkar, Trivandrum 695 121: My article, “Only Asura identity con unite SC/ST/BCs against Aryans” (DV Sept. 1, 2002 p.19) has generated much interest among our DV family members. Many Ambedkarites contacted me and I presented them with the manuscript of my book. They are very happy that you have consented to publish the book under the Dalit Sahitya Akademy. They suggested that wherever I mention Babasaheb the page number and Volume must be given. Anirudhan, sub-editor of the State Encyclopedic Institute, Kerala, has assured me to complete the project.
