P. R. Kuppuswamy, Advocate, Karur, TN:
The senior Sankaracharya of Kanchi is hailed as “Jagadguru” and the ‘god incarnate’. I have enclosed a typed copy of a part of the book, The Ideal Prophet Of Our Age, by Agnihotram Ramanuja Tatachariar to prove the swami’s behind-the-screen machinations. It is he who had achieved the Brahmin’s plan to continue their hegemony even after 26 Jan. 1950. He saw to it that the concept of equality, liberty, fraternity etc., that came with the freedom did not affect the Brahminical stratification of society. Suitable safeguards were extracted by the Sankaracharya from the “national” leaders. But a lone non-Brahmin voice against such conspiracy is also heard from among the clergy itself from TN. It is the voice of Kundrakkudi Adigalar, the Mut head of the “Kundarkkudi Aadheenam” in Ramanathapuram District. Recently he had exposed the conspiracy of the Brahmins to thrust the Kanchi senior Sankaracharya as the sole religious leader of Hindus.
S. Moinuddin, Hyderabad:
It is a pity that in a country that has so vehemently condemned the Apartheid policy of South Africa, and has gone to the extent of severing its diplomatic ties with it, a section of its people are meted out the same treatment in India as the Blacks in S. Africa. I can’t understand how a small section of upper castes are able to assert themselves as a superior race in a country which describes itself as a democracy with socialism as its creed. Even after 34 years of Independence, SC/STs are leading a life of serfdom and slavery and the minorities are regarded as second grade citizens. In the midst of such persecution and recurring communal riots, how can the cherished aim of emotional and national integration be achieved? The govt. should realise the folly of tolerating such communal forces which are totally inconsistent with our secular way of life and democratic setup. If the govt. proves incapable to curb these communal forces, then minorities will be forced to join hands with the dalits. I congratulate you for so courageously and boldly championing the oppressed and persecuted minorities.
Fr. Peter Lewis, Nasik:
I congratulate you for starting the DV, outspoken and truthful. I wish some of our leaders read it and learn some lessons.
Rama Arangannal, Madras:
I appreciate your enthusiasm and spirit fighting for the right cause. Go ahead.
Zafarul Islam Khan, London:
We have read with interest your introduction to Dr. Ambedkar’s speech, “Why Go For Conversion,” published by the Dalit Sahitya Akademy. It is fantastic. We fully appreciate your efforts and hope that together we will be able to achieve our aims.
Kazuhiro Usui, Japan:
We have been reading the DV and through that we come to know the condition of your movement especially about the caste war in Gujarat. The Buraku people are trying to understand the dalit movement launched by Ambedkar. Some of us are eager to visit India for a deeper study.
Murlidhar Bansode, Bombay:
DV is the chief voice of Dalits and the downtrodden. The only one of its kind in English, it serves to collect and connect the “minorities” giving publicity to the tyranny and atrocities inflicted on them by Hindus.
K. Yerranagiah, Iskapalli, AP:
The book, “Why Go for Conversion?” is a timely lesson for every educated Dalit to read and share with his illiterate brothers. It exposes the reality of the situation and brings them to a decision regarding a means to cast off the hated caste stigma.
V. R. Narla, Hyderabad:
While I cannot agree with all your ideas, you are, on the whole, doing good work. I wish you success.
Dr. K. Wilson, IICS, Secunderabad:
DV is destined to influence the thinking of not only the Dalits but also the non – Dalit public in shaping the future of our social structure. At IICS we are doing our best to conscientize the oppressed Dalits to get involved in the struggle for a more human future.
P. K. Rajan, Trichy, TN:
In spite of over 70 Dalit organisations, each with over 20 branches, none are involved in the struggle against untouchability. Dalit leaders deceive the innocents, being themselves tailpieces of political parties, serving them to retain their own leadership. Dravida Kazagam ignores the teaching of its founder EVR. His movement was never intended to contest elections but only to work for social change. Yet, Periyar was never been involved in fight against caste fanatics or the struggle of landless peasants against landlords. Is it because the victims are Dalits? Of the other movements in TN including the Marxists, the less said the better. So in TN, Dalits need a strong movement. Youths of Trichy dist. have begun a movement to fight against the caste fanatics. Dalits by themselves can never be successful and need the support of all those who will readily support them.
M.A. Samad, Madras:
The DV is simply grand. I congratulate you for exposing the politicians for neglecting the minorities. After 1947, our politicians have turned corrupt, and blood-suckers of the poor. What they profess is different from their practice.
Carlos Monteiro, Panjim, Goa:
Dalits of mofussil Thane village in Satari [Goa] emerged victorious in the struggle for rights After 15 nightmarish years during which they did not receive a single grain of rice from an unscrupulous trader, they have been issued ration cards and now receive their quotas and other essential commodities at fair price from a co-operative store. This was due to the efforts of the group of progressive student activists who organised the Dalits in their struggle for a fair share of rations.
Ram Lal, Bishop’s College, Calcutta:
The Bible says that god loves the poor and not only the rich. Division of society into classes displeases god. But history shows that in every age, class and caste distinction have prevailed. Jesus belonged to the masses, growing up in poverty. India is witnessing the awakening of the masses. Those previously resigned to their fate now have the support of the Church in their demand for social justice. But those in power, in order to gain more power, bribe these people with concessions and reservations in exchange for votes. But this is not what they want. Equality and social status is the real need. Hinduism will never allow this, so the only solution is to quit the fold and embrace one that assures them of a place and status in society.
A. R. Khandekar, Bhandara:
As a Harijan, I would like to appeal to Hindu brothers not to treat the Harijans as animals. Is it not funny to worship an animal and hate human beings? Even today Harijans are being mercilessly murdered, their women raped and their houses and huts burnt. Due to such barbaric acts of caste Hindus if the Harijans embrace Islam, which does not recognise caste distinctions, they are blamed of selling their conscience. Muslims are being blamed of using Arab petro-dollars to induce conversions. Instead of accepting their guilt the Hindus are throwing the blame on Harijans and Muslims.
Dr. M. P. Abubacker, Ramanattukura, Kerala:
We are reading the DV with great interest. We appreciate your frankness. boldness. According to Islam a true believer is one who condemns wrong where ever he sees it, either by tongue, hand or at least by heart. We wish you strength and courage to go ahead with your Jehad.
