Hebrew origin indicates its African connection
A serious debate has started in DV on the “controversial word Dalit” (DV Feb. 16 p.8). The critics say that it is a word nearer to daridra, heena or Untouchable, and so we must give up this word. The word Dalit derived from Dal, a Hebrew word, indicates “broken people”. (DV March 1 p.6). It is referred to in the book, DALIT – The Black Untouchables of India, by V.T. Rajshekar published by a noted US Black leader.
It was Rev. Azariah, our venerable Black Bishop of CSI, Madras, who made a research into the word “Dalit” and his findings had appeared in DV long back. There was a debate on this subject in DV even 10 years ago. After a serious thought and wide consultation, the Editor of DV selected this name to our journal and Dalit Voice instantly became popular, linked up all Blacks and Dalits in the whole world and built a powerful network during the past 10 years of struggle. Now, again the same debate has started, thanks to Sao. N.K. Sharma had already said (DV. Jan. 1 p.7) that we are all Nagas and wanted us to give up this “dirty word Dalit”. He quoted Babasaheb to support his argument.
Dalits were Nagas: There is no controversy as regards our origin: we were Nagas and continue to be Nagas. Babasaheb himself had made this clear. But why Babasaheb did not prefer the word “Naga” to his movement of Untouchables? Did not Babasaheb know better than us? Why Babasaheb preferred only “Untouchables”?
Because, it was a technical necessity. Babasaheb took a word which was there in common useage so that it was easily understood and also appeared dignified. It conveyed the most apt description of the plight of Untouchables.
But the word “Naga” smells of racism but not so “Buddhism”. So, Babasaheb preferred the technical term and called us Untouchables and showed us the only Buddhist path to get rid of untouchability.
In the same way, the word “Dalit” is used as a technical term as it is the only alternative word at present to describe the plight and persecution of Dalits.
Black Panthers: The whites are haunted by the colour of the Blacks. Nothing else. So, the US Blacks wanted to frighten the whites by using the same word, “Black”, and began calling themselves Blacks. A suffix to their name, “Panthers”, worked wonders. Then emerged the “Black Panthers Movement” in US.
“Dalit” is the 100% correct word for Blacks. So, our own Dalit sisters and brothers of Maharashtra picked up this from US and coined “Dalit Panthers” which ignited the whole of India. All organisations born after the Dalit Panthehrs movement copied this electrifying name. Dalit Sahitya Academy and Dalit Voice, gave international status and recognition to this word.
The “Dalit” word is not the invention of our Editor. He just honoured the wishes and aspirations of Dalits. So DV emerged as a bolt from the blue. And the word “Dalit” was popularised worldwide.
Black-Dalit alliance: This again inspired the Blacks and they forged the Black-Dalit alliance in US. And the Yogesh Varhade and Dr. Velu Annamalai, Runoko Rashidi team-up resulted in the birth of International Dalit Support Group in US. “Dalit” made history in US.
Libyan recognition: The Libyan Mathaba Conference recognised Dalits. Our Editor met Col. Gadafi as India’s Dalit representative. Now, efforts are being made by the Mathaba for a worldwide support to Dalits. (John Trimble, DV Dec. 16 91 p.9). These are all the miracles of “Dalit”.
So, let us not give up this word in a huff. It is a dignified word. It is a dare-devil word. It strikes terror in our enemy hearts. The “Hindu mind” will not change even if we give up this word. It is the exact word for us. It helps us to reconstruct our history. It persuades us to search for our roots. Let this word play its role till the Nagas assert their identity.
Varhade work: Let us not discourage our great hero, Brother Yogesh Varhade of Canada, who did a great, nay historic, job at great personal risk. He is a committed Dalit. Dalits gained world attention with the same word and because of Dalit Varhade.
So, there is nothing wrong, nothing below our dignity in keeping this word. Even the Sanskrit dictionary of sir Monier Williams does not give such a meaning to Dalit. Then why do you look into the dirty minds of Hindus and look down upon the dignified Dalits?
