Honnappa Kahale, Bangalore:
Hindu solidarity conferences held throughout the country proclaimed that the recent conversions are not genuine. A plot by the Arabs and Muslims, using foreign money to entice Dalits is suspected. Dalit leaders are being forced to condemn conversion and warn their brothers against losing reservations and benefits. The government was urged to ban conversion. Conversion is a sure way to achieve equality. The caste system is essential in Hinduism to maintain purity of Brahmanism. For centuries violence was used to uphold casteism. Love and equality cannot exist here, so it is impossible for casteless Dalits to remain in this fold. Where reformers like Buddha, Ramanuja, Gandhi failed, less sincere leaders at Hindu brotherhood conferences and politicians can hardly succeed in changing views. Centuries of sufferings by Dalits has been a great enough sacrifice for the Hindu cause. Now carefully considering the pros and cons, they have opted for conversion with full conviction. So it is both unfair and detrimental to attribute monetary inducement or coercion as the reason. During the course of such conversions if by chance they get some financial benefit, it cannot be termed a bribe. It is unreasonable to suppose that only individual conversions are genuine. Illiteracy and backwardness can result in mass conversions, but only a genuine conversion lasts long. In India many religions exist. It indicates that none of them are perfect. Hence conversions will occur. Religions that preach equality and love will attract the oppressed. One cannot ban conversions. Religion is a fundamental right and India is tolerant. Conversion will emancipate 1/5 of the Hindu fold. They will emerge as strong self-respecting citizens and strengthen the country. Total equality can become a reality only with conversion.
Mrs. M. R. Bhatty, Nagpur:
I read every number of the Voice through with great interest, because of its forthright expression of the Dalit point of view.
Baren Ray, New Delhi:
The struggle of the members of the SCs is both economic and social. Since the oppression is based on religion, it is the religious base which has to be reformed. It has to be a vast cultural movement which should turn the direction and value system of Hindu society. I have a concrete suggestion: change the name of your organisation (both words are meaningful and significant). I suggest you should launch a cultural movement which should turn the direction and value system of Hindu society. I have a concrete suggestion: change the name of the movement which should be named Ekalavya Vidrohi which would reflect the challenge of the scheduled castes masses freeing themselves of the mental bondage which had accompanied the socio-economic exploitation for centuries. SC youth organisations may be formed as Ekalavya Vidrohi Samitis. Eklavya days or weeks may be observed to propagate and explain the idea. Another idea is to prepare for political protest strikes(not for any economic demands) specifically against discrimination, for the restoration of full human dignity and the full implementation of the Indian Constitution. Such issues as some municipalities still insist that the sweepers carry the night soil on the head, not providing wheelbarrows etc. must be highlighted in such actions.
N. Flangovan Cuddalore, TN:
I was invited by some comrades to the ALPSO held here recently. When I asked its aims, I was told that it was for promoting peace. All the speakers were communists. They talked about US imperialism. But none spoke about India. Before they go for world peace they must settle peace at home.
