Fr. L. Yesumarian, Institute of Social Studies, P.0.Box 29776,2502 LT The Hague, The Nether- lands: | am doing a course on International Law which | find very helpful. I sincerely appreciate all the work that you are doing for Dalits and their liberation. You have definitely an important place in the history of Dalits.
Rev. Fr. Bala, Church of St. Benedict, 2969-Otis Ave, Bronx, NY 10465, USA: | am doing doctorate in youth ministry with special reference to Dalit youth. | am a diocesan priest from Coimbatore (TN) and a Tamil Dalit. My topic is “TN Catholic Dalit youth, Their Life and Service to the Community”. This is a five-Year Course In New York University. | was born in a village and hence know the condition of my people and the racism they suffer. Yet | want your readers all over India and TN in particular to send me details of the conditions. The money spent on post- age will be compensated and their names and contributions acknowledged in my thesis. | have all your books and DV which | am seriously studying.
Dr. Laxmi N. Berwa, 7700 Old Branch Avenue, C- 101, Clinton, MD, USA 20735: In me. Speech at the Dr. Ambedkar 105th birth anniversary celebration at University of Maryland, Department of Sociology, College Park, MD 20742, on April 14 1996, | made the following points: Dr. Ambedkar’s ideas of self-help – “Educate, Agitate and Organise” – are very much alive and have established Dalit movement. Gandhism has failed and Ambedkar’s is thriving. Even 40 years after Dr. Ambedkar’s death, people gather in thousands throughout the world. Dr. Ambedkar had great hope in the “educated” and intelligent Dalits but unfortunately, he was disappointed. The time has come for Dalits, non-Dalits, minorities, and women in India to forget petty differences and fight for a better and bigger cause.
S. Hembram, Type-iil-232, New A.G. Colony, Kaanapali, Bhubaneswar, Orissa-751012; Adivasis are the original inhabitants of India and the Constitution califs them “Scheduled Tribes”. But they are being renamed as Vasavas, Girija etc. and there- by humiliated and degraded. | am an Adivasi (Santhal) which is outside the Brahminical Social Order. | feel proud of being-a Santhal. All Tribals should launch an agitation to delete the word “sub-caste” from govt. caste certificates. Why should the govt.
force us to pay to get our caste certificates? No authority is ready to issue certificate without receiving bribes.
K.B. Ram, Rajkamal, 1-CH-13, Sector-1, Jawahar Nagar, Jaipur-302 004: We always say we are 85% and BSO is just 15% and still they are ruling us. They are ruling us because all of them are conscious people, well-versed in strategies to defeat us. But how many of us know about their strategies of Karma and Punarnava because of which we hold only ourselves responsible for our sufferings? How many of the 85% Bahujan’s read DV and other such papers which expose Karma and Punarnava? Almost all of the 85% are those who do not know DV and. the havoc caused by Karma and Punarnava. All| the 85% are unaware of the “Dr. Ambedkar Era” and this is very much proved by the “Disaster called seminar “to which our Editor was invited as a speak- er by Karnataka University, Dharwad (DV April 1’96). The 21st century cannot be converted into “Dr. Ambedkar Era” unless at least a majority of the 85% become conscious of the havoc played by Punarnava. What V.P. Singh has said in his lecture at Harvard University is a truth and strict warning to Dalits to “Educate” themselves about tactics and strategies of the BSO.
S.R. Biwas, BE-203, Salt Lake, Calcutta: Dalit movement should not confine to only Untouchables. It must cover the entire Bahujan Samaj of (SC/ST/BCs and Muslims). Dalit Voice does not stand exclusively for the Dalits. Due to the invaluable work done by Mahatma Phule, Pereyra, E.V. Ramaswami, Babasaheb and others in different States, much consciousness was been created among Dalits in the last one or two decades. Dalit literature in Western and Southern India and in other States had a tremendous influence also. Dalit periodicals – social as well as political – both in English and in vernacular – have been coming up (unfortunately till now having small circulation and reading) in almost all the States. In this connection the role of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu literature and the writings of DV, Modern Rationalist and above all Writings and Speeches of Babasaheb in volumes after volumes have been tremendous. The idea, “political power is no power”, is obviously wrong and contradictory to what Babasaheb himself stressed. Some of our Dalit writers ridicule political activists who are taking interest in Dalit politics. Unless one wants to confuse others or is himself confused, how can there be any confusion regarding a clear statement of Babasaheb – “Political power is the master- key by which people can lock and unlock all the gates of governance of the country”. He also called upon Dalits to capture the temple of power pointing towards the Parliament House. Without political power we can’t become rulers of the country. With- out politics how can one form a political party? In a democracy without election no party can come to power and voting system is a part and parcel of the election. No alternative has yet been devised to elect a party to power without voting. Then how do we underestimate “vote-politics”? “One man one vote, one vote one value”. Being grievously hurt Babasaheb moaned at the behaviour of our “educated”, established people who betrayed him and who became a liability to our society. They lived for themselves and personal gains. They had no sympathy for their downtrodden brethren. But things are changing perceptively. A lot of “educated” people including retired govt. servants are now doing social, literary and political work. Those in service are also helping themselves – but only to a very limited extent – as they are being mostly controlled by up- per caste staff associations and unions. We have Justice on our side, Truth on our side, Ethics on our side, even History on our side. Everything is on our side. Victory cannot be far off. Harish Chandra Mandal, Agape West, Ward 13, po-New Barrackpore, North 24 Parganas, WB-743276: Mayawati had to face lot of criticisms when she joined hands with BJP to become Chief Minister of UP. This alliance proved her matured political strategy and she could kill two birds with one stone.
Balbir Singh, c/o Ungar Singh, 610/9 Top Khana Bazar, Ambala Cantt. Haryana-133001: A Hindi monthly, Parti Yogita Darpan, has been trying to sell the false story that Aryans are Molo Niwases. But Dalit historian, Nawal VI yogi, has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Literature by a prestigious American university, Benson, Arizona, for his research work on Indus Valley. So, these liars must be punished. All the Molo Niwases must uphold justice and truth. Daily newspaper, Punjab Kesari, May 3, 1996 has published the comments of Arun Shourie on your article in DV April 1’96. Shourie has tried to instigate the Hindus to kill you. Dalits and Abderites must teach a fitting lesson to such hate-mongering nazis.
K.M. Tanti, D.M., OSFDC Lid., Keonjhar-758001: The article, “DV is superb but why oppressed are not heeding the Voice?” by R.K. Biswas (DV April 16 p.8) is no doubt critical but very positive, constructive, optimistic and thought-provoking. Still what Brother Biswas wants to say is not clear. Is he worried about the indifference of the oppressed or disgusted with their indifference towards DV? Our Editor, has been converting his blood into sweat 10 wakes up the sleeping slaves from their deep slumber. But the thick-skinned Dalits still love to enjoy their slavery. Even the piercing pricks inflicted by DV does not wake them up. If the Dalits remain silent with all the injustices and persecutions and think that they have been born to suffer, they are destined to suffer and they have no alternative to their sufferings and slavery, why only DV even the heavens can do nothing to liberate them from their mental and physical bondage. The entire revolutionary process launched by DV will become futile if the “educated” Dalits rest content with the sympathetic remarks only – that “the Editor of DV is very much worried about how to liberate the Dalits from their age-old bondage”. Unless and until each and every “educated” Dalit (whether they read DV or not) worry themselves and come forward to “educate” the innocent Dalits on Ambedkar thoughts nothing is going to be achieved. The question is, are our “educated” Dalits really educated or just qualified? Are our “educated” Dalits really want to educate them-selves and educate the innocent Dalits about “what is what” and “what is wrong and what is right?” Do our “educated” and well-placed Dalits really intend to “pay back to the society” from which they came? Do they like to live and lead a community life or prefer a narrow and self-centred one? There will be hundreds and thousands of such questions which are required to be answered by each and every in- dividual” educated”, well-placed Dalit. As regards DV readers and subscribers among Dalits, it is most unfortunate that our Dalit brothers can afford to spend on drinking, smoking, merry-making and similar other pursuits but cannot afford to become sub- scribers of DV. They also don’t want to buy some books on Babasaheb. None can liberate us if we do not want to liberate ourselves. If the fools are happy with their foolishness, if the slaves are content with their slavery, if the Dalits having ears, eyes and mouth do not bother to “listen”, “see” and “speak”, nothing on earth can do anything for them. Should they be allowed to die like that? The Brahminical Social Order has pushed us back thousands and thousands of miles. So, we have to step up our pace both in thought and action. That means we have 10 doubles up our speed a thousand-fold. We should and we must accelerate the process. The yield, the fruits, the results will never be far off. The “Dr. Ambedkar Era” must usher in with the beginning of the 21st century.
Er. Jagannath Pain, D/6, Sector-1, Mukhi Guda. Kalahandi-766026: This is with ref. to R.K. Biswas Letter “DV s superb but why oppressed are not Heading the Voice?” His Letter contains some un- pleasant criticism which are difficult to digest. He says he is a Dalit and describes your work as a Mission-Movement which he says is bound to fail. But Biswas must note that this Mission-Movement is not of our Editor only, rather it is a movement of all the oppressed (Bahujan Samaj) people, including that of Biswas. According to the earliest classification of Dalits, they belong to three groups: a) The unseeable, b) the unapproachable, c) the Untouchables. Under these circumstances what is our present position. Considering all this, will it not be a mistake to call our Mission-Movement a failure? However, it is true that we are very slow to reach our goal. But it is also true that the 3,000-year-old Aryan oppression cannot be eradicated within a span of 150 years. Hence it needs our constant effort without losing our heart. If we keep on trying, we are not going to lose anything but if we stop trying, we will lose the whole world. He says “DV is just a spoon of sugar to sweeten the Bay of Bengal”. He is wrong as he cannot see all other “spoons” containing sugar. Have correspondence with DV readers, he will be Abie see those “spoons”. It’s a matter of just one postcard only which will not cost much. Regarding “Media Centre”, | can say our people don’t have the internal urge to contribute. Can we not save Rs.5, a day and send Rs. 1,500 at the end of the year? It is true that Brahminism has made us helpless but to overcome this “helplessness it needs our determination. If we really want, we can overcome this obstacle. It is heart-breaking to learn that the Editor is getting “fed up”. It is my earnest request on behalf of the Bahujan Samaj that you please don’t lose your heart. We are on such a Mission where we are bound to get a number of setbacks. At this juncture we cannot afford to lose you from our Mission, as you are our captain and champion occupying a special position in our hearts. The Editor says due to non-availability of required fund, he is yet to succeed in forming a “Media Centre”. But | say money Is neither a hindrance nor a problem to reach our goal. Rather it is the lack of ideas as to how to achieve the same that deprive us from achieving our goal. We can use other people’s money (OPM) it we have the urge, the burning desire and the de- termination to accomplish our goal. Now, the question arises how we can use OPM? For this we should know what are our strong points. In our case it is our population and we have 85% of the total population of India. Thus, the figure come to 76.5 crores considering 90 crores as the present population. Now excluding the 30% population below poverty line, considering all belong to B.S. community (as NO oppressor can be below the poverty line), we are left with 53.5 crores. Further, let us presume that only 25% are the earning members still we are left with more than 13 crores of people. If we collect just Re.1, from each earning member of B.S. com- munity then also we will have as many as Rs.13 crores and our Editor needs only Rs.50 lakhs. We are suffering from a disease. We have to visit a doc- tor who in turn writes a prescription to buy the medicine. What to do? Definitely we will arrange the money from some others. At present our case is just like that. We all are suffering from social, economic and political disease and the “Media Centre” is the prescription given by V.T. Rajshekar who is our doctor. Now comes the role of our Editor. He has to come out with the names of all the subscribers and maintain the accounts. The problem is solved.
Sant Isher Singh Jariwala Trust, 179- Model Gram, Ludhiana-141002: Since 1995 we had been receiving anonymous letters on Sikhism. As there had been no address on such letters we had to keep silent. After joining the DV family such letters started pouring in. We thank the authors of all these letters. We have read all of them with interest and very much like to thank them individually if address is given in the letters. We are not at all annoyed with what they write, but do strongly feel as to how to react.
Abhijit Roy, C/o A.K. Roy, 931-Jawpur Road, Cal- cutta-700074: This concerns the DV article in May 1’96 p.22-23: “Not Dr. Ambedkar but Gandhi was stooge of British”. | want to add some extra information as to how M.K. Gandhi played the role of stooge of the British in pre-independent India. Gandhi said (in various places and time) that (1) “the salt govt. for India will not come by struggle but it will come as the blessing of the god from the heaven”. (Il) For my serving, India will remain within the British empire and will have equal status” (lll) | feel pity when | even thought that bomb will fall upon London’s Palace. (Note. (1) these dialogues are re-written from a Bengali book named “Gandhi Bader Swarup” (a critical analysis of Gandhism) by Suprakash Roy on the page 6. (2) | have translated the Bengali one given in the book to English and the author of the book has translated from English to Bengali so there may be some technical error in the statement but the essence is all the same. In the
The Asian Age (May 5 p.12), Arun Shourie has attacked you. He has put some questions and tried to find some errors in your writings. | am sure that you will give the answer. In May 1’96 p.19 you have written that “DV is carefully studied in all Hindu nazi circles. But, alas, those oppressed people for whom DV is working are not even aware of the existence. What a tragedy”. This is 100% correct. The article written by Shourie proves it. | think the battle for Truth will continue and no such Shourie can stop you.
We have received the Asian Age clipping so Arun Shourie article and its Hindi, Marathi and other translations in other papers. The more you write about these fellows, he more ramous they become. They invite criticisms and by criticising them we are making them famous – EDITOR.
Katti Padma Rao, Lumbini Vanam, Ponnur-522124: Andhra Pradesh Dalit Mahasabha has been fighting against atrocities on Dalits since its birth from Karamchand incident (1985). It is spreading to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra with the slogan: “Spread Alternatives Culture to Smash Hindutva”.
Thenmozhi, 5-Arunachala St., Madras-600005: The great Tamil scholar and your friend, Pivalate Perichaetia near, died on 11.6.95. He fought for the development of Tamil language, the rights of the Tamilians and the liberation of Tamil Nation from Aryan aggressors. He faced enormous problems while translating his principles into actions. We want to bring out a souvenir and release it on 11.6.96, his first death anniversary. As a close friend, without your article the souvenir will not be complete.
Takes Makwana, 23-Pratapnagar Society, Rajpur, Ahmedabad-380021: Some like-minded Dalit friends have very recently founded an organisation called for Dalit Literature and Unity). It organised a debate on “Contemporary politics of Gujarat and Dalits”, presided by Pravin Rashtra pal, an old DV subscriber. Other participants were Girish Patel, noted human rights lawyer, Anil Bhatt, ” Ahmedabad HM teacher Madhusudan Mistri, an activist, Manishi Jani of the Nav Nisman Agitation participated. The debate was organised by a noted Dalit activist, Raju Solanki. Both Dalit and non-Dalits participated in the debate. It was agreed that Dalits of Gujarat have become stooges of Hindu nazis in particular and BSO in general. The present BJP Govt. in Gujarat has duped Dalits. A seminar on “Constitution of India”, by Ashwini Art and Social Justice Centre was head at Godhra city in March. Legal experts participated in the seminar. As a law student | was present. Justice R.M. Parmar, a Scheduled Caste judge, inaugurated the seminar. Article 31 on the right to property was inserted in the Gonstitution to safeguard the fundamental right to property of the rich at the instance of Sardar Patel of Gujarat. The seminar was disappointing. Nobody uttered a word on the demolition of Babri Masjid. None demanded punishment to Hindu nazi criminals. A suggestion by Rasika Dangi demanding a “new constitution” based on Hindutva ideology created a storm in my heart. The Hindu nazis are out to slaughter the interests of Dalits and Muslims. The seminar cut a very sorry figure.
Dr. Yogendra Kumar, Eklavya Publication, R-2/27, Sunder Para, Police Lines Road, Agra-10: Your “Book of the Century”, Dialogue of the Borodaevites (DSA 1993), translated to Hindi version is ready for publication. Its Hindi title is “Biodata Hain Hum” (Rs.30). Those interested may order it from the above address. For 10 and more than ten copies 10% commission will be given. Here in Agra, your Dialogue has gained wide popularity. That is why we are getting very good response for Hindi version of the same. To educate and enlighten Dalit masses through literature, we have established Eklavya Publication.
Dr. D. Yadaiah, B2/23, MIG, (Huda) Chandan agar. R.R. Dist-500138: We thank you for publishing Babasaheb’s message (DV April 16 p.7: Frustration) What Babasaheb identified is 100% contract and truthful. Jews succeeded because of their cultural unity in the name of their god and religion. But the Untouchables of India lack both and hence lead a life without purpose. They lack even humanhood believing in Karma. Belief in the Hindu gods (our enemies) made them depend on their very oppressors. Ultimately, they got ruined permanently – without a “plus condition of the mind and body”. The “educated” among the Dalits are not useful to the community. The moment they get jobs and comforts, they are cut off from their roots. If reservation benefits were not there, they would not have even uttered the name of Babasaheb. “Uneducated” Dalits are genuine. They are able to identify the enemies. They do not hide either their caste or subcaste. God and religion, therefore, is a must. Babasaheb of- freed Buddhism as a solution. For me, as a Dalit | prefer Islam for the unity, integrity and faith and above all for the “Plus condition of mind and body”.
B.K, Nag, Sambalpur-768004: This is in response to the “Communication” of R.K. Biswas (DV April 16, p.8). | fully agree with his views and understand his agony. It is not only his agony but thousands of DV readers feel the same problem and often ask us “After V.T. Rajshekar, who?” This mini-paper DV has captured the hearts of thousands of Dalits and heartens crores of upper caste nazis. It has brought about miracles in the hearts of “educated” Dalits and bound us with the thread of brotherhood. On April 14, | attended the 105th birth anniversary of Babasaheb at Ravaged (a remote backward district having 90% SC/ST population) in Orissa. It was organised by the Dalit officers of the town. The last speaker, R.N. Khosla, said that he travelled 50 km to attend the function only to meet me. He was a total stranger but had read about me in DV. My invitation to the Editor to attend a function at Rourkela was published in the DV and DV readers from all corners of Orissa and neighbouring states wrote to me to know the date and venue so that they could at least hear their beloved Editor. My official work took me to many places and helped to circulate DV everywhere. Now, | have a good number of sup- porters. We have installed many statues of Babasaheb and have three colleges named after Dr. Ambedkar. All this became possible because of DV. We need not lose hearts, circulate DV more and more so that the goal is achieved in the life time of our beloved Editor.
K.N. Kadam, President, Buddhist Forum, 2-A, Parachute Housing Society, Yeravda, Pune-411 006: Six members of this Forum recently visited Mhow, the birth place of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and participated in a symposium organised by the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Institute of Social Sciences, Mhow (MP), on the occasion of the 105th birth anniversary of Babasaheb, from April 14 to 17. Over 100 scholars from various parts of India participated, and about 40 papers on “Resurrection of Buddhism and its relevance under the present global scenario” were discussed. The symposium was inaugurated by the Lankan High Commissioner, Mangala Moonesinghe. Dr. Ramphal, Director-General of the Institute, organised the symposium, and Dr. Sahara, one of the founding-fathers of the institute, was present.
R.K. Biswas, Calcutta University, Calcutta: Arun Shourie, your former boss in the Indian Express, after his venomous writings against Prophet Mohammed, Jesus Christ, Guru Granth and Sikh community, Mother Teresa, Babasaheb Ambedkar has at last come out against you. What a great honour to you. Not only he is making personal attacks against you but he is accusing you of “spreading poison in the name of Backwards and Dalits”. He doesn’t stop there. He instigates Hindu nazis to kill you. In his Asian Age article (May 3), “”The venom of hatred spread, but none dared to talk”, he reproduces your entire article, “Arun Shourie pays for his sins: Dalits protest nazi lie” (DV April 1,’96 p.6). Who is spreading poison against whom?
We have received several letters on Arun Shourie’s article and expressing serious concern over his incitement 1o kil us, we are not afraid of death. For those who killed their own ‘Father of the Nation” we are a small fly. They can just kill us like a fly. We had refaced several such threats from Hindu nazis and continue for face it. Hindu nazis own the properties, medal, police and military plus their gods that make others shudder. So, they can write any bullshit and get away with it We are least bordered about Shourie’s outbursts, rather we fake it as a signed receipt for the payment made. Our DV article has hit the forget and accomplished the flask. It had ifs desired effect. That is what we wangled. As for his charge rat we are ‘spreading hatred” this is the very charge of Hindu nazis against Babasaheb, Pereyra E.V. Ramaswamy. Dr. Lohia, Mahanama Fhule. But is there at least one instance in history where the Dalits, the sieves of India, have haled or killed the upper castes? From thou- sands of years it was the upper castes who used for kick, kil burn, rape and destroy our life properties even as our people have been loyally serving them. But if we say the same loudly that will be farmed as another offence: ‘Spreading poison of hatred” The Shourie’s want our people for suffer in silence and die without suffering even a word, and yet they call this a democracy – EDITOR,
Anil Ranger, Canara Bank, Shahidul, MP: This is with ref. to Dr. Velu Annamalai’s article (DV Aug.16,’95: “DV turns ordinary Dalit into militant Ambedkar”) He said: “Helping the adults to get | college degree, higher education are absolutely waste of time, energy and money”. After reading this gave up my efforts to get LLB and Ph.D. degrees. In India out of 3,300 IAS 2,376 are Brahmins and out of 2,500 IPS 2,100 are Brahmins (Ambedkar Mission Patrika, Dec.95, Patna, Bihar). Brahmins rule and exploit us with the whip of IAS, IPS kin- ship. The indigenous peoples of India constitute about 85 crores. We must strive hard to make one crore [AS, IPS, LLB, MBBS, Ph.D. etc. If 1% out of them become activists or extremists like Dr. Velu, we could definitely seize India from Aryan hands. Dr. Velu says: “To the best of my knowledge, Buddhism is a pacifist religion that will make us turn the other cheek also. We need a religion that will make us lions and tigers. Only Islam can do this…”. He also says he likes Budha and Buddhism, and follows Buddhism. Why this contradiction? He must know that we can use Budha for Yuda (war) to fight Manu wadis. We must eliminate traditional system of Bhikkhus. We want political Bhikkhus, not the religious Bhikkhus who simply worship Budha and do wage war nothing. We want activist Bhikkhu, extremist Bhikkhu. Our Editor himself is one such extraordinary Bhikkhu. ‘Budha hated war for the sake of war, but he would to establish peace and humanity. Buddhism and Babasaheb never spoke about non-violence. Babasaheb made the difference between the need to kill and the will to kill. Buddhists have no will to kill but if there is need, we have to kill. Kill those who come to kill you. That is Buddhism. So, it is not a pacist religion. Dr. Velu, please note.
Mrs. Surinder Kaur, Calcutta: Rabindra Nath Tagore has published the full text of his telegram to M.K. Gandhi before he undertook his fast unto death to deprive the Untouchables of their right of separate electorate in 1932, in his book, Mahat Maji and the Depressed Humanity, (Dec. 1932 Ed.). It reads, “It is worth sacrificing precious life for the sake of India’s unity and her social integrity. Though we cannot anticipate what effect it may have upon our rulers who may not understand its immense Importance for our people, we feel certain that the supreme appeal of such self-suffering to the conscience of our countrymen will not be in vain.’| fervently hope that we will not callously allow such national tragedy to reach its extreme length. Our sorrowing hearts will follow your sublime penance with reverence and love”. (Dated 19.9.’32 p.1). Tagore heaved a sigh of relief on the signing of Poona Pact as follows: “Compromise seems to have been achieved, retaining the depressed communities within the Hindu fold, and frustrating attempts to create divisions by the separate electorate award”. (p.12 Ibid). R.N. Tagore in his book, Mahatma Gandhi, expresses similar sentiments as “The dismemberment of a large portion of Hindu society is certainly fatal to its wholeness, and the reason should not be incomprehensible to other people as to why Mahat Maji is voicing the extreme form of protest”. (p.41). From this it is clear that Tagore was essentially a Hindu fascist.
A.L. Ukay, Asst. Engr., ATPS: MPEB Chatchai, Dithiazole, MP-484220: This has ref. to Sikhism alone can rid slavery and Brahminism (DV Dec.1, ’95). There is good lot of confusion regarding the Dalit conversion. Dr. Ambedkar took about 20 years to decide on his conversion. He was learned, a le- gal luminary and he consciously embraced Buddhism. But we small people even today question his wis- dom. Muslims don’t question Prophet Mohammed, Christians don’t question Christ, Sikhs don’t question their Guru-Granth but we Dalits question Dr. Ambedkar. Because Dr. Ambedkar never claimed that he was a messenger of God or son of God or any form of God. He even dismissed the very concept of God or religion. He did take notice of Sikhism, is tam and Christianity. But at last, he embraced Buddhism. We know all this and yet we go on raising doubts. Some say Islam is antagonistic to Brahminism hence Dalits should choose it. Some say Christianity is better being a missionary religion. Sikhism has so many arguments in its favour. Had not Babasaheb thought over all these aspects? And if it is true, why this confusion now? Do we not by this confusion confounding other Dalits? If Muslims have faith on their Prophet Mohammed, Christians on Christ and Sikhs on Guru Granth then, why we don’t have faith on Budha? About the atrocities committed by Hindu nazis, this will continue as long as we do not destroy the “Hindu mentality” springing from Brahminism. Brahmins constitute about 3.5% of the population but monopolise 85% of the privileges. They have strategies and tactics. So, until and unless we renounce this religion the atrocities will continue in the name of “We are all Hindus®, “Hindus should unite®, “Unity and integrity of India” “Bharat Mata ki jai”, “Be proud that you are a Hindu” etc. No matter you are Muslims/Christians/Sikhs or Buddhist, they will continue to demolish Babri Masjid, army attack on Golden Temple or aggression on Bodh Gaya. Sikhs should not forget that this was the very community which shed blood many times to protect Hinduism. These were the very people who were hiding their beard and pagati during the Sikh massacre in 1984. It was mainly because of Sikh sacrifices that the Punjab was retained in India. They rejected outright the offer made my Jinnah for an autonomous state for Sikhs in Pakistan. The Congress assured them and weaned them into India. But it is this very Congress Party which not only deceived the Sikhs but killed Sant Binder Wala calling him a criminal and terrorist, and declared the Anandpur Sahib resolution as anti-national. Are Sikhs listening?
Neerav Patel, 4-Hemang Park, Valour, Ahmed- bad-380051: No Dalit intellectual can afford to miss such a wonderful magazine like DV. Gujarat Samachar has published Arun Shourie’s article on you. is a rejoinder to your article on him about the Poona incident.
Nani Gopal Das, 17-Dattabad Road, Vidyanagar, Salt Lake, Culcutta-64: | am very happy to know that Arun Shourie, a Punjabi Brahmin, was tarred in his face by Abderites at Pune (DV April 1,’96 P81 My heartiest congratulations to those brave flares. If only every village of India begets at least five such brave boys | am sure we shall step. into on the 1st day of January “Dr. Ambedkar Era” just 2000.
Dr. Syed Faizan Haque Irfan, Haque Foundation, 16-Latouche Road, Lucknow-226018: DV Editorial (April 1,’96) “Demonisation of Islam hits hysterical heights “is a wonderful attempt to expose the West and Brahminical forces.
Hasan Chand Nandan Walla, C-1683, Ganji Galli, Stowmarket, Kolhapur, MS-416002: | am extremely sorry to let you know that | have lost 3/4th of my eyesight and hence | am practically unable to read my paper. With heavy heart and tears in eyes, | am compelled by circumstances to request you to discontinue Dalit Voice of which | have been a subscriber since 1982. | am a pensioner and our total monthly income is Rs.2,500 from which | have to pay about Rs.175 towards municipal house tax, electricity etc. | had only one son who died in 1985 leaving his wife and 4 children. So, | have to maintain a family of seven members, you may imagine our condition. However, | am sending Rs.100 as donation to your great mission.
Brother Hasan Chand is one our oldest family members and a great patron. A member of the great Islamic organisation, Jakarta Islami he introduced DV English and Hindi to Kolhapur for both Dalits and Muslims. We con never forget his services. If only we have one such brother Hassan in each town of Nida DV can rule the country. Appreciating his financial position. we propose for send him a complimentary copy which he may ask someone for read out because we don’t want for miss horn. One Brother-Hasan Chand is equal to 10,000 Jol-lox pleas. Jam ate Islami should be proud of such a member. Our readers are requested for send him good wishes. – EDITOR,
V.S. Mohamed Shamshudeen, OA, o/o SPOs, Irin- Jala Kuda, Kerala-680121: This refers to DV Editor- al on “Cowbell Maulanas” (Jan.16’96). Hope you realise that Tablighi Jamat is the only one of its kind in the world using its own money/time/efforts to study and practise Islam in its entirely. Here we have a cross section of the society. The objective is to cut across various groups and individuals to make one aware of the importance of complete submission to Allah so that common man realises the importance of Deen from the living of fellow Muslims’. to follow the Prophet and Sahab at (RA). This important duty has to be accepted by all believers. One is free to discuss social realities in the gathering including Dalit cause. Tabling has withstood the challenges of the time and is silently spreading. Everything on earth is discussed and studied in gatherings. -People with social commitment should come forward and utilise the chance. Tabling is an open chapter and is tackling many issues. As a be- ginner | am much delighted with Tabling. There is no “corrupting or co-opting” here.
K.P. Mohammed, KP House, Calicut-673014: This is with ref. to the “Communication” in Dalit Voice Dec.1,’1995 (p.7) under the title “Kerala Muslim leader doing business out of Dalits” by V. Prabhakaran, your Kerala representative. We read in the Muslim League Malayalam daily, Chandrika (Dec.25, 1995), about your “regret” in publishing such an item causing mental agony to Hussain Mandator Saheb due to certain misunderstandings and also blaming Prabhakaran for this misunderstanding. But Shabda, Malayalam weekly (Dec. 29,95), the official organ of Etihad Subanal Mujahideen, of which Hussain Mandator is the head, gives a different version saying that you have “apologised” for this report. Moreover, they have declared to fight you legally in Shabda. All this raises many questions in the minds of your readers. Will you please enlighten the readers about the exact position?
Those who are.in public life beat others and also get beaten up. This is part of the game, but sincere religious leaders don’t enter info such controversies. When we published the above-cited item in DV (Dec. 1’95), some representatives of Mandator Saheb came for meet us here and wanted us for issue a “carination” which we readily did. We wanted for publish the same statement in DV also. Mean-while, we heard about the threat of Tegan/ action “referred or by Brother K.R Mohammed. If Mandator Saheb is really innocent as I am made out by his people, why should his people resort for Alf these things? DV has o fairly good circulation among revolutionary Muslims in India and abroad and they all know how sincere and consistent we are in fighting for their cause. We not only fought for the persecuted Muslims but suffered enough also, no non-Muslim journal has done so much for the Muslim cause. Mandator Saheb knows old 1His. We request him for come down here so that we may thrash out the issues – EDITOR
Syed Moinuddin, 19/A, Umar Bagh Layout, Kamakura Road West, Bangalore-78: The Sikhs of India, who fought, died and defended India in every war, are being persecuted in a systematic way by the Hindu nazis. After the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi in 1984, thousands of innocent Sikhs were brutally massacred by the nazis, their women and children burnt and raped in Delhi. The Nazi Govt. in Delhi, kept its eyes closed towards this ‘barbarism. Even after over a decade, the families of the affected Sikh victims are being denied suit- able compensation. Sikhs who belong to a martial race, within an otherwise meek and cowardly India lot, constituted a sizable force in the Indian Infantry. But from the past few years their number has been decreased to such an extent that they are almost negligible in the Army services. And those who still continue are viewed with suspicion, and their every move is watched. They are branded as anti- nationals, traitors, just like their Muslim counterpart. Any Sikh found on the road over a decade ago had a dignified and manly look with lots of confidence in- every task he tackled. But today it is really a pity to see that the same Sikh living in constant fear, totally demoralised to such an extent that he feels uneasy in the company of Hindus. Is this not “ethnic cleansing?
Nasir Hussain Pirzada, Srinagar, J&K: The whole Kashmir is burning. The feelings and hearts of Kashmiris are being hurt and wounded by the unruly BSO. Among other major atrocities, two grave incidents took place, 25 innocent Kashmiris were burnt alive near Hazratbal Shrine in a very painful and helpless condition. The killing of Advocate Jaleel Andrabi was really a heinous atrocity committed by the Indian army. His sin was that he voiced for the oppressed Kashmiris at some international fora. (DV April 16’96 p.12: “Kashmiri human rights leader killed”). People are forced to take part in a farcical election. No body is interested in these foisted elections. BSO encouraged rowdies to file nominations. What a Brahminical version of democracy we are witnessing in this Valley. World media, if it exists, should take a keen note of the Indian exercises to hold the elections in the Valley. Govt. employees have been served with letters directing them to attend polling duties otherwise they would be dealt with seriously. BSO has groomed a group of rowdies under the command of a nefarious goonda, “Kukka parry”, to flourish goonda culture in the Valley so that BSO would achieve its nefarious designs. Kuka Parry should know it that he will be used for a short while then thrown out. In a similar move BSO highlighted the negotiations between S.B. Chavan and four renegades. These renegades have no public support, neither they are authorized to talk on behalf of the people of Kashmir. This futile exercise will fetch nothing either to BSO or renegades or goondas.
Ummer Tameem Hashmi, R.No.146, S.N. Hall, AMU, Aligarh-202002: You helped me a lot in the preparation of my dissertation entitled, – “Crime against members of the Scheduled Castes: A So-coil-legal study”, under the supervision of Prof. Mohd. Zakaria Siddiqui, Dean, Faculty of Law, AMU, Aligarh, for the award of the LL.M degree. | will send you a copy of my dissertation. Nowadays, | am pursuing my research work on – Crime against the women of the Scheduled Caste – An empirical study.
M. Sharfuddin, Basar Bigha, Nalanda-803118: This has ref. to the article, “Elite Muslim indifference to rapid Hindu station of Dalit” by K. Mukundan. He has correctly pointed out that it is unfortunate that Dalit-Muslim unity is still a dream. Due to sincere effort by enlightened Dalits and Muslims the scenario has been changing rapidly which has resulted in J.D. Govt rule in Bihar. The repeated warning to Muslims may lead to our frustration and further to timidity. Please encourage us by your inspiring Editorials.
