Yoichi Mitsuhashi, Buraku Organisation, Tokyo, Japan: It is a very interesting news about the mass conversion of untouchables to Islam in Meenakshipuram. The news hit headlines in the Japanese press also. We are glad to learn the details of the “earthquake” in Meenakshipuram from the III issue of the Voice. We are studying the Gujarat caste war from the “Samata”. We are impressed that 700 Dalit families embraced Buddhism in Ahmedabad. Happy Dr. B.R Ambedkar’s thoughts have revived.
Dr N. Srinivasan, England: Congratulations for launching the Voice. The conversions did not come as a shock to me. But surprised to note the Hindu fanatics should take such a stand on a set of people whom they never considered as part of the society Hinduism is a decaying religion and we can get its stink even in UK where the Hindus live When other religions are flourishing, why the people are leaving only Hinduism? Even after another 100 Shankaracharyas are born the prejudice in the minds of the Hindus will not go. So what is the alternative? What happened at Meenakshipuram is one such.
Yerra Nagaiah, Isakapalli AP: The editorial, “Fascist clouds over TN”, was revealing. We offer our full cooperation in liberating the Dalits.
Prof H L. Auluck, Sholapur: The problem you are tackling is very complex and does not admit of a simple solution as conversion to Islam. Islam is as dead as Buddhism. Read what the Bahais have to say about Islam. They massacred thousands of Bahais You do not see the crisis in Islam. It is a pity. Read the Bahai literature. It will help you to understand things better.
Dr K. Wilson, Indian Inst. of Cultural Studies, Secunderabad: Dalit Voice is coming out at its best. The contents, the spirit and the approach are just inspiring and informative. This will become a powerful weapon in opening the eyes of Dalits and for preparing them to shape their future on their own terms.
G Gopal Ras, Amalapuram, AP: Everybody is happy over the conversions. We want to organise a “Quit Hinduism” movement here. Religious conversion is a must to every SC who wants to live with honour and self-respect. We must discard the Hindu crumbs Ambedkar said man cannot live by bread alone. He wants culture. All the educated SCs here are supporting the conversion to Islam which liberated them from untouchability and casteism. We want all SCs to get converted. Not only the illiterate and ignorant masses but even the educated. Not only the Brahmins and other high caste Hindus but also the backward castes are joining hands with the upper caste/class to torture the SCs Therefore we are forced to quit Hinduism.
Rameshchandra Parmar, president, Dalit Panthers, Gujarat: Meenakshipuram has rocked the press police, political parties and Brahmins On behalf of Dalits of Gujarat, we congratulate you for focusing light on the issue of conversion. For the revolutionary youth, I am translating for “Panther” our Gujarati monthly, your article “Communal riots, why suppress facts?”.
R. E Murthy, President, BFL Rationalists Association. Bangalore: On behalf of our association, we congratulate you for starting a journal to fight for the Dalits and rationalists.
Aloysius Raj, Tribal Centre. Chaibasa, Bihar: Voice is really sharp and useful Support the tribals. We are sure the struggle of the tribals here will be enriched by the solidarity of the national and international dalits.
