Bangalore: Yogesh Varhade, the Dalit intellectual from Canada who twice stormed into UN to establish that SC/STs are indigenous peoples of India, is expected to attend the Dalit Solidarity Programme’s (DSP) first seminar at Nagpur from 28 to 31.
Though DSP is a Dalit Christian Programme started at the initiative of the World Council of Churches, Geneva, (DV June 16, 92, p.7: “WCC recognises Dalits as indigenous people”), Dalit Voice has been fully supporting the Dalit Christian fight for human rights as they are none other than our own blood relations.
Change of religion is like change of dress. The blood and flesh inside is the same. Ethnic identity is more important than religious identity though the latter is equally important.
Six segments: Whether it is Dalit Christians, Dalit Sikhs or oppressed Muslims, they are all one – blood relations of Scheduled Castes, Tribes and Backward Castes. These six segments – SC/ST/BCs and Muslims/Christians/Sikhs – are pre-Aryan Dravidas and Adi-Dravidas and hence original inhabitants of India. Together, they constitute over 85% of India’s population as against less than 15% alien Aryans who not only keep us divided but make brothers fight brothers.
All the six segments are oppressed by one common single enemy, the ruling Aryan upper castes. Hence the need for us to actively launch our self- defence programme. DSP is a step in that direction and Yogesh Varhade who twice took the battle of the indigenous peoples into the UN (DV Nov.16, 92, p.6) will be a special attraction at the Nagpur meet.
For detail on DSP seminar write to: Dr. James, Massey, PB.No. 1585, Kashmere Gate, Delhi – 110 006
