Govindan is an advocate at Ramanathapuram, TN. He is the main accused in the police cases against Untouchables. He is their leader. He was attacked. He had a narrow escape. His office was ransacked and burnt. When he was at Madras on bail he was interviewed by the ‘Thuglak‘ – a Tamil fortnightly, edited by ‘Cho’, a pro-RSS Brahmin. When the reporter entered the room of Govindan, he saw several Tamil books on Islam.
He was told of the widespread news about Arab money. Govindan’s reply silenced the reporter. He showed certain pages from the history of Jambulingam. It was 100 years ago. Jambulingam a Nadar- then an Untouchable– turned Christian due to Hindu harassments. Govindan asked: Who paid money to Jambulingam for his conversion? Did the 5 crores of Indian Muslims come from Arabia? He quoted Ambedkar: India was not won by the Whites but it was defeated by Indians themselves. “Do you know Commander Khan Sahib’s history? He joined Islam seeking peace and solace”. “Leave the old history. We have enough money. My father was a member of the District Board. He continued …. : In 1946, there was a big conference at Ramanathapuram Lakhs Dalits had assembled. They had resolved unanimously to join Islam. Sethupathy, the Raja of Ramnad, intervened and pleaded against conversion and assured that he would stop Hindu atrocities on them. Did Arab money come in 1946? Some Hindus are still trying to keep us as their slaves. In Uthiramerur Chaturvedhimangalam, where the entire village was ceded to Brahmins by the Kings, had a Brahmin panchayat to administer the village affairs. Dalit cultivators had gathered to decide about getting back their lands which were earlier taken away from them and gifted to Brahmins. The Government forces had crushed the said assemblage of people, killing hundreds of them. This was about several centuries ago. There is also the story of Nandan. The story of Muthpattan. The histories of such leaders of Untouchables were later revised and distorted by the Hindus. Even in Ramanathapuram matter, I am charged under Section 307 I.P.C. (attempt to murder). I am harassed. I was two months in jail. Then only on condition bail Professional loss ……etc…..etc. But Hindu leaders charged with murder (302 I.P.C) were able to obtain anticipatory bail and thus free. We think of joining the religion where we can get justice and respect. We will decide it in a conference. We neither want the concessions nor the serfdom. Most of the Untouchables will not get liberation. They will not get employment or other opportunities in life. At least the conversion will get them self-respect. But the conversion has been there for centuries. But it is strange that some people cry as though the Rahamat Nagar conversion has no precedence at all and they have been making much hullaballoo about. It is all farce.” Govindan has since become a Muslim.
