OPPRESSION

People of low cast especially scheduled caste and scheduled tribe, once called as depressed class, had been oppressed by higher caste Hindu community from time immemorial though they are Hindus. Are these people scheduled because they lived in hilly regions or away from other caste Hindus in small hamlets? Who scheduled them? What is the basis for this classification? Why these people accepted to this segregation? How the Independent democratic country recognized that classification?  

All of us speak about equality and the Constitution of India affirms this equality in the constitution. These people constitute about 25% of the Indian population still in 21^st century living below the poverty line. Reservation in education and employment in Government Jobs though very much in place, the entire community has not crossed the poverty line and not well off economically. Of course, some people grabbed the reservation rules and enjoying all the benefits offered to this class of people by the Government of India.

Untouchability was practiced against them until independence of India and Father of our nation Mr.M.K.Gandhi instructed Congress then Government to pass legislation. Then slowly untouchability was gradually disappeared from the society as there was law to punish if reported.

As the oppression on them by other caste Hindus when mounted very high, these people did not know what to do but got asylum into Christianity during British rule and became Christians.  Dr.B.R.Ambedkar guided them to follow Buddhism.  Many converted into Buddhism and now they are called now as Dalits. The biggest oppression against them had been evidenced in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh States since long time.  They were brutally attacked, houses gutted and women were raped. Some were murdered. This type of oppression still continues across India and there are many Dravidian Parties showcase protest against such atrocities on them. But, did anything happen in favour of them?

These schedule caste people must realize the discrimination against their community by the higher caste Hindus. Reservation in education and in job helped a section to overcome this oppression and they and their children now enjoy all benefits and called as Creamy Layer of the community. Leader must be formed to fight against the oppression, poverty and social backwardness. They should put either as an individual or through Government efforts to start elementary school and high school in their location itself. Primary Health Centre must be built in their hamlets and see doctors and medicine are available at the call. Road facilities are laid to their villages and proper transportation is arranged. Rations shops and procurement centre for their produce are planned and constructed in their villages.

In spite of all, a revolution by them is imminent to protest against casteism and they must come forward to disown their caste. They may convert into other religions or declare themselves as Non Scheduled Caste/Schedule Tribe and fight for recognition by the Government. The benefits available to them should be renamed and implemented on the basis of economic condition. To bring this into effect, the present politicians and leaders of different parties would not wish and will never accept to see scheduled caste and tribe people are at par with them because the discrimination is routed to their heart and mind since time immemorial. They will oppose with tooth and nail but they will face defeat in their agitation in long run. To succeed any movement, the revolutionist must unite, understand and fight. They need courage, valor, money, education and support from their own people. If they do so, at least their next generation will live with honor and respect in the society. 

Islam and Christianity are not native of Bharat but those Hindus embraced these religions are now living in dignity though they are minorities. Similarly one day the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe people would live a dignified life in this soil. That day is not very far but fast approaching. Inter caste marriage, improvement in economic condition, education in University level, migrating from hamlets to cities and towns, finding job in school and office in cities would certainly liberate them and broke the chain of slavery to caste. Persons who profess this philosophy must become Leaders and head the movement. Equality would be established in all respects to all people of India one day until these changes take birth in the society.

v_natarajanin@yahoo.co.in