Untouchability is still practised in Swarnim Gujarat: Report

For Dalit communities in Gujarat and in the country, even after 60 years of India becoming a republic and 50 years of Gujarat becoming independent, nothing has changed much. A study conducted by Navsarjan and Robert F Kennedy Centre for Justice and Human Rights, revealed that nearly 98% untouchability is practiced by Non Dalits (ND) on Dalits for serving tea and more than 97% in matters such as touching articles of worship, during Katha, religious services by ND priests, temple entry etc.

The result of the study was released on Wednesday by Prof. Sukhdev Thorat, chairman, University Grants Commission at Gujarat Vidyapith, in presence of social scientist prof. Ghanshyam Shah, Gujarat Vidyapith, vice-chancellor prof. Sudarshan Iyengar, retired Justice of Rajasthan High Court, AP Ravani, Central University of Gujarat Vice-Chancellor prof.  RK Kale, social activist Indukumar Jani, Dalit activist and founder of Navsarjan Martin Macwan and Navsarjan’s executive director Manjula Pradeep.

Appreciating the study, the experts expressed the dire need for action to be taken to eradicate this 3000-year-old practice of untouchability and social discrimination. Prof. Thorat said, “This is a widespread study, so it can’t be questioned and may be applicable to other areas of the state also. This study reflects the reality of Gujarat’s social situation.”

Indukumar Jani said, “This report has thrown light on the fact that our age old mentality has not yet changed. Caste system will only be eradicated if the citizens of the country are sensitised.”

Sudarshan Iyengar said that, “though we are celebrating Swarnim Gujarat, looking at the facts revealed in the study is like spoiling good fish with an ill sauce. Social distances between Non-Dalits and Dalits had reduced when Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar were alive, but after their death the situation has not been changed.”