Eradication of caste discrimination must begin in temples – Kancha Illaiah

Eradication of caste discrimination must begin in temples – Kancha Illaiah

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Oct 20, 2012: Delivering the valedictory address at the valedictory ceremony of the national seminar titled “Discrimination and Social Exclusion: A Study on the Development Experience of Dalits in Karnataka,” held at Mangalore University, Kancha Illaiah, academician and writer, said that caste discrimination and untouchability will cease only discrimination in temples
cease.

Further speaking about the problem of discrimination, he said that discrimination in India is not based on skin color like in other countries, but has its roots in religion. He said that, when he was growing up, Dalit families believed that Goddess Saraswati will kill non Brahmin and non Bania students studying in schools. The same caste discrimination is continued in the political space, he added.

As a solution to the problem, he suggested 50 percent reservation for Dalit priests in temples.

He also urged the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy at Mangalore University, which had organized the seminar, to conduct studies on Dalit history. Refuting religious texts, which claim that Dalits are not intelligent, he said that a study should be conducted on the technology discovered and implemented by Dalits, who made houses, shoes, beds, and so on.

Speaking on the occasion, former MP B. K. Hari Prasad said that it is not easy to
correct “5000 years of social wrong,” adding that independence has given freedom to only the higher castes and the rich. He also lamented that the public sector, which has so far provided jobs to SC and ST communities, is fast being replaced by the private sector, which isn’t doing much for the development of the community.