Untouchability still prevails in Goan village

The Kale family living in Tuem village is a victim and a living example of how untouchability still shamefully prevails in the roots of rural Goa.

Sadashiv alias Shambhu Kale, his wife and three children were stoned out of Poraskaden village because they dared to bless the wedding of a Harijan couple. Kale, a priest at Shree Mauli Devasthan, was thrown out of the temple and was later forced to abandon his house. His wife committed suicide after the incident and he had to take up a rented accommodation in the nearby village, where he continued to face social stigma.

The issue came into the limelight after local legislator Jitendra Deshprabhu raised it in the state legislative assembly, forcing then chief minister Manohar Parrikar to assure help to the family.
Seven years down the line, the Harijan community joined hands to give Kale the house where he resides.

It took several years for this financially unsound community to move forces.