Dalits unite to strike out discordant notes

Sixty-year-old Ramadevi and her family of eight have forgone a week’s daily wages amounting Rs1,500 to undertake an arduous train journey from Lucknow to Mumbai to take part in Dr BR Ambedkar’s 50th death anniversary at Chaityabhoomi on Wednesday.

Her meagre belongings include a couple of days rations of wheat flour, rice and dal, a match box and some utensils, stowed away in six bags with bedding and blankets.

“Our love and deep reverence for Babasaheb brings us here every year,” she says. “I expect nothing in return. It is my way of paying homage to a great leader.” At 85, Shyam Lal, a bangle seller and Agra resident, cannot wait to hear motivational speeches on December 6. “My family and neighbours will ask me about what was discussed and said,” he says. “I do not want to miss anything.” His new friend, Baburao Ramesh from Madhya Pradesh, is also here to express solidarity with fellow Dalits as our a dozen men and women from Hubli in Karnataka, who are also here to pay obeisance to the architect of the Indian Constitution.

And, all their stories share a common theme. Most say they are not looking for any mantra that will bring them material gains. Instead, they crave to be part of a greater political and social cause.

How else can one explain Bhikaji Kadam’s efforts to spread Ambedkar’s messages through song and poetry? His eight-member troupe spend hours singing Ambedkar’s praises. “At 75, my desire is to see Ambedkar’s dream come true,” he says. “Dalits should unite and struggle for everyone’s welfare. I am a poor farmer, and I am carrying messages from my people in our village for our leaders. But, I am disheartened to see them fight over vested interests.”

In the next 48 hours, Dalits from across UP, MP, Rajasthan, the South and Maharashtra are expected to arrive at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dadar and Mumbai Central railway stations. All roads leading into Mumbai towards Shivaji Park will be chocked with Dalits headed to Chaityabhoomi. “This year, we expect over 10 lakh people on December 6,” says Ramdas Athavale, leader of the Republican Party of India (RPI-A).

Politicians are gearing up to use the event to reassert their leadership ahead of the civic polls. With the city’s 35 per cent migrant population, leaders are afraid to alienate the Dalit vote.

Anath Bhante, a Buddhist from Gaya, says, “Notwithstanding different issues confronting the Dalits, the common factor driving them is Dr Ambedkar’s unfinished agenda to see a united Dalit struggle.” Not surprisingly, despite their differences, Mayawati (BSP), Ram Vilas Paswan (Lok Janashakti Party), Ramdas Athavale (RPI-A) and other leaders are still waging the battle for greater social acceptance for Dalits.

A senior Dalit secretary at Mantralaya says, “Dalits are the most politically conscious group. Their leaders are a powerful force to reckon in Parliament and the State Assembly. Yet, the power has not percolated down to all sections. We still have to fight on issues like wage discrimination.”