Regaining land and livelihood

Hasda is a small village near Raipur, Chattisgarh, with a population of 3000, 200 of them dalits. Many families, including dalits have been cultivating land, not legally  their own for nearly 36 years.

The Gram Sabha, mostly consisting of upper castes, took a decision to get the land vacated and stop the illegal cultivation. Sadly, only dalits were prevented from tilling their lands. They lost their produce for which they had toiled through the year. Those who dared to protest were fined heavily.

Ajit Ekka, a fierce activist for dalit rights and a fellow of Dalit Foundation, encouraged them to fight against this injustice. She led groups of Dalits to Government officials and ministers to present their side of the story. Despite setbacks and threats to her life, she persisted in her struggle. Finally, the Government transferred the land to the Dalits. Today, dalit families in the village are cultivating their own land without any fear.

A new generation begins schooling

The Arundatiyar community in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, has a literacy rate of about 20 percent. Most of the people are engaged in manual scavenging and sweeping. ABCD Educational Trust has been working among the Dalit communities in Madurai district for the education and development of women and children since 1996. Four teachers from the community have helped set up three tuition centres in three villages of Thirupparakundram for the children. Local women leaders have been effectively monitoring the centres, ensuring that 120 Arundatiyar students who attended classes at the centres passed their exams with good marks.

 
United we stand

Sarpukulam village in Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu has 45 Dalit families. Largely marginal farmers with little or no land, they have a literacy rate of 30 per cent. For years these families were dependent on the socially, economically and politically stronger Maravar community to solve their problems.

Our partner, Centre for Rural Women's Development, helped the Dalit youth
and women form their own organisation to reclaim the rights of the Daltis. The group realised that the 35 acres of wet land owned by the communities was not being regularly cultivated because  the Maravars had seized the water bodies. When the Dalit group refused to give the Maravars water due to falling levels of water in their own lands, they were socially boycotted. Appeals to the police did not help.

However the Dalit youth and women collected sufficient documents to prove their right over the water bodies and filed a petition. A meeting was arranged at the Taluk office. The Maravars were not able to garner proof of their ownership of the water bodies and the Government ruled in favour of the Dalit community. The Maravars gave a written statement promising not to intervene in any matters of the Dalits. The Dalit group, spurred by this success, also demanded construction of tanks and drilling of bore wells for irrigation. These demands were realised and have helped the Dalit youth develop self-confidence and
strength in their unity.
 

Amudha receives timely help

Amudha from Malliampatthi in Tamil Nadu was 18 years old when she was stripped naked, tortured and beaten by upper-caster Gounder men because her community dared to celebrate their deity's festival without inviting the Gounders.

Vizhuthugal, our partner organisation heard of Amudha and stepped in. A polic case was lodged under the SC/ST Public Atrocities Act, causing the Gounders to be imprisoned. Vizhuthugal also helped Amudha overcome her trauma by providing constant care and support.

Today, Amudha is a vibrant social activist, often at the forefront of most public demonstrations and rallies in her district. She motivates others to fight and overcome injustices, just as she did.