‘Democracy Protection Day’ observed by DSS to Mark Dr Ambedkar’s Birthday
Mangaluru: Every year on 14 April, India focuses its lens on one of the most marginalized, highly politicized groups in India. The anniversary of Ambedkar’s birth brings into focus the struggles of the Dalits in the modern context. As Babasaheb Ambedkar had once said, “If you want to destroy a society, destroy its history and the society will get destroyed automatically.” And history is only written by the victors. For Dalits in India, their struggle through the years of oppression lies documented but invisible to the mainstream media.
As they say “Better Late Than Never”, the members of The Karnataka Dalita Sangharsha Samithi observed the 127th Birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar as “Democracy Protection Day” today, 23 April, 2018, with a rally comprising of tableau’s, dancers, tiger dance, etc-the rally commenced from Light House Hill road at 10.30 am, and moved along Balmatta Road, and culminated at the Town Hall. There was a formal programme at Town Hall, comprising of traditional cultural dances and songs of Dalits.
The programme was graced by Prof Narendra Nayak- President of Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA), Actor Prakash Rai, Journalist Mehboob Pasha Malnad, DSS District Secretary Sarojini and Koraga leader Balaraj. Devdas the state convenor of DSS spoke about how the Dalits joined together to form the DSS and the struggles they had undergone in those days. He also spoke about Dr Ambedkar’s contribution to the Indian society. Prakash Rai spoke about how the freedom was being usurped by the present ruling dispensation at the centre. The freedom to question was a fundamental right being suppressed by violence. He emphasized on the need for all progressive forces to unite against fascism.
Narendra Nayak pointed out how Golwalkar was replacing Ambedkar in the minds of Dalits and the clever ways in which communal forces were using the Dalits and OBCs as foot soldiers while keeping powers to the upper castes. Sarojini spoke about Dalits and women being exploited by the patriarchy. Raghu Ekkar president of DSS DK unit presided over the meeting and emphasized on the need to follow teachings of Dr Ambedkar in the lives of all particularly Dalits.