Tag Archives: Women RIghts

May 29, 2015 · 8:49 am

What Brahmin Merit? In Punjab, with 98.92% marks, a Dalit girl secured 2nd position in class 10th!

Few weeks back, I wrote on What Merit? In Punjab, Class 12th, Dalit Girl got 7th position and a Muslim Girl became topper. Now, here is another on the same lines, Punjab School Education Board announced results for class 10th few days back. This time also, a Dalit girl named Nancy Bhadiyar, a student of Government Senior Secondary School, Ghagwal, Hoshiarpur, secured second position with 98.92 per cent marks. It is a remarkable achievement and I congratulate her on her success.

When toppers are from Dalit-Bahujan communities, what merit so called Brahmins and upper castes talk about all the time? Few years back, V. T. Rajshekar had said,

“all ruling classes built” a theory by suited to their needs and try to give a ‘scientific’ backing to it. Merit and efficiency is a pure Aryan invention, aimed at maintaining their monopoly”.

Check also – How Brahmins are enjoying reservation since ages – The History of Reservation in India.

Photo credit – Lokleader

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Filed under Dalit History, Dalit Woman, Dalit-Bahujans, Dr B R Ambedkar, Good News

Tagged as Brahmins Hate Reservation, Dalit Toppers, Dalit Women Fight, Dalit-Bahujans, Dalits in Punjab, Dr Ambedkar and Dalits, History of Reservation in India, untouchables, What Brahmin Merit?, Women RIghts

March 27, 2015 · 3:00 am

Why Brahmins Hate Reservation? – By E. V. R. Periyar

Communal representation is the accredited right of every nation and its government. It is the common right of all citizens belonging to every community. The main motive of the principle of communal representation is to eradicate the unequal status amongst the citizens. Communal representation is a ‘boon’ to create a society of equals. When there are communities which are forward and progressive; hampering the well being of all the other communities; there is no other go but to resort to the system of communal representation. It is by this way the suffering communities could begin to heave a sigh of relief. The need for the prolongation of the system of communal representation will automatically cease and it will be found absolutely unnecessary to continue the policy any longer, when all the communities are made as equals.

Excepting the Bráhmin community all other communities started to demand for communal representation soon after the talk of representation of Indians in governance began. For a long time, except the Brahmin community all other communities carried on agitation urging the government to implement the policy of communal representation.

Jinnah, Periyar and Dr. Ambedkar

The Brahmins, particularly the Brahmins of Tamil Nadu stooped to many ways to put hurdles and create obstacles against the implementation of the policy of communal representation. They pursued trickish methods and conspired many times against the communal representation policy which was a boon to all downtrodden communities.

Read also – Periyar linked caste to religion

One could understand the Brahmins opposing the communal representation policy, if at all they had openly come forward to list out the evils of uplifting the down trodden people. All those who oppose simply said ‘no’, and no one explained why? So far no one has clearly listed out the reasons for opposing the policy of reservation. What is wrong in making all people as equals? What is wrong in giving equal opportunities for all? If there is nothing wrong in creating a socialist society, and if it is undeniable that the present society composed of unequal should be made progressive; what else can be done without creating reservations based on population through the communal representation policy. Could it be denied that there are weaker section in the society?

Moreover, when we have allowed the classification of the society based on religion, caste and community; we cannot stand in the way of the people demanding special rights, based on religion, caste, and community. There is nothing wrong on their part or of any community in safeguarding their interests. I don’t see anything dishonest in that.

The casteism made the people go backward. Castes spell more and more ruination. Castes have made us low and have-nots. Till all these evils are eradicated and everyone attains an equal status in life, the proportional representation policy based ‘on population is indispensable. Many communities have entered the field of education only recently. All should be enabled to read and attain a civilised stage. Our people should take to education and read well. Our people should get their due share in the public services and in all other fields according to their percentage in the total population.

In this country out of 100 people only three are brahmins. Sixteen percent of the population are Adi-dravidas. 72 perent of the population are non brahmins. Should not the jobs be given to all in proportion to the population?

(Source : Collected works of Periyar E.V.R. Pg. 165-166)

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Filed under Caste Discrimination, Dr B R Ambedkar, Equal Rights, Periyar

Tagged as Adi-dravidas, Brahmins, Caste Discrimination, caste system, Collected works of Periyar, Equal Rights, equality, Periyar E.V. Ramasami, Untouchable, Why Reservation, Women RIghts

March 7, 2015 · 4:14 pm

Mahatma Jotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule’s contribution towards women empowerment

To celebrate Women’s Day without recognizing the contribution of Dr. Ambedkar, Savitribai Phule, and Mahatma Jotiba Phule is hypocrisy and shameful act. Here are few of the highlights of work done by Mahatma Jotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule for women empowerment.

Also read – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and International Women’s Day

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule

On 1st Jan. 1848, India’s first school for girls was started at Bhide’s wada in Pune by Mahatma Jotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule.
On 28 January 1853: First ever infanticide prohibition home of India was started by Savitribai Phule.
Savitribai Phule started Mahila Seva Mandal in 1852, which worked for raising women’s consciousness about their human rights, dignity of life and other social issues. She went on to organise a successful barbers strike in Mumbai and Pune against the prevailing practice of shaving of widows’ heads.

Bhidewada, where India’s first school for girls was started by Savitribai Phule and Mahatma Jotiba Phule

On 28 January 1866, Vishnushastri, inspired by Phule’s movement opened an institution to promote widow remarriage. The institution (a society) was known as Punar Vivahtojak Mandal(remarriage association).
At a time when even the shadow of untouchables was considered impure, when the people were unwilling to offer water to thirsty untouchables, Savitribai Phule and Mahatma Jotiba Phule opened the well in their house for the use of untouchables.

Savitribai Phule was the first Dalit woman, in-fact the first woman whose poems got noticed in the British Empire. Savitribai Phule was the mother of modern poetry stressing necessity of English and education through her poems.
Did you know? On 16th Nov. 1852, Phule family was honoured by British government for their works in the field of education and Savtribai was declared as the best teacher.
In 1863, first ever orphanage home was started by Mahatma Jotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, hence gave protection to pregnant widows.

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Filed under Caste Discrimination, Dalit-Bahujans, Dr B R Ambedkar, Equal Rights

Tagged as Dalit Rights, dalit women, Dr Ambedkar on Women Empowerment, Dr Ambedkar Quotes, HappyWomen'sDay, International women's day, Mahatma Jotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, violence against women, Women RIghts

March 7, 2015 · 4:08 pm

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and International Women’s Day

Not many people know that Dr. Ambedkar always worked hard to uplift the situation of women in Indian society. Here are few of the less known quote/ideas/thoughts/work from Dr. Ambedkar on women empowerment. To celebrate Women’s Day without recognizing the contribution of Dr. Ambedkar, Savitribai Phule, and Mahatma Jotiba Phule is hypocrisy and shameful act.

Newspapers started by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Mooknayak and Bahiskrit Bharat predominantly used to cover issues related to women and their empowerment.
Dr. Ambedkar was always concerned about women empowerment. In a letter to his father’s friend, young Dr. Ambedkar, during his studies at New York, said – We shall see better days soon and our progress will be greatly accelerated if male education is persuaded side by side with female education…”
On 18th July 1927, Dr. Ambedkar addressed a meeting of about three thousand women of Depressed classes, he said ‘I measure the progress of community by the degree of progress which women had achieved.’

Check also – Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s fight for women’s rights

Never regard yourself as Untouchables, live a clean life. Dress yourselves as touchable ladies. Never mind, if your dress if full of patches, but see that it is clean. None can restrict your freedom in the choice of your garments. Attend more to the cultivation of the mind and spirit of self-Help. – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (While addressing women of Depressed classes on 18th July 1927)
Send your children to schools. Education is as necessary for Females as it is for males. If you know how to read and write, there would be much progress. – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (While addressing women of Depressed classes on 18th July 1927)
Dr. Ambedkar said to Women “Learn to be clean. Keep from vices. Give education to your children. Instill ambition into them. Inculcate in their minds that they are destined to be great. Remove from them all inferiority complexes.”
Dr. Ambedkar said to Women – The paternal duty lies in giving each child a better start than its parents had. Above all, let every girl who marries stand by her husband, claim to be her husband’s friend and equal, and refuse to his slave. I am sure if you follow this advice, you will bring honour and glory to yourselves.
Dr. Ambedkar raised the Women’s issue as Member of Legislative Council during his debate in Bombay Legislative Assembly on 10th Nov. 1938; he strongly advocated family planning measures and said that besides many other problems giving birth to many children negatively affects Mother’s health.
Did you know? Maternity Benefit Bill was introduced by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in 1942, during his tenure as Labour Minister in Governor General’s Executive Council.
While drafting the constitution of India, Dr. Ambedkar was the prime movers of the provisions related to the welfare of women. On the question of civil rights, Dr. Ambedkar made provisions in articles 14-16 in the Indian Constitution, which provide equal status to Woman and also banned the of sale and purchase of woman prevailing Hindu India.
Dr. Ambedkar also introduced an emancipatory bill (the Hindu code Bill) in Parliament which intended mainly 1) to abolish different marriage systems prevalent among Hindus and to establish monogamy as the only legal system; 2) Conferment of right to property and adoption on women; 3) restitution of conjugal rights and judicial separation; attempts to unify the Hindu Code in tune with progressive and modern thought.
Did you know? Dr. Ambedkar created awareness among poor, illiterate women and inspired them to fight against the unjust and social practices like child marriages and devdasi system.
How many Indian ministers have resigned over women issues?

Did you know? In January 1928, a women‟s association was founded in Bombay with Ramabai, Dr. Ambedkar‟s wife, as its president.
Did you know? Dr. Ambedkar believed in the strength of women and their role in the process of social reform. In the Kalram Temple entry Satyagraha at Nasik in 1930, five hundred women participated and many of them were arrested along with men and ill treated in jails.
Did you know? Dr. Ambedkar believed in the strength of women and their role in the process of social reform. The historic Mahad Satyagraha witnessed participation of three hundred women along with their male counterparts.
I strongly believe in the movements run by women. If they are truly taken in to confidence, they may change the present picture of society which is very miserable. In past, they have played a significant role in improving the condition of weaker section and classes.
“Unity is meaningless without the accompaniment of women. Education is fruitless without educated women, and agitation is incomplete without the strength of women”.
In January 1928, a women’s association was founded in Bombay with Ramabai, Ambedkar’s wife, as its president.
On 20th July 1942, The All India Dalit Mahila conference was organized and 25,000 women attended that conference.
Gaining inspiration and encouragement from Dr. Ambedkar, many women wrote on topics like Planning, Buddhist philosophy and such other topics. Women also wrote plays, autobiographies, and participated in Satyagrahas. Tulsabai Bansode started a newspaper Chokhamela. This showed how Dr. Ambedkar created awareness among poor, illiterate women and inspired them to fight against the unjust social practices like child marriages and devdasi system.

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Filed under Dr B R Ambedkar, Equal Rights, Women RIghts

Tagged as BeAWomen, Dalit Rights, dalit women, Dr Ambedkar on Women Empowerment, Dr Ambedkar Quotes, Dr Ambedkar's Contribution, HappyWomen'sDay, International women's day, women day, Women RIghts

May 27, 2012 · 12:35 am

Stop trying to be a DOWRY slave

Almost everyone is talking about new T.V. serial ‘Satyamev Jayate’, Aamir Khan and dowry system. Though I have not seen a single episode of this serial but I think I am somehow connected with the discussions because my parents are worried about my marriage and are searching a ‘perfect match’. Few weeks ago; I and my friend, Ravi, were talking about the marriage and why shouldn’t we? Everyone is getting married; many of my and his college friends got married and even produced offspring! My friend seemed quite worried as he was ‘turning 30’ within weeks and was still unmarried. We were discussing, teasing and chuckling over all the aspects of marriage, yes all the aspects, if you get me right. While discussing we reached to a point where ‘dowry’ came to picture.

“On my marriage, I will never ask for dowry or even a single paisa.” I only need a good girl, who can understand me. I said to my friend.

“Yes, then you will never get married. Why don’t you need money, you are an engineer so you have price tag. If you will not ask for dowry, get your facts right that you will probably not get married.” He nonstop told me a story that one of his engineer friend said to his future parents-in-law that he don’t want a single paise as dowry and his future parents-in-law got suspicious if boy really work as an engineer or not or if something is wrong with the boy? And finally his parents-in-law-to-be broke the marriage.

Further trying to be serious my friend told me that there is no need to demand, there are ways devised since our forefathers to extract money from the girl’s parents. You just need to be up to date and move with the world!

I couldn’t understand the meaning of ‘up to date’ and asked him to let me know how to be up to date and move with the world?

He replied, okay, now suppose you want money and you are not able to ask it directly from the girl’s parents. You don’t even need to say it, you just mention your bank account number few times and give your bank account number, all will be set and her parents will understand! And yes, while giving bank account number don’t forget to say. “Main to Sadhu aadmi hu, paise ko hath nai lagata.” (I am a saint and I don’t touch money!)

Next, before marriage just tells your parents-in-law that if you want that your daughter don’t travel on feet, you know that how hard it is to walk these days in sun, if you want that your daughter don’t travel in crowdy buses, please give car to her. And yes, Maruti is not a good brand these days and has lost its share value, I love General Motors. Don’t forget to mention – I don’t need car and I can do it without it, or I will only be driver for your daughter.

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Filed under Caste Discrimination, Dalit-Bahujans, Equal Rights, India, Reality of Hindu Festivals, Women RIghts

Tagged as Aamir Khan, B R Ambedkar, Caste Discrimination, Caste system in India, casteism, dalit women, dalit-bahujan, Dowry, DOWRY Definition, DOWRY slave, dowry system, Dowry System in India, dowry-parody, Equal Rights, future parents, Hindu Caste System, india, kidnapping, Marriage, murdering and dumping newlywed girls, National Family Health Survey, Parent-in-law, perfect match, poverty, raping, Relationships, Satyamev Jayate, Save India, Slavery, Stop being a DOWRY slave, Stop DOWRY system, Untouchability, vacation, violence against women, Women Condition India, Women RIghts

August 5, 2011 · 7:16 pm

On Sati, Pati Prameshwar and God

3 short stories:

Story – 1

Geeta’s mother in law and husband died in an accident, both were cremated on the same evening. Her 60 years old father in law married a week after and started normal life all over again but sixteen years old Geeta has to live whole life in white sari, without any interest in life and bearing abuses. People say she should have made herself ‘sati’, because she brought bad omen.

Story – 2

Geeta – a teacher and mother of 3 well educated boys. She do all the household chores such as cooking, cleaning the home, washing the utensils in the morning then walks 3km to school and teaches at school for 8 hours, after coming back at 4pm she cooks, washes clothes, looks after the boys, then again cooks for night, washes utensils but before she lay down to bed at 12’o clock at midnight, she has to listen to her drunkard husband’s abuses of going 5mins before 9am, coming 5mins late at home from school, salt was low in ‘dal’, you don’t know how to cook even after 45years and sometimes have to bear the heat of slaps on her face. Crying she will go to bed and sleep hoping that next day will be bright but she won’t raise voice against all this, but will accept all this like slave because she believes in ‘pati -prameshwar.’

Story – 3

Cyan was in deep sleep when he was suddenly woken up by the bright light in the room at midnight, the light had made the environment of the room quite peaceful. What Cyan saw after waking up was an Angel sitting on his table and busy with the papers. He had never seen an Angel in his life and had never experienced such a peaceful environment in his room.

Cyan asked the Angel that what she is busy at?

Angel replied, “I am making a list of people who worship a God a most and I’m ranking them in the order of most loved by the God.”

Am I in the list? He asked again with curiosity and with burning desire of being there in the list.

Angel checked the list twice and said, “No”. “Do you worship the God like others do for day and night?” Angel asked Cyan.

“No, but I do treat people with equality irrespective of caste and colour; I fight for eradication of caste system; I fight for poor, help the helpless and encourage them to live life with dignity, and I also strive for equality in the society in all respects” replied Cyan keeping his voice low and thinking he’ll never be in the list of such people who worship God and are loved by God.

Okay, let me add your name in the last column and let’s see what God decides as the final ranking will be decided by the God, said Angel in order to console disappointed Cyan and disappeared.

Next morning, Cyan had almost forgotten about the incident but Angel came again to Cyan’s room at night and handed him the final ranking by the God: