29.05.2025.UT Daily NewS.A collection of SC.ST.Buddhist,Adivasi,reservation atrocity news of India.by Team Sivaji.9444917060.asivaji1962@gmail.com
Temple entry in Gidhagram ends one exclusion, exposes another
Dalit entry into Gidheshwar temple challenged 300 years of denial, but the social boycott that followed lays bare Bengal’s myth of caste neutrality.
Published : May 27, 2025 15:44 IST - 10 MINS READ
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The Gidheshwar temple in Gidhagram, where five Dalits from Das Para offered their prayers for the first time in centuries. | Photo Credit: Jayanta Shaw
For the 130 Dalit families in Gidhagram village in Purbo Bardhaman, March 13, 2025, was a momentous day, as after more than 300 years, they could finally enter the Gidheshwar Shiv temple in their village. Though their entrance and worship took place amid heavy police security, it was nevertheless a symbolic end to centuries of caste-based discrimination. However, there was little scope for the Dalit community to rejoice, as soon after the event they faced social and economic boycott; and two months down the line, a visit to the village revealed that the environment there is still tense. Though on the surface there is a reluctant acceptance of the new development, there remains a very perceptible underlying resentment among the other villagers, that puts paid to West Bengal’s long-standing boast of not being a casteist society.
Not being allowed admittance to the Gidheshwar temple, which stands just a few hundred metres from Das Para, the locality where the Dalit villagers stay, had been a long festering wound for the community. Of the 2,000 families living in Gidhagram, only the 130 families belonging to the Das sub-caste category were denied access to the temple. This discrimination that had apparently persisted for centuries seemed to have finally ended when after several meetings involving the district administration and the villagers, five Dalits entered the temple under heavy police security and offered prayers to the deity.
More surprising than the fact that such casteist discrimination persisted for so long unknown to most people in the State, was the backlash that followed the development. For nearly a month the residents of Das Para found themselves socially ostracised, and an influential section of the village also called for an “economic boycott” of the Das community. “Our happiness at being allowed to pray in the temple was marred by the ostracism that followed. However, the situation has improved since then, and people are coming round to accepting us in the temple,” said a resident of Das Para.
People remember Veer Savarkar as a fierce freedom fighter, as someone who faced the hard times of Kala Pani, and a strong voice of Hindutva. But there is an important, often overlooked, aspect of Savarkar’s life – his deep and unwavering dedication to fixing the flaws within Hindu society by his commitment to social reforms. As we commemorate his birth anniversary, it’s time to remind ourselves of the unsung social reformer Savarkar was and his relentless battle against the injustice of untouchability and the rigid caste system. Savarkar didn’t just dream of a free India; he worked hard both in theory and practice to build a Hindu society that was strong, united, modern, and free from the shackles of caste-based discrimination.
The Context of Savarkar’s Reforms
In order to appreciate the significance of Savarkar’s efforts at social reforms, one must first understand the India of the early 20th century – a Hindu society which was enslaved by a rigid caste system. This caste system governed every aspect of life, dictating social status, rights, and even basic human interactions. The worst part of this was the practise of “untouchability”, which condemned millions to a life of extreme marginalisation, denying them even the basic human dignity, along with access to temples, and public spaces, only and only because of the caste they were born in. It was in this environment of deep-rooted inequality that reformers like Savarkar rose, recognising that these social ills were not merely societal problems but fundamental barriers to national unity and progress. He advocated for a Hindu identity based on merit and not birth.
A Moral Crusade Against Untouchability
Savarkar’s opposition to untouchability was profound and deeply moral. He didn’t just see it as a social problem but as a “grave injustice” and but in his own words, “To regard our 70 million co-religionists as ‘untouchables’ and worse than animals is an insult not only to humanity but also to the sanctity of our soul.” By declaring, “When I refuse to touch someone because he was born in a particular community but play with cats and dogs, I am committing a most heinous crime against humanity” he called out the hypocrisy of a society that treated animals with more kindness than fellow human beings.
He roared, “From the point of view of justice, dharma and humanism, fighting untouchability is a duty and we Hindus should completely eradicate it.” Savarkar didn’t wait for grand societal shifts or a government order; he called for immediate, individual action. His stirring call, “Say I will touch! And lo! Untouchability shall be dead,” urged every Hindu to take individual responsibility, to reach out and embrace their ‘untouchable’ brethren, thus dismantling the practice one person at a time. This act of touching was symbolic, representing the eradication of the discriminatory mindset itself.
Breaking the Seven Shackles
Savarkar identified “seven shackles” (social restrictions) of the Hindu society which were crippling it internally and preventing unity and progress. He provided a clearcut roadmap for reform:
1. Vedoktabandi (Prohibition of Vedic Rites): He spoke out against the rule that non-Brahmins couldn’t study or practice Vedic rites and pushed for everyone to have access to all Hindu scriptures. He asked in a very moving way foreigners could study the Vedas, but ‘untouchable’ Hindus could not.
2. Vyavasaybandi (Prohibition of Occupations): He advocated that people should be able to choose their job based on their skills and interests, and not their caste. He saw occupational freedom as key to national strength.
3. Sparshbandi (Prohibition of Touch): He termed untouchability one of the “biggest sins,” a stigma on humanity that had fragmented Hindu society and made it vulnerable.
4. Sindhubandi (Prohibition of Seafaring): Criticising the taboo on sea voyages, he believed it isolated Hindus from the rest of the world. He also expressed that while destroying trade and naval power, it also weakened cultural ties with Hindus abroad. He strongly encouraged overseas travel and settlement.
5. Shuddhibandi (Prohibition of Reconversion): He was a great exponent of Shuddhi, or the re-conversion and welcoming back of those who had left Hinduism, urging their affectionate and equal integration into society.
6. Rotibandi (Prohibition of Inter-dining): Savarkar believed that the prohibition of inter-caste dining destroyed the feeling of brotherhood. He laughed at the idea that eating together could pollute one’s religion and promoted “Sahabhojan” (community dining) across all castes.
7. Betibandi (Prohibition of Inter-caste Marriages): He identified the rule against marrying someone from a different caste as the seventh chain that was tearing the Hindu society apart. He supported inter-caste marriages, envisioning a society where individuals identified simply as ‘Hindu’, not by their caste.
Patit Pavan Mandir: A Practical Beacon
Savarkar’s reformist zeal wasn’t confined to writings; he believed in tangible action. During his confinement in Ratnagiri (1924-1937), he spearheaded the establishment of the Patitpavan Mandir. This temple was a revolutionary statement: it was conceived to be open to all Hindus, irrespective of their caste. Shankaracharya Dr. Kurtakoti laid the foundation stone of the building in 1929. Importantly, when the temple opened in 1931, it didn’t require its pujaris to be born a Brahmin; they just had to know how to do their job as a pujari or a priest. Savarkar ensured that the trust included people from all castes including the “untouchable” community.
A Visionary for a Modern Hindu Society
Savarkar visualised a dynamic modern Hindu society without losing its core essence. He urged Hindus to do away with age-old practices and superstitions which hindered their growth and progress. He suggested, “A custom may have been beneficial in the past or seemed to have been correct in the light of prevailing wisdom. However, if such a custom has now become harmful or been rendered invalid by experimental science, then changing it or accepting its invalidity is not an insult to our forefathers; rather it is a tribute to both us and them.” For him, traditions were not sacrosanct; if a custom became harmful, it had to be discarded. He reinterpreted “Chaturvarnya,” suggesting that it was originally based on merit, and not birth. It was very important to Savarkar that he thought social reform was necessary for political freedom. He said, “If freedom is won without social reform, it will not last even for three days.”
Conclusion: A Legacy of Reform
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s contributions as a social reformer deserve recognition and appreciation. He was a visionary leader who believed that Independent India must be built on the foundation of social justice and equality. Advocating a Hindu society where tradition and modernism could coexist, he not only theorised but also actively strove to destroy the repressive systems of caste and untouchability, thereby free from the constraints of birth-based discrimination helping every person to contribute to national development. On his birth anniversary let us honour and commemorate Savarkar, the revolutionary social reformer whose struggle for human dignity and unity is still very pertinent today.
Author: Devendra Dilip Pai.
‘My charisma is untouchable’: Urvashi Rautela hits back at Diet Sabya over Cannes stairway row
The controversy began after a video posted by Diet Sabya showed Urvashi posing in a golden gown on a hotel staircase, while guests waited awkwardly behind her. The caption read, “Not the first lady blocking everyone’s way for her photo op.” Social media reactions were swift, with many users slamming her for ignoring basic etiquette. “She has nooooo manners whatttttt so ever,” one user commented. Another added, “It’s called basic courtesy! Clearly she doesn’t have it!”
Caste census is a case study of divide & misrule
CENSUS enumerations are never to satisfy idle curiosity, nor to doodle with numbers, but always with a policy in mind. When colonial authorities did a caste census it was to power their “divide and rule” objectives. Why should independent India today want to do the same and invite more divisions? The proposed caste census may be well intentioned, but as its tail risks are scary; the matter should not be absentmindedly ignored.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 27: Minister for Social Welfare, Education and Health & Medical, Sakeena Itoo chaired the 45th Board of Directors (BoDs) meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Backward Classes (JKSCSTBC) Development Corporation at Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sanjeev Verma; Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Prassanna Ramaswamy; Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, Talat Parvez Rohella; DG, Development Expenditure, Sajad Hussain Ganie; MD JKSCSTBC, Ranjeet Singh; representatives of National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and other concerned officers, either in person or through video conferencing.
During the Board meeting, Minister Sakeena, who is also Chairman of the BoDs, minutely assessed the Corporation’s progress in promoting social and economic upliftment of the SC, ST, BC and Specially abled communities across Jammu and Kashmir. She emphasized on the need to enhance outreach programs, streamline the loan disbursal process and ensure transparent implementation of welfare schemes.
Underlining the importance of inclusive growth, she called for coordinated efforts among various stakeholders to empower marginalized sections through skill development, financial assistance and entrepreneurship support.
The Minister further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards driving equitable development and reiterated that proactive governance, community engagement and sustained financial inclusion remain central to Omar Abdullah led Government.
During the meeting, the BoDs took some significant decisions for improving the Corporation’s efficiency for divulging services to remote and underserved areas, including the introduction of digital platforms for beneficiary support and real-time monitoring of schemes.
In a landmark decision, the Board extended the benefits of Direct Financing Scheme (DFS) and Education Loan Scheme (ELS) of Corporation to Pahari Ethnic Group, including Paddari Tribe, Koli and Gadda Brahmin communities.
The BoDs also allowed the Corporation to fill up some urgently required positions on outsourcing basis in consultation with Finance Department by following proper procedure laid down by Government.
DoPT asks Rajasthan government to probe income certificate of IAS officer
The officer was selected for the IAS in the year 2022 and was allotted the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Updated - May 29, 2025 02:24 am IST - NEW DELHI:
Photo: Facebook/DOPTNewDelhi
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has asked the Rajasthan government to probe the authenticity of Income and Asset (I&A) certificate submitted by an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer which he used to avail the Economically Weaker Sections’ (EWS) quota while appearing for the Civil Services Examination in 2021.
The officer, a domicile of Rajasthan, was selected for the IAS in the year 2022 and was allotted the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Following a complaint by Vijay Kumbhar, a Pune-based social activist who is also associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the DoPT on May 5 asked the Rajasthan government to “verify the authenticity of I&A certificate” issued to the officer “under EWS category” and sought its comments. A copy of the letter is marked to the Madhya Pradesh government. A government official said that DoPT sent letters based on complaints.
DoPT is the cadre controlling authority of IAS officers.
According to Mr. Kumbhar, who was the first to complain against IAS probationer Puja Khedkar who was sacked in 2024 for allegedly submitting fake Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) certificates and Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificates to clear the 2022 civil services exam, there are at least 15 serving officers in various services who are facing the probe for misusing the reservation through fraudulent documents.
He said he wrote to the President of India in August 2024 highlighting the irregularities in certificates submitted by 22 candidates under various reserved categories such as EWS, PwBD, Other Backward Classes-Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL), Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) between 2015 and 2023.
“Initially when I wrote to the President, I did not get a response. However, when I started filing Right to Information (RTI) applications, the DoPT initiated the probe against documents submitted by 15 officers which include 11 IAS, two Indian Police Service (IPS), one Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and one Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officers,” Mr. Kumbhar said.
“The current probe, spanning Civil Services Examination candidates over nearly a decade, highlights a pattern of misuse that can no longer be dismissed as isolated or exceptional,” Mr. Kumbhar said.
On July 26 last year, the DoPT initiated an enquiry against six civil servants including probationers to re-examine their disability parameters. The enquiry followed after several posts on social media questioned the sanctity of PwBD quota as social media profiles of the officers showed them dancing, playing sports and other outdoor activities, in contravention to the physical condition described by them in official records. The IAS and IRS officers cleared the exams in 2010, 2014, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Former IAS officer Sanjeev Gupta said that the cadre allocation of officers must show the EWS and PwBD categories against their names like it is done in the case of SC and ST officers.
Published - 28.05.25
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https://www.deccanchronicle.com/kerala-adivasi-youth-allegedly-assaulted-tied-to-electric-pole
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