24.04.2026.News Untouchable.(Voice of Sc.STs,Buddhists,Ambedkar ites,Anti SC.ST atrocity news,Employement news)by Sivaji Ayyayiram.9444917060.asivaji1962@gmail.com.FB.sivaji yoga Tiruvannamalai.
Dalits boycott polls in Vengaivayal, hoist black flags over 2022 water contamination case
The people demanded justice in the 2022 drinking water contamination case and opposed the CB-CID findings.
PUDUKKOTTAI: Black flags were hoisted at the entrance of Vengaivayal as majority of Dalits boycotted polling on Thursday, demanding justice in the 2022 drinking water contamination case and opposing the CB-CID findings.
Polling remained minimal in the village coming under Muttukadu panchayat, which has over 65 Dalit voters. Only eight persons cast their vote — five of them natives who had migrated but returned to vote, and three current residents. The rest of the Dalits stayed away, adhering to the boycott.
The booth at Vengaivayal elementary school has over 549 voters, including people from Erayur village, mostly cast Hindus. They had announced a poll boycott earlier, but came cast their votes.
“We are the ones who suffered. Instead of finding those responsible, they have named people from our own community. We cannot accept this,” said KR Murugan.
Officials held peace talks during the polling, assuring steps to address the issue. However, the talks failed.
Pearson Lenekar SR
Courtesy : TNIE
Kannur Dental College Student Death Case: Dalit Organizations Demand ₹10 Crore Compensation and High Court-Monitored Probe
Dalit organizations outraged over the suspicious death of student Nitin Raj at Kannur Dental College; demand ₹10 crore in compensation, a High Court-monitored investigation, and a ‘Kerala Bandh’ (state-wide shutdown) on April 28.
A tragic incident in Kannur, Kerala, has shaken the entire state. Demands for justice have intensified regarding the suspicious death of Nitin Raj—a first-year BDS student at the Kannur Dental College in Ancharakandy—who died after falling from the college building. On Tuesday, an Action Council comprising several Dalit organizations in Kerala demanded that the state government provide compensation of ₹10 crore to the victim’s family.
During a press conference held at the venue, the Action Council refused to accept the incident as a mere suicide, instead labeling it an “institutional murder.” They have demanded an impartial investigation into the entire affair, to be conducted under the direct supervision of the Kerala High Court. It is worth noting that on April 10, Nitin Raj was found in a critically injured state after falling from the college building; he subsequently succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
Protesting the student’s death and seeking justice for the perpetrators, the Action Council has also called for a state-wide strike across Kerala on April 28. The organizations have categorically stated that the strictest possible legal action must be taken against the faculty members responsible for this tragic incident.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday itself, Nitin Raj’s father and other family members visited the dental college. Upon seeing the exact spot within the college premises where his son had been found lying critically injured, the father could not hold back his tears. It was a deeply emotional scene that moved everyone present to tears.
Given the gravity of the case, the police have registered a case against two faculty members: Dr. M.K. Ram and Dr. Sangeetha. Charges have been filed against both individuals for abetment to suicide, as well as under the stringent provisions of the SC/ST Act. Nitin’s family members and supporters allege that he was being subjected to constant harassment regarding his caste and physical appearance. Meanwhile, to evade arrest, both accused doctors have filed anticipatory bail petitions in the District Court.
The case took a new turn when it emerged that the student’s death was also linked to online loan apps. The police have registered two FIRs against various online loan apps. In one of these cases, three individuals operating an illegal loan app from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, have also been arrested.
However, Nitin’s family categorically asserts that pressure related to loans alone could not have been the cause of their son’s death. They firmly believe that the mental harassment he endured within the college campus was the primary reason behind this tragedy.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit History Month | ‘Panchayat’ Actor Vinod Suryavanshi Exposes the Dark Side of the Glamour World; Learn About the Film Industry Stalwarts Who Endured Caste-Based Humiliation
Recently, Vinod Suryavanshi—an actor from the popular web series *Panchayat*—spoke candidly about the caste-based discrimination he endured during his early struggles, both in his village and within the film industry. His personal account sheds light on a dark facet of the Indian entertainment world—one that is often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of the industry.
Vinod Suryavanshi, who gained recognition for his portrayal of the new secretary in the fourth season of the *Panchayat* series, recently shared his painful story of falling victim to caste-based discrimination during an interview. Suryavanshi—who has worked in projects such as *Panchayat* and *Jolly LLB 3*—revealed in a recent interview that the roots of casteism run deep even today in his ancestral village in Karnataka. His statement comes at a time when voices against not only caste discrimination but also gender bias and colorism are growing increasingly louder within the film industry.
In recent times, several films have been produced that brilliantly depict caste-based hatred and the hierarchical mindset prevalent in society. The most recent example is the film *Vadh-2*, in which Prakash (played by Kumud Mishra) portrays a casteist and ruthless jailer who exhibits a fanatical mindset regarding caste distinctions, even within the confines of the prison. The film depicts how he brutally murders his niece and her husband for entering into an inter-caste marriage, with the blame ultimately falling upon the protagonist—played by Neena Gupta—who subsequently endures a lengthy prison sentence.
Similarly, the central theme of the 2025 film *Dhadak-2*—directed by Shazia Iqbal—revolved around caste-based discrimination, inequality, and the challenges faced by inter-caste romances. This film portrays the conservative societal attitudes toward the love shared between an upper-caste girl and a lower-caste boy. The birth month of Babasaheb Ambedkar is celebrated globally as ‘Dalit History Month.’ In keeping with this tradition, *The Mooknayak* presents a comprehensive report examining this issue in depth, drawing upon the experiences of discrimination shared by various artists within the film industry.
In a recent podcast conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Vinod Suryavanshi revealed that casteism remains as entrenched as ever in his village in Karnataka. He stated, “My village is divided into two sections—one for the upper castes and one for the lower castes. The area inhabited by Dalits is segregated from the rest of the village. When I was 12 years old, I visited the village with my father; whenever we ate at a local eatery, we were required to wash our own plates—even after paying for the meal. Furthermore, there is a temple in our village to this day that we are forbidden from entering.”
Vinod also spoke of the severe financial hardships he endured. He shared that his mother worked as a domestic help, while his father was a mason. Whenever his father failed to find work, he would return home intoxicated and physically abuse his mother. “Festivals were a time of tears for us,” he recalled, “because we could never afford to celebrate them.”
“No one treated the junior artists with any respect. We were frequently subjected to verbal abuse and humiliation. The assistant directors, in particular, treated us very poorly. However, the established, senior actors never insulted us.”
— Vinod Suryavanshi
Moreover, even after entering the industry, Vinod continued to face humiliation based on his physical appearance. Once, while he was eating during a shoot as a junior artist, a senior colleague snatched the plate right out of his hands. Vinod recounted, “Even for the role of a beggar, they would specifically ask for someone with a fair complexion. I was told, ‘You have a dark complexion; you can pack up and leave.'” He added, “I was rejected on numerous occasions solely because of my physical appearance. When I auditioned for television roles, casting directors were almost always looking for someone who had an ‘affluent look.’ They wanted someone who *looked* rich—even for the role of a beggar.” “I was told that I wasn’t worthy.”
Neeraj Ghaywan Opens Up About the Pain of Concealing His Identity
Director Neeraj Ghaywan—known for acclaimed works such as *Masaan* and *Homebound*—has frequently spoken out against the “Savarna dominance” prevalent within the film industry. Neeraj has admitted that, during the early stages of his career, he was afraid to disclose his caste identity.
He often observes that in Bollywood, Dalit characters are typically portrayed either as “pitiable victims” or as “criminals.” Through films like *Homebound* and his own storytelling, he has consistently advocated for presenting Dalits as “heroes.” In an interview, the National Award-winning filmmaker stated, “Traditionally, Hindi cinema has told stories that revolve around only 10–15% of the population—primarily the upper-caste demographic. Over the 100-year history of cinema, we have largely overlooked a vast segment of the population.”
He added, “Hardly anyone from Dalit or Adivasi communities—whether in front of the camera or behind it—has been represented. I am, perhaps, one of the very few individuals from this community to have gained recognition. This is a monumental issue. We must make amends for it.”
Pa. Ranjith Transformed Cinema into a Weapon of Resistance
Pa. Ranjith, a stalwart director of South Indian cinema, not only endured discrimination but also made it the central theme of his films (*Kabali*, *Kaala*, *Sarpatta Parambarai*). The Rajinikanth-starrer blockbuster *Kaala* portrays the lives of the urban poor. “Land is a right”—this is the core idea that *Kaala* champions. Our urban policies forcibly evict slum dwellers overnight, displacing them and shattering their lives. Furthermore, these policies implicitly convey the message that there is no place for slum dwellers within the urban landscape.
Pa. Ranjith believes that even on a film set, people’s attitudes shift based on one’s caste and background. He established “The Casteless Collective”—an initiative utilizing music and art—to provide a platform for marginalized artists. Set against the backdrop of the Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka, his upcoming film *Thangalaan* is significant not merely for its attempt to rewrite and reclaim Dalit history; it is particularly remarkable because it is rooted in a largely unheard and unexplored history—the story of how Dalits from Tamil Nadu, armed with nothing but their bare hands and unwavering resolve, built and excavated the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF).
In 2020, Jyoti Nisha—a journalist turned filmmaker—introduced the concept of “Bahujan Spectatorship.” This framework offers an alternative perspective that stands in contrast to mainstream modes of representation and the conventional gaze through which the Dalit community is viewed. While countless films have been made about the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, how many Hindi films have actually been produced about the Father of the Constitution, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar? Jyoti Nisha, who has produced a documentary on Ambedkar, states, “Upper-caste people are not grateful to Dr. Ambedkar; consequently, his story has been marginalized. Our struggle is a shared one—whether it is a Dalit man or a Dalit woman, both face the same ‘Brahmanical patriarchy’.” In an interview with Prateekshit Singh of *The Mooknayak*, Jyoti Nisha remarks, “I hail from the Bijnor region of western Uttar Pradesh, where my grandfather was a farmer. My father, Netram Singh, sold fodder to fund his diploma studies, and once he secured a job, he moved to the city. He was a staunch follower of Ambedkar, and I have witnessed him organizing cadre camps right in our home. Most people struggle to combat the caste system because they fail to fully grasp its underlying structure. I learned about the structure of the caste system—and my own place within it—from my family. My father served as the National President of BAMCEF in 2002; he passed away that very same year. However, due to the narratives portrayed in television and newspapers, my own perspective remained influenced by conventional wisdom—narratives that, in reality, did not align with my own lived experiences.”
Discrimination, in various forms, has been an integral part of my life. I still vividly recall an incident from when I was six years old: during a *Kanya Pujan* ceremony, I was turned away solely because of my caste—an experience that I found deeply humiliating. In my twenties, people would frequently ask me how I managed to speak such fluent English, or they would remark that I did not “look” like a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste. In such instances, I would retort by turning the question back on them, asking them exactly what, in their eyes, a person from a Scheduled Caste was supposed to look like.
Jyoti observes, “In 2014, I realized that the apprehensions harbored by the Bahujan community were indeed coming true, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore these stark realities.” Studying at TISS provided me with the means to articulate my experiences in words. No matter how skilled you may be in your craft, without proper representation, your work lacks that essential depth and nuance. I also raised the question: if privileged communities are unfamiliar with our worldview, do even our own people truly understand our perspective?
The controversy surrounding the biopic *Phule*—based on the life of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule—last year has further intensified this debate. The Censor Board ordered the removal of terms such as ‘Mahar,’ ‘Mang,’ and ‘Manu ki Vyavastha’ (Manu’s System) from the film, thereby raising the question of whether addressing caste-related issues in cinema constitutes a crime.
Nagraj Manjule—the director behind films like *Sairat* and *Jhund*—has explicitly stated that casteism is a “disease” that both Indian society and the film industry remain reluctant to acknowledge. Manjule revealed that his father worked as a stone-breaker and a pig-catcher. In his film *Fandry*, he portrayed on screen the very indignities that a Dalit family endures in rural India. He asserts that unless we engage in a dialogue about caste, it will never cease to exist.
It is not merely caste; artists have also voiced complaints regarding discrimination based on gender and skin color. Seasoned actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui have frequently shared that, owing to their “complexion and looks,” they were relegated to playing minor and marginalized roles for a prolonged period. However, he clarified that he never faced discrimination on account of being a Muslim.
Actress Niharika Singh, a former ‘Miss India’ titleholder, has raised questions regarding the ‘upper-caste patriarchy’ prevalent in the film industry and the double discrimination faced by women within it. In a 2019 interview, Niharika stated, “I grew up in a largely sheltered environment; consequently, during my childhood, I lacked an understanding of caste and its complexities. I was aware that we belonged to the ‘SC’ category, but what that signified within the broader political context remained completely unknown to me. It was only after moving to the country’s most cosmopolitan city and gaining fame as ‘Miss India’ that I encountered caste-based discrimination for the first time—and it was then that I realized I still had a great deal to learn.”
Actress Chum Darang, who rose to prominence following her appearance on *Bigg Boss Season 18*, has also spoken out about the discrimination she has endured due to her facial features. Expressing her anguish, she remarked, “I am stating this quite frankly: it is true that we [people from the Northeast] look somewhat different. People are simply unfamiliar with the region—the Northeast—to which I belong.”
In an interview with *The Lallantop* in May 2024, actress Janhvi Kapoor expressed her desire to witness a debate between Babasaheb Ambedkar and Gandhiji. Janhvi further shared that she had spent a significant amount of time with filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan; Ghaywan—who hails from a Dalit community—shared his personal life experiences and insights regarding his community with her. Hearing these accounts sparked a sense of curiosity within Janhvi. She reflected on the realization that, despite being a Hindu and an integral part of society, she possessed remarkably little knowledge about the very society she inhabited. “I live on Ambedkar Road, yet I possess such scant knowledge about his history… I should be ashamed of myself.” This realization served as a catalyst for Janhvi; subsequently—acting on a suggestion from Neeraj—the actress read Babasaheb’s book, *Annihilation of Caste*, and watched numerous videos on the subject. She shared that, following this experience, her understanding and her perspective on things underwent a significant transformation. In an interview, Janhvi appealed to the youth, stating, “It is crucial for the young people of this country to be well-informed about the past in order to make informed decisions for society.”
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Courtesy: Hindi News
Only 3.2% Telangana households own car; ownership among SC, ST and BC communities much lesser
Sharp economic disparities exposed indicating higher dependence on private moneylenders
Published - April 23, 2026 03:12 pm IST - HYDERABAD
An Independent Expert Working Group (IEWG) said the 3.2% Telangana households owning car is a clear marker of economic affluence, aspirational consumption and access to mobility. The image is used for representative purposes only. | Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL
The Socio, Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) survey has brought out sharp disparities in the economic status of different castes in Telangana.
The Independent Expert Working Group (IEWG) had assessed 42 different parameters like living conditions, income, land ownership, movable assets like cars and refrigerators and access to institutional credit for arriving at the composite backwardness index (CBI) — a unique code determining the backwardness of different sections. According to the analysis, only 3.2% households across the State reported owning a car, which the Group described as a clear marker of economic affluence, aspirational consumption and access to mobility.
Here is a latest (around 24-04-2026) verified India-wide + state-wise roundup of SC/ST, Dalit, Adivasi, Buddhist & Ambedkar-related news, with reliable links, followed by English + Hindi + Tamil summaries.
📰 🇮🇳 INDIA – NATIONAL ROUNDUP (24 April 2026)
1. Karnataka – “Rohith Vemula Bill 2026”
- Karnataka govt proposes a major anti-discrimination law for SC/ST students.
- Bans caste-based harassment, segregation, biased evaluation, and probing caste background.
- Aims to ensure dignity and equality in higher education.
2. Uttar Pradesh – Dalit woman abduction case
- Dalit woman abducted days before wedding in Bhadohi.
- FIR filed against six accused.
- Raises ongoing concerns over caste–gender violence.
3. Supreme Court – SC status & conversion (major national issue)
- Supreme Court reaffirmed:
- SC status lost after conversion to Christianity/Islam.
- SC/ST Act protection not applicable post-conversion.
- Triggered debates among Dalit Christians & Ambedkarite groups demanding equal rights.
4. Ambedkar @135 – Reality check
- Data shows:
- 1.37 million atrocity cases since 1991
- Over 200% rise in crimes against SC/ST
- Indicates gap between constitutional rights and ground reality.
5. Dalit–Adivasi political mobilisation
- Manifestos & movements demand:
- Extension of SC status to Dalit Christians/Muslims
- Better implementation of SC/ST Sub-Plan
- Growing Ambedkarite assertion nationwide.
🗺️ STATE-WISE KEY DEVELOPMENTS
🟡 South India
Karnataka
- Rohith Vemula Bill (anti-caste discrimination in education).
Telangana
- Political clash over Dalit welfare promises (Dalit Bandhu scheme debate).
Andhra Pradesh
- Supreme Court case originates from Madiga community conversion issue.
🟢 North India
Uttar Pradesh
- Dalit woman abduction case highlights caste–gender violence.
Noida (UP)
- Massive Ambedkar Jayanti event at Dalit Prerna Sthal.
🔵 West India
Maharashtra (Nagpur)
- Deekshabhoomi sees large Buddhist–Ambedkarite gatherings.
- Rituals, speeches, and social programmes held.
🟤 East / Central India
Tribal regions (Nallamalla etc.)
- Renewed Adivasi resistance movements over land and rights.
🟣 Kerala
- Dalit–Adivasi groups:
- Criticise fund underutilisation
- Demand political representation
- Shift electoral strategy in Wayanad.
🧠 THEMES / TRENDS (2026)
- ⚖️ Legal battles → SC status & religion
- 🎓 Campus discrimination → new laws emerging
- 🚨 Caste violence persists → especially against Dalit women
- 🗳️ Political assertion rising → Dalit & Adivasi coalitions
- 🕊️ Buddhist–Ambedkarite revival → Jayanti mobilisations
🌐 ENGLISH SUMMARY
India in April 2026 shows strong Ambedkarite mobilisation alongside persistent caste inequality.
Major developments include:
- Karnataka’s anti-discrimination bill
- Supreme Court ruling on SC status after conversion
- Rising atrocities and gender violence
- Growing Dalit–Adivasi political assertion
🇮🇳 हिंदी सारांश
अप्रैल 2026 में भारत में:
- कर्नाटक ने SC/ST छात्रों के लिए रोहित वेमुला बिल लाया
- सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कहा: धर्म परिवर्तन के बाद SC दर्जा समाप्त
- दलित महिलाओं पर हिंसा जारी (UP केस)
- आंबेडकर जयंती के साथ दलित–बौद्ध आंदोलन मजबूत
👉 कुल मिलाकर: सामाजिक न्याय बनाम जमीनी भेदभाव का संघर्ष जारी है।
🇮🇳 தமிழ் சுருக்கம்
2026 ஏப்ரல் நிலவரம்:
- கர்நாடகா: SC/ST மாணவர்களுக்கு எதிரான பாகுபாட்டை தடுக்க “ரோஹித் வேமுலா சட்டம்”
- உச்சநீதிமன்றம்: மதமாற்றம் செய்தால் SC உரிமை இல்லை
- உத்தரப் பிரதேசம்: தலித் பெண் கடத்தல் சம்பவம்
- நாக்பூர்: அம்பேத்கர் ஜெயந்தி – பெரிய புத்த மத திரள்ச்சி
👉 மொத்தத்தில்:
அம்பேத்கர் இயக்கம் வலுப்பெறுகிறது, ஆனால் சாதி அடக்குமுறை இன்னும் தொடர்கிறது.
