No solace for Dalits, even in Kerala

The preamble of our Constitution states that the people are the sovereign. This preamble, often considered the identity card of the Constitution, talks about the principles of freedom, justice, equality and fraternity. It calls for justice in the political, social and economic spheres, and freedom to believe, think and express opinions, that there should be equality of opportunity for everyone and that the dignity of the individual should be protected. Ambedkar had once put forward his thoughts saying that democracy attains meaning only when these constitutional values ​​and governance are in harmony.

However, the persecution faced by Dalits in various parts of the country is proving to be a disillusionment to the great leader’s ideas. We have witnessed monstrosity before when Dalits were burned alive in certain parts of North India for reasons trivial enough to put a child to shame. These persecutions and targeting seeped through the Hindi heartland but hitherto couldn’t break into the bulwark of harmonious existence in Kerala. This land, ploughed by social renaissance leaders including Sree Narayana Gurudevan, is a cradle of equality and freedom. However, it seems like alarm bells are ringing finally. Casteist thoughts and discrimination are slowly taking centre stage in the state.

Even eminent personalities are being abused based on caste, colour, and social backwardness. Even the current chief secretary was not spared when she was humiliated based on her skin tone. In a segue, a purification ritual was held in the Kerala secretariat the other day when a staff, coming from a lower caste, was transferred from the office.

The persecution and online abuse faced by rapper Hiran Das Murali, known by his moniker Vedan is another such case. The strong protest from right-wing extremists against the inclusion of Vedan’s song in the Calicut University syllabus speaks volumes about the ruptured harmonious existence in the state.

Our correspondent Biniya Babu’s forthright reports in the last few days brought out the denial of benefits to people solely based on their Dalit identity. Although untouchability and intolerance are seldom seen in the facade, casteism, and discrimination still carry commendable weight in society. Such vile thoughts garnering acceptance can put the harmonious existence at stake.