Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Fear of democracy

This refers to the article "The fear of democracy of the privileged" (Dec. 8). The violence in Maharashtra over the desecration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's statue in Kanpur proves that suppression leads to rebellion. Dalits, who have been struggling for self-respect for decades, are emotionally attached to Dr. Ambedkar and see him more as a messiah than just a political leader. Almost six decades after untouchability was constitutionally abolished, it continues to be a social disgrace. Dr. Ambedkar felt that education and unity among Dalits would enable them to reverse caste prejudices. But education has only led to the emergence of a Dalit elite that has gradually distanced itself from active Dalit politics. Society should realise that Dalits are discriminated against and work towards their emancipation.

T. Marx,
Karaikal

The article reminded me of what a company executive told me while travelling to Mumbai on December 6 a few years ago. He contemptuously remarked that those who visited Chaityabhoomi to pay their respects spoilt the whole environment. When millions congregate in kumbha melas, in places less equipped to handle huge crowds, no one complains about the damage caused to the environment. On the other hand, people throng the place to get the blessings of godmen. When it comes to caste prejudice, from the higher-caste tsunami-affected fisherfolk of Nagapattinam who refused to share food and shelter with Dalits to the senior executive who travelled with me, they are all the same.

P. Saravanan,
Coimbatore

It is true that the media have projected Dr. Ambedkar as a Dalit leader and no more. Dalits too have not broken their shell and have failed to forge unity with other progressive sections in their fight for dignity. The privileged sections fear the upsurge of Dalits, a fact that has been reinforced every now and then. Society should understand that Dalits are both economically and socially marginalised and Dalits should appreciate the need for a broad and sustained struggle involving other progressive forces.

P. Venkatesh,
Salem

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

A glass half-empty
The quality of India's higher education
Neocons finish what the Vietcong started
India has little reason to cheer
Democracy loses another battle in Fiji
Corrections and Clarifications
Fear of democracy
Welcome ruling
Repeal the Act
Next Rashtrapati

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu