The performance of drummers – painted jet black with only a black cloth at their waists – at Alva’s Nudisiri recently saw differing opinions of criticism and support during the monthly Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes meeting here on Sunday.
Jagadish Pandeshwar from the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti demanded the police take action against Alva’s Educational Institution for what he termed as their “offensive” portrayal of Koragas, a Scheduled Tribe.
At the inaugural of Alva’s Nudisiri held in Moodbidri on November 14, more 13 persons said to belong to the Koraga community sang and danced in the procession covered in black paint.
This was seen by a few Dalit activists as being a “derogatory way of depicting lower castes”. “This is not the first time there has been a complaint against the Alva’s. In 2010, Koraga drummers were not allowed to play on stage, but the case was dropped,” he said.
Support for Alva’sWhile a few other activists demanded action against the Alva’s, numerous other activists – including those from the Koraga community – came to the support of the education institute.
“Wearing black paint has never been the guise of the Koragas. This is a performance by another community, and by referring to them as Koragas, it is the Dalit organisations who have insulted us,” said Vishwanath, a Koraga leader from Yedapadavu.
Similarly, other activists reminded the gathered that the Alva’s had offered free education to children belonging to the tribal community.
Mangalore City Police Commissioner R. Hitendra said the case was being investigated and all views and opinions would be taken.
Action against officialActivist M.M. Naik requested the Police Commissioner to book a Revenue Department official under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, for delaying issuing of a caste certificate to an applicant for more than 50 days.
Mr. Naik said the slapping of the Atrocities Act would “set an example” to other officials who demanded bribes or show dereliction of duty.
