Students efforts to bring together two communities at programme fail

Chennai: Adukamparai Kattu padi, a sleepy village just 10 km from Vellore, is deep-rooted in casteism. A concerted effort by students of Madras Christian College to bring together 'upper caste’ Christians and Dalit Hindus at a cultural programme failed.

Dejected students conducted two separate festivals for upper caste Christians and Dalit Hindus at their settlements in the village. A pinch of discrimination could be witnessed at the start of the village where a road divides into two separate settlements for  Christians and Hindus.

Migrated from Andhra border over five decades ago, the Telugu Christians owned most lands excluding Ambedkar Nagar – a colony for Dalit Hindus. Lourd Samy, a former Naatamai of the village said, “Majority of them are Reddys – a upper Telugu caste, who embraced Christianity decades ago. The Dalit Hindus who were initially working in our houses are now beneficiaries of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee act (MGNREGA).”

While Lourd Samy denied discrimination, Dalit Hindus remained silent to the question, while some felt low and uncomfortable to answer. Basic amenities including roads and power facilities do not vary as much as their mindsets do – as both localities have decent roads, well-built houses and adequate water facilities.

Explaining the discrimination, V. Gayathri, 1st year student of MSW (HRM) said they were not told about the existence of the Dalit colony. “We had conducted a street play against female infanticide and women empowerment at the upper caste settlement. The Dalit kids excitement to watch it was snubbed by their parents. They had to hide behind the dustbins to watch the programme.”

The message about the cultural competitions organised by the student community was not intimated to Hindus, said students. The Hindu community people had confirmed with DC they are not included in social activities.

 “There is no hatred between the communities. But the lower community people are ignored during fests and meets. It is a mind block which requires awareness for a change,” said Alban Nishanth, Assistant Professor, department  of social work (HRM).