Mr. Benjamin Chinnappan is the President and Executive Director of Dalit Solidarity, one of the largest Dalit-focused organizations in the United States, based in California. Chinnappan has worked diligently to provide Dalit children with opportunities for a quality education. Dalit Solidarity has reached and benefited over 120,000 Dalit children and more than 10,000 Dalit students across 60+ villages in Southern India. Operation Mooknayak had the opportunity to interview Mr. Chinnappan.
Below are some questions from the interview transcribed:
Krishiv: Can you tell us about your childhood and how your experiences growing up in a Dalit family shaped your commitment to social justice?
Mr. Chinnappan: I grew up like most Dalit children. When you grow up, you do not know the difference. As an adult, you see the difference. I went to school in India and saw glimpses of discrimination in schools. The teachers were not fair. Dalit children did not have the opportunity; they were forced into child labor and to be breadwinners for their families in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. When I was 33 years old, it was mere luck that I had an opportunity to study. We do not have the resources like the French Revolution, but we believe in the Buddha and achieving things through non-violence.
Krishiv: Can you describe some of the key educational programs that Dalit Solidarity has implemented?
Mr. Chinnappan: We sponsor children who are involved in child labor or working in harsh conditions. By supporting these children and encouraging their parents, we established our own school in Tamil Nadu. Today, our English medium school serves 830 students from 30 villages. We ensure that no child is punished or expelled; instead, we provide transportation due to the challenging conditions they face.
Krishiv: How prevalent is caste-based discrimination in the US?
Mr. Chinnappan: Wherever Indians go, it is apparent that they carry their caste-based baggage with them. Across the US, caste-based groups persist, including Brahmins and Dalits. Even in Silicon Valley, where many IT professionals from India work, some Indian managers at large companies still practice untouchability.. Despite their education, these individuals continue to perpetuate caste-based discrimination.
Mr. Chinnappan’s responses highlight his journey from growing up like most Dalit children—impoverished and lacking access to proper resources. Education was one of the most vital factors in enabling him to transform and propel his journey from being a Dalit child to leading Dalit Solidarity, impacting over 120,000 children in similar circumstances.
Operation Mooknayak is delighted to partner with Dalit Solidarity to amplify the message of spreading awareness about Dalit discrimination and anti-casteism. For more information about Dalit Solidarity and their cause, please visit dalitsolidarity.org.
Thank you,
Krishiv Shah -- on behalf of Operation Mooknayak and the constant fight for ending caste-based discrimination.
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