Image courtesy: Christianity Today
In the southern part of India, nestled within the archdiocese of Pondicherry, lives a 61-year-old Catholic priest who has witnessed firsthand the struggles and resilience of Dalit Christians. Born in a Dalit Christian village, his early life was deeply intertwined with the church, where prayers, activities, and mass were constants. However, just beyond the church walls lay a reality marked by sharp divisions and brutal caste discrimination.
Operation Mooknayak had the opportunity to interview him on his unique perspective as a Dalit Christian. Presenting the voice of Mr. Devasagayaraj:
A Childhood Marred by Caste Conflicts
Growing up, the priest's village was surrounded by caste Hindus, a group whose interactions with Dalit Christians were often fraught with tension and violence. "Whenever Dalits tried to disobey the caste rules—whether it was accessing buses, tea shops, or other common places—the casteist people would retaliate," the priest recalls.
Even basic needs like water were governed by caste discrimination. The priest remembers a poignant childhood incident when, while studying at his grandmother’s house, he and his friends felt thirsty. An old woman offered them water, but instead of giving it directly from a vessel, she had to pour it out from a distance, as the touch of a Dalit would have "polluted" her vessel.
Caste, Religion, and Untouchability
In the priest's experience, converting to Christianity did not free Dalits from casteism. "Any Dalit is considered a Dalit, regardless of religion," he explains. "The concept of 'pollution' applies to all Dalits, whether they are Hindu or Christian. A caste Hindu cannot marry a Dalit Christian. They are still denied access to temples and common utilities, and are excluded from village festivals."
The statistics are shocking. Christians make up just 2.3% of India's population, with Dalit Christians comprising 1.6%. Despite their small numbers, Dalit Christians face discrimination both within and outside their religious community. In Tamil Nadu, where the Dalit Christian population is close to 60%, only one of the 18 bishops is Dalit.
The Loss of Affirmative Action and Legal Protections
"Dalit Christians and Muslims do not have access to affirmative action programs and scheduled caste quotas," the priest laments. "All development programs are denied to us, and we are not protected by the Protection of Atrocities Act." This means that if a Dalit Christian is insulted by casteism, there are very few legal consequences.
Even within the Church, discrimination persists. They talk about poverty, but very rarely the caste system—where the Church is segregated between Dalit Christians and upper-caste Christians.
The Unseeables
The priest spoke about his own research that he is conducting—on the "Dhobis" (washermen), who are considered even more "polluted" than other Dalits. "There are OBC (Other Backwards Castes) dhobis who wash the clothes of the upper caste," he explains. "But Dalit dhobis are seen as even more polluted because they wash the clothes of the 'untouchables.' They are the unseeables."
Image courtesy: The Conversation
The priest echoed the words of B.R. Ambedkar, that "Until they become equal, reservation [systems] will continue."
Operation Mooknayak remains committed to amplifying the voices of Dalits like this priest, who continue to endure discrimination in the face of adversity. Their stories are a testament to the resilience and strength of a community that has long been marginalized but is determined to fight for equality.
Thank you,
Krishiv Shah -- on behalf of Operation Mooknayak and the constant fight for ending caste-based discrimination.
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