Mangalore: The Dalit Sanghursh Samithi of DK (Ambedkar group) held a protest today (Monday) at DCO gates and presented a memorandum to the authorities concerned, so as to forward it to the state Governor through DC.
The DSS members put forward 2 demands for fulfillment: One, the Ambedkar statue near Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore should remain where it is and Two, the age-old practice of some innocent devotees rolling over remnants left after meals eaten by other devotees on plantain leaves during festival in Kukke Subrahmanys temple by highcaste persons, should be discontinued.
Addressing the strong protest rally at DCO premises in SBI circle, L. Chandu, Co-ordinator of the rally, stated that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar fought for the liberation and rights of the poor and downtrodden (Dalit) people of his times, all his life in Parliament and outside, even against Nehru government which he served as Law Minister. He up held human values and brotherhood.
Dr. Ambedkar brought light to lakhs of those who lived in darkness all their lives. He led them to Buddhism and altered their outdated religious beliefs in God and against unjust practices in Hindu temples.
Such a great leader’s statue erected opposite Vidhana Soudha, is being removed by the govt, to make way for Metro Railway in Bangalore. The track thus laid by Metro authorities could end in danger to the age-old buildings like High Court in the locality. The statue represents the valour and pride of lakhs of weaker sections like Dalits in the capital city. The statue should not be disturbed, the speakers stated. They criticised the BJP rule also.
Several speakers echoed the sentiments on Dr. Ambedkar and reacted against the practice of ‘Madesnana’ or Uruluseve seen in Subrahmanya temple where innocent persons roll over leafs left by Brahmin devotees after their meals. They said such a bad and superstitious practice involving Dalits should be discontinued forthwith.
K. Rohitaksha, state organizing secretary of DSS and S.P. Ananda (District organiser), as also Sesappa Nekkilu, M. Devu, R. Sanjiva and K. Nagesh among others were present at the rally.