Setbacks to dalit movements worry writer

Chikkaballapur, April 20, DHNS :

Dalit movements have suffered setbacks in the last few years, due to people who have lost the spirit to raise their voice against injustice, lamented writer Shivasundar.

Delivering a lecture at a programme organised to mark the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar at the Government First Grade College in the city on Wednesday. “This has adversely affected the efforts that champion the cause of dalits’ welfare,” he added. Constitution expert B R Ambedkar wanted a society of equality. But as years passed, nothing came as he expected. “The haves became more rich while the plight of have-nots remained unchanged,” he added. “There was a time when people would protest even when a hotel hiked the price on its menu. But today, corruption is so widespread that nothing affects people, even the price rise,” he observed. He further said that Ambedkar does not belong to dalit community alone, instead, he fought for equality and justice for everybody. People must inculcate values from Ambedkar to realise the society, he dreamt, he said. College principal Prof b V Krishnappa, dalit leaders K C Rajakanth and others were present.