Dalits in India A WorldShare presentation

India is the world’s largest democracy and has a population of Billion people and there are 6 main religions in India; Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism

In India people are sorted by the Caste system, based on the Brahaminical texts, into four categories, the rest are seen as untouchables and sub human.

The Dalit people Are seen as worthless Are forced into servitude and degrading jobs It is harder for Dalit children to get an education.

Dalit’s cannot wear shoes around higher castes Cannot own large pieces of land Can’t ride bikes in higher caste areas Have to use different cutlery for fear of contamination and have to collect water from different taps (often many miles away) Cannot worship in same places as other castes. Have to be buried separately from other castes Can’t speak out about abuse that happens to them. Often live as slaves Often denied health care How Dalits are treated

Dalit Abuse Dalits suffer horrendous abuse including and not limited to; Physical Abuse Segregation Denied rights Lynching Murder Rape and other sexual abuse Slavery Lack of access to healthcare, education and legal help Ridicule and verbal persecution

Anti discrimination laws Two laws created from the Indian constitution to deal with anti discrimination and anti caste behaviour. The Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955/1976 – gave all citizens equal rights (regardless of gender, race or caste) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, (offered protection and reservations – which are good

Dalit Christians There are approximately 24 million Christians in India, 19 million of those are Dalits, however the majority of clergy and those in positions of power are the higher castes. This means the caste system exists in Christianity. Caste systems in Christianity started in the late 15 th /early 16 th century and the ill treatment still exists today.

Why it sucks to be a Dalit Christian. Isn’t included in the scheduled castes reservations for educational and employment help Often abused for being a Christian Most likely to be taken advantage of in society.

The Dalit Liberation Movement and the Supreme court. The Dalit Liberation Movement was started in 1985 to help Dalits get their rights and have the anti discrimination laws enforced. There has been an ongoing court battle with the Supreme court to make sure that Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims are added into the schedule castes act and allowed to compete for the reservations in government schools and jobs.

What people are doing to help There are many organisations and groups working to help the Dalits, in the UK and Abroad, who want to break down caste walls and build a better society where equality and liberty exists. WorldShare works with some of these is partnered with one group called Bible Faith Mission, encouraging Dalit’s to achieve their dreams.

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