Young Dalits: Their woes and their cry for freedom

With the glimmer of the morning sunshine, the hustle and bustle of people in the small Malla Baazar and the screaming of street and shop vendors is indeed a treat for someone new to the lifestyle of the hills. In the crowd of people exchanging greetings and in the mist of people sipping their morning cup of tea taking about the events and incidents that may have occurred in the hour; a distinct sound of sewing machines is quiet audible to one's ears.

The Dalit's community branded untouchables by the Nepalese society mark a major chunk of population in Dadeldhura. Following the old tradition of tailoring the upper lane of Khalanga has been the home for many Dalits for many years. Without cries of domination and inaccessibility of new opportunity the Dalit community unlike others have to face many social hurdles which in times have proved as hindrance in their own development.

But with the political and social transformation in the country and with the documented law passed relieving the country of any form of discrimination and with a positive note that the new constitution will ensure equal participation of all regardless to any class or religion positive changes have been witnessed in the field of Dalits empowerment; Speaking in the periphery of Life, Opportunities and Hurdles the Dalit community need to face ten Dalit youth gathered for an interaction where various aspect of the society, Radio listening and the question of identity was discussed.

A heated discussion between the participants regarding the English premium league championship inside the 2 storied Mud house of Mrs. Basudevi Jairu really gave me a shock as I had not expected a crowd of young people who were perfectly well aware of the updates of the modern world.

With a brief introduction with the participants I inquired whether they were familiar with 'Saathi Sanga Man Ka Kura' the participants expressed their knowledge of the program and were also well aware of life skills that we imparted in the program "We do listen to Saathi Sanga Man Ka Kura regularly through local FM stations but the channel is not very clear that's why we do have difficulties listening to the show" quotes Roshni Jairu, a student.

Neera Pariyar who also heads the 'Dalit Organisation' in Dadeldhura expresses her views on radio listening " I do agree with them when they say that Television is our top most priority when it comes to getting information and news but I personally feel that show's like SSMK are very important and need to be broadcasted in various local FM stations in time that is appropriate to all because I have heard SSMK talking about discrimination, HIV/ AIDS and other social issues that we can easily relate to and these information not only empower us but also has helped us in changing our behaviour'.

Discrimination, HIV/AIDS, poverty and lack of opportunity are considered top most issues of youths in the Dalit community as the participant's debate on these issues relating their personal accounts powerful linkages of these issues with each other can be established.

Geeta Jairu a participant who is also the member of the local 'Aama Samahu' shares an incident she had to face " I along with my family members were invited to a wedding party of a local resident; as we were about to leave after the reception the person who had invited us called me and told me that the utensils in which me and my daughters had had food were kept aside in the 'Doko' (Hand Woven basket ) As he told me I had to clean it before I left. I was left aghast but I couldn't protest simply because I was a Dalit and people entitled us with such sort of ill-behaviour".

As the discussion was followed by a heated debate on discrimination Neera Jairu pointed out that the NGO's also played a role in paving way for more discrimination when asked how?? Neera Jairu reason's ' A year back a noted organisation organised a HIV information and test program only for the Dalit community in Jogbuda village (A village where several HIV cases has been cited). The organization may have thought about the best interest of our community but the local's misunderstood the whole thing. Rumour had it that Dalits were the only people prone to HIV/AIDS; that was indeed misleading. Today I review the entire incident as I feel it was indirect discrimination'.

"Women are more vulnerable in case of discrimination " Neera Jairu adds " I know a incident where in Acham a marriage of a girl was cancelled because her mother was HIV infected; Women fear to visit VCT centres in behest of the misconception that exists in the society, the hypocrites in the society have also named HIV as 'Dume' (A degrading term for the Dalits)".

Tales of discrimination on the basis on caste is in manifold, people might be educated but their behaviour and attitude seems to be the same as Kiran Jairu shares "I was walking down the lane with a school teacher as we talked about the activities that we conducted in the club I was associated with. Later as we stopped to have tea he inquired about my family as I told him that my father was a tailor his behaviour towards me immediately changed as he took another seat and waited for his tea; I felt bad and asked the teacher why he had done so when he promptly replied that I was a Dalit and tradition and his status in the society did not allow him to mingle with him".

Discrimination is seen not only in one's attitude but the youths in the Dalit community also face discrimination in areas of seeking opportunities; Laxmi Sinal says " Many organisation state that they have special seats for the Dalits and the indigenous community but when apply for these job's we are rejected citing that we don't have experience, computer training or sometimes we are rejected without proper justification this makes us really frustrated."

Shifting our discussions form the social aspect we started talking about Politics it really surprised me seeing the level of political consciousness the youths had, Dadeldhura has nominated 3 members in the Constituent assembly but the youths feel they have done little for their community.

Rajesh war Jairu strongly puts in his thoughts "I feel we are used again and again when political parties need us they talk about our rights and assure us that we will be treated equally but when their motive is accomplished everything is forgotten, if this discrimination goes on then we will have no option than to call a strike or in the worst condition take up arms"

As the youths nodded at Rajesh's strong statement I asked whether this was the only alternative Neera Jairu adds "Yes it maybe if the discrimination and neglect goes on like this; Youths today are vocal and youths in the Dalit community are really empowered if our potentiality is neglected then there can be no option because this is the war of identity".

Amist anger and fury over the ill-treatment the Dalits have to face the youths do believe that things will change; Each of the youth present are linked to various organisation working for Dalit empowerment as they share that in order to bridge differences they have organised the staging of various street dramas and have also held a few tea receptions; It's good to see that they share the same opinion when one says you need to speak about your right.

(Special thanks to Mrs. Basu Devi Jairu (Pariyar) who was very kind to allow us inside her beautiful home.)