“The workshop on the Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989, and Amendments in 2018 was very practical and helpful. Inputs by eminent advocates and social activists enhanced my knowledge of the provisions and remedies available when I am confronted with violence against the members of my communities. Now, I am more confident to fight for the dignity of the Dalits in my society”, said Ms. J. Mary Anthonath Geetha, a social activist from Tamil Nadu.
The two-day workshop on SC/ST PoA Act titled, ‘Fighting Caste Violence and Prejudices: Strengthening the Dignity of the Marginalised focussed on knowledge building and enhancement of skills of lawyers, social activists and academicians who are engaged in the implementation of PoA Act. The workshop also provided an opportunity to develop a platform at the South India level. If I work alone I cannot achieve much and I will soon get frustrated since the oppressive systems are deep-rooted. To be effective I need to collaborate and network with all like-minded forces.
Senior Advocate, Prof. Ravi Varma Kumar, the keynote speaker appreciated the contributions of professionals in fighting caste violence and prejudices. He motivated the participants by highlighting the contributions of Basavanna, Periyar and Narayana Guru to fight against caste discrimination and work towards building r an equal, dignified and just society for all. From his own life experiences, he said, “Be a lawyer by choice, to serve the nation and the most vulnerable communities.”
The participants reflected on how to prevent atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis, defending their Constitutional rights, de-castifying our society, and addressing caste practices in the family, workplace, etc.
A young lawyer from Madurai said, “This is a great opportunity for me to learn from others and collaborate at the South India level”. For many participants, the workshop was an eye-opener to understanding newer forms of untouchability practices existing in our society. Adv. Hariram created awareness about caste discrimination that is taking newer forms. Discriminations at the workplace, the appointment of judges, blocking of essentials supply are a few to be named. He emphasised that building political conscience will help the Dalits and Adivasis to affirm and assert their rights.
How to deal with police while handling the atrocity cases was emphasised by Adv. Fr Santhanam SJ, Director of Legal Action and Advocacy Services. Any atrocity against individuals must be treated as an atrocity committed against the community. Adv. Maitreyi, All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ) shared her experiences of fighting for the rights of manual scavenging communities in Bengaluru. Adv. Manoranjini, Women’s Voice, expressed her views from her life from a victim’s perspective said that it is hard to bring justice to the victims because of the unjust structures in society. The participants were much inspired by the sharing of her life experiences. Adv. Aravind Narrain, President PUCL-Karnataka & founder of ALF spoke on caste atrocities from the constitutional perspective. He said, as it is written in the preamble, our constitution guarantees the dignity of every individual. Finally, Mr. N. Paul Divakar, General Secretary, Global Advocacy and Networks, National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights motivated the participants on the effective use of National Helpline 14566, as atrocities against the Dalits go unnoticed and unpunished. He asked the participants to file every complaint through the helpline so that government becomes accountable for ensuring social injustice.
Indian Social Institute, Bangalore (ISIB), in collaboration with Alternative Law Forum (ALF), All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ), People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Karnataka (PUCL-K), Women’s Voice, National Federation of Dalit Women (NFDW), and National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) organised the workshop on 7 and 8 of January 2023 to about 50 lawyers, social activists and academicians of South India.
Francis Balaraj SJ