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With a lot of systematic preparation going ahead, the Global
Action Day was a meaningful and rewarding one in Karnataka. For
the first time in recent times, movement leaders, academics,
politicians and NGO people came together with such a unity of
purpose. The preparation took place in two phases.
"the Global Action Day was a meaningful and
rewarding one in Karnataka. For the first time in recent times
movement leaders, academics, politicians and NGO people came
together with such a unity of purpose."
Jyothi Raj
The Global Action Day took place in the following
Districts of Karnataka:
Bangalore Urban and Rural Districts
They combined their efforts and organised the event in the
State Capital. More than one thousand people gathered in front of
the Gandhi Statue. Mr. L.C. Jain, former Ambassador to South
Africa, addressed the gathering in the public meeting along with
other State Level Dalit Leaders. After the public meeting a
delegation comprising of Ruth Manorama and Dalit Leaders from
different movements met the Governor and submitted a Memorandum.
The event was well covered by National and State Papers.
Tumkur District
"the Dalit Jagruthi Samithi decided to inaugurate
a two-month event against Untouchability in Tumkur"
In Tumkur it was a big event. More than 2000 Dalits
participated in the Public Meeting and later in a big procession.
The Public Meeting was addressed by Mr. T.N. Narasimhamurthy (the
Chairman of the Finance Commission of Karnataka), Jyothi and M.C.
Raj. This was followed by a massive procession to the Deputy
Commissioner’s Office (the District Collector). The
procession was in the main streets of Tumkur Town. He came to the
gathering to receive the Memorandum to the Prime Minister and the
President of India. The event was well covered by TV and
newspapers.
It was also significant that the Dalit Jagruthi Samithi
decided to inaugurate a two-month event against Untouchability in
the same venue. The DJS is supported by REDS. There were wall
posters all over the city. It was DJS that mobilised the large
gathering of the Dalits.
Kolar District
In Kolar District more than one thousand people gathered from
different Taluks at the District Headquarters. There was a big
procession and a public meeting addressed by leaders from
movements and organisations. It was significant that the DSS took
an active part in organizing this event and Ahinda was in the
leadership. A Memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner
to be forwarded to the Prime Minister and the President of India.
Local media gave a good publicity to the event. The ETV featured
a special interview on the issue.
Dharwad District
Despite heavy rains a few hundred people gathered in Dharwad,
took out a procession and submitted a Memorandum to the Deputy
Commissioner. The City of Dharwad had wall writing on Caste and
Race.
Posted on 2001-07-18
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