Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pondicherry (Agenzia Fides) – The violence and discrimination against the “dalit,” or “untouchables,” of the caste system that still dominates Indian society (although it has been formally abolished) are intense and intolerable. This was what Sister Josephine Gertrude of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary, who lives in the community in Udumalpet (Tami Nadu) in southern India, said.
The Sisters are dedicated to the economic development, human promotion, and instruction of the dalit, those marginalized from society and those that are outside the boundaries of any social service or system, beginning with schooling. The dalit of the area, the Sisters told Agenzia Fides, are mainly agricultural laborers.
The community of some 80 dalit families of the area live in conditions of real marginalization. They have no access to certain businesses and services, public places and institutions, places of worship, etc. “This is occurring in spite of the fact that India has specific laws that affirm equal opportunity for dalit,” said Sr. Josephine. The dalit community has also been a victim to threats and attacks. Not long ago, over 200 men entered the neighborhood of the dalit families, armed with clubs and knives, wounding the men, women, and children indiscriminately.
According to the religious, these serious human rights violations have gone on without any legal consequences, which fosters a climate of hostility and the desires of those who wish to maintain social discrimination, in spite of the reports made to police.
“The evident violations of human rights hinder true brotherhood,” the religious sisters said, highlighting the importance of the dignity of every human being. “Without equal opportunity, in education and employment, how will the dalit be integrated into society? How can these obvious discriminations and prejudices be tolerated?” they asked, making an appeal to the civil institutions and NGOs.
The Franciscan Sisters, like many other Catholic communities, will continue their service of social promotion for the dalit and their fight for justice and equality for all of India’s citizens. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 23/7/2008)
