Who Are The Dalit People
 The Dalit people of India have been the most widely oppressed caste for more than three thousand years. Indian Dalit's comprise nearly 1/4 of the total population, a massive 250 million men, women, and children. Dalit's are considered the "outcasts" of Indian society - the "untouchables", those the Hindu scriptures call the "unborn" - translated: it would be better if they had never been born.
Dalit's are denied access to public wells, public parks, basic medical services, and education. Many places even have clay cups for drinking reserved only for Dalit's. The clay cups are broken and thrown away after they are used. The ruling caste tells them they are Hindu, yet they are denied access to the temples, cannot become temple priests, and are even prohibited from reading the Hindu scriptures.  Seventy percent of Dalit's live below the poverty line. Only 10% of Dalit women can read and write, and are often sold into bonded prostitution.
The caste system is an integral part of Indian society dating back to the time of the Aryan invaders to India. The Hindu religion sanctioned the caste system. Dalit's across the nation, however, have experienced an awakening and are seeking ways to educate their children as keys to finding liberation. On November 4, 2001, the Dalit community gathered in New Delhi to break free from the Hindu caste system. On that day, an international network committed to helping the oppressed Dalit's of India was formed. |
