M A I L B A G

The flip side of Indian society

Reports like the one under the caption “Dalit girl barred from going to college” (Dec 2) reveal the ugly (true) face of Indian society, which is otherwise famous for fraternity, love, reciprocation etc. Though we have got freedom from the foreign yolk, we are still captive of evils like caste discrimination.

Dalits are essential components of our composite society. However, they are still deprived of fundamental rights like the right to education. Democracy implies equality to all. But the so-called swarn society is governed by barbaric, uncivilised and age-old jungle rules like the might is right.

The concept of national development will be a dream without the empowerment of the underprivileged Dalits. There are numerous students who are docile and vulnerable to such tyrannical discrimination and deprivation. The state governments, specially the police department, have failed to provide security to the needy and striving Dalits. This has led to obnoxious incidents like the one in Gohana.

SONU LOHAT,
Lecturer in English, Ch. Devi Lal University, Sirsa

II

Untouchability continues in the country even after 58 years of Independence. Even though all human beings are equal before the law, they are unequal before community rules. Laws have been amended to abolish all types of inequality, but we have not been able to change the mindsets of the people.

Mamata’s is not an isolated incident. There are so many examples of this kind in the countryside. Had it not been to the daring efforts of this girl, this incident would not have come to light. Mamata deserves all help and cooperation to pursue her studies and become an asset to the country. Meanwhile, serious action should be taken against the village panchayat for its deplorable stand against the girl.

VIJAY DHIMAN,
Katholi (Kangra)

III

There is no end to gender discrimination. Education is considered an effective instrument to ensure gender parity. However, gender inequality continues everywhere with impunity. Why speak of discrimination in the villages? I have seen highly educated people in the cities are also prisoners of the Apna dhan-paraya dhan syndrome.

It is this mindset that results in discriminatory practices against a girl. Even in the families where daughters are given equal opportunities and facilities, the fact is that sons share a special bond with the parents. Sadly, the humanity meekly surrenders to anachronistic social norms.

AKHILESH,
Birampur (Hoshiarpur) 

IV

Whoever had read this report would hang his her head in shame. A Dalit girl of Nrusinghpur village near Bhubaneswar in Orissa, Mamata Nayak, aspires to continue her studies after passing Matriculation in the college, situated 7 km away from her village. Her parents arranged a bicycle for her to study in the college. But the village panchayat directed her to stop riding the bicycle or face dire consequences.

It is the sacred duty of every citizen of “free” India to raise his/her voice against such foolish directives of an age-old polluted society. The masters of democracy should awake to snub such happenings. Three cheers to Mamata!

NACHATTAR SINGH, 
Ludhiana