Dalits Dancing

Training week was extremely enlightening. Not only was the setting conducive to personal, as well as spiritual growth (we were nestled by the Sahayadri mountains near Pune) but also very informative. We discussed some hard facts and had numerous guess speakers discussing topics ranging from tribal communities in India to Indian prisons. Comparisons were made between minorities in the U.S. and Dalits in India as well as the Black Panther movement and the Dalit Panther Movement. Prior to arriving in India, one of my tasks was to compile a presentation on atrocities committed against the Dalit, mainly statistics and graphs, but it wasn’t until I met the so called “untouchables” that the numbers became faces. These individuals were astonishingly intelligent (many of them holding masters and PhDs) and provided endless stimulating conversations. Their fervor for fighting for what is rightly owed to them as members of the human community is inspiring. Ensuring the basic rights of Dalits is not a burden for them, but a duty. One they accept with pride and vigor. The Indian participants were also excited that foreigners had taken an interest in their plight. Many people outside the country are not aware of the pervasiveness of untouchability in India and many upper-caste Indians, whether in the country or abroad act as if it is fictional.

Aside from conversations on Dalits and Women’s rights, we allotted time for cultural exchanges and FUN. We played charades and did the limbo and enjoyed various performances and DANCE parties. Indians are a vibrant and energetic people. This is evident through their dances and in the ways in which they express themselves; hands a-flaring, heads a-shaking, pitches rising. I look forward to learning more about Indian culture.