Banjaras protest ‘unfair’ quota policy, try to disrupt Sevalal Jayanti

Shivamogga: The district administration's celebration of Sant Sevalal Jayanti faced strong opposition on Sunday, with members of the Banjara community staging a black-flag protest alleging unfair distribution of internal reservations.Protesters claimed that the state govt's current reservation policy amounts to a "death warrant" for the community. Demonstrators attempted to lay siege to the official programme organised by the district administration and the department of Kannada and culture at Kuvempu Rangamandira.The unrest began with a protest march from the Banjara Convention Hall to the venue, where demonstrators donned black bands and shouted slogans against the govt. The situation grew tense as protesters tried to breach the venue to disrupt the event. This lead to tension as they tried to barge inside, which the police thwarted. Police personnel took several protesters into custody to prevent the situation from escalating.Expressing resentment, the community stating that the district administration should not celebrate Sevalal Jayanti while the govt continues to "betray" the Banjaras regarding reservation quotas. This incident followed a similar wave of opposition encountered by deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar during his visit to Bhaygad (Suragondanakoppa) in Davanagere's Honnali, the birthplace of Sant Sevalal, earlier on Saturday.Additional deputy commissioner Abhishek V said that Saint Sevalal dedicated his life to the betterment of society and advocated walking the path of peace. He emphasised that Sevalal taught that no one should fall prey to drinking or other social evils, noting that adopting his principles leads to a better life. He compared the devotion of Sevalal's followers—who wear ‘malas' and renounce vices, similar to Lord Ayyappa Swami devotees—to follow a path of deep faith. He also announced that talented students from the community who secure high marks will be honoured in the future.Delivering a special lecture, Ganesh T, headmaster of Melige Govt High School, traced the history of the Banjara community back to 5,000 years to the Indus Valley civilisation. He noted that Sevalal, a revolutionary reformer and visionary, was born on Feb 15, 1739, in Suragondanakoppa (Honnali taluk).The lecture also highlighted Sevalal as an animal lover and a skilled economic expert who travelled the world to organise and uplift people. The event was attended by ZP chief planning officer Hanumanayak, assistant director of Kannada and culture Umesh H, and community functionaries.