Voice of Dalits no longer rejected: N Mahesh

MYSURU: Political, religious and economic reasons continue to confine

Dalits

to the margins even today, lamented Karnataka minister for primary education and BSP leader

N Mahesh

here on Friday. “However, the society has changed over the years, and the voice of Dalits is no longer opposed or rejected as was the case earlier,” said Mahesh, who participated in a ceremony to felicitate Kannada writer

Aravind Malagatti

.

Globalisation had resulted in Dalit ideas, and their philosophy gaining greater acceptance. “But, as Dr BR Ambedkar said, Dalits continue to be considered ‘Untouchables’ as they were in the Colonial era. But, they are highly talented and have great potential. But, they remain confined to one part of a village or a city,” Mahesh said.

Exhorting Dalits to utilise their talent, and capitalise on their opportunities, Mahesh added, “Using their talent, Dalits will be able to get out of their Ghettos, and make a mark in cities and villages.”

Writer CP Krishnakumar, who also participated in the ceremony, lauded Malagatti and singled out the latter’s work in folklore for praise. “Besides making a name for himself as a writer, he is a highly talented and creative reviewer. I reviewed his first literary work ‘Mookanige Baayi Bandaaga’, and had marked him out for greatness, and I am very happy to see what he has achieved,” Krishnakumar said.

His multifarious talent makes Malagatti qualified to work in various capacities, said Krishnakumar.

On the recent controversy surrounding Malagatti’s suspension from the University of Mysore (UoM) allegedly for voicing support to the Congress in the assembly elections, UoM registrar Prof. R Rajanna said, “Despite having worked tirelessly for the welfare of the society, he drew flak for his statements at a function organised by a political party. He was merely talking about the political atmosphere in the state. He was suspended on the grounds that he supported a political party. We subsequently approached the UoM syndicate, and managed to get it revoked.”