Tamilnadu state level consulataion meeting inviataion on Arunthathiyar children issue

Greetings from Arunthathiyer human rights forum (AHRF)

AHRF is state level collective with small Arunthathiyar headed CBOS for collective action .AHRF done four study on
I. A study to understand the working conditions and context of Arunthatiyar bonded child labourers in Sathyamangalam Block, Erode district-Tamil Nadu
...II. A study to understand the occupational impact on the children of manual scavengers from the Arunthatiyar community in Coimbatore, Erode, Ramanathapuram and Salem Districts-Tamil Nadu
III. A Study to understand the situation of Arunthatiyar girls employed under the Sumangali Thittam Scheme in Coimbatore, Dindigul, Erode, Tirupur, and Viruthunagar Districts-Tamil Nadu
IV. A study exploring the discrimination and caste based violence aimed at Arunthatiyar children in schools in Coimbatore, Erode, Ramanathapuram, Shivagangai and Tuticorin districts-Tamil Nadu
Based on this study we are going to conduct the state level consultation on Status of Arunthatiyar children in Tamil Nadu at Chennai Egmore ,on 30th August ,ICSA centre .
Therefore we will invite to you for this consultation.

Contact number : 9842090035
Thanking you

With regards

R.Karuppusamy
Convenar
AHRF

(Dalit) Arunthathiyar cultural night -Photo link

Dear Sir

Greetings from Arunthathiyar human rights forum (AHRF) !!!

Thank you for your support and solidarity

AHRF is state level collective with small Arunthathiyar headed CBOS for collective action .

Recently AHRF conducted 3rd state level cultural night at Tamilnadu ,Ramweshwaram ,

Our Arunthathiyar movement leaders,Dalit leaders, left leaders ,Cultural teams ,specially Arunthathiyar traditional teams,
They participated .It is a historical event for Arunthathiyar community .Through Art form we mobilise the our Arunthathiyar community ,We demand our rights .

I am given below the cultural night some of photos

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23352&id=100000292101514&saved

Thanking you

With regards

R.Karuppusamy
Convenor

Arunthathiyar cultural night Rameshwaram

Manuela scavenger’s community (Bhangi) Protest in front of Municipality office at Savanur with forming man Extract on their Head, and explored their D

SAVANUR, HAVERI, DISTRICT-KARNATAKA

Manuela scavenger’s community (Bhangi) Protest in front of Municipality office at Savanur with forming man Extract on their Head, and explored their Denial of Human Rights from Government officers and politicians.

Savanur:

Dalit Human Rights Organizations federation (DHRO) Karnataka and Jana arogy ahandolana (JAAK) Karnataka, Savanur Manual scavengers Incident Fact finding team was visited to savanur on 29^th July 2010, Team Members are Mr.K.B.Obalesh,DHRO/JAAK, Mr. S.Baligar, VRDS, Ranibennur, Mr.Karibasappa, JAAK, Mr. Chandrasekhar, Dalit foundation, New Deli, Mr. Manjunath, Davanagere, Mr. Laksman, Jathi vinash vedike Bangalore were visited on 29^th july 2010,and mobilized the facts,

With this the team Distributed 2 quintal of Rice for Temporary Rehabilitation.

Savnur is a small town thalluka head quarter of Haveri District,Karnataka,around 20KM distance from Haveri, in savanur town there is 14 scheduled cast, (sc, Bhangi) community families are living last from 75 years in kamala bandigi area, near Municipality and Talluka social welfare office, in small Tin sheets tents, Bhangi community main occupation is manual scavenging, cleaning toilets and drainages, and also cleaning of various Governments offices, o officers and staffs Houses toilets, (34 years back Manual scavenging system was eradicate by Governments)present Bhangi families are Migrated from Andrapradesh, Anathapur District, Dharmavaram long back,

6 families of old aged peoples were died with the effect of manual scavenging work in the age of 45-50 years, (10 to 12 years Back) after this fathers and forefathers now present families are containing this occupation,

present the 14 families are living in Kamala bandage area this houses places was contributed from Navab’s, Navab is a king of that local area during Nijam kingdoms, Because of the community was Involving in Manual scavenging work unfortunately 14 families of bhangi have no any documents, but their are living in this place from more then 70 years, present 14 families both men an women’s and children’s, all the men and women’s are youths, Total 15 children’s are there all the children’s 0-16 years old, 02 boys are school drop out, helping there fathers in Manuel scavenging work(Yesu, venkatesh)

There living condition is very bad, there is no toilets, drainage, Water, food security, as well as no any basic amenities, since 70 years . very recently municipality provide one water tap.

Regarding this many times the Bhangi community peoples was given request, memorandums to related officers, but all the officers neglect their applications.

Very recently local municipality and local politician were planned to Demolition the bhangi houses and build a new shopping complex under savanur municipality grants, from that day local Muslim ward members and officials are planned to give torturer for bhangi community women’s and youths, first step is Removing water tap, and open chicken stalls in front of bhangis houses, start throwing Dirty things to bhangi houses, many times bhangis are questioned , and complained to municipality but related officers not taken any action the officers are Involved with local politician, when the manual scavengers questioning by the time started to give torturing and warning , shouting with bad words, and Insulting women’s, and like many type of violence’s,

In the month of January Bhangi community peoples were Given complaints to Divisional Commissioner regarding houses , on 27^th of January the Divisional commissioner was considered their Demand was justices so that he as recomandaded to Haveri District commissioner to take appropriate action,

But DC was not taken any action. From this year many times appealed to municipality and divisional commissioner, finally on 19^th of July Bhangi s are given written application that they are going to start protest in front of Municipality by the time the chief officer shouted and insulted ordered to vacate Immediately from the present place he never shows the alternative place, then the bhangi are start thinking for alternative ways did not find any thing finally start protest in front of

Savaur Municipality office by faring Man extract on their Head and body,

With this Incident Bhangi families are suffered mentally and physically very bad, insulted in publicly children’s and women’s are feels very shames this the Incidents were happen because of

Related officials and local Muslim ward Members torture

Now because of this Incident focused in Media in high level all savanur citizens and officials, ward Members are aware stop torture, at the same time their work stopped no one will not giving work bhangi community families know only work that cleaning man holes, toilets removing man extract,

They do not know any other work, now childrens, old age peoples and women’s are searching for daily food,

Fact Finding Team observations:

1. From more then 70 years Bhangis Families are engaged in manual scavenging work

2. Social welfare office is very near to Bhangi houses never observed these families (34 years back Got was eradicated this occupation, social welfare deportment have responsibility to take care of scheduled cast community as well as Bhangi families)

3. The local Government offices and all offices staffs and officers including police station are utilized to bhangi community for manhole cleaning and manual scavenging work.

4. last from 70 years this community do not have any type of social security, and minimum basic amenities (PDS Card, voter ID, Job, health facilities, water, drainage systems, and houses)
5. In Haveri district many places the Bhangi families are engaged in Manual scavenging work but District administration never observed and not taken any action, so for motivating to

6. Savanur Municipality was not provided any basic amenities for bhangi families why?

7. In these Incident Many local non Dalit politicians, non Dalits, Got officers are involved to vacate this place from untouchable families.

8. Savanur Municipality, social welfare department, police dept, District commissioner was violated prevention Atrocity on sc/st act 1989,and Abolition of Manual scavenging act, very clearly

9. 2 children are drop out and supporting their parents in manual scavenging work, so Education department and related departments are violated child Rights

10. The district administration ignored in providing Basic fundamental rights like PDS,CARD,Voter ID, health facilities, water, sanitation, drainage , houses,

11. DC was ignored and violated Regional commissioners order dated 27/1/2010,sl.no R.COM.BELGUM,SC-ST/VU-7/09-10,

12. More then 6 Bhangi families are died in the age of 45-50years.

Recommendations:

• Immediately take action and stop manual scavenging system in various part of Karnataka state.

• Register criminal case under prevention of sc/st atrocity act1989, on related Got officers, (Municipality, social welfare, police, Haveri DC, Elected representatives, Muslim ward members, and chicken stall owners, and others)

• Provide immediately proper houses for 14 Bhangi families at same place, do not Displace 14 families at any cost.

• Provide alternative Income generation activities for Bhangi families, at any cost do not allow them to manual scavenging work,

• So for Government was promised such development programmers with out fail sanction all the programmers in regular time frame,

• Social welfare department should take monitoring role and Implement the Livelihoods for Bhnagi families.
• All Bhangi families’ children admit in Reputed Residential schools, like (Navoday, Murargidesai, and Kendriya vidyalaya) and ensure their Higher education.

• Immediately provide all Basic Amenities like Voter ID, Ration card, Water and Sanitation systems, Medical checkup, and treatments,

• Provide each family 2 Acer of Land for their sustainable Development.

• Immediately provide High level Medical treatment for Mr. Krishnappa and other who require treatment,

Reported By K.B.Obalesha

To save their humble homes, protesting Dalits smear themselves with human excreta Protesting Dalits smear themselves with human excreta Savanur (Haver

To save their humble homes, protesting Dalits smear themselves with human excreta

Protesting Dalits smear themselves with human excreta

Savanur (Haveri dist), July 20, DHNS

What can be said of a system that forces a community to inflict upon themselves the lowest form of humiliation, just so they are allowed to live in their own homes?

A basic right, taken for granted with no second thoughts for many, is a struggle for the Bhangi community in Savanur. The community members went as far as pouring human excreta over themselves, so that their voices are heard and as a sign of protest against those trying to evict them from their homes. Reason For the past 70 years, four families of the Bhangi community, who work as night soil workers, have been living in huts built on land belonging to the Savanur Town Municipal Council (TMC). At a meeting some time ago, the TMC decided to evict the families and build a commercial complex in its place. Ever since, the TMC has employed various devious ways to force the families out of their homes. Starting with an oral directive, the TMC has resorted to cutting water connection to the families, dumping waste in front of their homes, barging into their homes, insulting their women and threatening them. The community members, who are treated as the lowest among the dalits, submitted an appeal to the sub-divisional officer in January against their eviction and have ever since submitted numerous appeals to the government over the past seven months. Finding no sympathisers in the system for their cause, the community members finally resorted to this extreme form of protest on Tuesday. The families submitted an appeal to the Assistant Commissioner on Monday demanding temporary water connection. But they were asked to pay the TMC Rs 2,000 for each connection. Helpless, the community members took out a mock funeral from their homes in Kamala Bangadi to the TMC on Tuesday. At the TMC, three members of the community poured human excreta over themselves and begged for water to clean themselves. Officials apathy As if this was not heart-wrenching enough, none of the officials at the Town Municipal Council came forward to receive their appeal. A verbal duel ensued between TMC officials and Dalit Sangarsha Samithi activists. TMC Executive Officer H N Bajakkanavar defended the TMC, saying they never tried to evict the Bhangis, but added that TMC would provide houses for them under various housing schemes. He also said only illegal water connections were cut off. However, the DSS pointed out that several illegal water connections in the town were untouched and only those feeding Bhangis were cut off. “This is harassment against a community that is still treated like untouchables,” they said. When no official accepted the appeal from the Bhangis, the latter cleaned the toilets in the TMC premises. They then went to the Revenue Department and submitted their appeal to Tahsildar Prashanth Nalavar.

Dalit(Arunthathiyar) cultural night

Appeal

Dear Friends

Greetings from Arunthathiyar Human Rights Forum (AHRF)Tamilnadu.

AHRF Planned to Conduct a One Day Cultural Night Programs on 06.08.2010 at Rameswaram in Ramanathpuram District, East Part of Tamilnadu , South India .

This is our third year state level cultural night ,First at Erode .Dt,Second Viruthunagar .Dist ,Third Ramanathapuram .

The Proposed scheduled program of the Cultural Night and the Budget estimate is enclosed herewith for your sympathetic grant support to highlight the programs to an appreciable degree.

We believe that this kind of Cultural Night will help to liberate and enhance the Arunthathiyar community from all types of social evils.

So we humbly request you to Participate in above cultural programme and extend more financial help for the Cultural Night Programs.

Thanking you

With regards

R.Karuppusamy

Convenar

A Cultural night to celebrate the Arunthathiyar Sprit

From indignity to rebellion

A Cultural night to celebrate the Arunthathiyar spirit, an attempt to strengthen the Arunthathiyar artforms transformation from caste practices to weapons against caste oppression.

The parai originally called as thappu is undeniably a symbol of Dalit assertion today, But unlike pallars and parayars who have asserted themselves to some extent remain the Arunthathiyars the Dalits amongst the Dalits of Tamilnadu.

WHY WE NEED A CULTURAL NIGHT FOR ARUNTHATHIYARS

§ To protect the traditional arts.

§ Arunthathiyars have a special cultural heritage owing to their language and occupation and we need to appreciate and protect it artist.

§ To inform our Unity and strength to Govt and Dominating Hindu Caste

§ To provide a platform to express the creative talents to Arunthathiyar artist

§ To create an awareness and value at out the traditional arts and music to the future generation

§ To integrate Arunthathiyars from different places and create solidarity and empowerment

WHO ARE ARUNTHATHIYARS

1. Arunthathiyar

Arunthathiyars are Dalits, who are considered ‘untouchable’s in the caste – ridden Indian society. Pallar, Parayar and Arunthathiyar are the three major dalit groups in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Among them, Arunthathiyar group is considered to be the lowest. There are 60 lakhs Arunthathiyars in Tamilnadu out of which major Dalit among Dalist. They are also identified with different names such as Sakkilliar. Mathari, Mathiga, Arunthathiyar and Pakadai in different places. the caste system forbade them from owning land and propert for thousands of years. They are landless and are traditionally associated with the task of cleaning up the dead animals, scavenging the village, and work related to animal skin and leather. While such traditional work still continues in some villages, mony have taken up jobs in the. Many Arunthathiyar children below 14 years are part of the unfortunate working force in these industries. Very poor living conditions, desperate search for a job with a decent wage, and constant harassment from moneylenders and landlords are part of day – to – day life of Arunthathiyar.

BACKROUND OF ARUNTHATHIYAR

§ The Arunthathiyar community is one of the most oppressed and depressed and the poorest among the untouchable of Indian Society.

§ Arunthathiyars are excluded from the main stream society and do not have access to the means of production and are forced to , dependent on dominate caste.

§ Unlike the other Dalit Groups (Pallar and Paraiyar ) still the Arunthathiyar are not aware of their rights but instead self complacent with the various incentives and the attractive schemes of the Government This community is branded as passive.

The reservation quota of the Government has been grabbed by other Dalit groups, leavings behind the Arunthathiyars are also entitled to gain such privileges.

§ Dr. Ambedkar , the Veteran Father of law is still a nonentity among Arunthathiyars due to their ignorance.

§ The Arunthathiyar are also victimized due to the new economic policy .

Since majority of the Arunthathiyars are illiterates, Child –labour Child abuse Bonded labour and Rag picking are the regular phenomena among them.

§ The Arunthathiyar women folk suffer a lot, out of sexual harassment by the caste people which they can’t even express out verbally.,

3. KEY CHALLENGES FACED BY THIS COMMUNITY

3.1 SOCIAL STATUS

This community speaks a language which is Tamil and Telugu mixed. They are separated by the language they speak since Tamil is the foremost language in do undignified work. The children are not sent to school because of the poor socio economic status of this community. They are deprived of basic necessities in life, education and childhood. Social exclusion like two glass system, Forced to continue undignified work (Manual scavenging, shoe making.)

3.2 ECONOMICAL STATUS:

69% of Arunthathiyars are living in rural areas of Tamilnadu. rural dwellers 32.5% in the rural area and 39.8% in the urban are living below poverty line. The basic livelihood options are under crisis. The very look of Arunthathiyars indicate that they are anemic and Malnourished

3.3 EDUCATIONAL STATUS:

Only 1.75% Arunthathiyars are literates, while 98.25% are illiterate. 10^th is the highest level for the Arunthathiyars. The Arunthathiyar children are rarely sent to school because of the poor socio economic status of the families. The community is yet to reap the benefits from the internal reservation given recent by the Tamilnadu Govt.

3.4 POLITICAL STATUS

Among 44 member of Legislative assembly (MLAs) only 2 MLAS are Arunthathiyars. Dalits as a whole and the Arunthathiyars as a community have their own art as their spirit, s an inseparable part of their lives. But the practice of their art is an indignity headed on them as it is a caste designated function more than a cultural expression. Arunthathiya art forms have been the symbols of their existence as low caste people for ages. Today they are the symbols of their assertion.

EMERGENCE OF ARUNTHATHIYAR HUMAN RIGHTS FORUM (AHRF)

Arunthathiyar Human Rights Forum is the initiative of the young Arunthathiyar people who worked in different NGO’s. The AHRF was constituted in the year 2004, extended over 14 districts. AHRF is working specifically for creating awareness on SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities,to eradicate the evil of manual Scavenging, to fight against the scorage of Untouchability, Forming of Women Thrift and Credit societies and women empowerment, Research and trainings. AHRF had organized first state level Cultural Night for Arunthathiayars and aiming to create a platform for Arunthathiyar to realize their strength.

EXPECTED OUT COME CULTURAL NIGHT :

§ Other Dalit organizations in Tamilnadu and Arunthahiyar Community will recognized AHRF as a front runner organization fighting for their rights.

§ Arunthathiyar community and other Dalit organizations may seek AHRF assistance and support on certain issues.

§ It is expected that more and more village level AHRF will be established spontaneously .

§ Arunthathiyar may come in the request to establish AHRF at village level.

§ Other Dalit organization ill realize that they cannot afford to be indifferent to AHRF

This Cultural Night is the Third State level Arunthathiyar Cultural Night where AHRF

wants to create a space for Arunthathiyar artist. It aims at strengthening their participation, and changing the mindsets of this artist as well as community to march further . As a whole , the event is expected to inspire the Arunthathiyar to take part in the Arunthathiyar struggle for liberation.

6. ARUNTHATHIYAR CULTURAL NIGHT – OBJECTIVES

1. To create awareness of the Arunthathiyar Art forms and their vibrantly culture amongst

public.

Traditionally art was considered as the domain of the so called upper castes in Tamilnadu. In the recent years, The Dalit Rights movement has asserted that the Dalits have a rich artistic and musical tradition. The dalit art forms are related to rituals for ages but considered untouchable. Despite the awareness created on Dalit art forms, awareness about Arunthathiyar art forms are scanty. There are other initiatives like this organized across the state, but very few Arunthathiyears get chance to perform share , express and this cultural night is a follow up action to strengthen and sustain Arutnthathiyars hope on their talents and excellence.

2. To use art as a political weapon in the on going struggle for Arunthathiyar’s liberation

ART is a very crucial record of transformations within and of society , some of the most popular art forms have come from the oppressed sections of the society. And some of the most revolutionary movements working for liberation of the oppressed people have used music as a powerful weapon of change. In southern India where attempt are being made to rewrite caste equations and to question existing notions on culture and language, understanding the Arunthathiyar art forms with a clear perspective about their historical position as agents of change and an undeniable requisite of the Arunthathiyar struggle for liberation is a culturally and democratically necessary action.

Cultural Events :

§ Thappattam

§ Jiggattam

§ Kadavu Mathattam

§ oyilattam

§ Liberation Songs

§ Street play

§ Documentary film

§ Exhibition

Special Speakers

§ Arunthathiyar Movement leaders

§ Arunthathiyar intellectuals

§ Dalit Leaders

§ Solidarity Groups

Note: In Order to promote our activities please send your Donations , D.D/ Cheque to the following Address

V.Shanmugam Bank Details : Indian Bank, Paramakudi Branch , A/C No 831752503

Ramanathapuram contact Mr.Shanmugam - cell.9578151926

Budget

S.No	Particulars	Amount in
1.	Stage	18,000
2.	Chairs	13,500
3.	Lights and Gen Set	22,800
4.	Advertisement –Wall paintings, posters, notices, banners	58,650
5.	Invitation and communication	10,250
6.	Special invites –travel , food, boarding and lodging	15,800
7.	Food, boarding, Travel and lodging for cultural groups	48,250
8.	Memento	13,350
9.	Local Organizing travel	15,250
10.	Media coverage	14,500
11.	Printing, postage, Xerox communication	15,000
12.	Miscellaneous	13,500
	Total (INDIAN CURRENCY)	2,58,850

Arunthathiyar Karuppan murder

Tiruppur District ,Avinashi TK,Alathur village ,Mr.Karuppan(55) was a night watch man in cooperative bank .

He murder .We demand Government should give compensation.