No Shelf Required With E-Readers at Your Fingertips

With hectic schedules ruling the day, people often underestimate the importance of taking time to relax and recharge—even if for only a few minutes.

To that point, why not do so with a good book? Whether you’re curled up on the couch after work or simply on your lunch break, eReading companies such as Kobo have enough options to keep you interested—and relaxed.
No matter what age you are, there’s something for everyone’s taste or preference.
The 20s can be fraught with stress and tension. You’ve left the comfort of home, so now what? Consider books that will help direct you on your own path. There is “How to Be Interesting” by Jessica Hagy and “The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now” by Meg Jay.
The 30s might have you pondering marriage and family, in which case, “Smart Parenting for Smart Kids: Nurturing Your Child’s True Potential” by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Mark S. Lowenthal might be informative and invaluable reads. For a mind-candy read that’s sure to entertain, try “Bridget Jones’s Diary” by Helen Fielding.
By their 40s, people are looking for a little romance or a thrill. Books such as “Inferno” by Dan Brown, or “Committed” by Elizabeth Gilbert may have just the appeal you’re looking for.
In your 50s, the kids are (hopefully) out of the house, and you now have time to read and travel. To that end, “Still Alice” by Lisa Genova and “Live By Night” by Dennis Lehane could be the thing to toss in your suitcase.
The 60s, or Golden Years, mean retirement and the ability to enjoy the things you love most. Whether it’s spending time with family, keeping fit, or curling up with a good book, there is “Beautiful Ruins” by Jess Walter or “Paris” by Edward Rutherfurd.
As well as offering instant access to millions of titles online, digital reading companies offer a cornucopia of eReading device options and free reading apps for most smartphones and tablets, making it easy to expand your “just read” list. Whatever your age—young or old, married or single—books are a source of entertainment, escape and inspiration, but most of all, enjoyment.
Learn more at www.kobo.com/ereaders.

Tips to Keep Your Computer Running Smoothly

(NewsUSA) – Buying a new computer’s always a thrill — but sooner or later, your fast new machine will start to act like a clunker. Or will it?
With a few simple tips, you can keep your computer running smoothly. Sammsoft (www.sammsoft.com), a company that develops and publishes quality software products designed to secure, protect, maintain and enhance computer users’ experience, provides the following tips:
1. Clean out your computer registry. Every Windows Operating System uses a registry, or a central database that contains all of the settings for low-level operating system components, as well as any applications running on the platform. Every time you save something, run a new application or install or uninstall a program, new information is organized into your registry. But occasionally, the registry records something incorrectly. Over time, registry errors pile up and can start slowing down your computer. But running a registry cleaner, such as Advanced Registry Optimizer 2010 by Sammsoft, will fix registry errors and remove faulty files, helping your computer run quickly and smoothly.
2. Keep viruses under wraps. Run a virus checker regularly. If you have a high-speed wireless connection, don’t use the Internet without a firewall. No antivirus strategy is perfect, so stay away from suspicious-looking Web sites and don’t click on strange links in e-mails.
3. Get rid of unnecessary files. If you haven’t used a program in months or years, delete it to reclaim valuable memory. But always back-up applications in case you want to reinstall them later, and don’t delete applications that you don’t recognize, as Windows might need them to run. Never remove WINDOWS or HOT FIX applications. Also delete cookies and clear your Internet cache before you sign-off your computer.
4. Never turn off your computer before Windows has shut down. Doing so so could harm the hard drive or result in lost data or Windows files.
5. Back up Your Computer. Hardware problems occur more that you might think, and you don’t want to deal with the frustration of losing valuable data. Back up photos, Excel spreadsheets, Word documents — anything that you do not want to lose — on external hard drives or CDs.
For more information, visit www.sammsoft.com.

Dress for Success on a Shoestring Budget

You’ve probably heard it 100 times by now: If you want to make the right impression at work, you need to dress for success. But what exactly does that mean? And how are you supposed to look successful without breaking the bank?

Whether you would like to make a good impression at work or at a job interview or look professional and successful for an important business meeting, your work attire affects how others perceive you.

Luckily, Nygard’s designer women’s clothing pieces makes it easy to look stylish and sensible in the workplace, no matter what your shape or size. The NygardModerate lines, ALIA and Tan Jay, offer great staple wardrobe pieces that are comfortable and versatile. Products found at Nygard can easily be mixed and matched with each other. The colorful printed tops work well layered under a sleek boyfriend jacket as well as on their own with a chunky necklace for added oomph. Plain-colored blouses with ruffled or beaded accents around the collar area can be paired with almost anything.

For those watching their bottom line, Nygard’s recommends this rule of thumb: All you need are four tops, three bottoms and two jackets to mix and match 23 different outfits. For instance, three blouses, a pair of pants, two skirts, two vests and a tweed jacket can be seamlessly mixed together for an entire month’s worth of outfits, without breaking the bank!

Log on to www.nygard.com for jackets, skirts, dresses, pants, tops and more to mix and match! Become a fan on Facebook.

KHAIRLANJI; A Strange and Bitter Crop – Anand Teltumbde

Small village in Bhandara district in Maharashtra has been focus of attention when four member of one dalit family was slaughtered on 29th September 29th, 2006 in bhandara district. Victims are Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange’s wife surekha, 44, his daughter priyanka, 18, sons, roshan, 23, and sudhir, 21.The fact finding team of vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti visited on 6th October to village kherlanji to know the details of this barbaric killing and they were shocked to learn that, Bhaiyyalal`s wife surekha, 44, his daughter priyanka, 18, sons, roshan, 23, and sudhir, 21, were first stripped naked, dragged from their hut to the choupal 500 meters away and hacked to death by the entire village of the so called upper-castes. vJAS has moved with the fact finding committee report to national human rights commission(nhrc) for independent probe of this dalit massacred as all political parties and local administration are covering up the matter as till date no mla or mp from bhandara has visited the village or Bhaiyyalal, more than a week after the gruesome killing took place. Two mlas from Nagpur, ostensibly sent by the congress higher-ups, visited kherlanji, but did not make any noise. The police are not acting fast and the only two prime witnesses are under threat. Not a single villager’s statement has been recorded. Neighboring villages are living with fear and terror, especially the minority lower castes dalit to dared to demand the right of land were slaughtered in order to give other dalit in villages of Mowadi taluka of bhandara district.

Anand Teltumbde gives the full accounts of that massacre which shook the world, in the book  “KHAIRLANJI A Strange and Bitter Crop”. He wrote; when the Khairlanji killing took place in September 2006, India was daydreaming about becoming a superpower. Clocking an average of eight percent GDP (Gross Domestic Product) Growth over the previous three years, it was expected to surge to a double-digit growth. The swelling of foreign exchange, influx of portfolio investments, a sky rocking sensex, booming business, merges and acquisitions by Indian corporate, the growing numbers of Indian Billionaires  - the entire establishment was singing the song of India. It was being said that India would soon overtake China. As this India of a handful people rose, the other India of hundreds of thousands was plumbing new lows…

Arundhathi Roy wrote; Anand Teltumde’s analysis of the public, ritualistic massacre of a dalit family in 21^st century India exposes the gangrenous heart of our society.  It conceptualizes the massacre and describes the manner in which the social, political and state machinery, the police, the mass media and the judiciary all collude to first create the elimate for such bestiality, and then cover it up. This is not a book about the last days of relic feudalism, but a book about what modernity means in India. It discusses one of the most important issues in contemporary India.

Smart Tech Gift Ideas for Dads and Grads

In June, many families are celebrating dads and grads. Dad certainly deserves a special Father’s Day with all he does throughout the year. And graduating students also merit recognition for all they have accomplished. Now, it’s up to you to find gifts that celebrate these special occasions.

This year, skip the usual suspects, and opt for items tailored to their specific style and personality. For instance, tech gifts are perfect to begin your search, so get the scoop from someone who knows. Emmy Award-winning technology and trends reporter Brett Larson offers his take on the top five tech gifts for both dads and grads.

1. SunBriteTV’s Signature Series SB-4660HD. Give Dad the TV experience he has always wanted with SunBrite’s all-weather televisions. They’re actually designed for outdoor use, which means any backyard can become a modern entertainment space for barbecues, favorite sports games or family movie nights. Imagine the possibilities—you know dad can.

2. LG TONE+ Wireless Stereo Headset. In a world where practically everything is wireless, your headset should be, too. The LG Tone+, with stereo-quality sound and Bluetooth technology, is lightweight and easy to wear. It’s perfect for grads who want to listen to music while working out, or dads who need to make calls while commuting. The noise-canceling technology and long-lasting battery make it ideal in virtually every situation.

3. Dell B1165nfw Mono Laser Multifunction Printer. If dad has a small office or works from home, the Multifunction Printer has everything he’ll need. Its wireless capabilities will let him print all kinds of documents, web content and photos from any mobile device, meaning smartphones and tablets are fair game. The Mono Laser printer can also scan, copy and fax documents, so it also completes any dorm room.

4. Carbonite. Dads and grads, or anyone with a computer, definitely need automatic cloud backup and stress-free data recovery. With one flat fee, Carbonite automatically backs up all of your files via cloud technology. That allows dad or busy students the ability to access stored files from any device with Internet connectivity just by signing in online. Restoring files is easy, so business files, schoolwork and priceless memories aren’t lost forever.

5. VTech InnoTab 2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet. Don’t forget any pint-sized grads this year with VTech’s InnoTab 2S. The tablet is great for tots anywhere from 3 to 9 years old and puts them on the fast track to learning. Parents can help kids choose from hundreds of e-books, games, apps and educational videos to find appropriate yet entertaining content. Family vacations and road trips will be a breeze if the little ones are occupied.

For more information or gift ideas, visit www.killerapps.tv.

Women’s Swimwear Has Been Reinvented This Beach Season

Bathing suit season. The words strike fear in the hearts of women of all sizes, conjuring images of teeny-weeny bikinis and the inevitable wardrobe malfunctions. With bottoms that ride down and tops that ride up, women truly get the short end of the stick when it comes to summer swimwear.

That is, until now. Launched in 2009, Ohio-based designer Debbie Kuhn is bursting onto the market with a comfortable new concept that will have you gearing to go this summer: girltrunks. Kuhn designed the two-piece suits because the traditional swimsuit market offered nothing that covered the legs. After accepting an invitation to tube down the Madison River in Montana, she remembers futilely searching the racks at Nordstrom when she had a novel idea.

“Why don’t I pair a tankini top with men’s swim trunks?” said Kuhn. She did just that and wore her newly created swimwear in Montana. “It was a day in time I remember vividly. I felt so liberated, in swimwear of all things, and I wanted to share that feeling with other women.”

We’re glad she did. The trunks fit like Bermuda shorts and are made of a quick-drying polyamide material with mesh lining that dries almost instantly, unlike many traditional women’s bathing suits. They are available at www.mygirltrunks.com in sizes 4-24 and come in two leg-covering lengths. Pair the trunks with a halter or tank top that has a flattering fit, and you have more than a swimsuit. You have an outfit – no cover-up needed.

Like their slogan, “Reinventing swimwear for women,” girltrunks deliver a sense of confidence women so desperately lack during bathing suit season. But the suits don’t just flatter – they’re versatile, too. Swimming, hiking, volleyball, waterparks and building sand castles on the beach; women’s swim trunks lend themselves to any activity. Short to tall, skinny to plus-sized, apple to pear, teenager to grandmother; women no longer must remain prisoners to their beach towels. They now have the freedom to choose.

Women and Cancer: Safeguard Your Future Fertility

Fertility may be the farthest thing from your mind when you’ve just received a cancer diagnosis, but it’s the right time to think about your future family. Cancer treatments can affect your ability to get pregnant or carry a baby to term. Ask your doctor about preserving your fertilitybefore your treatment begins.

Understanding how treatment may affect your fertility is the first step in assessing your options for fertility preservation. Chemotherapy can damage eggs, the sacs holding the eggs and the production of sex hormones. Radiation therapy has similar effects, sometimes causing irregular periods or halting them altogether.

Both treatments can cause infertility immediately or years down the road by inducing early menopause. Premature menopause occurs when a woman’s menstrual cycles end before she turns 40. Surgical treatments removing both ovaries will cause menopause right away. Cancer treatment can also affect a woman’s pregnancy. For example, high-dose radiation to the pelvic area can increase the danger of miscarriages and premature births.

Regardless of the treatment they receive, women diagnosed with cancer have options to protect their fertility. Standard fertility preservation methods include embryo banking, shielding the pelvic region during radiation, and ovarian transposition – when surgeons secure the ovaries in a position away from the radiation field.

The standard treatment for uterine or ovarian cancer is the removal of both ovaries and the uterus, but some women with early-stage cancer that has a low risk of spreading may be able to keep their ovaries. Women with early-stage cervical cancer may choose to have only their cervix removed and keep their uterus and ovaries.

In the future, more options will be available. Researchers are exploring experimental fertility preservation methods such as egg banking and ovarian tissue banking.

Women who undergo cancer treatment can often have a child in the future, but it’s important to know the risks ahead of time. Consult your doctor or oncologist about your chances of success. Or ask your doctor to recommend a reproductive endocrinologist, a fertility specialist. Learn more at savemyfertility.org.

Private and Public Slaves – Ravikumar.

Ravikumar

In a contest where dalit writing is being equated only with autobiography, we present here in book from notes written by B R Ambedkar,which have the characteristics of autobiographical writings. In multi volume writings and speeches of Babasaheb Ambedkar edited by Vasant Moon, these writings can be found in Volume 12, under the title ‘Waiting for a Visa’. The connection between the title and the six autobiographical ‘illustrations’ – as Ambedkar calls them – is not clear. Perhaps, Ambedkar indented adding more to this body of writing but eventually could not. All that the editorial note by Moon says is: “Here are some of the reminiscences drawn by Dr. Ambedkar in his own handwriting. The MSS traced in the collection of the People’s Education Society were published by the society as a booklet on 19^th March 1990. – ed.” If these are some reminiscences, were there more? What Visa was Ambedkar waiting for? We can, however, gather frome the content that Ambedkar wrote at least a few of these available notes in 1935. In the second reminiscences, he refers to his return from London to work in Baroda in 1917. towards the end of this section, he recalls that “18 years has not succeeded in fading away” the memory of the incidence of untouchability he experienced in the Parsi inn. The last ‘illustration’ refers to an incident that happened in march 1938, and must have been written well after that. It is clear that Ambedkar jotted down several such ‘illustrations’ over the years, and perhaps many have been lost. In this edition, we have given separate titles to each episode that Ambedkar recalls, instead of numbering them as in the original.

Though Ambedkar’s works are available volumes, and despite the availability of biography by Dananjay Keer (Dr.Ambedkar: Life and Mission, 1954), and two feature films on the man (Jabbar Patel’s Babasaheb Ambedkar in Hindi, 2000; and Dr Padmavathi-Bharath’s Ambedkar in Telugu, 1992), we learn very title about this personal life. What we know of Ambedkar pertains solely to his public life, his public self. Other than occasional reference to his poor helth in his writings, speeches and letters, it has not been possible for us to know anything about the sorrows and joys that came his way. How was his marital life; what was the nature of his relationship with his son; the kind of friendships he had – we know little about these.

Ambedkar emphasized the role of the individual in society. He was someone who waged a hard battle during the drafting of the Indian Constitution to centralize the individual in its frame work. He also accepted the contribution of the individual to the making of history. However he did not leave behind anything his writing for us to understand and approach him as an individual.

The issues that confront dalits can be understood through the binary of the public and the private. The public has come to connote things and space which are inaccessible for the dalits. Common wells, public roads and cremation grounds are space denied to dalits. If a dalit does well in the open competition of an entrance exam, she is often slotted in the reserved category. In electoral politics, a dalit is not expected to contest from a general constituency. Whatever the law – ironically drafted by Ambedkar – says, this is the reality.

The purpose of Hindu politics has been to restrict and relegate dalits to the ‘reserved’ sectors. The dalits have to defy such social strictures to enter the public sphere. This is a difficult process. Even as we infiltrate these common spaces, we need to retain our singularity, individuality. The process is a problematic as the state of mind of a dalit person who has o make sure he does not touch any other person in the village and also remain untouched by others, and yet is forced to consider the village as his own (‘native place’). In this struggle, there is pressure on dalits to merge the specificities of their selfhood into the collective identity of the (dalit) community.

In the struggle that let to his emergence as the spokesperson and symbol of a community, Ambedkar’s personality has merged into a larger collective, public self. Only when a comprehensive biography is written can Ambedkar’s individual self be reclaimed. The several facts of his personality, if collected, could also be useful for the dalit struggle.

These autobiographical notes, written with the objective of enabling foreigners to understand the practice of untouchability, are relevant even today. The atrocities and the justices continue, and so does the indifference.

To think that one could eradicate untouchability while remaining within Hinduism is similar to the attempt to clean sewage with ditchwater. How long will we resist the clear water of democracy?

Ravikumar

Pondichery

!5 October 2003.

Courtesy: Ravikumar, ‘AMBEDKAR an Autobiographical Notes’,‘NAVAYANA’ Publications.

Moms, Grab Some “Me Time” With These Tips

Moms are the true jacks-of-all-trades. They are the chefs who get meals on the table and lunches packed; the chauffeurs who get kids where they need to be; the doctors who bandage up scrapes; the listeners to problems big and small; the social directors of playdates and parties; and so much more.

With all that they do, moms rarely get a moment to take a break and enjoy a bit of time for themselves.

Dr. Wendy Walsh, busy single mom, TV personality and college professor, understands what it’s like to be busy. Here are her tips for helping other moms sneak a little “me time.”

•    All moms should take a guilt-free break during their busy day. Try arriving at school carpool early. Turn off the car engine, tune into a favorite radio station and reach into your bag for a favorite snack – like a Keebler Granola Fudge Bar. The granola bars are 150 calories and contain 3 grams of fiber*.

•    Watching kids read can remind moms how relaxing it is to escape in the pages of a riveting novel. Get mom-friends together and form a book club, so there’s always an excuse to take a break. Tell kids you’re doing Mommy-homework, because the book club is meeting soon.

•    As the sun sets, parents want to wind down, but sometimes kids, especially colicky babies, wind up. A nice walk is a great way to calm a child down. When the kids get older, keep walking at sunset. It’s a great way to take a break from the chaos of the house and soothe yourself.

From taking a peaceful break to enjoying a favorite snack, the importance of a little break in a very hectic day is key for moms. For more wholesome snack ideas like granola bars, that can be enjoyed by mom and the entire family, visit www.keebler.com.

* contain 5-6g total fat per serving

Special Recruitment - I Santhakumar

When we write the history of dalits in contemporary periods, the special recruitment would have a predominant place there. Though the scheme had begun during communist govt.in 1957,it got a good momentum in 1971.The representation of dalits in govt.service was reviewed dept.wise and category wise. The representation of dalits were abysmal.Govt. after reviewing the position, posts were created where ever there are backlogs. This would be distributed among class two, class three and class four. The review meeting would be held by the chief minister every first of January without fail. A new generation among dalits was emerged through this great venture. Very young dalits began to occupy prestigious posts in the dept. once the monopoly of the so called upper castes. The general public began to recognize them as they began to deal with power.There was a migration from the remotest hamlets to cities. Graduation was the minimum qualification for gazetted posts. The education which got momentum through missionary had continued its mission through democratic govts.Concessions were also given to the dalits.Thus a good number dalit candidates,fully qualified, were awaiting jobs like' Veshambel'.There are innumerable young energetic youth without having any other backgrounds, excelled in official heirachy.The economic and social conditions had tremendously increased. Their  families were also become respectable one in the villages out of the sheer caste ridden ambience. It was a compelling situation. Communal tensions were sparked due to local issues. Because almost all who got into higher posts, were dwellers in uphills and in waterlogged areas where there were no established path ways. Many of them have to cross through the narrow strips with the mercy of others. When they became in high positions even the narrow pathways were blocked. The dalits even after became collector in native districts, could not have road to reach home in official car. The very uncivilized feudal mentalities are still governing them. Many of them left their native places because of  the social tensions. Many of them became accused in criminal cases. Even I was also one of such victims of the atrocities of the uppercastes.On the shore of our paddy field an yielding coconut tree was holding another coconut tree of the feudal for along time. In spite of repeated requests he refused to cut it. One day when I went to home on a fine Sunday from Trivandrum, my friends told me that they were going to cut the tree and they did it. The same day I returned to Trivandrum. Next day while I was in the office I got a phone call that one of our servant had been taken into custody by the police and a case registered in which I was the first accused. Immediately I rushed to Parasala police station with an advocate friend. The Inspector was also a relative of the petitioner. He wanted to file the case in the court and I had to take bail from the court. Though I was an officer and thoroughly innocent of the charges,I had to fight in the court. My friends Baburaj ,and Santharam Asst.commissioners strongly interfered but couldn't divert their subordinate from the cooked up case. Finally I was absolved of from the charges after contesting the case for two years. It is unforgettable for me the mental hardships and monetary loss, I happened to suffer, The intention of the feudal was to dismiss me from service after imposing a conviction.

While some of the special recruitees were having outstanding performances, some were miserably flop. Almost all became saviours of their families. The entire burden rest on them viz converting the thatched house in to at least tiled one, look after the aged parents, conduct marriages of sisters brothers and to educate others in the family etc.Actually they were in devil and deep sea. Some found it very difficult to carry out the works for want of home works. Superiors very often tease them in front of others. Some others fully bestowed before the sycophants and even fell in love with inferiors and married. There are many instances in which they married women with two, three children as a mark of eternal love taught in colleges. Some others were officers even before their parents, they didn't even care their family problems In my office one of my subordinate wanted to marry a divorced lady of last grade servant with her children who was older than him. His parents came to my house and requested to divert him from his conviction. He was very stubborn and hence my efforts became futile. At last the poor family left my home with tears. The important thing behind this is that such courage would never be shown in the case of any dalit women. Another group of officers were in the grip of liquor. Actually the liquor was swallowing them. Some even dwelled in the shops forgetting their bounden commitments to their families and the community in large. One known martyr of liquor was late Prem prskash who entered the service as Undersecretary in Kerala Public Service Commission. He would have been the Secretary, the prestigious post,for more than 10 years. While he was holding the post of Joint secretary he was terminated from service for corrupt practices and misbehaviour.He became a normdic in Trivandrum meeting all employees for financial help. Actually he was a geneous.I had many occasions to interact with him about space and celestial bodies referring atlas. Very tall fellow with dynamic features which are not common for dalits.His arguments are un challenging. His vocabulary in English was very good. But who bothers? When a dalit is derailed nobody there to correct him, no society,no godfather and no accepted leaders. This is the boon and bane of dalits.Once he is mistaken, there is no way to escape from it. It will be a strong wepon to others to tarnish him and to initiate action.

The officers entered lower posts gradually reached higher posts. In 1987 there were five dalit officers working as Private secretaries of Ministers. In 1995 there were 18 Additional secretaries in the secretariat. In so many depts.the heads were dalit officers. Many of them rendered outstanding performances. A new judicious atmosphere beyond the feudal feelings pervaded in the offices, was thus created. The interests of all irrespective of caste and creed protected. in the offices. We were the worst hit of the casteism.So our dealings were beyond such feelings. An egalitarian approaches were instilled in the minds of all as we have solemnly resolved to constitute our country into a sovereign,socialist,and democratic country through our constitution. Nobody remember this oath, though it is so cardinal.

The special recruitment created an upper class strata among dalits.The next generation of this upper class satisfies all nutritional requirements for a fertile brain to compete with others which was blatantly lacked by their parents. All other infrastructural facilities were also facilitated

The after effects of the recruitment made many impacts on the age old interests of affluents.Regular promotion to others affected due to the induction of young dalit officers over them. They began to murmur in their assemblages about the danger and even some leaders also came out with vehement criticism to stop the recruitment. The politicians once jealously claimed as their long cherished desire to bring young dalits to the highest realm of heirarchy.But when they realized the impacts, their long cherished desire began to fade.Thus the golden era of dalits in the official stardom is gradually diminishing.

They are forgetting the history. In 1891 the Nairs had given a memorandum to the Highness praying for reservation to govt.jobs as posts were reserved only to Brahmins and Tamil chetties It is popularly known as Malayalee memorial Then there was Namboothiri memorial.Ezhavas also came out with Ezhava memorial. It is a fact that almost all clamored for reservation in Kerala. The upper castes now keep mum on reservation once instituted by them and claim for merit. Can anybody define merit? Is it the charm, beauty, or physique determine the merit? If they claim that merit was pervading before reservation, can they take the responsibility for the pathetic condition of our country?

Accordingly they captured the posts by hook or crook. It is paradoxical that they who oppose the reservation strongly. The present reservation is only for 50%.The 50%is set apart for merits. The reserved 50% is distributed among Ezhava,Muslim,SC/St and other OBCs.8% is for SC and 2% for St.It is amusing that when ever reservation is reffered,only reservation to dalits are remembered, as if we are the only reserved community ignoring others. It can now generally say that all are reserved communities. Almost all are also enjoying concessions in one name or other. When we are living in a country which affirmed to constitute our country in to socialism, is it not our duty to maintain proportionate representation in all fields?.Reservation is not a mere representation, but a sharing of power and participation of power

As it was once blatantly dined and to restore the backlog, special recruitment was introduced.

Insider Look at Leadership Roles for Women

By Linda Verba
For NewsUSA

One of the advancements in women’s rights that we celebrate during Women’s History Month is the freedom to work in any field, and the ability to pursueleadership roles within the companies we work.

It’s a very different story from the 1970s, when women worked in limited fields and earned significantly less than men. While we still have barriers in equal earnings, we do have control over where we choose to grow professionally.

It’s important to find the company that is the best fit for you and provides work-life balance. What if your child is sick – do they allow you to work from home? What if you don’t want to take off on President’s Day – is paid time off a general pool, or is it divided into vacation/sick/holiday time?

The company that encourages women to become leaders with support and materials is the company that will help you achieve your leadership goals.

I chair the TD Women in Leadership initiative at TD Bank, and our goal is to increase representation of women at senior levels by expanding leadership opportunities for women. We offer, for example, a great mentoring program for women across the TD Bank footprint. This year, we’re planning to expand it by implementing one-on-one mentoring for high-potential women.

Choosing a company that fosters that kind of growth for women will not only groom you to rise to leadership at that company, but it will provide personal and professional development.

A good healthcare plan and vacation time are great, but benefits that help you achieve a work-life balance contribute to overall workplace happiness, too.

Life happens. Our kids bring home stomach viruses that take down the whole house. That’s why you should inquire with potential employers about work-from-home policies.

Before you begin your job – and company – search, consider creating a list that includes not just what you want in your next position, but what it is you’re looking for from your next move.

 Linda Verba leads store operations and service programs at TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank. Linda is Chair of TD Women in Leadership (WIL) and leads TD’s Senior Women Leaders Community. In 2010, Linda was named one of the ‘Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking’ by U.S. Banker, and ‘2010 Woman of the Year,’ by The National Association of Professional Women, New Jersey chapter.

Shape Yourself Into a Master Salesperson

NewsUSA) – Even if you’ve never so much as sold candy door-to-door for a school fundraiser, you have sales experience. You sell an idea when you persuade someone to your point of view or an image when you meet someone for the first time. So, even if you don’t plan on becoming a professional salesperson, you adapt some of the traits of a master salesperson.

“I’ve met a tremendous amount of talented, successful people. They’ve taught me a great deal, and I’ve appreciated every one of them,” said the late Paul J. Meyer, author of “Pink Slip Proof: How to Control All Future Paychecks.” “When you look closely, it’s no secret how they arrived at their present income and position.”

In his book, Meyer listed five basic qualities shared by every master salesperson:

1. All master salespeople are persuasive and convincing. The ability to persuade isn’t limited to leaders — any time you help someone see something your way, you have made a sale. Top salespeople use every technique at their disposal, including stories, dreams, color and humor.

2. All master salespeople focus on service. Meyer cited the “golden rule” of service — serve others as you would like to be served. A salesperson who goes out of their way to focus on service will likely win their customers’ loyalty.

3. All master salespeople are honest. If you’re a known liar, no one’s going to trust you enough to buy what you’re selling. “Top salespeople are honest, keep their word, work hard, are responsible, incredibly dependable and act with complete integrity in all they do,” said Meyer.

4. All master salespeople are self-motivating. Master salespeople motivate themselves to accomplish goals, no matter how they feel or what other people say. “Self-motivation requires the development of inner strength, conscious will power, overwhelming desire, and the determination to reach any goal you personally want to achieve,” said Meyer.

5. All master salespeople care about other people. The best salespeople genuinely want to leave their clients better off than they found them — they’re not selling to make money, but to give their clients a needed product or service.

For more tips from Paul J. Meyer, purchase the book “Pink Slip Proof: How to Control All Future Paychecks.”

The original Disciples of Sreepadmanabha Temple of Kerala is Dalits ! - Edward Thurston

The original Disciples of Sreepadmanabha Temple of Kerala is Dalits ! Edward  Thurston realize with historical evidences. The note is taken from his book “Caste and Tribes of South India. Printed in the year 1909,at  Government Press Madras. Vol No. II page No .46 – 49.

The Cherumans or Cherumukkal have been defined as a Malayalam caste of agricultural serfs,and as members of an inferior caste in Malabar, who are, as a rule, toilers attached to the soil. In the Madras Census Report, 1891, it is stated that "this caste is called Cheruman in South Malabar and Pulayan in North Malabar. Even in South Malabar where they are called Cheruman, a large sub-division numbering over 30,000 is called Pula Cheruman. The most important of the sub-divisions returned are Kanakkan, Pula Cheruman, Eralan, Kudan and Rolan. Kanakkan and Pula Cheruman are found in all the southern taluks, Kudan almost wholly in Walluvanad, and Eralan in Palghat and Walluvanad." In the Census Report, 1901, Alan (slave), and Paramban are given as sub-castes of Cheruman.

According to one version, the name Cheruma or Cheramakkal signifies sons of the soil ; and, according to another, Cheriamakkal means little children, as Parasurama directed that they should be cared for, and treated as such. The word Pulayan is said to be derived from pula, meaning pollution.

Of the Cherumans, the following account is given in the Gazetteer of Malabar. " They are said to be divided into 39 divisions, the more important of which are the Kanakka Cherumans, the Pula Cherumans or Pulayas, the Era Cherumans or Eralans, the Roli Cherumans or Rolans, and the Kudans. Whether these sub-divisions should be treated as separate castes or not, it is hardly possible to determine ; some of them at least are endogamous groups, and some are still further subdivided. Thus the Pulayas of Chirakkal are said to be divided into one endogamous and eleven exogamous groups, called Mavadan, Elamanam, Tacchakudiyan, Kundaton, Cheruvulan, Mulattan, Talan, Vannatam, Eramalodiyan, Mullaviriyan, Egudan, and Kundon. Some at least of these group names obviously denote differences of occupation. The Kundotti, or woman of the last group, acts as midwife ; and in consequence  group is considered to convey pollution by touch to themembers of the other groups, and they will neither eatnor marry with those belonging to it. Death or birth pollution is removed by a member of the Mavadan class called Maruttan, who sprinkles cowdung mixed with water on the feet, and milk on the head of the person to be purified. At weddings, the Maruttan receives 32 fanams, the prescribed price of a bride, from the bridegroom, and gives it to the bride's people. The Era Cherumans and Kanakkans, who are found only in the southern taluks of tiie district, appear to be divided into exogamous groups called Kuttams, many of which seem to benamed after the house-name of the masters whomthey serve. The Cherumans are almost solely employed as agricultural labourers and coolies ; but they also make mats and baskets."

It is noted * by Mr. L. K. Anantha Krishna Iyer that M from traditions current among the Pulayas, it would appear that, once upon a time, they had dominion over several parts of the country. A person called Aikkara Yajaman, whose ancestors were Pulaya kings, is still held in considerable respect by the Pulayas of North Travancore, and acknowledged as their chieftain and lord, while the Aikkaranad in the Kunnethnad taluk still remains to lend colour to the tale. In Trivandrum, on the banks of the Velli lake, is a hill called Pulayanar Kotta, where it is believed that a Pulaya king once ruled. In other places, they are also said to have held sway. As a Paraya found at Melkota the image of Selvapillai, as a Savara was originally in possession of the sacred stone which became the idol in the temple of Jaganath, so also is the worship of Padmanabha at Trivandrum intimately connected with a Pulayan. Once a Pulaya woman, who was living with her husband in the Ananthan kadu (jungle), suddenly heard the cry of a baby. She rushed to the spot, and saw to her surprise a child lying on the ground, protected by a snake. She took pity on it, and nursed it like her own child. The appearance of the snake intimated to her the divine origin of the infant. This proved to be true, for the child was an incarnation of Vishnu. As soon as the Raja of Travancore heard of the wonderful event, he built a shrine on the spot where the baby had been found, and dedicated it to Padmanabha. The Pulayas round Trivandrum assert to this day that, in former times, a Pulaya king ruled, and had his castle not far from the present capital of Travancore. The following story is also current among them. The Pulayas got from the god Siva a boon, with spade and axe, to clear forests, own lands, and cultivate them. When other people took possession of them, they were advised to work under them."

According to Mr. Logan,* the Cherumans are of two sections, one of which, the Iraya, are of slightly higher social standing than the Pulayan. " As the names denote, the former are permitted to come as far as the eaves (ira) of their employers' houses, while the latter name denotes that they convey pollution to all whom they meet, or approach." The name Cheruman is supposed to be derived from cheru, small, the Cheruman being short of stature, or from chera, a dam or low-lying rice field. Mr. Logan, however, was of opinion that there is ample evidence that " the Malabar coast at one time constituted the kingdom or Empire of Chera, and the nad or county of Cheranad lying on the coast and inland south-east of Calicut remains to the present day to give a local habitation to the ancient name. Moreover, the name of the great Emperor of Malabar, who is known to every child on the coast as Cheraman Perumal,was undoubtedly the title and not the name of the Emperor, and meant the chief (literally, big man) of the Chera people."

Book: “The Scar” A Dalit’s Autobiography by K A Gunasekharan.

Growing up as a boy from the Parayar caste, in the milieu of Christian, Hundu and Muslim communities., K A Gunasekharan narrates the familiar tale of caste oppression and prejudice prevalent in the villages of Tamil Nadu. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is shown how the ‘low’ caste negotiates differently with the three religious communities. The deep pain of the Paraya surfaces through the risible anecdotes that ridicule the grievously unjust practices of the ‘upper’ castes.

The book emphasises the fact that Indian villages are doubly caste-consious and cruel, and that Dlit emancipation rests in better education for the community. Gunasekharan writes in an earthy and colloquial style to capture the innocence, cruelty and drama of a south Indian village.

Considered the first modern autobiography in Tamil, ‘TheScar’ (Vadu) is an importance book calling for Dalit assertion and emancipation.

K A Gunasekharan is a teacher, folk-artist dramatist and researcher. He was the dean of the School of Performing Arts at Pondichery University. Currently he is the Director of the  international Institute of Tamil Studies. In preface of the book, he says:

My early days are closely associated with the people of Islam. I realized even whilw at school, that caste differences did not exists in Elayankudi -  a place with a large Muslim population, whereas in places just two kilometers away, it was found in excess. I contemplated the horrid experiences I have had because of caste discrimination in my early life. ‘Vadu’ (Scar) evolved. Anger welled up as I wrote about the discriminatory practices that I ha suffered; sometimes tears flowed. I have captured in my writing all the experiences that I narrated to my friends on various occasions.

Kalikulam village is near Thayamangalam. This is where my friend Samidoss was born. I had an unforgettable experience when I stayed there one night. At around midnight, a kudukkuduppaikkaran entered a cheri making the eeri rattling sound peculiar to this tribe.

I wake up even as he entered the street. I told Samodoss, Die! I will hide in the cattle shed opposite your house. I want to sea how this fellow makes his appearance. Samidoss warned me saying, ‘ He will bring the ghosts with him. He will incapacitate you’ I decided to comfort him and did himself in the cattle shed. Samidoss lay frozen with fear.

The kudukuduppaikkaran stood at the entrance shouting, ‘Thoo, thoo, thoo, graveyard hag.’ The entire village was quavering with fear, I think. None came out. I got up quickly, folded my kaili, and left in a huff without finishing his oracles for the entire street, shouting and threatening, ‘Thoo, thoo, thoo… something bad is going to happen to this house.’

KIn Salaiyur, during Ramsan, the fakirs would go around the Muslim streets, singing to the accompaniment of beats kept by a small drum. I used to stay awake to watch them. I think it is this habit that helped me to accost the kudukududppaikaran in Kalaikulam.

Like this there are so many anecdotes, which come to mind on and off. There are many incidents, which have been left out. I have written about only a few of them in Vadu.

When I read parts of what I had written to Elengo teacher, he felt us through it was his own experiences that were being narrated. Comrade A Marx encouraged me to compile my experiences.

Comrade Ravikumar published an expert from Vadu in Dalit Murasu magazine. It was well received. In order to bring  it out as book I send a soft copy of Vadu to Kalachuvadu.

I had the unique privilege of having Prof.Nanjundan as the editor of my book. He gave me useful suggestions to bridge the gap between my style and the counter. Our meeting at Salem and the discussion I had with him helped in making Vadu understandable to all readers, without compromising the language of my soil. His knowledge of Grammatical Tamil without my formal training in it is impressive.

I have related my experience up to my college days in this account. The experience I Have had since the time, my involvement in Marxist movements, my journey down the arts lane, do not figure in this book. Dalit youngsters who read Vadu may be inspired to realize that they need to fight this caste-ridden society with more energy than the others do. For the others, this book is an introduction to dalit life.

While proof reading, my wife Revathi’s constructive criticism of my style of writing as very useful. To her and to Comrade A Marx, I owe my gratitude. I am grateful to my friend, Nanjundan, Comrade P Panchangam, Dr. A Thirunagalingam, a friend from my childhood days (who remained me of the many experiences that I had felt out) and Karasur Palanichami.

I also thak Ravikumar for his erudite preface, and Kalachvadu Publishers.

K A Gunasekharan

20 December 2004

Pondichery.

This preface is translation from the Tamil edition. Translated by V Kadambari, who teaches  English at the Ethiraj College of Woman, Chennai. She is a blingual writer and translator, and keenly interested in gender issue and gender studies.

The book is published by Orient Blackswan private limited.WWW.orientblackswan.com

Buddhism: Good Question, Good answer – Ven S Dammika.

What is Buddhism?

The name of Buddhism comes from the word ‘Budhi’ which means ‘ to wake up’ and the Buddhism is the philosophy of awakening. The philosophy has its origin is the experience of the man Siddhata Gautama, known as the Buddha, who was himself awakened at the age of 36. Buddhism is now 2,500 years old and has about 300 million followers world-wide. Until a hundred years ago, Buddhism was mainly an Asian philosophy but increasingly it is gaining adherents in Europe and America.

So Buddhism is just a philosophy?

The word philosophy comes from two words ‘philo’, which means ‘love’, and ‘Sophia’ which means ‘wisdom’. So philosophy is the love of wisdom or love and wisdom both meaning describing Buddhism perfectly.  Buddhism teaches that we should try to develop our intellectual capacity to the fullest so that we can understand clearly. It also teaches us to develop love and kindness so that we can be like a true friend to all beings. So Buddhism is a philosophy but not just a philosophy. It is the Supreme philosophy.

Who was the Buddha?

In the year 563 BC a boy was born into a royal family in Northern India. He grew up in wealth and luxury but eventually found that worldly comfort and security do not guarantee happiness. Ha was deeply moved by the suffering he saw all around – and resolved to find the key to human happiness. When he was 29 he left his wife and child and set off to sit at the feet of the great religious teachers of the day to learn from them. They taught him much but none really knew the cause of human sufferings and how it could be overcome. Eventually, after six years study and meditation he had to experience in which all ignorance fell away and he suddenly understood. From that day onwards, he was called Buddha., the Awakened One. He lived for another 45 years in which time he traveled all over Northern India teaching others what he had discovered. His compassion and patience were legendary and he made thousands of followers. In his eightieth year, old and sick, but still happy and at peace, he finally died.

Was the Buddha a God?

No, he was not. He did not clime that he was a god, the child of a god, even the messenger from a god. He was a man who perfected himself and taught that if we followed his example, we could perfect ourselves also.

If the Buddha is not a god, than why do people worship him?

There are different type of worship. When someone worship a god, the praise and honor him or her, make offering and ask for favors, believing that god will hear their praise, receive their offerings and answer their prayers. Buddhists do not indulge in this kind of worship.

The other kind of worship is when we show respect to someone or something we admire. When a teacher walks into the room we stands up, when me meet a dignitary we shake hands, when the national anthem is played we salute. These are all gusters of respect and worship and indicate our admiration for person or things. This is the type of Worship Buddhist practice. A statue of Buddha with its hands rested gently in its lap and its compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. The perfume in incense reminds us of the pervading influence of virtue, the lamp reminds us of the light of knowledge and the flowers, which soon fade and die, remind us of impermanence. When we bow, we express our gratitude to the Buddha for what his teachings have given us. This is the nature of Buddhist worship.

The Book was first written in 1987 in response to the increasing interest in Buddhism amongst Singaporeans. To my surprise and delight, it has turned out to be very successful. The BDMS alone ha sprinted 30,000 copies and it has been translated into several languages including Tamil, Chinese and Nepali. Requests to for copies have come from as far away as Australia, Argentina and the Seychelles Islands. In July this year, I visited a remote hermitage high in the Himalayas in Ladakh only to discover that the abbot had not only read Good Question Good Answer but greatly appreciated it. All this had convinced me that this little book’s style and contents has filled an important need and that revision and enlargement would enhance its value. Hence this new edition. Those wishing to reprint Good Question Good Answer or translate it may do without writing for permission. However, we should appreciate it if you send us two copies and let us know how many copies have been printed.

Ven S Dhammika

Singapore 1991.

This Book is strictly for free distribution, it is not for sale.

Contact:

The Corporate Body of Buddha Educational Foundation
11F., 55 Hang Chow South Road Sec.1, Taipei, Taiwan, R O C.
Tel: 866 - 2 - 23951198, Fax: 866 - 2- 23913415
Email: overseas@budaedu.org
Website:htpp://www.budaedu.org

Buddha: The Four Noble Truths - Venerable Ajahn Sumedho.

This small booklet was complied and edited from talks given by Venerable Ajahn Sumedho on the central teaching of the Buddha: that the unhappiness of humanity can be overcome through spiritual means.

The teaching is conveyed through the Buddha's Noble Truths, first expounded in 528BC in the Deer Park at Sarnath near Varanasi and kept alive in the Buddhist world ever since.

Venerable Ajahn Sumedho is a bhikkhu (mendicant monk) of the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. He was ordained in Thailand in 1966 and trained there for ten years. He is currently the Abbot of the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery as well as teacher and spiritual guide  to many Bhikkhus, Buddhist nuns and lay people.

This boolet has been made available through the voluntary efforts of many people for the welfare of others.

THE FIRST NOBLE TRUTH

 What is the Noble Truth of Suffering ? Birth is suffering, ageing is suffering, and death is suffering. Dissociation from the loved is suffering, not to get what one wants is suffering: in short the five categories affected by clinging are suffering. There is this Noble Truth of Suffering: such was the vision, insight, wisdom, knowing and light that arose in me about things not heard before.

This noble Truth must be penetrated by fully understanding suffering: such was the vision, insight, wisdom, knowing, and light that arose in me about things not heard before. This Noble Truth has been penetrated by fully understanding suffering: such was the vision, insight, wisdom, knowing and light that arose in me about things not heard before (Samyutta Nikaya LVI,II)

THE SECOND NOBLE TRUTH

 What is the Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering ? It is craving which renews being and is accompanied by relish and lust, relishing this and that: in other words, craving for sensual desires, craving for being, carving for non-being. But whereon does this craving arise and flourish ? Wherever there is what seems lovable and gratifying, thereon it arise and flourishes. There is this Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering: such was the vision, insight, wisdom, knowing and light that arose in me about things not heard before. This Noble Truth must be penetrated to by abandoning the origin of suffering.....

This Noble Truth has been penetrated to by abandoning the origin of suffering: such was the vision, insight, wisdom, knowing and light that arose in me about things not heard before.  (Samyutta Nikaya LVI,II)

THE THIRD NOBLE TRUTH

 What is the Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering ? It is the remainder-less fading and cessation of that same craving; the rejection, relinquishing, leaving and renouncing of it. But whereon is this craving abandoned and made to cease? Wherever there is what seems lovable and suffering, thereon is abandoned and made to cease.

There is this Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering: such was the vision, insight, wisdom, knowing and light that arose in me about things is not heard before. this noble truth must be penetrated to by  realising the Cessation of Suffering.....

The Noble Truth has been penetrated to by realising the Cessation of Suffering:  such was the vision, insight, wisdom, knowing and light that arose in me about things is not heard before.  (Samyutta Nikaya LVI,II)

THE FOURTH NOBLE TRUTH

What is the Noble Truth of the Way Leading to the Cessation of Suffering ?It is the Noble Eight-fold Path, that is to say: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.

There  Noble Truth of the Way Leading to the Cessation of Suffering: such was the vision, insight, wisdom, knowing and light that arose in me about things is not heard before....... This Noble Truth must be penetrated  to by cultivating the Path..........

This Noble Truth must be penetrated  to by cultivating the Path:such was the vision, insight, wisdom, knowing and light that arose in me about things is not heard before. (Samyutta Nikaya LVI,II)

The book "Four Noble Truth" published by Amaravati Publications, Amaravati Buddhist Centre,
Great Gaddesden, Memel Hempstead,
Hertfordshire HP1 3BZ.

This Book is strictly for free distribution, it is not for sale.

Contact:

The Corporate Body of Buddha Educational Foundation
11F., 55 Hang Chow South Road Sec.1, Taipei, Taiwan, R O C.
Tel: 866 - 2 - 23951198, Fax: 866 - 2- 23913415
Email: overseas@budaedu.org
Website:htpp://www.budaedu.org

"India Untouched" Very pathetic: I Santhakumar

Today at 11am on 8th July,my daughter Nikhila telephoned me from Chennai and told me that a discussion on untouchability is going on in Vijay TV in which she has seen Balwant Singh.The program is titled 'Sathiyamevajayathe'anchored by Hindi film actor Amirkhan.Immediately I tuned the channel to Vijay. A lot of on the spot evidences are shown to prove that untouchability is still existing in India though it is banned by law.One film named 'India untouched' has screened all the details in cities and villages.The boys are not sent to school because they have to clean the toilet and they were served noon meal separately.Balwant Singh a family friend from Saharanpur who travelled length and breadth of India had depicted the incidences black and white in his several books.
Very recently I read a book 'Economic Discrimination' by Thorat published by Oxford.The transition from exploitation to exclution of dalits are described in detail.It can be explained as modern type of untouchability.
 

Some years back I had come across a matrimonial column in the Hindu news paper.One gentle man  put his demand as follows,"suitable alliance from parents are invited,caste no bar,excuse scheduled castes,tribes".What a shameful notice! This does not come under the purview of inter caste marriage since it is limiting the castes of his choice.It is really a humiliation to the dalits .How did inter caste marriage exist if such pseudo- radicalism is followed? I had given the news paper to Dr.Dharam Veer IAS.He made a touching article about this and published.
 

Very often it is bragged that India is marching ahead as a developing country and turning in to a world power.But nobody knows that 60% of us are in below poverty line.Zamindari system still exists.Asset is building up with a very few.Rich is becoming richer and the poor is becoming poorer.The theocratic feudal system pervades.People are entrapped in religious customs and traditions which even questioning the Constitution and the integrity of the country.But we again brag that our unity is in diversity.Actually we don't have unity but diversity.Nearly one third of the people are not treated as human being,they don't have the freedom of even the cattle.Minimum requirement for human existence are blatantly denied.Some times this will be the only country in the world having this type of draconian heritage being imposed on the aboriginals. It is quite incredible and amazing that the same country was having the highest position of the country-The President of India-the supreme commander of India,and the Chief Justice of India-the judicial head belonging to the so called untouchable community.Now we are having the head of law making body-Loksabha Speaker,belonging to dalit.In a democratic country,the executive,judiciary and legislature are the main pillars of governance.Therefore it is very pathetic that even after attaining the highest positions the same community has not been salvaged.The highly populated state out of 28 states in India ie.20crores,UP was governed by Mayawathi-a dalit,four times,but untouchability not wiped out.There are 131 Members of Parliament out of 543(Lok sabha),thousands of MLAs in the State Assemblies,more the 6 lakhs elected representatives in the local bodies,Doctors,Engineers,Chief Executives,IAS,IPS officers and other Officers are belonging to this community.Even after attaining all these prestigious positions,why this community is in pathetic condition? what are their commitments to their brethren?This has to be examined meticulously in Indian context.
Jagajeevan Ram congress leader was union minister for several times,but he was having separate mud  pot and glass for drinking water in his office. He being Union Minister had unveiled a statue in UP which was purified by the people later on as his action polluted the statue.In the first Loksabha a Bangi ie scavenging community member happened to be a member of Parliament.Jawaharlal Nehru the first Prime minister knew that nobody would sit in the Sabha along with him as he belonged to a scavanging community,on the basis of mass complaint from other elected members.So his community name was changed as Balmiki,and propagated that the member belonged to a great community of Valmiki who wrote Ramayana,the problem was solved.Thus the Bangi community began to worship Valmiki as their god and to construct temples of Valmiki.There are a lot of very amusing and amazing instances regarding the practice of untouchability in lowest and highest heirarchies in society.It requires bundles of papers to describe.
 

Casteism is rooted very deeply in Indian society.It is a general opinion that it exists in Hinduism only.It is a wrong notion.It exists in all religions,in Christianity,Sikh,Islam,and even in Buddhism.There are separate churches,temples mosques,grave yards for dalits.They are treated as untouchables every where. Dr.Ambedkhar is the only intellectual who studied the system in detail in India and proposed a solution.He appropriated the Buddhism in such a way so as to attract the dalits and declared that Buddhisn is the only solution to get rid of from the casteism.But the movement he launched has not made any impact among the dalits which may be due to his unexpected death after embracing Buddhism.
 

It is very pathetic,very pathetic,because dalits are in double jeopardy.They are treated as inhuman and on the other hand they are denied of their livelihood.They are not having any movable and immovable properties.Their savings,investment and economic activities are nil.In Kerala the total population of dalits including Adivasis would come to 35 lakhs.Scheduled castes constitute less than 30 lakhs and Scheduled tribes 5 lakhs.Total no.of families are 56,43,29 and 10,79,65 respectively.

The total land in possession of SC is 60061 acres.The average land holding per family of SC is 10 cents, out of more than 26 lakh hecters of total cropped  area of the State. (Total geographical area of the state is 38.86 hecters).It means that the per family land holding is not at all sufficient for minimum lively hood of a family.It is very often bragged that the land reforms implemented had abolished the feudal system and the slogan "land to the tiller" had been achieved.The slogan still remains un achieved.What a pathetic condition?This is the reason why the dead bodies are buried inside the houses for want of sufficient land in their dwellings.Kerala is not God's own country but devil's own country.
 

In Tamilnad,a neighboring state of Kerala, untouchability is in very severe condition though the state is ruled by two major Dravidian parties alternately for more than four decades since 1967.Ironically,these parties claim to be rationalistic in outlook and swear by emancipation of poor.A Madurai based non -governmental organisation has found out that 135 types of untouchability existing in Tamilnad.85% of the villages are experiencing untouchability.136 reserved Panchayat Presidents are there,but 84% are still left un filled,it means that caste Panchayats instead of political Panchayats are there.No Panchayat Presidents are allowed to hoist national flag in independence day.Even if the  meeting is held in the Panchayat building, Dalit President is not allowed to sit along with others.The students are un willing to go to the schools due to ill treatment.They are given meals separately,in classes they provided seats away from others,menial jobs are entrusted with them.In the village the dalits are not allowed to walk with chappals,they cannot ride a cycle,they are amenable to the whims and fancies of the upper castes.In hotels they have to sit on grounds,double trumpler system is followed,they are given tea in vessls made up of leaves.The drainage is opened to their dwelling areas,which causes contageous diseases to them.In hospitals the doctors and other staff would never touch them.The villages of dalits are separated by walls in several places.In Uthampuram near Madura the wall was partially demolished by CPM cadres and a path way was constructed.The path way was named as Prakash Karat road.There is a strong untouchability eradication movement led by CPM.As per our Constitution the practice of untouchability is banned as per article 17.The central govt.had enacted legislation for initiating stringent action against the person who practice untouchability.The agrieved party need sent a complaint to the Circle Inspector of police.The burden of proof rests with the accused.There are provisions for legal help from govt.It is the duty of the government to give all protection.If any death takes place immediate relief of Rupees one lakh should be given by government to the heirs.Govt.job should also be given to the heirs.There are so many relief measures extended through"The scheduled castes and scheduled tribes(prevention of atrocities)Act,1989".Distric,State and Central level statutory monitoring committees are there.Chief Ministers are the chairman of the committees consisting of dalit MLAs.Who bothers or who cares all these orders.The caste ridden theocratic feudal system surpasses all rules and regulations in our so called democratic system.Are we really having a democratic system?
Out of a total no.of 8.32 lakhs working class among dalits in Kerala,6.53 lakhs are cooly labourers in Agriculture and other allied sectors.Govt.job for them is only 51000.One can very easily imagine the pathetic condition of them as they are unapproachable to private sectors where their representation is zero.It is another interesting that no body knows the total land holding of tribes because the land as per records are not actually  in possession by them.Terrible encroachment by others is still a menace to them and their survival.The condition of them are more pathetic than the SCs.
 

The Dalits are the makers of the country.Their brain and brawn made the land cultivable,transportable and navigable.The present work participation of them is above 60%. It might be 100%years back.There fore they are eligible for at least the proportionate share of the asset of the country,either movable or immovable.But they are given pittance as alms, as their grievances are treated as cringe.A new sphere of activity in their demands has to be resorted to in these peculiar conditions.
The statistical details given above are as per the study conducted by a Govt.agency recently and the Economic Review of govt 2011.All are shedding crocodile tears with out bothering these statistics or deliberately ignoring as it is not their concern.Really very pathetic.