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.

"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.

Skewed faith un ravelled I santhakumar.

Skewed faith in ravelled This is an article published in Secular Humanist in 2003 about Dr.Dharam veer I A S The arthodox Hindu obscurantists,level their arguments to establish the ardent faith in mythology,with stories in epic narrations.Our great revolutionaries,political philosophers and heretics were mystified and deified with fables and divine haloing.They don't have the least hesitation to proclaim such rationalists as the avatars of Vishnu and to subsume their ideologies to Hinduism.This centuries old unique peculiarity of the Indologists have now been questioned and a new rational dimention has been propounded. The uncrowned king of Hindi literature,a social revolutionary and a thinker philosopher,Kabir has now been re defined,reclaimed and re established from mystification and deification.Dr. DharamVeer a Hindi laureate from Meerat in UP is the pilot of subversing the century old deep rooted history,culture,literature and sociology of Hindi literature.Dr.Hasariprasad dewedi became an authority on Kabir through his famous book "Kabir"published on 1942,which is supposed to be a classic criticism and research in Hindi literature.Dr.Dharam veer through his book"Critiques of Kabir"published in 1977 found out a new geoneology to Kabir demolishing the Brahminical content of Hasariprasad Dwedi's book Kabir.He,through his meticulous analysis sifted Kabir from the Brahminical canons.Dharam veer re establishes that Guru Rama and was never be a guru of Kabir ashe was a young a young rebel who hit so hard at Brahminical hypocracy and himself a sufferur.Ramanand's philosophical beliefs and practices had allowed in touchability which was repelled by Kabir. Dr. Dharam Veer renounced the theological base of Kabir as he himself proclaimed that the God is neither at Kailas nor at Ka-abba.Kabir was neither a Hindu nor a Muslim.But it is ironical that both the Hindus and the Muslims are worshiping Kabir as their messiah. Dr. Dharam Veer has written six books on Kabir in Hindi creating a turning point on contemporary Hindi literature which sprouted heated discourses.The spark which Dr.DharamVeer sets in the Hindi literature has now turned a flame through India and abroad which not only re established the century old cannons but also put forth a new thinking in Indian philosophy.

My visit to America - I Santhakumar

 I Santhakumar

America had become one of my dream lands even during my boyhood. A lot of stories were heard through my school mates whose relatives were in America. Adventpuram near my native place had the credit of having sent a lot of people to America through Seventh Day Adventist Mission. But in later periods due to active involvement in politics, I had some sort of hesitation for the imperialist attitudes. The war in Vietnam enticed me to have an inimical attitude towards them. But a lot of other things such as the philanthropic attitudes, disciplined life, cleanliness, civic mentality, credibility and cosmopolitan outlook of the people in general fascinated me much. The immigration policy of America is also a welcoming one as it is without considering the caste and creed of the people. A lot of poor people could go there which in turn had a tremendous development of their families in Kerala.

My interest on America has widened when one of my very close friends Vijay Kumar Moses had gone there, which made me to have a clear picture about America. He took much interest to take me to America in 1980 when the immigration policy was liberal. But I didn't like to leave India. Late Julious was another friend, giving full details about America. His death was really a loss to me.

I never even dreamt to visit America in my life. But my beloved daughter Akhila's marriage with Bobby paved the way to visit the country. I am indebted to my loving son-in-law Bobby for arranging everything to get Visa in connection with Akhila's delivery. Thanks to Rejath, my cute grandson whose birth necessitated me and Jaya over there. It was a unique experience right from my journey from Trivandrum to Mumbai, to Paris, to Cincinnati and to Raleigh in North Carolina.

The interview in the Council at Chennai was also a new experience. They actually wanted to know whether we would be returning after our visit. I showed my identity card issued by Govt. for the post of MD and said that I am having two unmarried daughters here in Kerala for that I have to return after my visit. The lady interviewed us, asked us to remit the fee in the next counter. Thus we got visa for ten years. Jaya and I started our journey at 3pm on 6th September 2005. T.P.Chellappan, Rtd.MD father of Bobby along with my brother-in-laws, and my close friends has come to the Airport to bid us bonvoyage. We reached Raleigh Airport at 5.20 pm on 7th.

I was very closely watching each and every thing throughout my travel with comparison to our country. A lot of things are to be absorbed to our country. I wonder why our leaders could not try to implement at least some of them in our country .I recollect the old saying that India is rich but the people are poor. Thus my first stay in a foreign country began. I continued my regular morning walk in the nearby trail made by a tobacco company. The starting point was just behind the house where certain directions are given to the walkers. It is mandatory that whenever they come across with others, one should say Hi, good morning, good evening etc. They can also inform the difficulties if any they come across. The walk through the trail felt like walking in the jungle, which is very common in America. They are very committed in keeping environmental balances. Where ever I went I could see the picture of deer on the road side to take care of while driving. I also read that every year nearly 15000 deer are dying in road accident .I got two Black friends by name Solomon from Erithria, migrated to USA and James, Rtd.Air Force. One day some other friends asked me when I introduced that I am from India that in India cook's son will become cooks only. This is the impression of foreigners based on the Chathurvarnia ie the caste system. They also reminded me, when I told them that the Blacks are safe in America, that what all the things seen outwardly are not the real things and there are a lot of hidden things also. I got their mail id so as to get more about it. I sent many mails but no reply received from them. Bobby and Akhila took us to many places in NC.I used to get news paper in the morning from the nearby shop. It is a bundle of papers which carry full of advertisements. What made me wonder is that even the small coins are in use there. In right top of the paper named 'the Herald sun' there was a table showing the air quality and air pollution in Durham city. The quality of air was 41.It reads 0-50 good,51-100 moderate,101-150 un healthy for sensitive person,151-200 un healthy,201-300 very un healthy,301 and above hazardous. I was thinking, what a hazardous place where I live, because the quality and pollution of air is in thousands.

Akhila was admitted in the hospital for delivery. The room was just like an operation theater. The very curious thing is that husbands should be in the room and render all assistance for normal delivery. Thus my first grandson Kannan was born on 26th September 2005 at 9.30 pm.

When he was only four days old I took him in my hands with an inherent familial affection. It was incredible that he began to produce sounds as if talking with me. I am extremely happy that I am having a grandson to grow up in a richest country in the world enjoying all modern facilities for developing his faculties. My aspirations and assumptions have now been gradually come true when I hear Akhila and Kannan about his interests. Now Kannan is above six year’s old, he shows deep interests in celestial bodies and the space which I also had. I remember my father who instilled such subjects even in my childhood. The rockets sent to space, Laika-the dog, gone to space, and the first man went to space- Yurigagarin etc. are in my memory as an indelible imprint. Such news appeared in news paper would be cut and pasted in a book; this would be watched by my father. We had to depend only on news paper as there were no other means such as radio, television and phone etc. Two days back when Kannan talked with me, very enthusiastically describing his visit to Planatorium. A boy who shows eager in having seen the Black hole in the planatorium, is definitely having deep incites .I am sure, he will be a scientist.

Vijayakumar Moses invited us to visit them at Maryland. As I was very much interested to see the rural places I planned to have train journey. Tickets booked from Durham to Washington. The places to be passed are, Durham, Raleigh, Wilson NC, Rechy mount, Petersburgh, Richmond, Alexandria, Washington DC (Union station).It took eight hours to reach. The vast rural areas, farm lands etc. could be seen. Agricultural laborers were also seen harvesting in the paddy fields wearing full shirts. The platforms of railway stations were spotless clean, the compartments were also very clean, and we felt as if sitting in a plane. At about five in the evening we reached Washington. V Moses was waiting for us and he took us to his home. He showed us a hostel exclusively for Black students near Capitol building just like our Cosmopolitan hostel in Trivandrum. Blacks after occupying the rooms would let out to others on rent to get money, very often. He is of the opinion that Blacks are very often found lazy, but there are so many millionaires and outstanding personalities belonging to them. It is generally found that where ever Black dominance are there, the presence of Whites are less and vice-versa. I heard one discussion on issues facing African Americans in C-Span channel where in it was said that 20% of the prisoners in Federal Prisons were Blacks, out of 11% of the population and 42 % of the crimes were committed by Blacks. Bruce Gordon the President of NAACP founded by Martin Luther King Junior, in a TV speech said he had painful experiences being a Black and there were many instances in which the color discriminations still exist. One of my friends James told not to believe the media. There is one Black TV which can be relied upon. But being an Indian I afraid whether I am competent to comment on it, where human being are denied even the freedom of cattle. However I felt no discrimination being an Indian Black, but where I born the same stigma pervade. Years back Dr.Ambedkar had the same feeling. I joined the NAACP through net and sent comments. One thing is very clear that the Blacks are in far higher positions there. One question is required to be answered, what would be the condition of the Blacks, had they not been ferried to America years back? What is going on there in Africa is horrible now. The time lines of African American History quotes some signs and evidences of Black renaissance, Books by black writers are on the best seller lists and working their way into the literary cannons. Black music has become American music and is fast becoming music of the world. Black style, dress, and speech more and more define international popular culture. The black heritage with its African roots is a badge of pride and an incentive to action. The lost, strayed, or stolen history of people of color in this country is becoming part of the school curriculum at all levels. The dream of Martin Luther King Jr. has now come true that an Afro American became the President of America.

The feelings of supremacy being world power are very vivid in the attitudes of America. In a discussion in TV about the nuclear bomb and its protection, where one Indian Scientist named Arunachalam was also present, it was asked why the third world countries are making bombs spending huge amounts while they could not give drinking water to the people and they don't have the money to keep the bombs safely. Why don’t they stop producing Plutonium and Thorium? India claimed that it is used as fuel. The video clippings were also shown regarding the sale of nuclear weapons by Russian soldiers due to poverty. It is also said that extremism is developed due to this. In another clipping the relief operation of earth quake in Pakistan was shown in which a lady commentator said, thousands of people were stranded inside the concrete slabs. The problem was that they did not have lifting machines. The TV commentator replied, yes they do have nuclear bombs. In a discussion with an American lady, I said the zero was first discovered in India. She immediately corrected me that it was discovered in Brazil. When I enquired in detail I found that she is correct.

In Washington we visited a Botonical garden,Smithsonian museum,NASA,Greenbelt MD,Baltimore etc. In front of the museum I saw a lady distributing pamplets against the dictatorship in China.I also saw a vedeo clipping that shows that  the origin of Chickengunea was from China.It showed the spread of putrit chicken wastes on the streets making atmospheric pollution. It alleged that the virus germinated out of this,had caused the killer desease through out the world.But it is also a fact that Chinese goods are having very good market there.

I visited the school of Mrs. Moses, Brothers of Moses, Ravikumar, Suresh, John were all there to receive us. Mrs. Suresh, Mrs. Ravikumar and all their children were help full. John was the chief cook of a vegetarian hotel. Suresh was running a Bakery. Prasanth son of Suresh an intelligent boy studying Criminology also engaged in Police force had given me full sketch of American life. He told me that his intention was to become a Police Officer. He also said that all the facilities right from bottom to top are made available to all irrespective of any caste creed or color. After three days stay, we returned to Durham by car driven by Ravikumar. It was another pleasant trip through road.

I visited Libraries and Bookstalls in search of new books. In book stalls we can take any book read it and return. I purchased several books on slavery and history. The very important book was the slave narratives by Oluodh Equiano. He was the first slave who wrote autobiography immediately after slavery was abolished. The slaves in America were touchable and they were living together. They also had education. That is why they could start writing when liberated. The book is a collection of four autobiographies which is very rare. Book on Rosa Parks-mother of civil rights was worth reading. Thanks to my son-in- law, Bobby who is also a lover of books

The American natural beauty reaches its pinnacle during November when the trees getting new colors. The leaves would be in assorted colors which is fantastic scenery throughout the country. I had a chance to attend the Deepavali programmes conducted by Indians. There was a mammoth crowd with musical concerts, dance etc. It was a lesson for me as to how a programme was arranged systematically keeping the surroundings clean and tidy. Cleaners with equipments were roaming in search of dirt and trash. Food was arranged separately. Temporary toilets were also there. I found in several places the words Rest room, instead of toilets. Even the words itself have a clean image. They are determined and committed to keep America clean. It is inborn in every citizen. Their civic mentality is laudable.

The North Carolina 2005 Indian Heritage Month Celebration held at Raleigh was a new experience. As an Indian one may think that it is a celebration of Indians. But it is the celebration of the Red Indians ie. the ab origins of America or the Native Americans. It is a misnomer of Columbus believing he had reached East India. We call the native Indians as Scheduled Tribes. There are four million Native Americans and they are having reserved areas as permanent tribal home land. Altogether 314 reservations located in 48 States. But 60% of them live away from reservations in urban and rural areas. It was a very colorful function. They are in fantastic red color. I also took part in their programmes. It is estimated that they migrated to North America between 40000-15000BC.Their culture and traditions are preserved. The exhibition of their art, architecture, herbal medicines and skills were arranged. I collected booklets and others from them.

There are incidences of poverty in some areas. In Kentekky out of 10, 4 are in poverty. Some Blacks are residing in cars for want of houses. Some Whites are also in poor condition. But one thing is sure that the poverty in India and America are thoroughly different.

The Thanks Giving day in the last week of November is a retrospect through sweet memories to the Native Americans. When the Europeans reached there in 17th century, they were the protectors. During the festival all Americans cook the same foods which were given to them when their ancestors reached there. In America four days consecutive leave comes only in thanks giving day ie. from Thursday to Sunday. During the festival there were medical advices for reducing weight, through TV, because half of the Americans are overweight. There is no such flow of liquor as we have here. The legal age to purchase any alcoholic beverage in NC is 21.37 million people were on roads and 22 million were in the air during thanks giving day. One can just imagine, how enormously they celebrate their bounden duty to offer thanks to the Native Americans.              

The relief operation made during Katrina was commendable. The exact time of Katrina was announced in advance and mandatory evacuation was ordered. Miles long queues of cars were seen 28 lacks of people were evacuated. There was live telecast on the day smashing see water on coast of Texas and breaking levees. Live telecast from Cuba was also there. Cubans are not afraid of. They were cycling in the midst of cyclone. When the evacuees returned there were piles of reapers and wooden bars being the remaining of their houses. There was a lot of allegation about the discriminatory approaches towards the blacks in relief operation as in the case of Dalits in Tamilnadu while Tsunami.

I think of the holidays we enjoy in Kerala. Out of 365 days in a year, 84 days are declared holidays except the days in which hartal, local festivals in temples and such other unexpected riots and strikes. This is the reason why our development is still on the run way only. Though they are God fearing people they are not mad after religion as in the case of Indians. They give first preference to patriotism. They are also law abiding. There are regular shows in channels for counseling to families in which even the spontaneous fights of husbands and wives are shown. Results of DNA test and lie detector are openly declared and the serious issues solved. I felt that they live peacefully without making any harm to the nature. No smoke could be seen from the cars though it is lavishly used. During travel, we saw small placards on the lawns aside the roads, ''Elect Brown'' etc. I was told, it was the electioneering process of the local bodies. No holiday for casting votes as it is their duty. No hue and cry also. As a Keralite it was really a wonder. We cannot even imagine such an election.

There are a lot of things left unnarrated because the space here is insufficient. So I conclude. 30th Nov 2005, thus became the last day of our stay in America, because we were compelled to return due to a proposal alliance for Nikhila, though our period of stay was up to March 2006. That was a rainy day, we reached Raleigh AirPort with Bobby, Akhila and little Kannan. They left us and we remained in the Air Port till 5pm. A small plane took us to New York at 6.30 Pm. It was a glittering scene to look downwards .Next was a continuous journey ie. NewYork to Paris 5839 km, 7hrs. journey, Paris to Mumbai-7000km, 8hrs. journey and Mumbai to Trivandrum. We reached Trivandrum at 1pm on 1st December 2005. It was an eventful journey and a wonderful stay, reverberating me with glorious memories of a richest country in the world.

Thanks to Bobby Mohan Chellappan, Akhila, Rajet and Rohit. This write up is dedicated to Rajet(Kannan).

Social and cultural emancipation - I Santhakumar

My boyhood was witnessing the dawns of hope as it was just a decade after independence. A long cherished desire of the people for breathing free air was said to be achieved. A basic change could be seen all over without drastic social transformation. The publicity wing of Govt. used to have their film shows on various development activities. New techniques of cultivation as Japan system of farming, how to make composite manure, constructing separate toilets to the houses for rural sanitation and opening rural health centers were the subjects. Block development offices were made for integrated development of villages. An employee called Gramasevakan would regularly meet the farmers and others to solve their problems. Awareness camps were conducted for preventing epidemics etc. Arts and Sports clubs were formed in the villages with grants from Block. In our village one such club was formed viz Udaya arts club. Almost all youths were members of the club. Regular classes for music, playing instruments, dance etc were held. The club used to get regular programmes. My elder brothers were office bearers of the club. Thus I used to get in to acquaintance with the music instruments and fascinated with cultural activities. I also became the secretary of the club. But it became defunct when almost all got other engagements during eighties. A very good volleyball team was also there. My elder brothers Prof.Sundaram Pillai, Dr.Bahuleyan were very good players of volley ball.  Dr.Bahuleyan while in Medical College was an active player in the college team. When I say anything about my interest in Tabala, I should say about my Moothannan, the eldest cousin brother ie the elder son of father's elder brother. He was very handsome and knew to play all musical instruments, and not only that, he knew how to make all the instruments. He was the person who wakes us up early in the morning with his flute playing .His son also began his practice in Mridhangam early in the morning. Actually we had a very good musical ambience in our early age. They were in abject poverty. They were struggling to meet both ends together. If I start writing about the starvation during those periods, it may require many pages here. But I mention some instances for references. Another one cousin brother Mr.Thankapan used to have boiled water of tapioca leaves during starvation; we can call it as chlorophyll drink. He starved continuously for weeks. He realized fully the value of foods. During fifties and sixties many of them found shelter at Bombay and in seventies they got chances to Gulf. That was the golden periods for them. He became a cook in a very rich family in SaudiArabia. Years after when we met each other he told me that he was bathing with the highly nutritional food, which was beyond his dreams once. Gulf was a dream land for the poor in southern parts of Trivandrum. Even now the houses of dalit without a gulf earner are very rare.

The golden periods of my cultural activities were during 1989 to 2002. During the LDF Govt. in 1987 Mr.V.Sasi (present MLA) who was in the post of MD became Private Secretary of minister Mr.P.K.Raghvan. He was the architect of so many unique development activities during the period. One of his visions was to provide opportunities for the artists coming out of the Music colleges. It is a fact that it is the only college where the numbers of students belonging to dalits are always more than the reserved seats. This shows the instinct attachment and heritage of dalits with music, folklore and allied branches. Boys coming out of the colleges with flying colors had to wander for want of training in modern electronic instruments costing lakhs of rupees. Mr. Sasi's ambition has blossomed. A cultural organization called Swathi Samskarika Sanghom was constituted by Govt. under charitable societies act with eminent persons viz G.Devarajan, Thirunalloor Karunakaran,Chertala Gopalan Nair etc. Almost all electronic equipments and others purchased and training arranged to the artists. A ganamela troupe was formed and programmes throughout state regularly reached. A bus was purchased for the sanghom. A rented building was taken near Ayyapa temple Thycaud. In the initial stage it was under direct control of Govt. In1990 it was put under an elected body. I was also became one of the members of Executive Committee. In 1991 new UDF Govt. came in to power. The financial assistance from Govt. was stopped. So we have to find out our own ways and means to run the sanghom. The office of sanghom became the place of assemblage of all dalit employees to discuss their problems. As I already said it was the hey days of dalit employees. Many artists began to get regular income from programmes. They became most wanted artists in the state. Mr.LeninRajendran,film director, Joby film actor had actively associated with the sanghom. A drama directed by Lenin was played throughout the state. Weeklong festival was arranged yearly at Tagore Theater. Variety of programmes was arranged. Theater was fully occupied every day. Even Asianet a prestigious channel at that time had sponsored the main gate of Tagore Theater for Rs15000/. Almost all officers and employees had whole heartedly associated with us. That was the reason behind the success. We were also having swathi family get together frequently. The print and electronic media had given good coverage. We arranged competitions at school level and prizes given. This assemblage led to form another organisation of dalit employees for redressing their grievances called  Forum for Soicial Equality(FORSE)There was some concerted effort even under the auspices of senior IAS officers. One lady officer had openly come out with an article that special recruitment to SC/ST affected the quality of administration. We had very strongly come out with stiff objections. A periodical as Forse News was published regularly. We gave a memorandum to the chief minister Mr. AK.Antony requesting to provide a conducive atmosphere in the office to work fearlessly, because we never felt that we were working in our country. There were a lot of atrocities on dalit officers. Our intention was to bring the same to the notice of the CM .He didn't even spare a few seconds to hear us or to go through the memorandum. He received it put it in the tray. Thus it had the natural death.

From 2000 onwards the officers gradually began to retire from service. Nobody was there to carry the activities further. Both the organisations had thus a natural death. The selfless and restless services of many young officers were the backbone of the above activities. It has to be written in golden letters regarding the services rendered by us during the above periods in the history of dalits in seventies, eighties, and nineties.

My Salute to a Living Legend I Santhakumar

I Santhakumar

Dr.Dharam Veer.IAS is my friend, philosopher and guide. I am lucky to have a relationship with such a great man. Mr. Sudakaran IAS had introduced him to me in 1982 that an IAS officer from Meerat had joined as Sub Collector. Thus I went and met him at the Collectorate, Trivandrum. A handsome young enthusiastic, fascinated me at the very first sight. He was the officer-in-charge of allotting cement due to severe shortage. He told me that he had added one column in the application form viz. whether belong to SC/ST so as to give preference to them as a constitutional right. He said, for the last thousands of years these people are left uncared, it is our bounden duty to safeguard their interests. Thus, the doors of hope for a long relationship for intellectual discourses opened to me forever. He is highly intellectual with insight. He is a great lover of books. Actually, he is not reading the books but learning the books. He became a role model for me. He encouraged me to write and publish a book. This led to renew my relationship with Mr.NRS Babu, Editor Kalakaumudi and to publish so many articles.

I became a family friend of Dr. Dharam Veer. His wife and children used to visit my family and maintained a good harmonious relationship. His friends at Delhi became friends of me also. Very often, I found the qualities and decorum of Dr.Ambedkar in him. Whenever I met him in his house we continue the discussion for hours on the historical, cultural and religious aspects of Dalits. I made it recorded in a separate note book immediately after returning home. He is the propounder of a new religion to Dalits by redefining the Ajivaka, a contemporary religion of Buddhism and Jainism. He is of the opinion that Ambedkar could have embraced Ajivikas instead of Buddhism, as it was the religion of working class. He proved that Kabir was an Ajivika, Ambedkar's parents were Ajivika. There are conflicting views on this new hypothesis, but he is very strong with his propositions. I also published an article about him in Kalakaumudi. He published more than fourty books; almost all are controversial, but unchallengeable. Through him, I had a lot of IAS/IPS officers as very close friends. Rajbahadur, IPS thus became my friend. He is a Buddhist. He said, one who believes in supernatural powers is a mental idiot. When he appeared for interview for IPS he was the first accused in a murder case. He said fight was very common in his village. It was inevitable for their existence. An article was published by me in Kalakaumudi. He insisted me that the picture of the hut where he was born should find a place in the article. I made it also. Another very important person is Balwant Singh from Saharanpur U P, who is 1959 batch of IAS, resigned in 1963 due to severe untouchability prevailed in service. He visited Kerala thrice. He published four books. 'An untouchable in IAS' is his service story. No IAS officer ever in the history of India had resigned for the same reason. His latest book is 'Democracy and caste'.

The alarming social condition of India is copied in the book as such. Another intimate friend is Dr.Dinesh Ram who is Associate Professor in Delhi University. He is also a known writer in Hindi. Whenever we discuss about the novelty of Dr.Dharam Veer, we share a funny comment that he sends missiles from Trivandrum and it explodes in Hindi Literature. Many of the scholars who visited Trivandrum and had discussion with us had commented, ‘Dr. Dharam Veer is a saint’. We all better know that, only  a man with unique qualities can do the work for which he is committed, intact and without fail.

I took all of my friends to his quarters, viz V.Sasi, K J Raju, L.Rajan, Dr.Anil, my brothers Prof Sundaram Pillai, Dr.Bahuleyan, Jayakumar and Arun, son of Bahuleyan. My grandson Anoosh, small boy used to play with him. Very often, his quarters would be an assemblage of intellectuals discoursing contemporary issues giving emphasis to Dalit literature. He is dedicated to demystify and demythify the original and patent literature of the native Indians-the Dalits. He is of the strong view that Hindi had originally derived from Tamil. He found out 1500 Hindi words derived from Tamil. His arguments are based on evidence. He has written books on Linguistics also. He had a fellowship in Oxford University for nine months. Actually, this empowered him a lot to keep on his strong convictions. He told me that the original history of Kerala is sleeping in the Libraries in England. Everything which had come across by the missionaries is kept intact there. He encouraged me to collect all those things from there and rewrite the history. The same was told me by Bishop Gladson of CSI when I met him once. Somebody should come forward to take up the mission for rewriting our history.

We used to cook kappa and fish curry in his kitchen and served to all his friends visiting him from Delhi. He was alone in the quarters, cooking food by himself. His life style is very unique. His financial discipline is laudable. He rendered unblemished service to Govt. We never come across such a perfect gentleman having a systematic and planned life. His mission of life is also planned. A lot of good things sparking the intellectual insights could be absorbed from him by us. He is a treasure of knowledge and, committed to salvage the Dalits socially, culturally and religiously. He is very lovable also. One day, when I visited him in the morning he was found bit worried. I asked him why? He told me, 'one of my daughter's marriage is held today at Meerat'. I didn’t ask anything more as it would make him more worried. I also knew that there are some grave problems in his family affairs. He used to recollect his commitments to his family and the community. ''I am a physically handicapped, top in the bureaucratic hierarchy, working 3000 km away from my native place, keeping a family with four marriageable daughters, and taking the responsibility to liberate my community from the untold miseries and agonies being untouchables who are having birth right in the country''. Very often, he was found sitting in the midst of books and papers. We wonder how he is managing everything intact. He also told us, not to have unnecessary dialogue with the Hindu obscurantist. It would be a criminal waste. They have been interpreting the Vedas and Upanishads since 3000 years. It is none of our business to interfere in their personal affairs. It is their scriptures, let them interpret as they please, but don't allow them to interfere in our affairs as we are having our own entity, our own culture, policy and religion. We have to develop this which will in turn develop our identity. For them we are soulless, that has to be rewritten, because the soul is our identity. Whenever myself , Rajan and Anil had discussion with him he would listen to what Anil says, because he would have up-to-date information of UP politics. There are two approaches viz dogmatic and pragmatic. Dr. Dharam Veer excels in the dogmatic fields. To go with him to the book market, very often held in Trivandrum, was a great experience. He didn’t care about the price, purchase may even go beyond Rs10000/.

When he was the Principal Secretary to Govt. he made two of my friends viz N. Ayyapan and P.P Gopi as IAS officers considering their outstanding performances. He used to tell us that he missed me and V.Sasi to be conferred with IAS. In Kerala, it is very difficult for a Dalit to be conferred with IAS even after he excels in service. Even to get into IAS through direct recruitment is very difficult Mr.Sudakaran had won the exam four times, at the fourth time he got it. Mr.P C Baburaj won the exam four times, at last he got Indian Postal Service. Dr.Sateesh won the exam four times, he couldn’t get anything. There are ever so many Dalits like this. One of our friends became mad because of his continuous failure in the interview. No other community has such an experience. We are forced to think, where the merit is? In this juncture Dharam veer did a good job.

I may require pages after pages to describe the virtues of my most beloved and respected Dharam veer sir, for which this blog may not be sufficient. I will definitely take up the challenge to have a touching sketch of his poetic life.

I also had a very painful experience when he fell ill due to stomach problem. It was a miraculous escape for him. We all have tried our level best for medical care and because he was a VIP, all Govt. machineries were there for timely operation and all other medical assistances. L.Rajan, Dr.Anil and Sidharthan, M-Phill student, were very closely associated for his well being.

He voluntarily retired from service in August 2009 and left us from Kerala. He is now at NCR, Delhi with his family and fully engaged in writing. We all keep on the relationship for igniting our conscience and intelligence. He will be another Ambedkar in India. His new approach for redefining the indology will be a landmark in Indian history. Wish him all success in his great endeavor.

In the name of GOD - i santhakumar.

I very often think, how I became an atheist. Right from my boyhood I puzzled with the moral lessons. I was told that the bible is the fountain head of all knowledge. If so why it is also not being taught in schools. Can I ignore the evolutionary theory in the answer sheet of the exam. If I want to pass the exam I have to depend on science, I cannot depend on the bible. If I want a job, food and everything I have to depend on science. Then why should I follow the bible? There is a common faith, religion gives peace of mind and world peace. If only there is mind there can be peace. How is it sustained? Because of body, because of food. Man has to work hard. Evolution is a long process, once we were kadodi-dwellers of jungle, then we became nadodi-villagers,doing agriculture, then became karodi-mechanisation and industrialization and at last we reach IT,BTage.Where is the role of religion for making us to the present position? Almost all rebellions, fights, wars throughout the world are due to religious reasons. The reformation that took place in Europe after renaissance shows the fight between the Pop and common people The three important historic movements viz renaissance, reformation and industrial revolution paved way to make the world to an ultramodern one. All these movements were against religion. All the religions are claiming that their Gods or Goddesses are the redeemers. According to Christianity Lord Jesus accepted the death to wash away the sin of human being. Sin causes the death. No sin has so far been washed away, because all are dying. I am writing this on the very Xmas day of 2011.In Nigeria a church in which Xmas prayers were going on, was bombed,40 killed. What is going on in Iraq, the mosque where prayers are going on are being bombed, hunbreds are dying. Muslims are killing xians, Xians are killing muslims.Where is the so called peace?

What is happening in Kerala in the name god?In1936 there were 23000 private temples and 400 govt.temples.The temple entry proclamation was applicable only to govt. temples. Consequent on the renaissance movements the number of such temples had come down and the no.of schools, hospitals gone up. But now it is going back.The superstitious belief is all pervading, every day no.of temples are increasing. We are first in the history brought out the gimmick behind the makrajyothy at Ponnambalamed in1982.Our cadres went to Ponnambalamed with camera and took photos of liting light in a vessel and lifting up by an employee of Electricity board. The photo was exhibited in the stall of All India exhibition at Trivandrum.But nobody believed and dared look on it. Now after a lapse of 20 years the Devaswom board agreed that it is a man made one and no divinity. This pilgrimage is the main reason for spreading contagious diseases in Kottayam,Pathanamthitta,and Allapusha area. Human excrete is heaped on the banks  Pamba river, even the trees on the shores were dried. About 2 years back Vice chancellor of Gandhi University had published an article in Mathrubhoomi weekly explaining the pernicious consequenses with color photos of the hills of wastes. The water in the holy river is full of dangerous bacteria. Why nobody is not thinking about this as it is detrimental to human existence.Tonnes of coconuts are burnt there,it is claiming that it will purify the atmosphere. What a wonderful discovery! Now a days all are talking about master plans for Padmanabha swami temple,Attukal temple,Sabarimalatemple etc. What a developmental activity! In kerala 10 to 15 people are dying every day due to accident in roads only. Many are dying in lakes,rivers and in sea. Why is it not a concern of the polititions,officials or religious emancipaters?Can we solve it with poojas or offering or pongala?Ministers are arranging funerals as state ceremony and giving cheque of lakhs and lakhs of rupees to the relatives of the victims. Why don't we have master plans for solving the grave problems? We don't have leaders or politicians or writers or reformers to 'declare loudly, the king is with out dress’. We were having very spectacular reformers to call a spade a spade. Now we do have sycophants and disguised leaders terribly selfish and corrupt. This is the curse of us. People are having blind faith. The secular govt.are encouraging this. Now high tech temples are made in the encroached govt.land,while supreme court verdict is there to evict such religious centers. This does not mean that one should not have faith in supernatural powers or in god, if he wanted to have it. He must have, it is his birth right and nobody can challenge. But it should be borne in mind that such faith is purely personnel and let it be in the house only. When it is coming out of the house, it becomes public, making hindrance  to others. This makes problems and tensions