Solidarity for Rights & Social Inclusion

A Quarterly Bulletin of JANA UTTHAN PRATISTHAN, Vol. 8, Issue 3 July-September 2007

“Our struggle is not for wealth or for power. Our struggle is for freedom. Our struggle is for the reclamation of Human personality. – Baba Saheb Dr. B. R Ambedkar” Patience of Badi Movement and Its Reflection

Badi community is in movement pressing the government to Movement (DCM) on August 28, various leaders of political fulfill their 20-point demand that includes, two seats for the parties expressed their solidarity with the ’ movement and Badi community in the Constituent Assembly (CA), farm lands backed the demands being made by the Badi community. They for alternate means of living, and among others after their demanded that the government should address the genuine historic national conference in August 16, 2007. Badi people demands of the Dalits and the Badi community through dialogue. from 23 different districts are in Kathmandu for last two months demanding their rights, which have been suppressed by feudal structure of state and society. They, under Badi Right Struggle Committee (BRSC) have been struggling tolerating different difficulties in Kathmandu. Their situation has been very painful because of the police brutality to their protest. Even after two-month protest and continuous struggle, government has not been serious on their issue rather played with different propaganda. They have been continuing their struggle since BRSC is determined to continue the struggle until the response of government to their demands. People from the Badi community organize a sit-in demanding an end to Deuki, Badi and Jhuma traditions prevalent in western at the Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on August 17, 2007. Police rounded up 13 women of Badi community when they staged a demonstration in front of the Singha Durbar on August 19 2007. They were arrested for demonstrating at the restricted area, Singha Durbar and detained at the Metropolitan Police Office at Singha Durbar. On August 26,Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives BRSC also staged a gherao of the Prime Minister’s residence at Chhabi Lal Bishwokarma assured to help the Badi community, Baluwatar on the same date. Delegation of the agitating Dalit saying that he would raise their genuine demands before the activists met Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on August 29, cabinet. Leaders from various parties said that the 12-point 2007. They organized a Nation Wide Protest on September 19, charter of demands of women from the Badi community is 2007 in collaboration with WHRD Network. The protested two genuine and urged the government to meet their demands. hours in front of CDO office. The protest was followed by handing over the Gyapan Patra to CDO at all the districts and to prime Over 135 activists of the Dalit and Badi communities were arrested minister in Kathmandu. from the southern gate of Singhadurbar on Various women’s organizations have expressed solidarity to Inside August 27, 2007. They the women of Badi community and condemned the were, however, freed in suppression of their protests by the state. They all Reservation is not just a the evening. Several areconfident to make this movement as a landmark Chestnut groups of protesters movement for Human Rights, social justice for every converged at the marginalized community of Nepal. Solidarity from all human Interview with - Guna Laxmi prohibited area from rights institutions and human rights activists has Sharma different routes and encouraged them but the government and the city dwellers staged a sit-in there. in Kathmandu have been making fun to their protest. Workforce Diversity :Leads The protesters had Organization towards covered their mouths Badi community as a whole has been exploited and compelled increased productivity with black scarf. Around to live as squatter community and entertain feudal. In the – Man Bahadur Bk 15 agitators were changed political context their situation needs to be changed. injured when they In one hand, Badi community is entitled to get the environment Inclusive Education - Teach clashed with the police. to live with dignity, freedom and equality and on the other How You Preach One demonstrator, hand, Badi women are entitled to enjoy all rights according to convention on elimination of all forms of violence against – Dr. Pramod Dhakal Mithu Badi, fell unconscious, and women. Their socio-economic rights and rights to take part in all political affairs needs to be ensured. It is urgent that JUP -Nepal Major Events dozens of them were injured when the police government takes affirmative actions to protect their rights. Without this neither new Nepal will be established nor peace Contemporary News intervened. At an interaction organized gets institutionalized and sustained, nor their patience gets by the Dalit Citizens prolonged. ADVISORS Editorial # Prof. Dr. Biddyanath Koirala Dr. Chet Bahadur Pariyar Reservation is not just a Chestnut Dr. Drona Prakash Rasali The UP government’s move to introduce voluntary reservation for backward Dr. Keshab Man Shakya classes in private sector received mixed response from industry associations. Mr. Keith D. Leslie While Ficci ‘wondered’ how the initiative would make the state more Mr. Kieran Dwyer competitive, Assocham said it would help the government achieve its goal of Dr. Lynn Bennett inclusive growth. CII refused to comment, saying it needs to study the state Dr. Shambhu Ram Simkhada government’s decision in detail, but emphasized its opposition to any form of Mr. Narayan Belbase reservation. In its statement, Ficci pointed out that UP was ranked seventh among the states in terms of net value added in the 2004-05 Annual Survey of EDITING ADVISORS Industries. The chamber said the state has half the number of factories as Man Bahadur Bk Maharashtra and even less than half the number of factories in Tamil Nadu. Amrit Bishwakarma “Given this scenario, Ficci wonders how the current initiative of the state government of voluntary reservation of 30% of jobs in the private sector for EDITOR-IN-CHIEF fresh investments would make the state more competitive vis-à-vis its Raj Kumar Gandharba competitors,” the chamber said. Ficci said the effectiveness of the measure will depend on the availability of EXECUTIVE EDITOR qualified candidates and would require a massive training and skill formation Basanti Sunar movement across the state targeting the SC/ST (Scheduled Caste/Schedule MEDIA COORDINATOR Tribes), OBC (Other Backward Communities), minorities and economically backward members of the upper caste. The chamber said it has already Shuv Narayan Mahara committed to adopt 10 industrial training institutes (ITIs) in UP and is looking SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS closely at opening an entrepreneurial training center in the state targeting the backward communities. Sambriddhi Kharel -USA Rupesh Silwal -UK In Nepal many times, the Civil Service Acts were amended, especially pertaining Nab Raj Roshyara -Germany to the system of promotion, age bar of the civil servants and recruitment system. Regardless of the amendments made, they never addressed the real Lay Out problems facing the civil service system, and the reforms had no long-term Apsara Aryal vision. This had a negative impact on the Nepalese civil service system instead of making it highly coveted. Because of poor leadership and a visionless Published by: policy, the bureaucracy could not become result-oriented, transparent, responsible, motivated and career-oriented. The leadership never held a positive attitude towards the civil servants. The civil service system was not inclusive, participative and result-oriented. The provision of reservation carries both positive as well as negative aspects. To some extent, it is desirable to make the civil service inclusive, but it to likely to have negative spirit, which skills the spirit of empowerment of deprived Jana Utthan Pratisthan (JUP) groups like Dalits. The reservation through the system it has made the Anamnagar, Kathmandu provision of 45% for the excluded groups, out of which, it has allocated 9% Phone: 01-4771136/2030309 for of the 45% for Dalits that counts only 4.05% in total where Dalits constitute Email: [email protected], 13.08% (According to the census data of CBS, 2001). But Dalit organizations Website: www.jup-nepal.org and activists estimated the population more than 20%. Despite such a large portion of population, provision of reservation for Dalit in civil service is very negligible. On the auspicious occasion of Even though different provisions have been made, they are partial and have Vijaya Dashami and Diwali - 2007, not reached in the implementation level. Nonetheless, the government has JUP-Nepal extends its best not realized the conviction of the mass movement of Dalits and the civil wishes and greetings to all its service act is not up to the level of people’s prospect. Unlike to the demand development partners, for the proportionate reservation the government has decision has made contributors, countrymen and only partial provision for Dalits and excluded groups. As mentioned above in Dalit community, for the progress India, the provision for special rights for Dalits is needed in all sectors including and prosperity as well as private sector in our country too since Dalits have been long exploited by the perpetual partnership with all the so-called upper caste and have not yet been living the dignified lives, rather uttering like a chestnut. mankind in this planet. ™™ 2 Dalit Solidarity Interview Get international support for Nepal’s Peace : Ambassador- Guna Laxmi Sharma (Guna Laxmi Sharma Bishwokarma, a Dalit woman has been appointed as the Ambassador for Myanmar by Government of Nepal. Ms. Bishwokarma is the first Dalit woman envoy in the Nepalese history. She was born in 2007 in Dolkha district. In her 40 years career in government service, she was secretary of Nursing Association for few years, and she is the Deputy Secretary (Chief) of District Public Health, Kathmandu.) Here is an excerpt from her interview: JUP-Nepal: How do you feel of being an ambassador and what have you done to reach this pick? Guna Laxmi: I am feeling very happy to be appointed as an ambassador by the government of Nepal. I am the first lady to be an ambassador from Dalit community and from the Nursing profession in Nepal. I have faced lots of challenges and opportunities in my life. In my problems in our country and many development works Nursing career, I was the president of Nursing yet to be done. Myanmar is a large country with low Association and Student Union. population and big mines of valuable stones. I will introduce Nepal as a country of Buddha to the people For me, Life itself is a great struggle all day long. I of Myanmar. I will try to find employment opportunities have been facing many problems and caste based for Nepali people in the mines of that country. Besides, discrimination since my childhood. Now it’s time to as an ambassador, I will also try to get international work on the issues of discrimination. I got success support for Nepal’s peace process. because of the struggle; however, there are many Our country is rich in natural resources and traditional struggles yet to be done. skills; especially the Dalits are very skillful in various JUP-Nepal: How were you selected as an arts. We need to have proper utilization of their skills ambassador? and develop it in full extent. Apart from the developmental support of our country, I will also emphasis on exposure Guna Laxmi: I have contributed 40 years in the of skills of the Dalit community. I will try to exhibit their government services. Besides, I have also involved in skills and promote their product in Myanmar. Nepalese politics for a long time. As I have been related to CPN-UML politically, I have been appointed as an JUP-Nepal: Myanmar is under military rule, how ambassador by nomination of that party. I think my will you keep good relation of Nepal, with that performances were considered and acknowledged by country? the state and the party. My duty is to keep the relation good between two JUP-Nepal: From the health sector, you have countries, without any interest in their internal politics. entered to diplomatic sector, how will you work We will respect the government, which the people of in this new field? Myanmar love and respect. I will do my best to maintain good relation between the two countries. Guna Laxmi: I am from health sector, even though I was not involved in health only. I have been participating JUP-Nepal: How will you contribute in Dalit in politics since 2042. I am also the active member of movement from the International level? CPN-UML party. This involvement gave me the I have been contributing in Dalit movement since long. experiences of diplomacy and I think this would be Now as an ambassador, I will have access to helpful to work as an ambassador. international forum and organizations. My try will be to share the situation of Dalits with the practice of caste JUP-Nepal: What kind of new work would you like based discrimination and inform the international people to do in Myanmar? about the condition of Dalits in Nepal. My utmost strive will be to gather international support for Dalit movement A lot of works have to be done. Our country is still and encourage them for their contribution to focus for among underdeveloped nations. We have many all round development of Dalit community. 3

Dalit Solidarity Workforce Diversity : Leads organization towards increased productivity

- Man Bahadur Bk

Conceptual Framework: Pluralistic composition in other, the decisions we make and the challenges we governance has been one of the important features of face. Diversity is about understanding who we are as the democracy. Since Nepal has been officially Hindu individuals, with all our similarities and differences. A kingdom for long time, the social system of the country diverse workforce consists of people who look different is highly influenced with traditional Hindu system and and have different life experiences. Although Diversity it has also been reflected in the public governance as has often been understood as the gender and racial well as public service delivery. Even in development makeup of an agency’s workforce, it actually goes field there has been clientele relationship; seller and beyond that narrow range to include such factors as client relationship. Thus this psychology divided the age, cultural background, education, national origin, people into two; ruler and ruled ones (Bk, 2005). Dalits religion, physical appearance and economic status are considered at the bottom of the society by the (SwRI, n/a). These are just some of the many Hindu feudal system and are oppressed in every sector characteristics that define us as individuals and of their life. They have been paying the “caste penalty” employees. The key to workplace Diversity is to create since time immemorial (The World Bank & DFID, a corporate environment that promotes mutual respect, 2006). Likewise, the ethnic groups have been deprived acceptance, cooperation, productivity and recognition of their culture, language and representation since long of each employee’s value. ago. Patriarchic society did not let women to grow in India has internalized the need of inclusion for workforce an equal footing of every sector of life. Differently able diversity since its independence and introduced peoples are not treated in a positive manner, as they reservation for under-represented castes and tribes in are able to work/involve in development initiatives in a the constitution. This workforce diversity has the different way as their physical condition. Consequently, significant contribution for India’s prosperous growth with these groups remained excluded from the modern comparatively strong nation building. In America, Diversity development initiatives and its governance. Inclusive was first promoted in the workplace in the 1960s and democracy has been in top priority of the country 1970s (Ibid). In 1961, President Kennedy established especially after the people’s movement-II, which the President’s Committee on Equal Employment focuses on workforce diversity. Opportunity, with the goal of ending discrimination in The interim constitution of Nepal has recognized the employment by the government and its contractors. The spirit of diversity and ensured inclusiveness through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 went further, prohibiting discrimination in any federal program or activity. Title VII proportionate representation of all ethnic groups and of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal to under-represented castes. The age long armed conflict discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, has enlightened that the monopolistic behaviour of the religion, sex, national origin or disability in regard to hiring, state has deprived many groups even of their identity. firing, promoting, training, pay or working conditions. In Limited caste’s domination in governance produced not 1971, the Nixon Administration issued a revised order only the dictator-like bureaucrats but also the predatory requiring contractors to develop an Affirmative Action state (Bk, 2005). As a result not only people but whole program. But employers soon found that simply hiring a nation is in the deprivation in the global arena. Moreover, more diverse workforce did not necessarily result in the the state remained week in nation building. expected benefits. A more sustained and committed Generally speaking, the term “Workforce Diversity” approach was necessary to bring about true workplace refers to policies and practices that seek to include diversity. During the 1980s and 1990s, organizations people within a workforce who are considered to be, in increasingly recognized that diversity should not only be some way, different from those in the prevailing legislated, but also be valued as a business practice. constituency (McInnes, n/a). We live in an age of Diversity management is now more focused on the knowledge, and firms that succeed are those that are corporate benefits of a diverse workforce – in other words, best able to harness the collective knowledge of their diversity as a business imperative worldwide. It gives them employees. The collective knowledge of any group is a competitive advantage. This cooperative atmosphere enhanced by including people with different experiences leads to improved retention rates, productivity and morale. and backgrounds (Friedman and Amoo, n/a). Thus workforce diversity is not only the need of under- represented groups but the essence for prosperous Diversity encompasses the characteristics and growth of an organization and ultimately for nation- uniqueness of each individual, how we relate to each building. 4

Dalit Solidarity Organizations that want to generate ideas need to hire • Avoid ghettoization and create zero tolerance to employees from diverse backgrounds. Several studies the workplace discrimination. demonstrate that the standard of living and life • Avoid diversity for only quantification (window- expectancy in a country improve significantly as women dressing) but for substantial influence in decision- enter the labor force and are treated the same as men making. (Crossette, 2001). Schwartz (2001) attributes the poverty However the organizations face resistance to apply of many Muslim countries in their failure to “invest at all the workforce diversity due to the culture of in the human capital of half the population — that is, monopolistic attitude set-up in their mind and lack of women.” Lewis (2002) also believes that the severe respecting others’ value, knowledge and culture. This restrictions on women in Islamic countries contributed problem (resistance against diversity) can be solved to tremendous difference in the economic success of by changing the culture of the organization so that the Islamic world and the West. The U.S. Joint Economic employees understand the value and importance of Committee has calculated the loss of GDP in the United diversity and of focusing on the goals of the organization States due to racial discrimination to be about 4 percent rather than individual needs (Chatman et al., 1998). each year (Friedman and Amoo, n/a). The same is Thus, the workforce diversity plan should be best on probably true of firms that engage in discrimination. In Pareto Optimality or Economic Efficiency of modern fact, a recent study demonstrated that firms with senior welfare economics as ‘Welfare State’ is the leader teams consisting of multicultural and female fundamental objective of modern democratic members had significantly higher growth rates than firms government (Ahuja, 1970). According to this theory with teams consisting only of white males. The any reorganization or reallocation of resources should incremental sales growth of companies with make people better off without making any others multicultural teams was 8 percent higher (21percent vs. worse off. On that basis, maintaining workforce 13 percent) than companies utilizing teams consisting diversity is not the snatching of the job and providing only of white males (Weaver, 2001). Thus, it has been others. It should be understood that the diversity now a day not only the business strategy for the corporate increases the productivity and then creates more job houses but also an exercise in good corporate in the market. This understanding will promote the responsibility. Many groups of people who have been beauty of workforce diversity and reduce the excluded from workplaces are consequently reliant on resistance. tax-supported social service programs. Diversifying the Now a day Diversity and equity has been everybody’s workforce, particularly through initiatives like welfare-to- business. Workforce diversity and equity means that work, can effectively turn tax users into tax payers we recognise and respect our differences and reflect (McInnes, n/a). this in the way we work and treat each other. In this Way out maintaining workforce diversity: way, our workplaces are welcoming, supportive, Workforce diversity is the new challenge for Nepalese productive and free from all forms of unlawful organizations along with civil service. However, discrimination and harassment. workforce diversity has been highly needed, it being the fundamental for wider democratization process. The References: government has internalized it in some extent through Ahuja, H.L. (1970). Advanced Economic Theory. S. Chand and Company its Constitution Assembly Election Act and Civil Service Ltd, New Delhi. Act (Amended). Likewise development agencies are Bk, Manbahadur (2005). Dalits in State Governance. Jana utthan Pratisthan, Kathmandu. also planning for workforce diversity even though it is limited to quantification. However, Nepalese corporate Chatman, Jennifer A., J. T. Polzer, S. G. Barsade, and M. A. Neale (1998). “Being Different Yet Feeling Similar: The Influence of Demographic houses are far behind in planning workforce diversity. I Composition and Organizational Culture on Work Processes and have mentioned some way out for maintaining workforce Outcomes.” Administrative Science Quarterly, vol. 43, 749-780. diversity as follows; Crossette, Barbara (2001). “Living in a World Without Women.” The • Creating a welcoming and supportive workplace New York Times, November 4, Section 4, 1 - 5. climate that enhances diversity. Hershey H. Friedman and Taiwo Amoo, (n/a). Workplace Diversity: the • Creating staff diversity councils and task forces. Key to Survival and Growth. Available at http://www.westga.edu/~bquest/ • 2002/diversity.htm visited on 11-09-007 Developing hiring policy (including policy Lewis, Bernard (2002). What Went Wrong? Western Impact and Middle regarding formation of executive committee for Eastern Response. New York: Oxford University Press. NGOs) encouraging under-represented groups McInnes R. (na), Workforce Diversity: Changing the Way You Do and ensuring their inclusion. Business; Diversity World available at http://www.diversityworld.com/ Diversity/index.htm visited on 10-09-007 • Developing policies that encourage internal Schwartz, Alan (2001). “Getting at the Roots of Arab Poverty.” The New promotions of diverse staff members to supervisory York Times, December 1, A27. positions. SwRI (n/a). Diversity is the key: Promoting Excellence through Diversity. • Developing a comprehensive plan for recruiting, Southwest Research Institute. Available at http://www.swri.org/diversity/ retaining and promoting a diverse staff images/DiversityBooklet.pdf visited on 10-09-007. The World Bank and DFID (2006). Unequal Citizen. The World Bank and • Establishing internship program for the under- DFID, Kathmandu. represented groups to enhance their professional University of Washington (2004). Diversity Appraisal Report available at http:/ capability. /depts.washington.edu/divinit/divappraisal_report.php visited on 10-09-007

5 Dalit Solidarity Inclusive Education - Teach How You Preach - Dr Pramod Dhakal

(Dr Pramod Dhakal is a former faculty member of Tribhuvan University and holds a Ph D in electrical engineering. He is Executive Director of Canada Forum for Nepal and lives in Canada.)

he word “inclusion” was not in the Nepali language’s place in all of Nepal, half the children cannot afford to attend vocabulary when I left my village of Sarkuwa in private schools. The situation is such that anyone with small TBaglung District, Nepal, some three-decade ago. hint of common sense should be able to figure out that it is This time around, however, I found my village to be a against the principle of founding an equitable and prosperous different place. People are much more conscious of their society. But the system has been glorified by the ruling political rights compared to ever before, and inclusion has parties of Nepal and superpower donors on the premise that become a buzzword among the literates. Marginalized it upholds the principles of the “free-market economy” and groups want to be included in the mainstream. Yet, as I “international norms”. However, it amazes me that these same tried to look beneath the surface, I feared that my villagers countries are playing the politics of “inclusion” and are not any nearer to an inclusive society today than they “democracy” while helping Nepal systematically dismantles were three decades ago. In fact, all indicators seem to its ability to fairly and equitably educate its children. say that the New Nepal may very well be founded on the principles of the most profound of exclusions while If the history of world civilizations means anything to us, inclusion buzzwords are ringing on the slogans of the we should note that the sustained progress of the Chinese political parties. empire for five centuries begun in the time of Kublai Khan (1215-94AD) with the organization of Chinese society in There was only one secondary school in the whole of the units of about fifty households. With broad southern belt of Baglung District when I was a young lad. responsibilities and authority over their lives – farming, Everyone had only one choice of school whether they were land, water and natural resource management, justice and poor, rich, , Brahmin, or Magar. Although I do not education - these units became the building blocks of the remember any of my Dalit friends attending school beyond Chinese prosperity. For the first time in modern history of Grade 3, at least the founders of that school had no humankind, public schools were built for all citizens and provisions for either excluding children of the poor compulsory universal education of all children was households, or sending them off to an inferior school. practiced. This policy broke the stranglehold over the There were other profound socio-economic barriers in education and power held by a few elites. This policy also front of poor and Dalit children but those exclusions were eroded the support base of Sung dynasty, which was still not the byproduct of the education system. And, I am talking ruling in many parts of China, and built new momentum of a time when there was no presence of central for widespread progress and loyalty of ordinary people government in our village and the whole system was run towards unification of China under Yuan dynasty [1]. China by the local efforts of our villagers. remained an undisputed superpower in the world for centuries to come. Five centuries later, governments in Throughout the 1980s Panchayat Raj tried to centrally control Europe picked up the responsibility for public education, the education system and was able to fully entrench political while China went on dismantling it’s universal public partisanship in the schools. After the political uprising of education following the rise of Ming dynasty. 1990, our socialist and neo-liberal political friends were brought to power in a hope to fix the misdeeds of the old Scotland introduced a tax on landlords in 1633 to subsidize regime. But the political operatives turned to the advice of the education for the children of the general public but this corporate consultants instead of reading a few pages of tax was subsequently revoked. Scotish parliament re- history to learn some lessons for fixing the problems of instated the tax in 1696 only [2]. However, the general Nepal. Instead of reversing the wrongs, they rode on the awakening brought by earlier efforts helped Scotland raise Panchayati wave - further politicizing the schools, and its literacy and build support for public education system. entrenching a discriminatory system of education by bringing The land tax continued to subsidize the education for the in a for-profit private education to compete with the public poor until a compulsory and free public education was education. This policy ensured that rich and poor would no introduced for the children aged between 5 and 13 with the longer attend the same school. They had hoped that this Education Act 1872 [2]. The lead of Scotland, and newly introduced competition would fix all the ills of the public subsequent movement in the United Kingdom, for schools but the result proved to be just the opposite. As a educating the children of general public made the British result of this policy, children were thrown into the world of the Empire the strongest in the world, eclipsing the old Chinese “market” and public education was quickly deteriorated. The empire throughout the 18th and 19th century. quality of private education delivered to children depended on the money that the parents could afford to pay. While the UK was strengthening its public education in the 19th century, the United States was still having an education Today, the public education in Nepal has been so thoroughly system accessible only to the wealthy and white population. dismantled that those who send their children to public But by 1918 all states in the USA passed laws requiring schools are looked down upon in society. Yet most parents of children to attend at least elementary school and 20th Nepal are unable to send their children to private schools. century belonged to the USA on account of its sustained Even in Kathmandu Valley, which is the most prosperous focus on public education. From 1900 to 1996 the 6

Dalit Solidarity percentage of teenagers who graduated from high school turned into the ownership of the local communities and all children in USA increased from about 6 percent to about 85 percent of a community must be required to go to the same school despite [3]. Similarly college and university enrolment went up from the wealth of the parents. The role of the ministry should be in 2 percent at the beginning of the 20th century to 60 percent standardization, curriculum development, program development, near the end of the century among the age group of 18 to licensing of qualified teachers, and so on. Government must not 24. Public education in the USA got a huge face-lift after hire, fire, and transfer individual teachers. Only local school World War II, and the post war USA surpassed every nation boards shall have the authority to do such things. There is no in educational indices. By 1960s it had removed all barriers other magic to building large systems that are incorruptible. to education to Blacks and other minorities. When Kublai Khan came to power in China, his country was not Yet the 21st century may have been slipping away from the unified. Moreover, educated elites shared one set of system and hand of the USA. Other countries are marching ahead in high culture while the common people belonged to a distinctly educational indices and in research and development. different and inferior system - the same scenario as in today’s Countries like Switzerland, Finland, Japan, Sweden, and Nepal. How Kublai Khan captured the sentiment of the Chinese Germany have already surpassed USA in the categories of intelligentsia was that he planted a hope of realizing the previously per-capita inventions and many other countries have unfulfilled dream of building a united country with all people produced better educational indices. An OECD report on under a single government1. His problem of building a single education published in 2005 came to conclude that “The cohesive political entity out of a large number of disparate people most effective economies are those with the largest was more daunting than what we are facing today in Nepal. He production of information and knowledge and in which they could not have done it if he wanted to establish the supremacy are easily accessible to the greatest number of individuals of his culture (Mongol) over those of his people. He could not and enterprises” [4]. The same report said that every extra have done it if he had stayed among the Chinese upper class. year of education increases the productivity of a person by He repaired the damage of war by restoring the public buildings, 3-6%. Therefore, education is found to be the largest temples, shrines, and places of deep symbolic value. He built an contributing factor in the productivity growth of a country. entirely new and planned capital in Beijing to disassociate with Despite a volume of research and statistics available on their the past. He brought people of skills and knowledge from around fingertip, Nepalese political pundits seem to be conveniently the world to build trade. He bestowed management of local affairs ignoring public education, which is a necessary ingredient to local communities. And, most of all he brought the light of for building a prosperous nation. They rather seem to be education to ordinary people by removing barriers that separated listening to those foreign powers and international corporate the rich and the poor for the time immemorial. Unless Nepalese interests that would wine and dine them. Parties like Nepali rulers can gather a will to do this, the prospect of building an Congress are busy convincing the people of Nepal that for- inclusive society in Nepal will always remain a myth! profit education has been great for Nepal. Because they were References the one who imported this dreadful and shortsighted system to Nepal, they are keen on proving the greatness of the system 1. Jack Weatherford, Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern by the fact that more students from the English boarding World, Three River Press, New York, pp. 196-217. schools pass SLC exams compared to those from the public 2. Education in Scotland, http://www.answers.com/topic/education-in-scotland 3. Deeptha Thattai, A History of Public Education in the United schools. Similarly, the parties like CPN (UML), who happily States, http://www.servintfree.net/~aidmn-ejournal/publications/ embraced the system, are busy introducing a three-tier 2001-11/PublicEducationInTheUnitedStates.htm education comprising for-profit, co-operative and pubic 4. Straight A’s: Public Education Policy and Progress, Vol 5, No. 18, Oct 3, 2005, http:// systems to replace today’s two-tier education system. As the www.all4ed.org/publications/StraightAs/Volume5No18.html Maoists have entered into the coalition, there is a danger that they might also support this unjust Inequality in Asia education system on the name of appeasing the foreign donors.

However, every successful country in the history of humanity has heavily emphasized on public education during its rising phase and has strived to dismantle the public education during its dying phase. Common sense should, therefore, tell that for Nepal to rise in the path of inclusion, unity and prosperity, a fair public education system is necessary. And, there is no other tool to conquer the old ills of exclusion than a single tier and mandatory public education for all children.

Although public education is a much- admired goal, the current practice of centrally controlling the public education system is in contrary to the principles of good management. Public schools will not deliver quality education using the current model of management. All the schools of Nepal must once again be Source : Asian Development Bank.2007. Inequality in Asia Highlights 7 Dalit Solidarity JUP-Nepal Major Events

Anniversary Day of JUP-Nepal Observed the vice-president of Dalit Development Committee and Mr. Ramlal Bishwakarma, the president of National Dalit The 13th ‘Anniversary Day’ of JUP-Nepal was held on July Commission claimed that Dalits and Dalit leaders should 24, 2007 in Hotel Orchid, Kathmandu. Honorable Minister be accumulated in order to discuss Dalit status, present for Women, Children and Social Welfare and the chief guest their current demands and initiate discussion on the of the function, Khadga Bahadur Bishwakarma inaugurated module of new Nepal to discuss on Dalits’ core agendas. the function. The function was lead by the symposium of Hon’ble minister Khadga Bishwakarma said that the “World Refugee Survey 2007” report prepared Ms. publications of JUP-Nepal have really contributed for Dalit Sambriddhi Kharel, the Lead Researcher and Ms. Manisha movement, and thanked JUP for taking the initiation of Ghimire, the Assistant Researcher released by the preparing the report for “World Refugee Survey 2007” which Honorable Minister, and the book “Dalit Bibliography” edited helped JUP to receive its credential in international forum. by Mr. Man Bahadur Bk and Mr. Raj Kumar Gandharba He further added, new government has been established, people from every walk of life believed their grievances would be addressed, however, the issues of Dalits were not duly addressed by the eight party coalition led government, so, we all need to raise our united voice to exert pressure on political parties. Wrapping up the function, Mr. Babu Ram Bishwakarma thanked all the guests and the participants, and opined that we need to be serious for the cause of Dalits and raise our united voice, and announced the closure of the function. JUP Obtained UN ECOSOC Status

JUP started its work through media advocacy by publishing its monthly magazine ‘Jana Utthan’. It has, since its inception, been globally raising voices against racial and released by Mr. Ramlal Bishwakarma, the President of caste based discrimination. It made a greatest contribution National Dalit Commission. The function was chaired by Mr. Babu Ram Bishwakarma, the Acting President of JUP, welcomed all the participants by Amrit Bishwakarma, the General Secretary of JUP, and hosted by Mr. Raj Kumar Gandharba, the Program Coordinator of JUP.

Ms. Sambriddhi Kharel presented the succinct background towards Dalit movement in Nepal. Besides, it has also on which the report was prepared. She further explained the organized several events in order to allure the state, situation of refugees in Nepal that had been reflected in the political parties and civic societies regarding the issues report. JUP-Nepal contributed for preparing the report on and inclusion of Dalits. It made a greatest contribution to World Refugee Survey 2007 for the portion of Nepal, whereas achieve glorious victory of the historic popular movement U. S. Committee prepared the whole report for Refugees II, which was carried out at the call of seven party alliances and Immigrants. Then after, Mr. Man Bahadur Bk, the founder for the restoration of absolute democracy in Nepal, thereby, president of JUP and one of the editors of the book ‘Dalit making the people sovereign. It has also mobilized its Bibliography’ explained the content of the book, the volunteers nationwide to monitor human rights violation contribution of JUP for Dalit movement, and shared the news during the movement. of JUP of obtaining the status of UN ECOSOC. At the function, Mr. Shuv Narayan Mahara, office assistant of JUP was To date, JUP has tremendously achieved its credential by awarded with “Staff of the Year Award – 2007”. bringing Dalit issues in international forum including the United Nations, the European Union and various Central Dalit leaders from political parties delivered their international human rights networks/organizations. It has speeches. Mr. Gajadhar Sunar, the president of Dalit significantly been assisting to prepare the alternative report Welfare Organization, Mr. Tej Sunar, secretary of Dalit NGO for submitting to the CERD, UN since 1999. JUP has also Federation, Dr. Chet Pariyar, the president of NaDIAN, Mr. worked with OHCHR and running the peace volunteer Binod Pahadi, central member of Federation of Nepalese program funded by UNDP. It has been involving in different Journalists, Mr. Sewal Ram, member of National Dalit activities organized by UN agencies. It has attained the UN Commission, Mr. Desh Bahadur Sarki, representative from Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) status in 2007, Dalit Sangh (Democratic), Ms. Rajan Bishwakarma, the since it has been working on the similar agenda of ECOSOC vice-president of Dalit Sangh, Mr. Rajesh Bishwakarma, and its subsidiary bodies. The Economic and Social the president of Jatiya Samata Samaj, Mr. Padam Sundas, Council, at its Substantive Session of July 2007, decided to the vice-president of Dalit Mukti Morcha (Unified), Tej Mijar, 88

Dalit Solidarity grant Special consultative status to JUP-Nepal. The obtaining ECOSOC status has been very much inspiring Contemporaty News for JUP to move towards campaign against discrimination and poverty and to build networks globally. Anti- Caste Discrimination Group Submits a New Initiation of JUP Volunteers Batch-2007 Memorandum to German Minister Anti-Caste Discrimination Group Submits a Memorandum to JUP Peace Volunteers –2007 have been organizing German Minister Freiburg (Germany), on September 5, 2007. A different program to raise the awareness of Dalit group of Nepalese and Germans for the eradication of caste community in Siraha, Mahottari, Palpa, Kailali, Banke and discrimination in Nepal has met the German Minister of State in Doti districts. They have been conducting interactions and Foreign Ministry Gernot Erler (He is also a chief of the Germany’s discussions on constituent assembly. Among them, the international human right politics in the world) and informed him volunteers of Kailali organized a daylong Alternative Dalit in writing about the prevailing caste discrimination problem in Nepal. The group handed over 4-point demands as a part of Council in Dhangadi Municipality on August 31, 2007 with internationalization of caste discrimination problem in Nepal. The group is demanding that 20% all foreign aid allocated to Nepal from Germany and other European Union countries to be spent for development and welfare of Dalits of Nepal. Minister Erler has promised to discuss this matter with concerned departments responsible for South Asian Affairs, foreign aid for developing countries as well as human rights within his government, and respond to the group in writing at a later date.

The group in Chemnitz has been active in the initiation for eradication of caste system of Nepal. It may be the first time in Germany, where the Nepalese people from both sects- those belonging to the so-called upper castes and the so-called lower castes are organizing demonstrations together for the eradication of age old caste discrimination still prevailing in Nepal. In addition to the Nepalese activists, even Germans including a Professor are taking part actively in this campaign. Many locals who have heard about the initiatives have been extending a strong moral support for this the presence of Dalit of 14 wards of Dhangadi Municipality. campaign. Many students across Germany have started The campaign was organized with the joint effort of JUP- discussing about how to eradicate the caste system through their Nepal and Rastriya Dalit Network (RDN), which has also different Internet discussion forum, as they believe that it cannot been working in the field of caste-based discrimination be eradicated only by force. The discussions are in German, but and human rights of Dalit people. The objectives of the are very interesting. The plan of the group’s campaign is to reach out to all ruling and opposition parties of Germany first, and then council were to review the policy, budget and plan of the same will be followed in European Union (EU) countries so municipality for Dalit, to submit the pro-Dalit alternative that they would put forward conditions on their investments in the policy, budget and plan, to exert pressure on making pro- international aid– at least a quarter part of the international aid Dalit alternative policy, budget and plan, to make political should go to the lower caste people. Many letters have already parties, government, NGOS/ INGOS and media houses been sent from Germany to the Speaker of the Parliament and to more responsible for the issues of Dalits, to aware Dalit many weeklies and the Nepal Journalist Association, which is on constituent assembly, and to confirm the reservation collecting all the solidarity letters, sent. The next plan of the group in the future is to organize a funeral journey of caste system from for Dalit at local governance. Mechhi through Mahakali to Bhagirathi Ganga (Holy River) The participants of the program thanked JUP and RDN signifying the death of caste discrimination not only in Nepal but also that the impact of eradication of caste system will be in India. for conducting the event and raising the issues of Dalit in The symbolic dead body of caste system will be burnt in Bhagirathi Dhangadi district, and suggested to organize the Ganges River, and both so called upper and lower caste people campaign massively to build common approach among will take part in this rally. Dalits. They raise the issues related to Dalit community and their problems of participation in the CA Polls. They House of Representative passed Resolution suggested Dalit community to be aware of the political on parties. Besides, they focused that the landlessness, unemployment and education are the major problems of House of Representatives has passed Historic Resolution on Dalits in that municipality. in the end, they prepared a Untouchability on July 23, 2007. House Concurrent Resolution 139 is the First Official Statement on Untouchability by US manifesto with the presence of more than 250 of 14 wards Congress. The resolution is the first of its kind from the Dalit representatives, district level political party leaders, United States Congress. Sponsored by Congressman Trent and different NGOS/ INGOS. The major highlights of the Franks and Co-Sponsored by thirty-three leading human rights manifesto are: Dalit have been excluded in every sector advocates in Congress including Congressman Tom Lantos, so they need have special package program, most of the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the bill contains historic language on untouchability in India, including a Dalits are landless and don’t have citizenship card, they lengthy findings section detailing the effects of untouchability need to have alternative and citizen card, their traditional and caste abuse on outcastes in India. The resolution calls on skills need to be promoted, scholarship to Dalit students, the United States government to work with India to address the 20% reservation in all private and government sectors, problem of untouchability by raising the issue of caste and among others. discrimination through diplomatic channels and encouraging US 9 Dalit Solidarity businesses, USAID, the State Department, and other US programs indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their own and organizations working in India to take every possible measure institutions, cultures and traditions and to pursue their development to ensure Dalits are included and are not discriminated against in in keeping with their own needs and aspirations. It also prohibits their programming. discrimination against indigenous peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them, “We have seen history made in this resolution,” said Nanci Ricks, Executive Director of the Dalit Freedom Network. “This and their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own visions resolution should encourage all Dalits suffering under caste of economic and social development. discrimination in India. The United State Congress has heard of the General Assembly President Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, atrocities of caste and has responded. We hope that the United Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and High Commissioner for States Government and US businesses working in India Human Rights Louise Arbour have all welcomed the day’s will heed this statement by the House and will join with adoption. the Dalit Freedom Network in fighting the effects of caste across India.” Sheikha Haya said, “The importance of this document for Dr. Joseph D’souza, President of the Dalit Freedom indigenous peoples and, more broadly, for the human rights agenda, Network, praised the leadership of Congressman Franks and cannot be underestimated. By adopting the Declaration, we are the many others whose active support of the Dalit cause made also taking another major step forward towards the promotion HCR 139 possible: “without the leadership of Members of and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.” Congress like Congressmen Franks, Wolf, Smith, Sali, Tancredo, But she warned, “even with this progress, indigenous peoples Pitts, and Congresswoman Kilpatrick in sponsoring Dalit events, still face marginalization, extreme poverty and other human rights film screenings, and hearings and directing their staff to advocate violations. They are often dragged into conflicts and land disputes on this issue with vigilance, this historic moment would have that threaten their way of life and very survival; and, suffer from never happened. They and the many others who have a lack of access to health care and education.” worked to make this resolution a reality have earned the gratitude of millions of Dalits across India.” In a statement released by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban described the Declaration’s adoption as “a historic moment when UN Member New Representative for OHCHR to Nepal States and indigenous peoples have reconciled with their painful histories and are resolved to move forward together on the path Mr. Richard Bennett, of human rights, justice and development for all.” He called on Representative of the governments and civil society to ensure that the Declaration’s UN High Commissioner vision becomes a reality by working to integrate indigenous rights for Human Rights in into their policies and programmes. Nepal, arrived in Kathmandu to take up Ms. Arbour noted that the Declaration has been “a long time coming. his duties on But the hard work and perseverance of indigenous peoples and September 4, 2007. Mr. their friends and supporters in the international community has Bennett has been finally borne fruit in the most comprehensive statement to date of serving since August indigenous peoples’ rights.” The UN Permanent Forum on 2004 as the Indigenous Issues estimates there are more than 370 million Representative of the indigenous people in some 70 countries worldwide. High Commissioner for Human Rights in Afghanistan, and has worked with the United Nations in senior human rights posts in East Timor and Sierra Leone since 2000. Prior to joining the United National Campaign on Dalit Human Nations, he worked for many years with the New Zealand Human Rights Commission and Ministry of Justice. Rights (NCDHR) of India Awarded The 2007 Rafto Prize is awarded to United Nations adopts Declaration on NCDHR at Den Nationale Scene in Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bergen, Sunday November 4th. The Rafto Foundation, established after the death The General Assembly on 13 of Professor Thorolf Rafto in 1986, in September 2007adopted a landmark gratitude of his work to help people who are oppressed and persecuted, and in declaration outlining the rights of the the realization that this work must be world’s estimated 370 million ongoing. The Rafto Prize is a human indigenous people and outlawing rights award gaining international status. discrimination against them - a move This Prize contributes to a focus on human rights violations that followed more than two decades and on people and communities, which need the attention of of debate. The United Nations the world, and it is awarded annually to human rights defenders. Declaration on the Rights of This year, it is awarded to the Indian organization NCDHR. The Indigenous Peoples has been award is an important recognition of NCDHR’s work and the approved after 143 Member States struggle to end discrimination and human rights violations against voted in favor, 11 abstained and four India’s 167 million Dalits. To select NCDHR for the 2007 award, - Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the RAFTO Foundation is sending a strong message to the the United States - voted against the international community that it is time for action to bring an end text. the world’s most serious human rights problems.

A non-binding text, the Declaration RAFTO Foundation has also joined this struggle for dignity and justice to the Dalits throughout the world. JUP-Nepal congratulates sets out the individual and collective rights of indigenous peoples, NCDHR with the award, underlining the importance of their as well as their rights to culture, identity, language, employment, achievements in exposing the injustice. health, education and other issues. It emphasizes the rights of 10

Dalit Solidarity National Steering Committee organized the preparatory National Microfinance Summit to be held on workshop on 26 September, for the Micro finance Summit “Building Inclusive Microfinance” NEPAL 2008 and discussed on the objectives of the Summit and the issues that need to be addressed by the Summit. The The first Global Microcredit Summit had been organized to workshop proposed the date 14-16 February 2008 for the Summit. streamlining the micro finance activities practiced globally as a tool for poverty reduction in 1997 in Washington, DC. The summit Maoist Movement -a Chronology focused on catalyzing the international development community to recognize that scaling up micro finance was essential to • Kathmandu, Sept 18 - Feb 1996: Launch armed reaching the MDGs and creating a just world. At that summit, struggle delegates • July 2001: Enter into cease-fire agreement with launched a bold Sher Bahadur Deuba government which replaced campaign to reach Girija Prasad Koirala’s in the wake of tragic royal 100 million of the massacre and the then Royal Nepalese Army’s world’s poorest refusal to act against the Maoists in Holleri families, • Aug 2001: First round of talks between government especially the and the Maoists women of those • Sept 2001: Second round talks, 31-point demand families, with including CA polls credit for self- • November 2001: Four-month truce ends, employment and coordinated attacks on army posts in Dang, other financial and Syangja, Solukhumbu, and Arghakhanchi business services by the end of 2005. The next event the Global • January 2003: Fresh talks with Lokendra Bahadur Micro credit Summit 2006, held from November 12-15 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on the theme “Building Inclusive Financial Chand’s royalist government • System”. The main attraction of the conference was the presence Aug 2003: Maoists quit talks with Surya Bahadur of prominent leaders of the micro finance including Dr. Mohammad Thapa government after the infamous Doramba Yunus, the novel peace prizewinner for 2006. The Campaign re- massacre by the RNA • launched with two new goals for Phase II. Likewise UN has April 2005: Secret talks with major parties in New observed International Year of Micro credit in 2005. Delhi to form anti-king alliance • Sept 2005: Maoists announce three-month Following it, a National level Micro finance Summit is going to be ceasefire at the request of seven-party alliance organized. More than 31% of the Nepal’s population lives in (SPA) and later extended it by a month extreme poverty. Sound and inclusive micro finance markets are • Oct 2005: Talks with SPA important for reduction of poverty in Nepal. With this fact Nepal • November 2005: 12-point understanding signed has to contribute the global target and fulfill the needs of poorest with SPA of the poor in Nepal. Center for Micro Finance (CMF) and Save • January 2006: Truce ended. Resumption of attacks the Children conducted two studies on inclusiveness in micro nationwide, including devastating attack on Palpa finance operations and found promoting inclusive micro finance palace very needy area to be intervened. Thus, Save the Children and • April 2006: SPA-Maoists announce general strikes and CMF jointly initiated the concept of organizing National Micro blockade. King Gyanendra forced to give up powers finance Summit on the theme. To launch this campaign, a twenty- • 25 April 2006: Maoists’ three month ceasefire five member National Steering Committee (NSC) for Micro • 26 May 2006: 25-point code of conduct agreed finance Summit NEPAL has been formed. The NSC is chaired • 16 June 2006: Prachanda’s first public appearance by Vice-president of CMF Dr. Harihar Dev Pant and Co-chaired • 9 Aug 2006: Formal invitation to UN by Country Director for Save the Children Ms Tory Clawson. The • 8-15 Oct 2006: Summit talks with SPA. Date for CA member of the NSC consists of the representatives from micro polls set for June finance practiceners, promoters, regulatory authorities and • government line agencies. The NSC committee meeting held on Nov 8, 2006: SPA-Maoists agree that the fate of September 17, 2007 formed a working committee to over sees monarchy would be decided by the first meeting of the day-to-day activities of the summit. The working committee the Constituent Assembly polls consists of the following representatives of the respective • 21 November 2006: Comprehensive Peace organizations: Agreement • Chair -Dr. Harihar Dev Pant, Vice-President, Center for • 8 Dec 2006: Agreement on arms and armies Micro finance • 15 January 2007: Agreement on Constitution, Join • Co-chair - Ms. Tory Clawson, Country Director, Save the Children • interim parliament Member - Mr. Jan Kerer, Sr. Advisor, GTZ-RUFIN • • Member - Ms. Sarashwati Shrestha, Executive Chairperson, Women 1 April 2007: CPN (Maoist) join government Cooperative Society • June, 2007: The parliament, coalition government • Member - Mr. Amrit Bishwakarma, General Secretary, Jana Utthan approve mixed electoral system Pratisthan (JUP-Nepal) • Aug 20, 2007: Put forward 22-point preconditions, • Member - Dr. Bamdev Sigdel, Deputy Director, Nepal Rastra Bank a day after Election Commission unveils CA • Member - Mr. Min Raj Kadel, Vice-chairperson, National Federation election schedule of Saving and Credit Cooperative Union, Nepal (NEFSCUN) • Sept 18, 2007: Quits government, announce protest • Member - Mr. Man Bahadur Bk, Member, National Cooperative programs. Development Board • Member Secretary - Mr. Tejhari Ghimire, Chief Executive Officer, CMF (Curtsey: ekantipur posted on: 2007-09-18)

11 Dalit Solidarity Feature Story labor to earn some money. In the meantime, my father introduced our stepmother, who would never care for us (Sani and her brother). She never valued my toughest A Diary full of Pain struggles either. Thereafter, I quit my family and village. It Sani Pariyar was born into a so-called lower-caste has been three Nepalese family, and faced atrocities of untouchability. years now.” “I do not Like majority of the Dalits population, poverty and know what my sweet untimely family responsibilities led to her being brother is doing right trafficked, or ensnared into white slavery. After a few now. I do not know years of victimization in India, she never knew the reason what he might have as to why her pimp allowed her to return in Nepal. eaten. Finally, I am working in a It became known only after a few months of medical rehabilitation center treatment, when she was discovered to be infected by HIV/ (Maiti Nepal). Now I AIDS. A young woman, once trafficked, is not expected to have seen a beam resettle in her birthplace. It was an unacceptable moral of bright hope for the From Sani’s Diary and social stain for a Dalit girl to do so. Sani accordingly future. My future will be so bright, but here is none to started her newest career in one of the rehabilitation centers share my feelings. Hence, I tell my story of my life tomyself. in Nepal. Her goal of a social service career came to an I hear myself and get contented with myself!” Sani seemed end when she died of the disease, leaving us with nothing sentimental towards life and the dictates of her heart. more than heart-rending, poetic words from her diary. “Wherefrom shall I start to define the life “Now it’s night and obviously there is morning the next day Is that from birth or from the death shall I start Now is tragedy and obviously there is unification one day From smile or start from tears Be as stable as an ocean or as aggressive as turbulence Finally, wherefrom shall I start to define the life.” Entire world is selfish and be aware in every step “As at the date, never meant to betray you Life is a flower and it has to dry down As at the date, I never meant your life a toy Your love is just a dream but one day you will betray Remembrances make even sky nearer No need of jewelry but just pour love for me Nothing more If trying to forget, own courtyard is farthest of loves but give your support to me.” In her diary she defined Learn to pluck flowers without breaking the branches the grief and pain of her suffering as a 9-year old. “Where Learn to love without breaking the heart would I start to write the story of my life? When I was very Who feeds the avian flying in the sky? young, my mother left my brother and me alone. At that Who shelters to the one unlucky like me?” time, I was just 9 years old. My father often drank alcohol Sani wrote in her diary about the end days and unmet and used to torture us every day. He used to beat us. My desires. “My name is Sani. These days I feel confused. father did not feed us. My younger brother always used to My mind is restless. I am getting lonely. I have no hope to shout at me, asking for food. My sweet brother used to cry live. I am infected with deadly disease, but I want to live for hunger. At the age of 9, I had no idea where to get food more and want to serve others, but the ‘situation’ is to kill the hunger. Harassed and helpless, I always cried unfavorable to me. Bye-bye for today.” together with my brother. Without any other choice, I started An end of caste-based discrimination and trafficking to to beg and became a beggar. There was no solace in this potential future, Sanis would be a true tribute to her. Sani for an untouchable (so called). Others started to scold me, Pariyar died a year ago. and I even got beaten up for begging. With the passage of - By Rupesh Silwal, UK time, I reached 17 years of age and was capable of physical

Kumar Gandharba, includes New Book on Dalits : Dalit Bibliography all published/unpublished JUP Nepal has the main focus on Dalit related publications documents on Dalit issues of since its inception. Recently, JUP felt a need of Dalit various institutions like books, bibliography, which can systematically compile the available journals, magazine, bulletins, documents and publications, related to the Dalits. Feeling websites, statistical reports, this need, JUP has published the bibliography of Dalits annual reports, district level with the aim to provide information on Dalits to researchers, reports, profiles, policy intellectuals, and others to raise the issues of Dalits and documents, and official undertake further research. This is completely new initiation records. It has been to explore the hidden publications without any burdens and documented as per standard help save the time and energy. At the same time, it will be format under APA. the important asset for Dalit leaders, Dalit activists, Dalit Name of the Book: Dalit Bibliography professionals and Dalit volunteers. Editors: Man Bahadur Bk and Raj Kumar Gandharba This systematically compiled and documented Publisher: JUP-Nepal publication edited by Mr. Man Bahadur Bk and Mr. Raj Price: NRS. 95.00 12

Dalit Solidarity