Sample – 1: Condition of Dalits

In the gram panchayat of Kolathupalayam, small villages like Devampalayam and Arampalayam has lots of Dalit settlements. The region consists of parayars (Adidravidar) and chakliyars in large numbers. Almost all of them are land labourers. At least 50 % of the total people live in houses with palm or coconut leaves as ceilings and 40 % of the people live in Asbestos sheeted houses and Only 10 % of the people live in concrete houses. During the MGR period in 1980’s, few houses and plots were donated and during Kalainger period of 1996-2001, many others got houses. But still, we can see that literally all the people are without basic amenities. In fact, one full settlement of chakliyars in Devampalayam, consisting of 52 houses is without 

sanitation facilities. We Indians should be ashamed, for having entered into the 65^th year of democracy, we still have failed to ensure our own brothers and sisters, a dignified life. Myself and my friend couldn’t control our tears when a 40 year old lady was describing the problems she and her teenage girl children use to face when they defecate daily in the open. Truly, i felt ashamed to be called an Indian.

Regarding education, the scenario was slightly better as most of the children go to school. At least some 20 to 30 % of people between the age group of 20 to 30 years are degree holders. But we have to say the education has not changed their fate. I met 5 people (including women) who are degree holders (2 of them hold 

master degree), but still rely on manual labour for their livelihood. When we enquired the reason, they said they did not have sufficient contacts to get them a dignified job in towns or cities (Which they felt was important) when they went to cities in the search of jobs. Even if they got some jobs, the cost of living in the towns and cities and the problems they faced there out weighed the money they got. People, who defend education as the best form of mobility should visit this village, to understand the dynamics of social structure and stratification and how it negates the so called benefits of education.

The economic situation of the dalits was also relatively worst. 95 % of the people don’t have a savings bank account although few of them had availed bank loans once. Only few own pieces of land (Self earned) or a house and their numbers are negligible.

Almost 80 % of the people eat ration rice only and almost all have got credit from the pawn – brokers in heavy rate of interest (Kandu Vatti) at least once in their life and among these at least 75 % of people get such credits frequently. And only few own vehicles (like TVS 50 etc).

The overall condition of dalits was pathetic. Many govt. have come and gone, but nothing has changed. They cast 6 votes in total, also has representation among themselves in the Panchayat, but could do nothing. Instead of democracy, political dynamics, caste dynamics and above all money dynamics, rule their lives. Only thing that we could do at this pt. of time is feel for their patheticalness. But remember, the time will change. We will change it. 

Sample – 1: Untouchability in the land of Socrates of Southeast Asia.

Erode, as we all know is the land of the greatest philosopher the Tamil land has ever seen. Eulogized as the ‘Socrates of south east Asia’ by UNESCO, ‘Thanthai Periyar’ stands tall in the minds of every Tamil for his stupendous efforts to reform the society. He spent all his life to create ‘self respect’ in the minds of every human being and taught the people that it is not superstitions, but reason and rationality should guide their action. Being a staunch enemy against the practice of Untouchability, Periyar has staged numerous meeting to propagate his ideas. It was shocking for us to see Untouchability still being practised in the land of such a great man. I was stunned, went speechless when I heared a person say he is not allowed inside the houses of upper caste people. Infact 2/3^rd of the total people we spoke with has experienced the sin at least once in their life in some form. Few people recollected the extreme form of Untouchability being practised some 40-50 years back and said it has been reduced remarkably in last few decades. But still many people say in few teashops, till date 2 tumbler system is followed. They say, dalits would be given tea in striped glass and others would be served in the plane glasses. But one good thing here is among the dalits there is no hierarchy. The Adidravidars and the chakaliyars neither fight among themselves nor place themselves in a hierarchy and derive pride out of it. 

Sample – 1: SHGs – Making waves in the grass roots

The only good thing which is hailed by nearly all the people in the kodumudi union including the Govt. officials, bank managers is the concept of SHGs → Self – help – groups. In the kodumudi union, it functions very well. The program is implemented through Block development office along with the bank participation. First a group of 12 – 20 people (between age 18 – 60) is formed through the officer in charge in Block development office. Mostly female SHGs are formed, there are also other functioning SHGs as well. Once it is formed, the persons in the group will save 10 rupees, 20 rupees whatever they can and will form a fund. If any person needs money in their group for any genuine reason they give loan to the person from the saved fund. They help each other like how a bank does (Receive deposits; give loans) among themselves but without profit motive as in the case of banks. Each group will have a head and 2 representatives. The whole group will regularly meet during public holidays in a public place to make decisions democratically (It is the only instance we really saw democracy in its true spirit). The best performing self help groups are eligible for huge amount loans to start a big business (Rs 50000). Loan have the repayment period of 6 months, availed through a bank, out of which Rs.10,000 is subsidy. The rate of interest will be minimum. The group can do small business or divide the money among themselves into equal parts and each should repay the proportional amount or everyone should repay the whole amount (which ever is applicable) with in six months. Simply we can say all the members of the group are jointly liable for the loan incurred(Joint liability groups, JLGS). Initially the job of selecting the best performing SHGs was done by NGOs. But as there was a lot of corruption in NGOs, the practise was discontinued and PLF (Panchayat level federation) was instituted. PLF has a elected chairperson (among the group heads), Secretary, Joint secretary, Treasurer etc. Now they will decide to whom the loan should go democratically in rotation policy.

This concept without doubt is making waves in Kolathupalam and kolanalli (kodumudi union) because

1. It empowers women.
2. It makes the women and other landless labourers participate in the decision making process which aids in their human development.
3. Extends Credit – facilities to the fringe group, hence financial inclusion.
4. It increases the social cohesion. we met people belong to these SHGs and found that they were really happy with its progress. It was nice to see the poor people happy and after all we do research to perpetuate the same.