'Educated Dalits have failed to help community'

Furthermore, he expressed his angst at the lack of initiative among educated Dalits in taking thier community forward.

He was speaking at a discussion on the role of Dalits in Indian politics to mark 55th Mahaparinirvana of Dr B R Ambedkar at the EMMRC auditorium in the city on Monday.

Urging the younger populace to introspect, he said Dalits have been given the constitution to ensure equality. But, Dalits have always failed to respect people from their own community.

Instead, they seek the advise of others, which has caused them failure in both political and socio-economic fronts. Expressing his  opinion, Somashekar said, “If Baba Saheb was living now and looking at the large number of Dalits, who are educated, he would have committed suicide, as they are failing to help their community as a whole.

Instead they are doing things only for personal gain. Doing personal favours won’t help the community. Only those who do for the community can make some changes.”

He said the Dalit community has been given a sizeable weapon in the form of the ballot to fight inequality. But, Dalit leaders are failing to seize the opportunity. They are more intent on breaking the united strength of the community. “Our votes have a price, but have no value... Dalits always listen to others and never care for the words of their own leaders,” he added.

Dr B R Ambedkar Research and Extension Centre director Dr J Somashekar and student V Suresh were also present.