Ravulapalem (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District): A two-day state-level meeting in Andhra Pradesh brought together Dalit Christian leaders, scholars, and activists to address caste-based discrimination and rising threats to constitutional rights. Organised at the Ekalavya Training Centre in Ravulapalem, the discussions focused on systemic barriers faced by Dalit Christians, the role of religious and political institutions in perpetuating social exclusion, and the increasing challenges to India’s constitutional framework.
Rev. Sr. Manju Devarapalli, National General Secretary of the National Dalit Christian Watch (NDCW), opened the proceedings by outlining the organisation’s advocacy efforts. She underscored the urgent need for collective action to protect the rights of marginalised communities. The keynote address by Rev. Dr. Manchala Deenabandhu examined the constitutional guarantees for minorities, highlighting how state-backed policies and nationalist ideologies are eroding democratic institutions. He warned that the manipulation of religious narratives is being used to justify exclusionary politics, threatening India’s secular fabric.
A critical session by Mr. Jyothi Neelaiah shed light on the persistent discrimination faced by Dalit Christians within both religious and societal structures. Drawing from an ongoing survey, he detailed how caste-based barriers continue to deny equal access to resources and representation. His insights sparked a robust discussion on actionable steps to challenge institutionalized discrimination.
Retired IAS officer Mr. Samuel Anand Kumar, in his session on ‘Silencing Caste and Forms of Discrimination in Andhra Pradesh,’ illustrated how caste-related issues are often deliberately ignored. He called for open discussions to break the silence surrounding Dalit Christian exclusion and ensure policy-level interventions.
Action Plan for Systemic Change
The meeting concluded with a strategic roadmap to address Dalit Christian discrimination:
- Expanding Awareness: Mobilising communities across districts to discuss caste discrimination.
- Forming an Ecumenical Committee: A unified body representing different Christian denominations to combat exclusion collectively.
- Information Sharing: Strengthening communication channels for timely updates and coordinated efforts.
- Capacity Building: Organizing training programs to empower activists and community leaders.
- Social Media Campaigns: Launching fact-based digital initiatives to amplify awareness.
- Regular Monitoring: Holding biannual NDCW meetings to track progress and address emerging challenges.
- State-Level Engagement: Organizing focused Dalit Christian meetings in Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam to highlight local concerns.
- Policy Oversight: Monitoring the implementation of Dalit welfare policies within church institutions.
Day Two: Defending Constitutional Values
The second day of deliberations focused on threats to the Indian Constitution and the role of youth in its defense. Keynote speaker Prof. Murali Karnam from NALSAR University provided an in-depth analysis of India’s constitutional evolution and the increasing attempts to dilute its secular and democratic principles.
Human Rights Forum representative Rajesh Yedida detailed systematic policy manipulations undermining constitutional protections. He highlighted electoral malpractices and state-sponsored assaults on institutions safeguarding democratic rights.
Dr. Anjayya provided a historical perspective on universal suffrage, recalling efforts within the Constituent Assembly to restrict voting rights to the elite. He lamented the current erosion of electoral integrity, emphasizing the need for grassroots resistance against discriminatory policies.
Activist D. Ramesh Patnaik exposed alleged electoral irregularities in the 2024 general elections, citing Vote for Democracy’s report alleging voter fraud. He urged citizens to resist policies harming workers, farmers, and minority communities and called for collective action against the proposed Waqf Bill, which threatens religious and social harmony.
The conference concluded with a resolution to expand these discussions across Andhra Pradesh, with upcoming forums planned in Kakinada, Eluru, and the Vizag region. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to constitutional values, social justice, and equitable representation for Dalit Christians, marking a significant step in the fight for inclusion and dignity.
