Karnataka - Bidar   

From a plastic cup to a glass

Staff Correspondent

Mohan Gundappa Bhavi borrowed money from friends and started Izzat Hotel for members of his community

Bidar: A reusable plastic cup changed Mohan Gundappa Bhavi's life. The young Dalit from Bakchodi in Bidar taluk observed that the upper caste hotel owners in the village served tea in glass to all other customers, but made him and his relatives drink from plastic cups. When he realised what it meant, he felt insulted. When asked, hotel owners said plastic cups were cheaper. But Mr. Bhavi knew the real reason. He realised that some members of the upper caste made Dalits use plastic cups.

Mr. Bhavi borrowed Rs. 1,200 from friends and started a hotel for members of his community. He named it "Izzat Hotel" (self-respect).

Today, Izzat Hotel is popular in the village. It has helped him earn money and settle down. Most importantly, it has helped the Dalits of Bakchodi get a different perspective about the evils of untouchability and discrimination.

"We realised that the law cannot change the mindset of the people. It is also true that no amount of Government interference can improve our position. We have to do something about it ourselves," Mr. Bhavi said.

He and his friends have formed "Gouthama Yuvaka Sangha," an association that organises discussions among Dalits in and around Bakchodi on various problems they face.

This Ambedkar Parinirvana Day, the sangha celebrated its second anniversary. A visit to the village showed men and women actively participating in the discussions.

"Our aim is to find solutions to our problems and not just submit a petition to the Government," said Babu Chiddappa, an active participant in the sangha's meetings.

"Converting to Christianity was believed to be a silent and safe escape from social discrimination. But we know it is not so. Our grandfathers converted to Christianity, but the upper castes still call us `Madiga Christians' and not as Catholics or Methodists," said James Hanumantappa, an unemployed graduate and member of the sangha.

Mr. Bhavi's friends Dhulappa and Bheemu have had similar experiences.

They are noe members of the sangha and urge Dalit women to form self-help groups with help from a few non-governmental organisations.

"We are also asking people of our Dalit wadi to send their children to schools and colleges," Mr. Hanumantappa said.

Taluk Social Welfare Officer M.M. Sagar said the Government is taking steps to protect the Dalits.

"Whenever there is a complaint about discrimination, we take it very seriously. We book cases and also hold meetings to ensure harmony prevails. The initiatives of the Bakchodi youth is commendable," he said.

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From a plastic cup to a glass

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