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Cobbler doubles up as scribe to speak up for Dalit rights

Bhopal: Toiling in a makeshift matchbox-size shop, mending shoes or slippers Suresh Nanmehar is least likely to be known for his grasp over national issues and keen following of national newspapers.

But for this cobbler from Bhopal, it is more than a passing interest for he has taken it upon himself to gather, compile and disseminate news and views from in and around Madhya Pradesh.

Nanmehar, who ekes out a living by mending shoes sets apart a few hours of his busy schedule to bring out a journal that acts as a voice for people like him.

‘Bal ki Khal,’ was established around five years ago by Nanmehar who hit upon the idea of becoming a journalist and bringing out a newspaper after he suffered a “bitter experience”.

Recollecting the incident, Nanmehar said, “In 2003, people from my community protested for almost a month demanding, better facilities. But, our campaign could not come to the notice of administration and the local public as no news paper paid even the slightest attention to it, only because we are Dalit and have no significance for the society.”

“The sheer negligence on the part of media hurt me, and I decided to start my own newspaper which could speak about the grievances and rights of Dalits, ignored and unheard for ages,” says the 43-year-old.

Beginning in October, 2003 with a moderate output of 1,000 copies and with the financial and logistic support of community members there are 5,000 copies of the monthly that are brought out now.

“My journal is dedicated to the Dalit issues. I take every care while clearing the stories for publication that they can bring real problems faced by Dalits into light,” Nanmehar said.

A high-school dropout, Nanmehar now leads a “staff” of nearly 40 correspondents stationed at places including Mumbai and Delhi and is working towards converting the journal into a daily. -- PTI

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