On a scorching summer afternoon on the 13th of August 2016, hundreds of Indians and progressives in USA from the states of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania convened in front of the Statue of Liberty, in Liberty State Park, New York to express solidarity with #ChaloUna revolution in Gujarat, India. The protest was a part of the ongoing series of a collective effort of demonstrations organized by Global Ambedkarites Network in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The Network consists of several organizations/forums including Dr. Ambedkar International Mission, Ambedkar Association of North America, Dr. Ambedkar International Center, International Commission for Dalit Rights, Caste Watch UK, Boston Study Group, just to name a few.
The protest turned out to be a landmark event based on the turnout as the attendees were highly motivated as they expressed and registered their concern over the brutal incidences of Dalit oppressions in India over the last couple of years and particularly the recent incident at Una, Gujarat. A march by about hundred protesters with slogans of solidarity kicked off the rally. This march culminated in an open meeting on the shores of Hudson river right across the Statue of Liberty. The meeting progressed with each protestor sharing their thoughts. In the monumental backdrop of Statue of Liberty, the emblem of Freedom and Humanity of the Modern World, it even seemed ironic to dwell upon the inhuman treatment of Dalits and more so Dalit women in India due to the draconian caste system. The people in the protest emphasized that it is shocking to know animals have more protection than human beings in the 21st Century India. As India celebrates its 69th Independence Day in two days, it is appalling to see that Dalits are still treated with the most inhumane atrocities and human rights violations.
Although this was one of the New York’s hottest summer afternoon, it was touching to see the senior citizens as well as the children showing no signs of deterrence in the heat. The blazing sun also seemed to lend his support to the protestors by shining at its brightest. The park reverberated with slogans like:
“Ja JaJa Jai Bhim!!!!”
“Sab Daliton ka nara hai, Bharat desh hamara hai!” (All Dalits are Indian citizens too!)
It is noteworthy that the sloganeering and march attracted the attention of many passerby local Americans who were inquisitive about the details and were appalled at the extent of inhuman practices in India under religious guise. They were even more aghast to learn about the current administration’s indifference bordering to complicity and encouragement to this modern day human right violation.The rally gathered further momentum when these locals volunteered to join and lend their voice and support for the cause.
A call for fund raising for the Una victims as well as the protesters in India was well received by the attendees.
All the attendees in the rally pledged their solidarity towards the Una victims and Protesters in India. Everybody expressed their undivided commitment to this cause in the long term till these modern day inhumanity is completely routed out for good.
The rally concluded with thundering “Jai Bhim”
