Mangaluru: The 11th edition of Alva’s Nudisiri – 2014, a-three-day literary extravaganza hosted by Alva’s Education Foundation, faced ire from the members of various Dalit organizations, for showcasing the community in a bad light.
On Friday November 14, over ten drummers – painted in black with a piece of sack cloth tied to their waists – walked along the procession at the event, while other troupes sported a grand look.
Terming the event as an insult to the community, Shekar L, president of Dalitha Hakkugala Horata Samithi said the event has put the Koraga Community in a bad light. “Showcasing casteism at a public event is against the law. It has already been banned by the district administration. Besides, a case was filed against them few years back. But, they have no respect for us,” he added.
While, Muneer Katipalla of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) asked the district administration to take suo motto action against the organizers. “Making them dance with drums at a public event, with black paint on their body and a piece of sack cloth, showcases feudal system. It has displayed the community in a very bad light”, he stressed.
A.B Ibrahim, Deputy Commissioner told newskarnataka.com that he will verify the occurrence. “The organizers are not supposed to do it. The Koraga Community needs proper representation and the organizers cannot degrade them at any cultural or likewise events. It’s against the law, he said.
Incidentally, the event was presided by a Dalit activist and poet Dr. Siddalingaiah, who is also a founder of Dalit Sangharsha Samiti.
A revolutionary singer and Mysuru Rangayana director Janardhan (Jenny) who is scheduled to be a part of Alva’s Nudisiri termed the presentation as ‘wrong’. If the performance has hurt the sentiments of the Koraga Community, it is wrong, he said. While organizing such a grand event, the organizer should have been more sensitive. Besides, awareness must be created among the artists that such performances must be prohibited, he added.
