Belthangady: Setting an example in our caste-driven society, five swamijis including Veerabhadra Channamalla Swami of Nidumamidi mutt on Monday took part in the ‘Sahapankti Bojana’ (eating together) programme, hosted by left thinkers in the Dalit colony at Belthangady.

The entire colony wore a festive look. Soon after the discussion, hundreds of people along with – as many as five seers – sat together for lunch, on the neatly placed green mat in the floor. The Dalits took the lead to serve the food on the traditional banana leaves. The food was cooked by the Dalits. The guests included communist leaders, social activists, progressive thinkers and Dalits from different places.

It was certainly a rare sight for residents in the colony. L. Shankar said that many hesitated to come here, including religious heads. Having five swamijis and a big crowd was indeed a great day for all of us. We lunched together”, he added.

Another Dalit woman Shubha said that nobody from upper caste had visited my house till date. Today, I got an opportunity to serve food to the five seers. I will remember this day, she said in joy.

Earlier in his address, Channamall swami said though dalits are educated, they are still subjected to discrimination by the upper class. Though it has been six decades since india got freedom, untouchability still prevails in the country, he added.

He said there is a need to change the mindset of upper class people to root out this barbaric practice. The political and religious leaders have been condemning the practice of the untouchability. However, their voice has not reached the masses, the swami said.

Other seers included Basavanagideva Sharana of Chalavdi Mahasamstana in Chitradurga, Muddanna Swami of Tumakuru and Mysuru-based Jnana Prakash Swami of Shivayogishwar Mutt.

The organizers said that a few seers from the district had refused to participate in the programme, despite repeated requests.