Mangaluru: The ‘Udupi Chalo’ movement conducted recently by ‘Dalit Damanithara Horata Samithi’, an outfit striving for the rights of scheduled caste and tribe people churned up few thoughts on food and land rights. A press meet was called on Tuesday, 18 October by social activist Lolaksha to stand in favour of Dalits’ right to eat beef and own land.
On a secular note, Lolaksha cited places in the city where beef dishes are served and questioned the logic behind the crackdown only on the members of the scheduled communities.
Right to consume any kind of food is given to all communities, so the Dalits too should be given free access to consume food of their choice without causing hindrance, he opined.
“It is not fair for the Dalits to be given a separate dining area in Udupi Krishna Math. The main slogan of the Udupi Chalo movement was ‘Choice of food and rights on land’ which means a co-existence with equal rights”, Lolaksha asserted,voicing concern against ‘Pankthi Bedha’(Brahmins getting a different dining room leaving aside other classes of people).
Stressing on the rights of dalits right over land, he emphasised on peaceful protests.
Lolaksha concluded by saying that it is the right of every human being in the country to practice what the person feels is best for them and Peaceful co-existence is the key to a healthy democracy.