#DalitHistoryMonth
Dalit Panther is a social organization founded in the year, 1972 in Maharashtra, inspired by US Black Panthers. It was based on the philosophy of BR Ambedkar, which advocates the idea of equality. It was founded by three dalits of Maharashtra, namely, Raja Dhale, Namdeo Dhasal and J.V. Pawar.
In the year, 1972, India completed 25 years of independence, but there was discontent growing among the people, especially the lower castes of the country. As, the country has got the freedom but the Dalits of the country have not got the freedom, they are still facing caste discrimination, Dalit women are raped by upper castes, Dalits are not allowed to fetch water from common handpumps, schools, universities give them low credits, upper caste are doing violence against Dalits. Among all these circumstances, the Dalit youths of Maharasthra decided to create an anti-caste movement which will empower Dalits to fight against injustice and also it promoted conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism, which treats every human being equal.
When the movement was founded, a new wave has emerged in Maharashtra, and that wave was becoming inspiration for rest of the country as well. They had adopted confrontational approach in which they had attacked Hindu deities, Hindu culture, protested in Loksabha by election. Apart from active physical presence, they had built study circle, in which they read, discuss about the idea of caste, Ambedkar and caste, revolution across the world.
Despite, their strong and thoughtful presence, the organisation witnessed split after 2-3 years of formation due to ideologies, lack of resources, leadership. The leaders of Dalit Panthers joined different blocks, which had weakened this movement. Today, Dalit Panther is alive, but it is not creating the same impact which it had created during 1970s. It needs, a strong social, political vision along with unity among Dalits to cater the social needs of marginalised in the country.
