Dalits and Dalit Christians in India: Debate in Development

Abstract

Dalits are the perpetual victims of marginalisation and socio-economic exclusion. The word Dalit is derived from the root ‘Dal’, incidentally common to both Sanskrit and Hebrew. In both languages it has the same meaning i.e. weak, crushed, split open and trampled upon. The demand for SC status for the Dalit Christians is a long standing one. The issue is a peculiar for many reasons. One is that “Dalit Christians” indicate minority within the minority in India’s share of minorities. Second question is that of the possibility of religious reservation as against caste reservation and hence the justification of reservation per se. Though simple, ‘dalitism’ in general and that ‘dalitology’ of the Christians need to be re-looked in today’s framework of social and economic inclusion. Most Dalit Christians are economically poor, educationally backward, politically powerless and socially outcast. Dalit Christians are fighting for their legitimate rights and privileges provided for the Dalits by the Constitution of India. While the socio-economic reforms and amendments to reservation policy have considered the needs of the other Dalits, those of the Christian Dalits are still unmet. Despite reformation, there is no transformation; hindrances galore for Dalit Christians for a proactive life and engaging presence in civil society. India is at the threshold of a Dalit Revolution. Many are eagerly waiting for resurgence and inclusion of Dalit Christians in India’s new growth agenda, action and outcome.This paper examines the problems and prospects of Dalit Christians in terms of the reservation policy in India in relation to assertion, affirmation and access to growth with equity, justice and empowerment that show a new way of being a Christian and an Indian Christian even at times of challenge and controversy.