Shri Guru Ravi Dass sabha bahu fort jammu paid rich tributes to great social reformer
Ayyankali who was born on 28th Aug 1863 inVengnoor Trivandrum, Kerala. He was
known for his physical prowess and proficiency in the martial art.
While speaking on this occasion Sham Lal basson ex corporator and Gen Secy
GRDS Bahu Fort Jammu said that orthodox people of kerala had imposed restrictions on
the dalits in kerala which is difficult for any civilised society and human being to
imagine.Dalits could not walk on the main roads, could not enter the markets, the doors
of Schools were closed to them, not allowed to enter temples,women could not wear
clothes above the waist and below the knee.If women tried to cover her breasts, they
had to pay tax. Dalit shadow could defile the orthodox people from a distance of several
meters.
Education of untouchable,
Befoe AyyanKali’s movement,education in Kerala was highly unequal and
discriminatory.Ayyankali made efforts to establish their own schools.
Ayyankali gave a call to Pulayas and
and other agriculture workers for strike in 19 0 7. It was a historic call which had
heralded first agrarian strike in the history of world.
Ayyan Kali was a champion of women ‘s rights and fought against the oppressive
practices that discriminated against Dalit women. One of the most notable
achievements of him was the dalit women’s right to cover their upper bodies. Until the
early 20th century Dalit women were forced to leave their breasts bare as a sign of low
status and servility.
With the supports he received from well-wishers Ayyan Kali established Sadhu Jana
Paripalna Sangam( SJPS) to help dalits by providing them education, finance and legal
support. During that period, after Sree Narayanan Guru’s SNDP, the next most powerful
welfare organisation was his SJPS with the slogan “progress through education and
organisation”
He died of asthma on 18th June 1941.His life and message inspired and motivated the
dalit community and oppressed sections of society to fight for their rights and dignity.
He symbolises hope and resilience for all those who dream of a castless and
egalitarian society. He left beyond a legacy of social justice and human dignity for
millions of Dalits in Kerala and beyond.
Those who paid tributes to great social reformer included prof C L Shivgotra,
Vikas kalsi, Sham kalsi, Rajesh Kumar, Charan dass Shivgotra, Moti Ram Angral, Om
Prakash, Rattan Lal basson, Tej Ram, Veena bakshi, Rajni devi
About 250 stranded tourists from Lucknow and Barabanki were given Shelter at
Gurudwara Shri Guru Ravi Dass ji Maharaj Bahu Fort Jammu. They were given all
facilities by the Sabha.They also paid respectful tributes to great social reformer
Ayyankali.
