Ongoing Struggle for Equal Rights
In Giddigram village, located in West Bengal’s East Burdwan district, 130 Dalit families are facing discrimination as they are denied entry into the local Shiva temple. Around 550 residents, including men, women, and children, are fighting for their right to worship. Despite approaching the administration and police, they are still restricted from even stepping on the temple stairs.
Discrimination Faced by Dalit Families
Giddigram village lies about 150 km from Kolkata. The Dalit families residing in the Daspada area claim they are frequently insulted with derogatory terms like “small caste” and “cobbler caste.”
Ekkori Das, a 50-year-old resident, said, “We are not allowed to climb the temple stairs, let alone worship inside. Even after reporting this to the administration, the situation remains unchanged.”
History of the Gidheswar Shiva Temple
The Gidheswar Shiva Temple is believed to be about 200 years old and underwent renovation in 1997. Dalit families claim they have been excluded from temple rituals for years. Kalyani Das, a 58-year-old housewife, shared her experience: “Last year, I went with fruits and flowers for puja, but the temple committee refused to let me in.”
Subhash Das, a 40-year-old farmer, added, “We contribute money for the temple’s annual puja, yet we are barred from entering. Even our parents faced this discrimination, but now we demand change.”
Seeking Administrative Intervention
Ahead of Shivaratri on February 24, residents of Daspada wrote to the administration seeking support from the Block Development Officer (BDO), Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), and police. Despite their appeal, they were still denied entry on the festival day.
On February 28, the SDO organized a meeting with residents, temple committee members, the MLA, BDO, and police. Following the meeting, a resolution was passed stating that “caste discrimination is prohibited under the Constitution” and affirmed that the Das families must be allowed entry into the Gidheswar Shiva Temple.
Continued Resistance and Hope for Change
Despite this resolution, the Dalit families were informed by police on the night of February
