CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu (Indian Catholic News) — Tamil Nadu bishops led “Black Day” programmes across Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, demanding Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims in a coordinated appeal for justice and equality.
Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council’s Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes said the August 10 programmes were organized “with the objective of creating public awareness about the rights, social justice, equality, human dignity and constitutional rights of Dalit Christians.”
Organizers emphasized the removal of Clause 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, which they said unjustly excludes Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims from the Scheduled Caste list.
“These programmes were organised primarily to demand the removal of Clause 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, and the inclusion of Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Caste list,” an official report from the commission stated.
Dalit, a Sanskrit term meaning “broken” or “trampled upon,” refers to the former “untouchable” communities at the bottom of India’s traditional four-tier caste system. Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes, are Indigenous communities recognized under India’s Constitution eligible for affirmative action and other legal protections.
Broad-based participation across faiths and politics
Events were held in dioceses across Tamil Nadu, drawing bishops, priests, religious sisters and brothers, political leaders, advocates, social activists and interfaith representatives.
“The participation of leaders from different faith communities demonstrated that the issue concerning the rights of Dalit Christians is a broader issue of social justice and equality, requiring collective concern, solidarity and support,” the report said.
In Dindigul, Retired Bishop Thomas Paulsamy joined senior advocates and interfaith leaders. In Madurai, Archbishop Antonysamy Savarimuthu, stood alongside leaders from the Communist Party of India and Viduthalai Tamil Puligal Katchi, a political and social outfit in Tamil Nadu. In Dharmapuri, Bishop Lawrence Pius Dorairaj appeared with former ministers and minority welfare officials.
At Chennai’s Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Archbishop George Antonysamy led demonstrations with union leaders and interfaith representatives. In Pondicherry, Archbishop Francis Kalist joined Capuchin Father Nithiya Sagayam, Secretary of the TNBC SC/ST Commission, alongside political leaders and social activists.
“Together, they raised their voices through peace marches with placards, slogans across the state, hoisting of black flags in churches, drums and social awareness songs, street theatre and public processions,” the brief report added.
Outcomes highlight awareness, unity, and advocacy
Organizers said the demonstrations achieved several outcomes: “Awareness among the Church community and the general public regarding the issue of SC status for Dalit Christians was increased.”
They also cited “social unity” and “interfaith solidarity,” noting the participation of Hindu, Muslim and other religious leaders. Political engagement was strengthened through the involvement of Members of Parliament and party representatives.
Coordination among dioceses was reinforced, with the demand for Scheduled Caste status “raised prominently in the public sphere.”
The TNBC commission pledged follow‑up actions, including “creating awareness regarding the Constitution and constitutional rights,” “conducting training programmes on the rights of Dalit Christians,” and “strengthening democratic and constitutional advocacy for the demand for SC status.”
Read the two reports here. Report One. Report Two.
Discover more from Indian Catholic News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.