In a historic first, Dalit granted entry into Kallahalli Gullarahatti hamlet in Karnataka: Report
Kudligi: In a notable step towards dismantling entrenched caste discrimination, a Dalit was granted entry into Kallahalli Gullarahatti hamlet in Karnataka’s Kudligi taluk for the first time since Independence, The New Indian Express reported on Tuesday.
The breakthrough came after Kudligi MLA N.T. Srinivas and the taluk administration intervened when villagers recently barred a Dalit official from entering the settlement to conduct a survey. Believing that the presence of Dalits would bring misfortune, villagers had historically denied them access.
Tahasildar V.K. Netravati, informed of the incident, visited the hamlet along with officials and admonished villagers for adhering to superstitious and unconstitutional practices. The settlement, located on the border and predominantly inhabited by around 130 Yadav households, eventually agreed to allow the Dalit officer entry, marking a break from decades-old exclusionary customs.
Srinivas said that following such discriminatory practices, whether knowingly or otherwise, violated constitutional values. “The villagers’ decision to welcome Dalits is a progressive step in terms of development and social justice, as such discriminatory practices are detrimental to society,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
Tahasildar Netravati mentioned that officials held a meeting with residents to explain constitutional provisions and the consequences of persisting with caste-based restrictions. “The villagers agreed to respect and welcome Dalit youths and groups into their community,” Tahasildar said.
Apart from the ban on Dalits, the villagers reportedly force menstruating women to stay in separate huts.
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Dalai Lama says Grammy win reflects shared responsibility, not personal achievement
Dharamshala (PTI): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Monday said his Grammy Award win was not a personal achievement but a recognition of a shared universal responsibility.
The Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, won his first Grammy in the category of best audio book, narration, and storytelling recording for his spoken-word album, Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, at the 68th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
He edged out other nominees, including Kathy Garver for Elvis Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story, Trevor Noah for Into The Uncut Grass, Ketanji Brown Jackson for Lovely One: A Memoir and Fab Morvan for You Know It's True: The Real Story of Milli Vanilli.
Reacting to the prestigious international recognition, the Dalai Lama expressed gratitude and humility, saying he did not view the award as a personal achievement.
"I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility. I don't see it as something personal, but as a recognition of our shared universal responsibility," the Dalai Lama said.
"I firmly believe that peace, compassion, care for our environment, and an understanding of the oneness of humanity are essential for the collective well-being of all eight billion human beings. I am grateful that this Grammy recognition can help spread these messages more widely," he said.
