OneWorld.net (U.S.)

The chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes Suraj Bhan has said that objectionable references to Dalits should be removed from the scriptures. He said that removing these will help the country fight untouchability and enable the so-called low caste people to join the mainstream Indian society. Bhan said that he also has the approval of the top Hindu religious leaders.

Delete "objectionable references" to Dalits from the scriptures if you want to intensify the fight against untouchability, says National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairman Suraj Bhan.

Bhan claims he has the blessings of the Sankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt has for his demand and he will soon meet other Sankaracharyas to garner support for his cause.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Bhan said that references like dhol ganwar shudra pashu nari, sakal tadan ke adhikari (drum, illiterate, Dalit, animal, women, all are fit only to be beaten) in Ramcharitmanas should not be allowed in print in a society with a Constitution giving equal rights to all.

He said fresh edited versions of these scriptures should be brought out. Bhan said the Commission will hold conferences in all the states to "generate awakening" on the subject.

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