A Catholic activist appreciates the Black Day Initiative by the Dalit Commission of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council

Robancy A Helen, Trichy

Inbaraj P, a social activist from Tiruchirappalli of Tamil Nadu, sends a letter of appreciation to Bishop Jeevanandham, the Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Bishop’s Council Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (TNBC SC/ST).

From 2010 onward, he has closely observed and supported the initiatives taken on August 10th—Block Day—in pursuit of reservation rights for our Christian brothers and sisters from the SC/ST community.

This year, Nam Vazhvu, a weekly Catholic magazine of the Tamil Nadu Bishop’s Council, published an article on Black Day. He was deeply moved and encouraged by the unique and purposeful approach the commission has taken. The commission combined the meeting with a peaceful protest and directly addressed the issue to Members of the Assembly and Parliament. It was a highly commendable and forward-looking step. It is equally inspiring to note the unity fostered by gaining the support of leaders from other Christian denominations and the wider religious community.

The initiative is not merely a symbolic gesture but a meaningful action rooted in justice, solidarity, and vision, which combines courage, wisdom, and pastoral concern for the most marginalized among us.

He proposes a few requests for your kind consideration:

1. Political Engagement for SC/ST Reservation Rights

The Congress Party, which held power for decades, had an absolute majority in 1984 and was able to pass resolutions granting SC/ST status to converted Sikhs (1956) and Buddhists (1990). Sadly, Dalit Christians remain excluded from this constitutional right.

Recently, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution demanding SC status for Dalit Christians, joining several other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry in voicing this demand. (Reference: ETV Bharat article link provided)

The current political climate appears more favorable towards Dalits and minorities. Hence, I suggest that our commission, together with like-minded church and community leaders, meet with parliamentary leaders of Congress and other supportive political parties to present a memorandum and seek concrete action.

2.Legal Follow-up on Pending Case

The long-pending Supreme Court case (W.P. 180/2004) must be given renewed urgency. With expert legal assistance, we may request that the case be listed and heard at the earliest. The Hon’ble Chief Justice, Mr. Kavai, has shown a strong commitment to justice in other historic rulings—making this a favorable time to press our case.

Likewise, the Justice Balakrishnan Committee report, which remains pending, needs proactive follow-up.

3.Tamil Nadu State-Level Reservation & Political Representation

Ahead of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu elections, I respectfully request that you, together with the TNBC President, bishops of other denominations, and Christian leaders, meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister to press for:

Implementation of a 4.6% internal reservation for Dalit Christians within the BC category in Tamil Nadu.

Increased political representation of Dalit Christians in party candidacies and in nominated MP positions (as previously granted to Mr. Rabi Bernard by the AIADMK Government).

Inclusion of Dalit priests and lay leaders in the State Minorities Commission, Minorities Corporation, and other government boards.

4.Appointments in Aided & Management Schools

For religious-run schools, colleges, and technical institutions, we request that:

Diocesan seniority lists should be given due consideration in appointments.

We should widely communicate vacancy notifications and interview schedules, especially to candidates from remote parishes, to ensure they don’t miss opportunities due to lack of information.

5.Support for Competitive Examination Preparation

Many diocesan and college-run academies charge fees for government job exam coaching. I request that economically disadvantaged Dalit Christian students be supported through:

Scholarships initiated by the Commission.

Support was mobilized from financially stronger parishes via parish councils.

6.Private Employment Opportunities

Periodic job fairs and skill training programs should be organized for private sector opportunities, following successful models like Don Bosco Vazhikaatti Maiyam.

These requests come from a deep desire to see our Catholic Dalit community progress towards dignity, equality, and social justice. I am confident that with your continued leadership, united Church action, and God’s grace, we will see meaningful change in our lifetime, adds Inbaraj P.