(Samaj Weekly)- The Valmikian Community has now reached the point where it has become most essential to understand about Bhagwan Valmiki, his Ramayanas and the reasons to sufferings they have endured via caste system. It was the Valmikians who had to carry spit pots around their necks and drag branches to erase their foot prints.
The Valmikians in Punjab have presented themselves as the Adhivasi following research done by late Pandit Bakshi Ram. He is even today highly honoured for the research he has done that has brought pride and dignity into the lives of the Valmikians.
Late Prime minister Mrs Indra Gandhi also included Pandit Bakshi Ram in the 25th Republic Day Celebration list of specially selected individuals who have contributed towards welfare of others and mother India.
He also received Baba Sahib Dr B. R. Ambedkar National award for the year 1992-1993 in recognition of literary, social and cultural services rendered by him through his prolific works providing flambeau guidance to the down trodden people of India. Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Academy presented the award.
In 1920, Sir Mortimer Wheeler through his strenuous efforts revealed the buried city of Mohenjo-Daro. In the same year Pandit Bakshi Ram Ji via his research supported Sir Mortimer Wheeler’s claim that the Adhivasi in (West India) belonged to a highly civilised nation.
This attracted worldwide attention, because the Aryan claim was that on their arrival in Sapt Sindu they found Adhivasi as savages and illiterate people. They have both unearthed the hidden truth that prior to Aryan arrival, the inhabitants of India belonged to a very advanced nation. The new discoveries brought a new light into the life of the natives.
The Adhivasi living in the forests have demonstrated in Jantar Mantar against the Government because the box allocated on the forms for the Adhivasi has been removed. The British have always honoured the Adhivasi as the inhabitants of India and dignified a special place for them on the forms. Since Independence this practice was ongoing.
But now it has been withdrawn by the Government and the Adhivasi residing in the forests and elsewhere are extremely upset about it. Infect, the Adhivasi population in large numbers is scattered all over India.
Unfortunately, the scheduled caste representations have failed to give any serious consideration towards amalgamation of the Adhivasi. Not only forest dwellers are Adhivasi but are present in every corner of India.
One has to study development of India since Aryan arrival and only then the true picture can be seen. The caste system was introduced to cause division amongst the natives.
The Aryans so far have been successful because the natives due to caste differences are keeping well apart. In return it is benefiting the 15% to rule over 85%.
My father late Mr H. R. Teji was a well known figure for his interest towards Bhagwan Valmiki Ji and the Valmikian Community. He started THE NAGH VANSH ADHIVASI BHARATI SEWA DAL to unite Adhivasi population on one platform in the year 1966. In England he started this movement with aim to spread it worldwide.
It regrets to say that it was virtually impossible to persuade people to join because they could not see the danger Mr. Teji feared. He used to say that in 50 years time it is quite likely that all the communities will have to unite to survive. His prediction is coming true. I salute to his wisdom and wish if the others would have listened to him then the situation may not have escalated to where it is now.
The Valmikians in the past to escape hatred imposed upon them through the Caste system joined other religions. They joined Christianity, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist and also some other religions.
In Muslim religion they became known as Masali, in Sikh religion as Majabi Sikh and In Hindu religion Ashoot. In Dr Ambedkar era these Ashoot were classed as Dalits .
The Valmikians are known for their bravery. Bhai Jeta Ji’s name ranks high in Sikh religion and Iklavya Ji in Hindu belief. Nodeep Kaur and Jaggi (a Nihal Singh) are both from Majabi Sikh families. Their courage and bravery has received worldwide praise.
There are a lot of families who do not own farms but rely on the income from the farmers earned through labouring duties on their farms. To save their own livelihood they are standing with the farmers because if the corporations takeover then it will bring an end to their earnings.
There are a lot of Majabi Sikh in Police and are also serving on the borders of India. To face Hindutva the caste barriers will have to be eliminated. The Sikh brotherhood will have to give serious thought to this; only then equality will prevail in Punjab.
The Valmikians have been down looked upon by the Hindus for many centuries. The Brahmin Organisations have done everything in their power to demoralise the Valmikians. To demoralise them they were made to wear spit pots around their necks and drag branches to erase their foot prints. How evil is this it is unimaginable?
The name, THE NAAG VANSH ADHIVASI BHARATI SEWA DAL by Mr. H. R. Teji and again in the year 1966 shows how advance he was. His fears are coming reality and unity is the only remedy as suggested by him many many years ago.
The working hours from eight hours to 10-12 hours are being introduced on same pay. This indicates that worst should be expected if the Constitution get’s replaced by Manusmriti.
It seems that all the changes are being done to benefit the corporations so India is going from bad to worse. The caste system will have to be eliminated only then the spread of Hindutva can be stopped.
Bharat is a secular country so religion should be excluded from civil affairs and public education. Everyone has equal right to live and practise religion of their choice. We must learn to live and let others live.
