A two-day Dalit Conference was organized by Swabhiman Samiti in collaboration with the community-based organization Dalit Adhikar Manch from 24th December 2009 to 25th December 2009 at the Flood Relief Center in Sekhui, with the support of ActionAid India. This conference aimed at raising awareness among the local community, discussing the issues facing marginalized groups, and soliciting feedback on upcoming activities and initiatives for the following year.

  1. Objective of the Conference:

The primary goals of the Dalit Conference were:

  • To raise awareness about the significance of organization-building within the community, particularly among the Dalit and marginalized groups.
  • To engage in discussions on the issues and challenges faced by the Dalit community and other marginalized groups in the region.
  • To gather community opinions on the organization’s activities and future plans, ensuring that the voices of the people are incorporated into the decision-making process.
  1. Participation:

The conference saw active participation from various local representatives:

  • Mushahar Manch from Kushinagar and Maharajganj also contributed to the conference, enhancing the representation of marginalized communities from neighboring areas.
  • Local leaders and social workers also participated and addressed the gathering.
  1. Key Discussions and Messages:

During the conference, several key issues were discussed, including social justice, the empowerment of marginalized communities, and the need for greater participation in governance and decision-making processes.

  • Mr. Devbrat Patra, the Regional Manager of ActionAid India, addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of organizing marginalized groups such as Dalits, minorities, and other vulnerable sections of society. He stressed that organizing these communities would ensure the protection of their rights and would empower them to actively participate in development initiatives.
  • Mr. Vibhuti Prasad Chouhan, a senior social worker from Kushinagar, spoke about the historical struggles of Dalit communities and the importance of unity and self-reliance to overcome social injustices.
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  • Mrs. Kunti Devi, the President of Mushahar Manch Kushinagar, shared insights into the challenges faced by the Mushahar community and the need for collective action to ensure social and economic justice.
  • Mr. Mithai Lal Ji, the President of Mushahar Manch Maharajganj, highlighted the efforts of their organization to empower marginalized groups through education, health, and livelihood programs.
  • Mr. Raju Bharti, a representative of the Dalit Adhikar Manch Uska Bazar, spoke about the ongoing work in Uska Bazar and emphasized the need to expand the reach of community organizations to ensure better opportunities for Dalit empowerment.
  1. Outcomes of the Conference:

The Dalit Conference was successful in:

  • Raising awareness about the critical importance of organization-building within Dalit and marginalized communities.
  • Empowering local leaders to take initiative and play an active role in community development.
  • Fostering collaboration between different organizations and local leaders, ensuring a united front in addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
  1. Conclusion:

The two-day Dalit Conference organized by Swabhiman Samiti and Dalit Adhikar Manch, with the support of ActionAid India, was a significant step towards empowering marginalized communities in Maharajganj. By focusing on unity, organization, and community-driven action, the conference created a platform for local leaders to voice their concerns, discuss solutions, and collaborate on future development efforts.

Swabhiman Samiti remains committed to its mission of social justice, equality, and empowerment for all, especially marginalized groups. The discussions and actions from this conference will play an important role in shaping the future activities of the organization and its allies.