For 3,000 years, I have been oppressed
This boy represents the 250 million Dalits (doll-leets) , formerly called Untouchable, who have been told by the upper castes of India that they are less than human. If even a Dalit’s shadow falls on an upper caste person, that person is polluted according to caste rules. The Dalit Freedom Network partners with the Dalits in their quest for religious freedom, social justice, and human rights by mobilizing human, information, and financial resources. Take a moment and learn about the most oppressed people of all humankind.
How the Dalit Freedom Network is Involved
EDUCATION
Dalits want an English-based education for their children, recognizing the great benefits available for those educated in English. DFN's Dalit Education Centers are transforming the future for thousands of Dalit children. Read more
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A key way to empower Dalits is to help them gain marketable skills and build a personal credit history. DFN's micro-loan and vocational training programs are helping Dalits take their first steps toward self-sufficiency. Read more
HEALTHCARE
Dalits have little access to medical care, their children receive no vaccinations and preventable infectious diseases spread rapidly. We provide public health awareness, vaccinations and medical interventions. Read more
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Dalits suffer at the hands of authorities and high-caste leaders across India. We work with the government of India to pass new policies that protect Dalits, to ensure those laws and existing laws are enforced, and to protect the religious freedom of all people in India by combating anti-conversion legislation. Read more
IN THE NEWS
The Outsiders
A new case of caste discrimination in IIT Delhi highlights the miserable plight of Dalit students in India’s premier technical institute.
Dalit women invisible citizens: Report
A fact-finding mission’s report on the status of dalit women in Rajasthan released here on Monday has brought to light the critical denial of rights to them on the basis of caste as well as gender. Dalit women were found having very little access to livelihood, food, water, sanitation and the government’s welfare programs.
OPINIONS
View Video about the Dalits and DFN
View Video About the Dalits and DFN. Click here to watch the video:
Unveiling India's Apartheid (Part 1)
Read this first part of Adam Taylor’s artful article on the state of “a people often deemed untouchable, largely impoverished, and seemingly invisible.” Enlightening and skillfully written, he labels India as “a cauldron of inequality… and religious tension that could boil over into even greater civil strife and violence.” Read more.
Rejected by Their Own Gods
During a visit to a famous cathedral in Germany, a thought came to Albert Lael, OMCC National Director. Why are most churches open to all people but many places of worship in my country are not?
SPONSOR A DALIT CHILD
Sponsor a child now to transform a life now and forever. Thousands of children are waiting for you to share your love. Learn more about sponsoring a child!
The Untouchable Kids of India
Watch the Nick News Special “The Untouchable Kids of India” Video.
DO YOU HAVE A CLAY CUP?
DFN has chosen the clay cup™ to be the symbol of the oppression of the Dalits. For years, throughout India, Dalits were forced to drink out of clay cups which are then destroyed......
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE BLOG
Visit Joseph D’Souza’s International Justice Blog
DEFINITIONS
Learn more about India and the Caste System
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