KATHMANDU, JULY 15

Talking about caste discrimination is not so common in a country like Nepal. Yet if the nation really wants to progress and reach unprecedented levels of prosperity, then this is an issue that citizens can't pretend not to see.

Along the years, as I tried to understand and observe the dynamics of the movement fighting for the dignity of the Dalit movement, I was always concerned about the lack of unity and internal divisions. This remains a major concern because only a joint, united front among citizens from the Dalit community can truly turn caste discrimination into a national issue that everyone should care for.

Months ago, a new idea emerged, an idea that could truly be transformative for the rights of citizens belonging to the Dalit community. Inspired by the Round Table conferences that were held in the thirties of the last century to debate and decide the constitutional framework of the future independent and sovereign India, there has been a bold attempt at changing the status quo marred by factionalism and divergent agendas within the Dalit movement.

Agni Shikha, the Coordinator of the Dalit Jagran Abhiyan, a national civil society with a strong presence in Far Western and Karnali Province, has been a central figure in this process. He is the person who initially came up with the concept of running a Round Table Conference to fight caste discrimination. Finally, just a few weeks ago, the Round Table Conference was organised for the first time in Nepal from June 13 to 15.

A Roundtable Conference Main Organising Committee made up of 101 members, divided in key strategic areas, was created in January for the event. A key priority was to ensure that members of the Dalit community from all its internal sub-groups and fully representing the whole country, were fully represented. Thus, for the first time, Dalit activists from across the nation were united on one platform.

Yet there have been challenges. I spoke with Shikha for a better understanding of the Round Table, including its internal dynamics and future prospects. Over our conversation, I was explained about the ineffectiveness of Article 24 and Article 40 of Nepal's Constitution.

The overarching goal is to recognise the historic injustices that Dalit members of the society have been facing over the centuries and this implies also a deep reform of the Hindu system of beliefs. Shikha was extremely clear that the cause is not against individual members of the Brahmin community but rather the ideology, the so-called 'Brahmanbad' that underpins a socio and political system vastly dominated by one group.

It is essential, therefore, to engage and involve representatives of the groups who have been historically on the top of the system. And it was extremely positive that some key representatives from these communities were also invited and actively participated in the proceedings.

Unity is central in this process, but I was told by Shikha that reaching out to members of historically upper classes is not the only goal. We need to bring together the full Dalit movement and ensure that it remains united.

I learned in my conversation with him that some key intellectuals and members of the community decided to leave the Round Table process while the proceedings were still going on. This is problematic and unfortunate, because the ambition of the initiative is such that only cohesion and union can truly carry forward the momentum that has been created.

Agni Shikha also educated me on the fact that it is paramount to create unity not only among intellectuals and leaders, each with their agendas and egos. There is also an implicit effort to reach out to those members of the Dalit community, especially those living in the urban areas who have got disengaged from the movement and tend to minimise or even dismiss the discriminatory attitudes upheld by the society towards Dalits.

The major outcome of the Round Table has been a 42-points Agenda that will guide the next steps. Very interestingly, sustainability – how to keep the work of the Round Table going on – has been a core concern of the organisers. That's why local committees are being established locally, ensuring that not only all the sub-castes are equally represented but also women have a real voice.

Now the plan is to get mobilised both locally and nationally, including reaching out to the highest echelons of policy-making. One fact that I do not fully understand is the decision by the organisers of the Round Table not to engage with politicians from the Dalit community.

I am aware of the criticisms labelled towards them because their party affiliation has never helped support the cause. This probably happens because the power within each single party is still dominated by one community. Still, shouldn't unity of the movement also include, at the end, also those close to power? Also, more CSOs run by Dalit activists and experts could have been involved.

If alliances must be made with representatives of the Brahmin community, then would it not also be instrumental to include every member of the Dalit community as well?

I am sure there will be challenges in implementing the road map that the Round Table Conference has established, but Shikha's sense of purpose, dignity and willingness to overcome the challenges was inspiring.

Wrapping up, an observation. I am wondering why no major newspapers, following the Round Table Conference, gave adequate space to the initiative. This is a disservice to the nation and to one of the noblest and most just causes that the country must pursue with overwhelming unity and cohesiveness.