INDIA, December 23, 2014 (The Hindu): Kolar district is set to take a big leap forward to eradicate untouchability. Enthused by the response for Grihapravesha — a campaign that made Dalits’ entry into the houses of upper caste people possible in several villages in the district in the last five months — the organizers have now devised a program to ensure entry of Dalits into Muzrai Department temples. Dalits comprise almost one-third the total population in the district.
Started by Mulbagal-based Arivu Kendra, led by G. Shivappa, an assistant professor with Government College for Women in Kolar, the Grihapravesha has expanded. A number of organiZations and other like-minded people have joined hands in this endeavour. As a result, a wider platform — Dalitara Grihapravesha Rajya Samiti — evolved to take the campaign across the State.
The committee has formulated a program for the entry of Dalits into the temples, with Namma Nade Asprashyate Mukta Bharatadede (Our march towards untouchability-free India), as the theme. There are 1,336 temples under the Muzrai and Religious Endowment Department in Kolar district.