Dalit Struggle for Education: With Special Reference to Barak Valley

Traditionally Dalits, the ex-untouchables were denied education by the vedic scriptures. Identified as Scheduled Castes (SCs) under Article 341 of the Indian Constitution, the Dalits today, constitute one of the marginalized sections of society, the basic reason of which is lack of education. Having known the immense significance of education required for their liberation from socio-economic and political subjugation, Jotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Guruchand, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and a few others emphasized on Dalit education. This paper provides a historical account of the struggle of the Phule couple, Guruchand and Dr. Ambedkar. While Guruchand recognized that Education, Wealth and Political power can only uplift the Bengali Dalits, Ambedkar reinforced Phules agenda and struggled to uplift these social groups with his famous slogan Educate, Organize and Agitate. Despite such relentless struggle, the Bengali Dalits of present day Barak valley, unaware of their contribution, became victims of casteism whereby they remain in the margins of development. This is because, their lack of education resulted in their lack of ability to write on their own problems, which in turn led to their lack of awareness, the only solution to which is education, for it can awake the Dalits here, paving the path for their development.