Dalit Welfare Committee Opposes Distribution of Mana Basa Lakshmi Purana, Alleges Casteist Content

Khariar | July 10: The District Scheduled Domb/Ganda Community Welfare Committee strongly opposed the Odisha Government’s reported proposal to distribute the Mana Basa Lakshmi Purana at subsidized rates during a press conference held at the Shyamkumbh Hotel conference hall in Khariar, Nuapada district, on Thursday. Addressing the media, members of the committee alleged that certain portions of the book contain caste-based remarks and derogatory language against members of the Dalit community. They claimed that such content is discriminatory, hurts the dignity and sentiments of Scheduled Caste communities, and should not be promoted through government-supported distribution. The committee demanded that the government immediately review the contents of the publication and withdraw the proposal until the allegedly objectionable passages are examined and appropriate action is taken. They stated that the distribution of literature containing language perceived as casteist is unacceptable in a society committed to equality and social justice. The press conference was presided over by the committee’s Founder President, Fakir Mohan Jagat. Among those present were Nimai Charan Tandi, Jyotilal Banjare, Meghanath Kumar, and other members of the organization, who reiterated their demand for justice and respect for the dignity of the Dalit community. The committee also appealed to the state government to ensure that no publication containing content that may be considered offensive or discriminatory toward any community is officially promoted or distributed.