Dalit Sthree Sakthi Conference Advocates for Social Justice
The annual conference of Dalit Sthree Sakthi (DSS) was convened today at the Ambedkar Resource Centre, Lakadika Pool, marking the organization's 18th year of relentless advocacy for the rights of Dalit and Adivasi women.
Hyderabad: The annual conference of Dalit Sthree Sakthi (DSS) was convened today at the Ambedkar Resource Centre, Lakadika Pool, marking the organization’s 18th year of relentless advocacy for the rights of Dalit and Adivasi women.
The conference, held under the theme “Dalit, Adivasi Women and Social Justice,” brought together a diverse panel of speakers and activists to address pressing issues concerning gender equality and social justice.
Presided over by Jhansi Geddam, the National Convener of DSS, the conference featured notable speakers including Sri. Vinod Kumar, Ambassador, Sri. M.F. Gopinath, Cardiologist, Dr. Padmakar, Sri. Sudha Rani from Ambedkar Open University, Sri. Nelli Ramakrishna, General Manager at BSNL, Sri. Charulatha, Scientist, Sri. Vinayakala, Maheswara Rao, Sri. Ramana, and Sri. Hariram Naik.
The 18th Annual Report of DSS was inaugurated by Sri. Vinod Kumar, who emphasized the urgent need to address the prevalent inequalities and oppression experienced by marginalized communities in India. Jhansi Geddam elaborated on the challenging journey of DSS over the past 18 years, highlighting the organization’s efforts in protecting and promoting the rights of Dalit and Adivasi women and children.
Addressing the gathering, Sri. Vinod Kumar expressed concern over the disparity between India’s democratic ideals and the ground reality of inequality and caste-based discrimination. He criticized the dominance of archaic ideologies over constitutional principles, calling for a concerted effort to uphold social justice.
Sudha Rani echoed similar sentiments, denouncing the ongoing practices of slavery and oppression under the guise of caste and religious hierarchies. She emphasized the need for collective action to dismantle these oppressive structures.
Offering a pragmatic solution, Sri. M.F. Gopinath urged citizens to exercise their voting rights judiciously to bring about meaningful societal change, echoing the teachings of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The conference garnered appreciation for DSS’s steadfast commitment to advocacy and activism over the years. Attendees included leaders from Dalit women collectives, members, as well as individuals from rural villages and urban slums.
As the conference concluded, it underscored the importance of collective action in advancing social justice and equality for all members of society, particularly those from marginalized communities.
