New Delhi, August 10: Describing caste system as the “greatest tragedy to befall human race”, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Monday said even the poor have a right to live with self respect.
Addressing a gathering of around 200 liberated women scavengers, who have now become independent enough to earn their own livelihood, she said, “Caste system is the greatest tragedy to befall human race, especially in a country like India, which has a rich cultural heritage.”
She said the poorest of the poor has felt the impact of the caste system over centuries.
“I would like to say here, that nobody, including those belonging to the lowest rung of the social strata, should feel small, as your ancestors have made sacrifices for this country, and therefore you too have a right to live with self respect,” Kumar said.
Appreciating the efforts of the founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, Bindeshwar Pathak, for bringing about a change in the lives of so many women scavengers, hailing mainly from Alwar in Rajasthan, she said through such efforts, her faith in humanity is reaffirmed.
“When I see that even the socially well off among the lower castes, have not been able to come out of the caste bias, I am forced to think that caste system is the greatest tragedy of our country. But when I see the kind of work done by Sulabh International, my faith in humanity is reaffirmed,” the Speaker said.
–Agencies