Dubai-based lawyer and activist K.K. Sarachandra Bose Wednesday reached Odisha as part of his nation-wide campaign against casteism.
The 62-year-old activist, who has served notice to the Indian government to eradicate the caste system by this calendar year, launched his 40-day Bharat Yatra June 9 from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of his native state Kerala.
Along with a team of 34 volunteers, Bose is addressing people across the states before his plan to reach Delhi mid-July, traversing a distance of almost 14,000 km.
“The Supreme Court has ruled that the caste system conveyed the message ‘Divided we are, come and rule us’,” Bose told reporters here.
“The caste system as projected by Manu and accepted by the Hindu society has proved to be the biggest curse for this country. The caste system is a curse on the nation and the sooner it is destroyed the better,” he said quoting the apex court.
He also said the use of the term ‘caste’ goes against the 1948 UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
During his campaign, Bose has been distributing a book “Caste Away! India, Hinduism and Untouchability” that he has authored.
“The 208-page work brought out in November 2013 is in fact a mandatory notice I have served on the government of India for constitutional reform to eradicate the caste system from the country on or before Dec 31,” he said.
Bose, who has been practising law in the Gulf for three-and-a-half decades and is a member of the International Bar Association, is carrying over 10,000 copies of the book for free distribution.
Some philanthropists and well-wishers have offered to print several thousand books, also for free disbursal, he said.
Bose, whose Bharat Yatra is covering all state capitals, will hold meetings in another 35-plus cities and towns.
He said the expenses of his road trip were completely self-sponsored.
“I do not depend on any organisation or political party, though I am happy many among them are supporting my cause. I bank on my own conviction and – more importantly – the book,” he said.
(IANS)