Even after so many years of independence, the evidence of caste system in India is quite strong. After nearly 300 years of exclusion, Dalit families in a West Bengal village have gained access to the Gidheshwar Shiv Temple, breaking a long-standing caste barrier.

The incident

On 12th march, in Purba Bardhaman districts Katwa subdivision, members of the Das community were able to offer prayers inside the temple, which was denied to them for generations.

Five members of the Das communityfour women and one manclimbed the temple steps in Gidhgrams Daspara area. With police protection ensuring their safety, they poured milk and water on the Shivling and performed puja without obstruction.

Their previous attempt to enter the temple on Maha Shivratri (February 26) was met with strong opposition, resulting in their forced removal and an economic boycott.

Milk procurement centers refused to collect milk from Dalit families, further isolating them from the society. When they demanded administrative intervention, initial discussions with village elders and temple authorities failed.

A breakthrough was finally reached during a meeting led by Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Ahimsa Jain, attended by local MLAs, police officials, temple committee members, and community representatives. The problem that existed regarding worship in the temple in Gidhgram has been resolved. The residents of Daspara in that village will also be able to offer puja like others. From Wednesday, everyone will offer puja in the temple. Everyone has accepted this decision, said SDO Jain after the discussions.

Some temple authorities remained hesitant. Sanat Mandal, a temple servant, was quoted saying: We used to take care of everything at the temple during the Gajan fair. It is now a big question whether we will be able to maintain the purity and sanctity of the ancient tradition of puja at the temple.

It wasnt easy to break the deadlock arising out of a long-standing tradition. Standing in the 21st century, such ideas cannot be entertained. God is with everyone. Together, we managed to convince everyone of this. That is what has resolved the dispute, said Trinamool Congress MLA Apurba Chatterjee.

This incident is a reminder for us to not use discrimination in the name of caste. It raises a question, is it okay to use this kind of discrimination in 21st century? where our ancestors had fought for them and their right.