Selfless work done by a group Dalits six decades ago has not only brought them laurels now but also made them proud land owners.
From now on, they need not depend on landlords for their survival.
Ten Dalit field workers, including three women who are 85 years and above, have become landowners, thanks to support offered to these workers who stood along with T.S. Soundaram, founder, Gandhigram Trust, when she floated the trust at Gandhigram village to extend health care to the poor and the downtrodden.
Breaking all barriers and hurdles, Gandhigram Trust had fulfilled the dream of the founder and offered 65 cents of agriculture land each to 10 Dalits living at Thoppampatti village since the 1950s as per the direction of the founder.
“Our founder had promised to offer land for the uplift of Dalits. Now, we have fulfilled her wish by offering land owned by the trust to them,” said K. Shiva Kumar, secretary of the trust.
Ms. Soundaram had identified people from villages around Chinnalapatti to develop an area for their activities. The selected beneficiaries were settled in Thoppampatti with a promise of land for their survival.
“We joined work for wages of 50 paise a day for women and 75 paise for men to cut firewood and level the field,” said beneficiary Y. Chinnappan (85), who was picked from Panjampatti in the 1950s.
“My husband Raju joined the work force. He died and my only son too died in an accident. Now, my grandson is taking care of me,” said another beneficiary R. Azhagammal (89).
Octogenarian P. Mariappan said he was picked from Kalikkampatti. “We are honoured now,” he said.
The land was registered in the name of the beneficiaries and also their legal heirs to enable even the next generation to enjoy it.
No sale
“Even though it is patta land, the beneficiaries cannot sell it,” said Mr. Shiva Kumar. Managing Trustee M.R. Rajagopal handed over the pattas to the beneficiaries.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Tamil Nadu / by Staff Reporter / Dindigul – July 01st, 2015