In
the Maharaja's Praja Sabha there were representatives from every
section of society to bring to the notice of the authorities their
grievances. But Pulayas numbering 500,000 were represented by savarna
Karamana PK Govindappillai.
At the Sreemoolam Praja Sabha (the Maharaja is known by the star he was born in. Moolam is the first major star in Saggitarius.) held on Monday the 13/2/1911 at Victoria Jubilee Town Hall (VJT Hall) PK Govindappillai spoke thus:
"...the 500,000 Pulayas of the state need a small plot of land for agriculture and residence close to where they work. Some public land may earmarked for allotment for this purpose. Each time the Pulayas have applied for particular piece of public land, the upper castes appropriated it. So special consideration must be given to the Pulayas. They must be allotted land close to the fields where they work for the landlords. The landlords have no objection in this regard from inquiries made."
Dewan suggested that the honourable member may compile the list of land available.
On 18/2/1911 'Maharajas representative for Pulayas' PK Govindappillai continued his argument in the Sabha:
"Not even a small part of the liberties and human rights have been given to them. They would be thankful if the right to education is fulfilled as part of the state's general welfare programs. If the government carries out the implementation of what is on paper, in the distant future these depressed people will not need any help.
"Educationally the Pulayas are very backward. Inspite of orders to admit them, they are not even allowed to peep into classrooms. Poverty makes them incapable of exercising their rights. Where it is not possible for the govt to implement these orders, special schools and night schools may be the only answer. The salaries of teachers in schools for Pulayas should be increased.
"Schools for Pulayas established by Sarvashri A Govinda Pillai, Marthandan Thambi and their ilk may be given grants. More encouragement must be given to Pulaya students in the form of scholarships and concessions. Some Pulayas have passed middle school level; they may be appointed in night schools and other departments. There are many departments like excise where the Pulayas will fit in. More Pulayas could be employed in this dept. In the medical department Pulayas may be employed as ward attendants. They will be able to look after Pulaya patients better.
"There is no possibility of Pulayas growing in conscious ness as citizens and in intellectual calibre without the govt giving special opportunities and making efforts make it succeed. In places like Mavelikkara and Karthikappalli Pulayas are not allowed in the streets or markets. The problem is not from Brahman-Sudra castes, but from the 'twenty feet' category (those who insist on Pulayas keeping twenty feet away from savarnas). The lower level employees of excise dept also harass the Pulayas. Their huts in jungles are set on fire. They are too weak to protest. I hope appropriate orders given by the Superintendent of Police would improve the situation.
"In medical aid also they face problems. Only some hospitals have separate rooms for Pulayas. All important hospitals must have these wards. Medical Officers donot behave properly with them. They are made to wait for medicines till other castes have been issued. Then the compounder throws some medicines at them. This is the situation in general hospital. They have not allowed Pulaya lunatics into the assylum.
"They donot get justice from the courts. In some courts they are not allowed entry. They stand far away and pass their answers through third party and their petitions thrown out. Changanassery Magistrate court is run this way. If the lower level employees show atleast half the interest in the welfare of their subordinates, Pulaya employees would have never complained."
Govindappillai concluded his speech with an appeal.
"I appeal to the government to make all the necessary arrangements to give the help needed to this community."
This speech was the most unusual one in the six-year history of Praja Sabha. It was heard in pin drop silence. Govindappillai did the job he was entrusted to represent Dalits with honesty & integrity. This itself was a victory for the oppressed communities.
Dewan Rajagopalachari was listening intently to the speech of the 'Pulaya Prathinidhi'.
The Dewan gave an immediate reply.
"The
complaints of the member have been well taken. We will consider
increasing the beds of Pulaya wards in the govt hospitals. The member
may pleas submit the list of those Pulaya students who have passed the
examinations to the Chief Secretary. We will decide how their talents
can be put to use."
Govindappillai was not satisfied with the answer of the Dewan. He continued...
"I am grateful for allowing me to speak on the subject of Pulaya emancipation for the first time in the Sabha. I request for permission for one of their own people to submit their problems before the Sabha."
The thought of an untouchable making the Sabha unclean by his presence made many members stunned. The speaker probed the opinion of the Sabha members. No member opposed the idea. Suddenly a member got up and said,
"the Sabha supports the proposal of Govindappillai with one voice."
This stilled all potential opposition to the move. Praja Sabha Member.
At the Sreemoolam Praja Sabha (the Maharaja is known by the star he was born in. Moolam is the first major star in Saggitarius.) held on Monday the 13/2/1911 at Victoria Jubilee Town Hall (VJT Hall) PK Govindappillai spoke thus:
"...the 500,000 Pulayas of the state need a small plot of land for agriculture and residence close to where they work. Some public land may earmarked for allotment for this purpose. Each time the Pulayas have applied for particular piece of public land, the upper castes appropriated it. So special consideration must be given to the Pulayas. They must be allotted land close to the fields where they work for the landlords. The landlords have no objection in this regard from inquiries made."
Dewan suggested that the honourable member may compile the list of land available.
On 18/2/1911 'Maharajas representative for Pulayas' PK Govindappillai continued his argument in the Sabha:
"Not even a small part of the liberties and human rights have been given to them. They would be thankful if the right to education is fulfilled as part of the state's general welfare programs. If the government carries out the implementation of what is on paper, in the distant future these depressed people will not need any help.
"Educationally the Pulayas are very backward. Inspite of orders to admit them, they are not even allowed to peep into classrooms. Poverty makes them incapable of exercising their rights. Where it is not possible for the govt to implement these orders, special schools and night schools may be the only answer. The salaries of teachers in schools for Pulayas should be increased.
"Schools for Pulayas established by Sarvashri A Govinda Pillai, Marthandan Thambi and their ilk may be given grants. More encouragement must be given to Pulaya students in the form of scholarships and concessions. Some Pulayas have passed middle school level; they may be appointed in night schools and other departments. There are many departments like excise where the Pulayas will fit in. More Pulayas could be employed in this dept. In the medical department Pulayas may be employed as ward attendants. They will be able to look after Pulaya patients better.
"There is no possibility of Pulayas growing in conscious ness as citizens and in intellectual calibre without the govt giving special opportunities and making efforts make it succeed. In places like Mavelikkara and Karthikappalli Pulayas are not allowed in the streets or markets. The problem is not from Brahman-Sudra castes, but from the 'twenty feet' category (those who insist on Pulayas keeping twenty feet away from savarnas). The lower level employees of excise dept also harass the Pulayas. Their huts in jungles are set on fire. They are too weak to protest. I hope appropriate orders given by the Superintendent of Police would improve the situation.
"In medical aid also they face problems. Only some hospitals have separate rooms for Pulayas. All important hospitals must have these wards. Medical Officers donot behave properly with them. They are made to wait for medicines till other castes have been issued. Then the compounder throws some medicines at them. This is the situation in general hospital. They have not allowed Pulaya lunatics into the assylum.
"They donot get justice from the courts. In some courts they are not allowed entry. They stand far away and pass their answers through third party and their petitions thrown out. Changanassery Magistrate court is run this way. If the lower level employees show atleast half the interest in the welfare of their subordinates, Pulaya employees would have never complained."
This speech was the most unusual one in the six-year history of Praja Sabha. It was heard in pin drop silence. Govindappillai did the job he was entrusted to represent Dalits with honesty & integrity. This itself was a victory for the oppressed communities.
Dewan Rajagopalachari was listening intently to the speech of the 'Pulaya Prathinidhi'.
Govindappillai was not satisfied with the answer of the Dewan. He continued...
"I am grateful for allowing me to speak on the subject of Pulaya emancipation for the first time in the Sabha. I request for permission for one of their own people to submit their problems before the Sabha."
The thought of an untouchable making the Sabha unclean by his presence made many members stunned. The speaker probed the opinion of the Sabha members. No member opposed the idea. Suddenly a member got up and said,
This stilled all potential opposition to the move.
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