10/10/09

Me and Kylie joined the Trefoil, who are on an event at Sangam, when they went to visit the Buddhist Meditation centre. The trip was really interesting, we had a presentation on a programme they run there, which aims to bring equality between castes - especially Dalits (untouchables who clean up human excrement). They work with the most marginalised and exploited communities of untouchables to help them to develop the strength to overcome the conditioning of castes which keeps them in the old derogatory jobs. We were showed a short filmed which was produced to show that 'sweepers' (untouchables who are made to pick up human excrement) are still being forced to 'sweep'. The images were shocking - even though some of the workers wore rubber gloves this didn't prevent crap from flowing over the top. The work they are doing is brilliant for example they are trying to create a strong network of Dalit women leaders who can fit against those who appose their right to equality. Whilst we were at the centre we also took part in a mediation class which was nice - although my foot did go a bit numb after being cross legged for so long but are well I still felt very relaxed :)