KARACHI: The Dalit community, also termed untouchable, have for centuries been discriminated against whether they are living in India or Pakistan, or when they lived in the region known as the Indian subcontinent. Very few voices have managed to transcend beyond this life of deprivation and disadvantage, and Vajeesh Partab is one such individual who showcased his progress at his book launch at the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs on Sunday.

Titled Nawal Ujala, the book by Partab is about Sat Guru Maharishi Nawal Swamji, considered as among the early human rights activists in the subcontinent, who without a formal education dedicatedly worked for the emancipation of the Dalit community in the subcontinent.

Partab’s personal story is an interesting backdrop. Born in Karachi to a Dalit family, Partab found the Hindu caste system regressive and decided to rebel against it. Part of the child labour force working as a sweeper, Partab, along with the help of his parents, worked his way out of poverty and attained higher education. But he never let go of his roots. Community service and creating social awareness is still a major component of his life and he was present at the book launch to speak about his struggles as well as that of Guru Nawal.

“Sat Guru Maharishi Naval Swamji’s struggle for the Dalit community is admirable. This is why I decided to pen his services to safeguard it for the coming generations and make his life’s story easily available for people to read.”

Also present was Dr Riaz Sheikh of Szabist, who praised the local and international struggle to fight for human rights and explained how there have been several instances of activists who have become immortal only on the basis of being human rights activists. Men such as Guru Nawal have inspired millions. Another example he cited was that of Dr Ambedkar who championed the rights of the Dalits, as well as women and labourers.

Advocate of Sindh High Court Ishrat Ghazali and Pandit Ali Ram also spoke.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2017