SUKKUR: A big gathering of Dalits, belonging to the Meghwar community, held in Mirpur Mathelo, Ghotki district, demanded social reforms to ensure resolution of their issues pertaining to education, youth development, social behaviour and family relations, besides facilitation of minority communities’ traditions and customs.

The gathering was held in connection with the country’s Independence Day and provided the participants an opportunity to highlight their issues.

Heads of Sukkur division Panchayats, saints and elders attended the gathering and expressed their views. They identified the social challenges being faced by members of the community.

The speakers said that community development could not be ensured by merely holding ceremonial functions or resolving disputes. They stressed that issues like education, employment and social behavior must be addressed.

The first session of the gathering was devoted to speeches on the Independence Day. A cake was cut to mark the occasion and the participants prayed for peace, prosperity, stability and progress of the country.

The gathering paid tribute to those members of the Meghwar community who were serving in the armed forces, police and government departments.

They noted that the minority community contributed significantly to national development and this must be recognised and encouraged.

In the second session, speakers focused on some of the pressing social issues confronting the community.

The participants took part in an extensive and candid debate on the need for reforms aimed at minority communities’ welfare and facilitation of their traditions and customs amid changing realities.

Most of them expressed their concern over “hasty marriages leading to early breakups”. They stressed that marriage should be decided after ensuring a serious and lasting social responsibility, rather than merely a family bond.

The growing use of drugs by youth at weddings and other social gatherings also came under strong criticism.

Greater parental responsibility, community awareness and collective action was stressed to protect the younger generation.

Education appeared to be the central theme of the debate. The participants stressed that children must be encouraged to get education by creating an understanding with them and through counselling and proper guidance.

Emphasis was placed on girls’ education and creating opportunities for their higher education and social and economic empowerment.

Mukhis Babu Ram, Daryano Mal and Santosh Kumar; Ameet Kumar, Comrade Kishin, Vijesh Kumar Goyal and others were among those who spoke to the participants.

They called for collective thinking, greater participation of young people and the involvement of educated and socially conscious members of the community in shaping its future.

A significant step taken at the gathering was the decision to constitute committees comprising serious, responsible and socially conscious members to examine the issues and suggest practical measures to address the same.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2026