| Impiled in the concepts of Ambedkar and Grundtvig about the
people is their views on the nature of political culture which sustain an active
democracy on a constant basis. The achievements of the Folk School movement are
part of the heritage of Denmark. This was put to me by a 13-year-old Danish boy:
"Our teachers encourage us to discuss. There is a belief that if we discuss we
become better persons." How different to the usual idea that silence is the sign
of good student! And how vastly different to the idea in the caste system that
the breaking of silence by those who are considered low caste should be punished
violently. Even today murders and rapes take place simpy because such people
dared to speak. What Ambedkar sought was a complete change. In fact, much has
already been achieved on this basis; by and large, the Dalits of today are much
more articulate than their forefathers and are actively asserting their
presence. India's political troubles of today come from these awakened and
active people who are breaking the draconian control of caste. India looks
forward to a crucial change where the ideas of Ambedkar will become a reality in
the way that Grundtvig's ideas did come to realisation in Danish life. (Click here to view
the content)
Published in August 2000 by the Asian Human Rights Commission, 133 pages,
ISBN - 962-8314-08-4
Hong Kong : HK$ 60.00
Outside Hong Kong
: US$ 25.00
Inclusive of postage
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