Dadu Mandrekar, who championed the cause of dalits, died after a
brief illness, on Thursday. He was 63.
He has done pioneering work in spreading humanitarian values, scientific temperament and the thoughts of B R Ambedkar. To free the community from the shackles of untouchability, he asked the dalit youths to stop playing drums at temples. He also asked them to give up the traditional bamboo craft that they were involved with.
"Dadu was a staunch supporter of equality, liberty, justice and fraternity, the principles enshrined in the constitution of India. It was a coincidence that he died on the Constitution Day of India (November 26)," said president of Daskshinayan Abhiyan-Goa, Damodar Mauzo.
He used to publish a magazine titled 'Prajasattak' to highlight the principles of the Constitution.
Condoling Mandrekar's death, Union Ayush minister Shripad Naik said Mandrekar devoted his entire life to the Dalit movement.
Ganesh Parwar, a dalit leader from Pilgaon said, "Dadu made us understand Dr Ambedkar's ideas and instilled in us courage and determination to fight against the untouchability prevalent in Goan society since ages. His demise is a great loss for our movement."
While studying at the Mandre High School, Mandrekar was influenced by 'Amrutvel', a Marathi novel by V S Khandekar, and Ambedkar's biography.
He worked in the government sector for a while, before leaving it to work full time on social issues. He launched a crusade against casteism and untouchability.
His collection of poems 'Shapit Surya' and collection of articles 'Bahishkrut Gomantak' focus on the pain and agonies of the dalit community in the state.
After embracing Buddhism, he wrote about Buddhism and worked to spread modern education among dalit youths. For a short period, he worked as a journalist and was also a part of the green brigade.
Source: Times of India
