Supreme Court will rule in favour of Dalit Christians, says GFA’s KP Yohannan

New Delhi – Gospel for Asia’s founder–director Dr. K.P. Yohannan has urged the Dalit Christians in India to continue their campaign for justice, expressing optimism that the Supreme Court of India, that has postponed ruling on whether Dalit Christians are entitled to the same reservation rights and benefits as their counterparts who have embraced Sikhism or Buddhism, will decide in their favour.

“This is definitely going to happen because there is tremendous pressure from all sides, especially on the left, who are saying this needs to be done,” he said. “And, therefore I do not think they can say no to it especially with the world coming into the picture.”

On October 6, the Dalit Freedom Network (DFN), a Denver–based organization that seeks to work with individuals, foundations and organizations outside of India to bring together their combined resources on behalf of those who are working for the emancipation of the Dalits within India, held a historic conference, urging the US government to assist India in eradicating caste–based atrocities.

The historic conference entitled, "Racism and Caste Based Discrimination in India: Implications for the US–India Relationship" was followed by a House Hearing on ongoing caste atrocities. The event marked a new awareness among U.S. lawmakers about the struggles of lower caste people in India.

“The whole purpose is to get the world (to) become aware of the fact of the slavery of these Dalits and this is another step needed to be taken so they can be freed from the grip of this caste system,” Dr. Yohannan said.

“If the Supreme Court rules in the favour of the Dalits,” Dr. Yohannan continued, “the Dalits will no longer fear publicly professing the faith in Christ and even more will commit to Him.”

However, concerned about pastoral care, Dr. Yohannan said that to face the “huge challenge,” they “have increased the number of students in Bible schools this year, knowing that things are happening and [they] need to get ready.”