Dalit Graduation Celebration
10th November, 2012, at Cheyyur, Kanchi District
[Via Paulraj Dayanandan]
THUDI has organized four Dalit Graduation Celebrations since 2009. More than 500 people from all over India gathered at Chennai to felicitate 100 first generation college graduates and 200 school students and honor five outstanding Dalit achievers. Right Livelihood Award recipient Dr. Ruth Manorama was the chief guest and Ms. Florence Maduro who walked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on their 1963 March on Washington was the honored guest. LEADS of Loyola College joined THUDI to organize the second Dalit Graduation Celebration on 23rd January 2012. About 200 Dalit graduates from ten universities were honored by a galaxy of prominent leaders including the Minister and Secretary of the Adi Dravidar & Tribal Welfare Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. A seminar on education was held. 15 Dalit achievers were honored for their contributions to education, social service, human rights, journalism, arts, music, law and entrepreneurship.
The third Dalit Graduation Celebration was held at Kattankolathur in September 2012. This was a unique event organized for rural graduates and school students from 39 panchayats in Kanchipuram District.
500 people gathered to felicitate 50 graduates and 300 school students. Mr. Viswanathan, Member of the Parliament was the honored guest along with several government officers. Many Irular tribal students also participated in this celebration.
The purpose of the Dalit Graduation Celebration is to appreciate and honor students and congratulate their parents for their achievements and encourage them to pursue higher education. At this celebration we honor students who have already received degrees/diplomas at university convocations. Since parents and families find it difficult to participate in official convocations Dalit Graduation Celebration offers an opportunity to joyfully celebrate the achievements of these deserving students.
We invite school and college graduates to participate in the 4th Dalit Graduation Celebration to be held on 10th November 2012 at Pavunjur, Cheyyur. Come and join the celebration, receive certificates or medals. Enjoy a day filled with drumming, music and dance, learn about opportunities for higher education; meet and make new friends.
For further information, contact:
Bharathi Prabhu, General Secretary, THUDI, 34 Kannabiran Stree, Old Pallavaram, Chennai 600117
Prabhu: 08939737886, Ashok (State Organizer): 09894525254
e-mail: thudistudents@gmail.com
THUDI Patrons: Christodhas Gandhi, IAS; Dr. P. Dayanandan, Scientist.
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