Dalit Govindam-The Lord At The Doorstep...Contd

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'We introduced this programme of taking the idols of Lord Venkateswara and his two consorts to Dalit settlements to eradicate caste discrimination and also to give them an opportunity to pray and worship to their heart's content and take part in the traditional rituals and ceremonies which they never witnessed. The priests also give them vedic blessings which only VVIPs visiting the main temple in Tirumala normally receive,' Mr Reddy further throws light According to TTD Executive officer K V Ramanachary, the idols in all their grandeur are once carried by the main temple's priests and bearers down the seven hills to a Dalit settlement. Normally, the procession is taken through the traditional Maada street of Tirumal only. The TTD makes all arrangements in the particular village, including decorations, 'Pandals' and no expenses are spared.

While entering the 'Dalitwada', the priests chant the same vedic hymns that they do in the main temple, says Mr Rampulla Reddy, Public Relations Officer of TTD.

The idols are kept on a platform in the middle of 'Dalitwada' for rituals. To make sure that there is no hesitation among the residents, the priests go to each and every household and invite them to join the ceremony and rituals. The 'prasadam' and food are also prepared with the involvement of everyone. To clear misconceptions like untouchability and segregation, the priests, TTD officials and local residents then share the 'Prasadam' and food from the same vessels and plates.

'It is still rare for Dalits to participiate in the rituals standing beside the main temple's priests and amid people of all castes.' Pointing out that Dalits are getting alienated from society and the Hindu religion, leading to conversions, the Board Chairman says,' I hope this will also help bring them back into the mainstream.' 'Matsya Govindam' is another programme introduced by the devasthanams to promote 'Sanatan Dharma' among the fishermen community. Training is imparted to them in performance of rituals and chanting of mantras. Matsya Govindam is also aimed at propagating spiritual values enshrined in the Vedas and Puranas and raising social awareness about hygiene and sanitation.

Mr Reddy says the present Board, which assumed office in 2005, has made a bold and constructive approach when it evolved training programme for the tribal community. It envisages training the Girijans in rituals and rites.

'It is a massive effort to bring the tribal people into the Hindu fold,'