Shared by Sister Rosita, SCN

Navjyoti Center participated in the 60th International Day for the Elimination of Caste and Color Discrimination, organized in Surkhet on March 21. The event included a rally and a gathering addressed by Ghanshyam Bhandari of the Ministry of Social Development, Karnali Province. Parliamentarians, NGOs, and human rights organizations working against discrimination took part.

The slogan was “Equality, social justice, and solidarity for the elimination of caste discrimination.” Speakers discussed current conditions in the country stemming from caste and color discrimination. The Dalit community makes up 29% of the population in Karnali Province and 14% nationwide. Due to ongoing untouchability and discriminatory practices, many Dalits are forced to leave their homes, change their religion, or hide their identity.

Despite efforts, racial, social, and communal discrimination persist. Speakers emphasized the need for education, awareness, skill training, and economic self-reliance as pathways toward systemic change. They also called for stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.