As a nation, Indians have long struggled with the issue of untouchability and Dalit exploitation in social, economic, and political spheres. Several forward-thinking individuals and groups have already begun working to bring attention to and ultimately resolve the issues facing India's Dalits. Because of this, Dalits are more conscious of their own identity and wanting a greater say in political affairs. When we examine the past of Dalit movements formed in different regions of the nation, we see that many distinct organisations, struggles, and actions of the Dalits had evolved out of varied socio-economic and political situations in the past to help improve their plight. Several prominent Indians spoke out against the Dalit caste system and formed groups to combat discrimination and abuse. We may list the following examples of such groups and causes.
Dalit Movement in Maharashtra
The Dalit movement is a symbol of progress and upheaval, rather than a real social movement in and of itself. To achieve Dalit emancipation was its fundamental objective. The social group Dalit Panther, established by Namdev Dhasal in April 1972 in Mumbai, traces its origins to Maharashtra. Repression and fear that downtrodden Dalits in the countryside were forced to endure were primary causes of the movement's ascent to prominence. Their convictions were buoyed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's writings.
It was the Black Panther Party, a revolutionary organisation among African-Americans in the United States, that served as an inspiration for the founding members of Dalit Panther, including Namdev Dhasal, Raja Rao, and Arun Kamble. When the Dalit Panther movement began, it was a fundamental affirmation of the demand of equality against the higher caste. This uprising is characterised by the Dalit people's outcry against the centuries-old oppression and dominance of the higher caste. A radical transformation movement, as opposed to a reformist one, since its goals were focused on altering the fundamental framework of society as a whole. The movement's goal was a fundamental shift in society.