- 10 August, 2026
Vellore, August 10, 2026: The Diocese of Vellore observed August 10 as a Black Day for Dalit Christian rights, drawing attention to the continuing denial of Scheduled Caste (SC) status and related constitutional safeguards to Dalit Christians in India.
Organised by the SC/ST Commission of the Diocese of Vellore in collaboration with Christian organisations and social justice groups, the observance brought together bishops, priests, religious, activists, diocesan representatives and members of Christian organisations in a renewed call for equality, justice and human dignity.
A public gathering and awareness programme was held at Annai Kalai Arangam, Arul Illam Campus, Vellore, from 10 a.m. The programme focused on the long-standing demand that Dalit Christians be accorded the same constitutional safeguards and social justice benefits available to other Scheduled Caste communities.
The programme was presided over by Fr H. Sharma Nithiyanandam, Bishop of the CSI Vellore Diocese, while Bishop Ambrose Pitchaimuthu of Vellore delivered the keynote address.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Pitchaimuthu called for equal treatment and justice for Dalit Christians and urged the restoration of constitutional rights that, he said, should not be determined by a person's religious identity.
A major concern highlighted during the programme was the impact of religious conversion on the rights of Dalit Christians. Participants maintained that embracing Christianity should not result in the loss of constitutional safeguards available to people from other Scheduled Caste communities who experience similar historical and social discrimination.
The observance forms part of a wider movement seeking the removal of religious discrimination from the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. Advocates of the demand argue that SC status should be based on social and historical disadvantage rather than religious affiliation.
The programme also featured addresses by Fr P. Booth Lourdesamy, Vicar Forane of Thirumalai, and Dr I. Jesudoss Kathirvel, former Head of the Department of Tamil at C. Abdul Hakeem College, Melvisharam.
The participation of Church leaders, clergy, religious and social justice advocates reflected the growing concern within the Christian community over the continued exclusion of Dalit Christians from SC status and associated constitutional benefits.
The gathering concluded with a collective appeal to the Government of India to remove religious discrimination from the Scheduled Caste Order and extend SC status and constitutional safeguards to Dalit Christians.
Participants stressed that equal constitutional protection is essential for ensuring that citizens are able to access rights, opportunities and social justice without discrimination based on religious identity.
For the Diocese of Vellore, the Black Day observance was also an expression of the Church's commitment to accompanying communities struggling for equality and dignity. The participation of diocesan leaders, clergy, religious and social activists underscored the Church's continuing engagement with issues of social justice and constitutional rights.
The organisers emphasised that the observance was not merely commemorative but intended to keep the issue in public consciousness and strengthen efforts towards meaningful constitutional change.
The programme ended with a renewed call for justice, equality and human dignity for all, particularly for Dalit Christians seeking equal constitutional protection.
The event was organised under the leadership of the SC/ST Commission of the Diocese of Vellore, in collaboration with Christian organisations and social justice groups.
Courtesy: Fr Daniel Sharma, Vinnarasi Communication, Diocese of Vellore
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