Indian Catholic activist bags prestigious European Award

An Indian activist has won the Council of Europe’s Raoul Allenberg Prize for his outstanding determination in bringing meaningful change to the lives of the Dalits, historically known as “untouchables.”

Vincent Raj Arokiasamy, a Catholic, better known as Evidence Kathir received the prestigious award for 2022.

The event took place in France and Kathir received it online on January 19.

The council consists of 47 countries. The award is conferred once in two years.

“I am happy for Evidence Kathir, a social activist from Tamil Nadu. I wish him good luck for what he is doing for the Dalits and the Tribals,” said M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, south India.

Kathir runs a non-profit organization in Madurai. He is a human rights activist working for the Dalits and the Tribals in Tamil Nadu for over 25 years.

He and his team reach out when atrocities against Dalits and Tribals take place. He trains human rights defenders especially the youth in Tamil Nadu.

It is a great honour for all the Dalit activists and the human defenders in Tamil Nadu. 

This is the first time a Dalit and a South Indian is conferred this renowned award.         

“I have committed to the human rights issue, and it is a challenging job. I am glad that our work for Dalits is recognized,” says Kathir.

“At this moment, I remember Dr. B.R Ambedkar, one of the framers of Indian Constitution, who is my role model and all the people who are journeying with me,” he adds.

“Congratulations to Vincent Raj Arokiasamy. For this achievement, human rights in India have to be viewed alongside Dalit rights. All the best for your future endeavours,” tweets Rahul Gandhi, former president of Congress Party.

Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat who saved many Jews during the Second World War and he was killed in 1945 in the process.

“It is a great honour to be awarded in the name of a noble person. This award has been conferred on time in the history of South Asia. I am happy that I am associated with Kathir,” said Shalin Maria Lawrence, a writer, feminist and social activist from Tamil Nadu. 

Kathir is Maria Lawrence’s mentor in addressing the caste atrocities against Dalits.

“It was Kathir who made me realize the disadvantages of being a Dalit in Tamil Nadu. It is through him, I witnessed the pain and inequalities of the Dalits in India. That’s where I started my journey to work for Dalit rights,” adds Maria Lawrence.

“I have been observing him [Kathir] for a long time and he has done a tremendous job,” he says.

Once Maria Lawrence asked Kathir, “Are you not afraid of your life? “As Dalits, we are not protected in India. If I am getting killed while protecting people, it is not a big deal,” said Kathir.

Kathir values the lives of people and risks his own life. Working for justice comes from his Catholic upbringing. Though he is not practicing, Kathir says what he learned from the life of Jesus inspires for his work—‘You have to lay your life for the sake of your brothers and sisters.’

Kathir has the spirit of Jesus and has taken Dr. Ambedkar as his role model through his life fighting for the dignity of the Dalits, oppressed and women.

The award is not just a reward for Kathir’s work but it is also awareness for the world to know the caste atrocities the Dalits face in India.

Many global movements including the United Nations recognize racism but not casteism. It is not recognized as a social evil. This will be an opening for the people in Europe to discuss what is happening in India as the country is always portrayed as culturally rich but in reality, Dalits are killed and continue to face discrimination and exploitation.

Kathir’s award puts the limelight on the caste issues in India and it will be given due attention and the word will spread globally to have a proper intervention.

“We all hope something good will come out of the achievement of Kathir for the Dalits in India,” Minister Thol Thirumavalavan tweeted a message congratulating Kathir.