A Dalit youth was stopped from applying a tilak (religious mark) at the Ramdevra Temple in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, triggering widespread anger. A video of the incident has gone viral, leading to protests from Dalit, tribal, and backward class communities.
The viral video shows a temple priest refusing the young man’s request to apply tilak. The youth repeatedly asked, “Are we not Hindus? Do we not have rights?” but the priest walked away without responding. The video has sparked strong reactions, with many calling it an example of deep-rooted caste discrimination.
Gheegraj Jodhli, a Dalit activist and founder of the Samvaidhanik Vichar Manch, condemned the incident. “Rajasthan has a long history of feudal mentality. Discrimination against Dalits, tribals, and backward classes happens every day here. This incident at Ramdevra Temple is just another example,” he told The Mooknayak.
Jodhli also pointed to other cases of caste discrimination in Rajasthan, such as Dalit grooms being stopped from riding horses, barbers refusing to cut Dalits’ hair, and communities being forced to carry their footwear while passing through upper-caste neighborhoods. “After independence, Dalits, tribals, and backward classes became educated and started demanding their rights. But those with a feudal mindset are not ready to accept this change,” he said.
Jodhli compared the incident to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 1930 temple entry movement. “Our fight is not about entering temples but about equality. Ambedkar led the Kalaram Temple satyagraha not just for entry but to establish equal rights within Hinduism,” he explained.
He accused the temple’s management of caste bias. “The Ramdevra Temple is controlled by a single family that enjoys wealth from public donations while denying equal rights to the oppressed,” he said. He demanded that the government take over the temple and use its funds for public welfare, including hospitals, education, and programs to end caste discrimination.
Warning of protests, Jodhli urged the government to take action against the priest. “Every year, nearly one crore devotees visit Ramdevra, most of them from Scheduled Castes and Tribes. If their faith is insulted, this devotion could turn into a massive protest. The government must act before it’s too late,” he warned.
Jodhli recalled his past arrest for speaking out on Dalit rights at the same temple. “Going to jail didn’t weaken me; it made me stronger. If the government ignores us, we will launch a massive movement. We won’t stop until justice is served,” he declared.
