14/11/2024
Position Paper for the Web Conference
International Web conference By World Roma Congress (WRC) & DNT People Front (DPF)
There are two World bodies for- DNTs of India, Nomads of Asia and Roma (Gypsies) of Europe. Both claim as world bodies and have done tremendous work among the Roma of Europe. Their interventions brought the issues of Roma to the forefront and helped to find solutions, along with spreading awareness among the General Public, Community and Policy makers. Could lobby with UNO for a ROMA DECADE-2005 to 2015, so that the European Governments could allocate funds for the Welfare and Development of Roma. Successfully propagated atrocities of Holocaust and negotiate with Germany in raising compensation. World Roma Congress evolved a system called Democratic Transition, so that the Diaspora participates in elections for Political representation, as well as deciding issues, strategy- through electronic voting. So that to represent at the UNO to push on towards recognition of Non territorial Roma nation, so that to lobby any of the State or Country Missions of Roma/Gypsy/Nomad.
Asian region, with a lot of diversity in the Gypsy/Nomads such as Pastoral, Peripatetic, forest and Sea Nomads spread among more than 250 countries. Two World Organizations could not reach the region due to their limitations in establishing working relations with committed Activists or organizations striving at the grassroots. Literature available on the Asian Gypsies is mostly academic or social, which may not be useful in understanding the Political Scenario. Activists involved in the Social and or Political movements yet to be identified.
All DNTs tortured under Criminal Tribes (CT) Act or not Nomads and all Nomads are not DNTs in India. But DNT nomenclature represents both De-notified and Nomadic Tribes. Commendable work is being put up by the Activists and Social Organizations in spite of their Social, ideological or political differences. On the other hand Professionals like emerging Researchers, Legal experts, Activists lack recognition, and respect from the communities, due to their limitations in forging working relations with DNT masses at grassroots.
DNT movement in India reached to pinnacle but in bits and pieces. Hundreds of DNT political parties, but those in alliance with power don’t want to identify themselves as DNT. Resource-less or membership less parties never consider each other with respect, affection or belongingness. Some of our Advocates are committed and filing cases against the Government for justice. One recent case for implementation of ‘SEED’ Scheme, while concerned department have to file an affidavit before the Court in this regard. These limitations, achievements and differences to opened up and discussed collectively to find solutions and plan future strategies. Lack of Political maturity keeps political or Social entities with ragtag existence couldn’t come together for a common cause, in spite of all their ideological or political reservations or differences. Activists are craving for being in the good books of Godje (upper-casts) power centers and involved in implementation of ‘Ice cream’ programs, while power centers are manipulating the DNT people and leaders to be comfortably in power for ever.
A National Level intervention to consolidate the DNTs yet to be evolved, collecting data and contacts of activists, leaders along with movements yet to be started in Asia, while strengthening working relations with World Roma organizations in the Europe. This web conference is an attempt to address the above problems and issues, through evolving a international and national strategies.
∞ Striving for declaration of Asian Nomads Decade by the UNO, in association with Roma (Gypsy) Organizations in the Europe
∞ participating in Democratic Transition System to enlist support for Constitutional Rights of DNTs in India by the UNO
∞ creating a base for understanding Nomads (Gypsies) of Asia, consolidating data and contacts for Political Activism
∞ DNT Activists in India meeting each other at national level and sharing their commonalities and differences.
∞ Political parties, Social Action groups from among the DNTs create a platform to explore a National level Action-plan for the liberation of the DNTs.
M.Subba Rao 13-11-2024
National Convener-DPF
Link to the Zoom meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/86133218775?pwd=nVrSEHxlI2UbR5SLKRBxL3aUHGIc7X.1
