New Delhi, March 6 Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has initiated a process to bring about reconciliation between Dalits and upper caste Hindus.As part of the initiative, his Art of Living hosts a conference here Friday where leaders from both communities will come together to reiterate their commitment towards ending social discrimination.Named 'Truth and Reconciliation', the meet will be held at Pragati Maidan, a spokesman for Ravi Shankar said.It will see the adoption of a seven-point action plan that will focus on ensuring temple entry for Dalits, organising collective celebrations including community feasts, abolition of the practice of keeping separate utensils for Dalits and providing spiritual and religious education to Dalit children.Over 5,000 people from at least 25 communities are likely to attend the conference.A statement quoted Ravi Shankar as saying: 'Historically Dalits were on par with caste Hindus. We need to make the present generation aware of this truth. The only solution to the problem of social discrimination is to educate people and make them realise that caste by birth is not sanctioned by religion.'The current generation of upper castes is not exposed to the enormous contribution of the Dalits to Hindu religious literature. The conference will go a long way in clearing many misunderstandings between the communities.'
(c) Indo-Asian News Service
