Arjak Sangh

Arjak Sangh[1] was an organisation, which was actively working for the emancipation of Dalits in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in the early 1970s. It was based on the idea of humanism and anti-Brahminism. Idol worship, fate, rebirth and soul are also some of the things they rally against.[2] The Sangh was established in Lucknow by Ramswaroop Verma, the former Finance Minister under the Government of Uttar Pradesh, who was known for his work against Brahminism and for his championing the cause of Lower Castes. It was established in 1968 and from 1969 onwards its mouthpiece called Arjak Weekly came into being. It ran self-awareness drive amongst Dalit population in various belts of Uttar Pradesh and integrated the numerically powerful Chamar caste with itself. It also worked closely with other organizations, working in the sphere of Dalit emancipation. Through its publications like Achhoto Ki Samasya Aur Samadhan, Niradar Kaise Mite (transl: The conundrums of Untouchables and its solution, how to end the disrespect ?), it aimed to create a group of motivated Dalits, who could carry the movement forward.[3]

  1. ^ Hamza Khan (ed.). "Against All Gods: Meet the league of atheists from rural Uttar Pradesh". Indian Express. Archived from the original on 2 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  2. ^ Khan, Hamza (September 6, 2015). "Against All Gods: Meet the league of atheists from rural Uttar Pradesh". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on August 12, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  3. ^ Badri Narayan (2011). The Making of the Dalit Public in North India: Uttar Pradesh, 1950–Present. Oxford University Press. p. 89. ISBN 978-0199088454. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2021.