Ashok, a young factory worker and local leader of a prominent left-wing youth organization, DYFI, belonged to the Dalit, ‘untouchable’ oppressed caste

Ambedkar, who was born into the Dalit community (the former untouchable castes), overcame great suffering to emerge as one of the foremost leaders of both the community, and the Indian people.

The manifesto lists the specific demands made by the manual scavengers to break the shackles of caste, patriarchy, and for the recovery, reconstruction, and reclamation of their fundamental right to live with dignity.

Manual Scavenging is actually ‘progeny of caste violence’ in Indian society. In the past two years, at least one manual scavenger died every five days while cleaning sewers.