Media On Dalit Rights: Revisiting The Past Through Sadhana

When India completed twenty-five years of independence on August 15, 1972, a special issue titled ‘Freedom of Dalits in Twenty-Five Years’ was published by weekly Sadhana. It was edited by Anil Avachat, who was 27 at that time. The issue featured eleven articles, one story, four poems and six experiences. In his editorial for the issue, Avachat wrote: “This issue is not for untouchables. This issue is for touchables who might feel unhappy amidst the joyous Independence Day festival.”

The issue was excellent, but Raja Dhale’s article titled ‘Black Independence Day’ caused significant controversy with just three to four sentences. It received 57 responses from eminent people from various fields in Maharashtra. There were protests both in support and against this article, and ultimately, two opposing factions gathered at the Sadhana office. The issue was publicly burnt. The editor, Yadunath Thatte, and the executive editor, Anil Avachat, took responsibility and offered to resign, but the Sadhana Trust didn’t accept their resignation. Then, Chief Trustee S M Joshi wrote an article, stating that Sadhana does not support Raja Dhale’s language and comments, but we should understand his anger and frustration. He also stated, “Even though there is a controversy, weekly Sadhana will stand firmly by the side of the Dalits.”

On 15 August 2022, the Sadhana issue completed its 50 years, and India celebrated 75 years of independence. On that occasion, the complete issue, along with the debate, was also published in a book form by the Sadhana publication, which is very useful for researchers.

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Vinod Shirsath, Editor, Weekly Sadhana, Pune
(This appeared in the print as 'Revisiting the Past')