Sakthi Centre
Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about the Sakthi Centre. This is an inspiring ministry, founded and run by Catholic Sisters, which is working at the heart of Catholic Social Justice in India. Their model for ministry is very innovative, and is showing excellent results in very difficult circumstances. You probably know that the Caste System has been in place in India for over 2000 years. You will note that the pyramid shows four levels, or Castes. None of these include the Dalit people.
The Caste System
The Dalit people belong to a fifth caste, lower than all the others. They are not included in the caste system, because they were traditionally considered to be sub-human. Known as the "untouchables," the Dalit people were traditionally relegated to doing only the most unclean work, such as disposing of corpses. In India, much effort has gone into addressing the issues of inequality, and the modern Constitution of India does provide protections for the Dalit people. However, there is still much more work to be done to break down long-held social attitudes and traditions. Sr. Chandra and the ICM sisters have found a very creative way to open doors by dedicating the Sakthi Centre to preserving traditional Indian Folk Arts of dance, drama, and the playing of traditional Indian instruments. By doing so, they garner the support of government agencies, and many people in mainstream society. This gives them a forum where the young Dalit women can not only be seen, but heard. Their art tells the story of the injustices experienced by the Dalit people. The result is a program which provides food, education, trade skills, and self-esteem for the most vulnerable members of society. Through the integration of these elements, young Dalit girls are transformed into young women leaders, showing the way to a better, more equal society. To learn the details of how the ICM sister accomplish this inspiring work, visit the
Sakthi Center Website.
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