India, April 20 -- On April 14, the annual spotlight remained on processions and politics marking the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar, the head of the Constitution's drafting committee who championed Dalit rights. More profound and politically significant Dalit women-led programmes across states, demanding equality with dignity, have virtually gone unnoticed.

Until some years back, men dominated the stage and speeches in northern India on April 14, unlike Maharashtra, and the neighbouring states, where Dalit women have been at the forefront of the Ambedkarite movement. This year, Dalit women were at the centre stage of politically non-aligned programmes, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where elections are less than a year away. Women ...