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Like 160 million of India?s population, Sivamma is a Dalit.

Dalits are looked down on because they fall outside the caste system and so face discrimination in work and education, sometimes even physical abuse and violence.  Despite legislation now in their favour, old attitudes die hard.  Dalits are entitled to free electricity and water, but few such communities have these facilities available.

As Advent approaches, we remember the words of Mary?s song, recorded in Luke?s account of the Christmas story: ?He has brought down the rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.? How could this apply to someone like Sivamma, held back because of the caste system?

Dalits are beginning to claim their rights is by working together and Sivamma explains how: "Dalits are not supposed to pay for electricity, the government promised this, but when we didn?t pay, the electricity company cut off the electricity for three days. We went to the government and said 'You promised us free electricity, what is this problem?' Now electricity is free.  Now government is coming to us to ask what we need."

Sivamma and her neighbours belong to a Self Help Group set up and trained by MRDF partner Christian Weaker Section Development Society (CWSDS).  CWSDS has not only helped them to approach government officials, but also to open their first bank accounts, lobby successfully for a local primary school and to improve their literacy by helping each other. 

More small miracles