Daijiworld Media Network - Ahilyanagar

Ahilyanagar, Feb 13: In a significant social reform initiative, Soundala village in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district has declared itself a caste-free village, resolving to eliminate caste-based identification and discrimination in all forms.

On February 5, the Gram Sabha passed a resolution reaffirming faith in the Constitution and its Preamble, stating that no resident would follow caste practices henceforth.

“From now onwards, in Soundala village, no one will follow caste or indulge in any form of caste practices. We will follow humanity as religion, as that is the only religion that the villagers should follow,” the resolution stated.

It further declared, “My caste is humanity. Government and community services will be open to all people without discrimination on the basis of caste. Schools, community halls, temples, wells and crematoria will be open to all. No one will post any content on social media that divides society. If anyone does so, the village panchayat will take action. Henceforth, this village is caste-free.”

The resolution draws inspiration from social reformers and national leaders including B. R. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, Shahu Maharaj, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mahatma Gandhi in its mission to establish an egalitarian society.

The proposal was moved by Sarpanch Sharad Argade and seconded by resident Babasaheb Bhodak. It was approved with a majority vote in the Gram Sabha.

The resolution also provides for penalties against behaviour that violates constitutional values. The sarpanch clarified that the new rules are not in contravention of any law and are fully aligned with the spirit of the Constitution.