By Shafeeq Hudawi, TwoCircles.net
Thiruvananthapuram: The decision by Kerala Government to follow reservation norms in appointing priests from backward communities in temples under the Travancore Devaswom Board has been widely appreciated. The move, which is the first of its kind in Kerala, was termed as transformative and revolutionary when 36 candidates from Dalit and backward communities were shortlisted from 62 candidates. The move, however, exposed the intolerance of a sect of Brahmin community in the state when the shortlist was released on Thursday.
A press release, issued by the Namboodiri Yogakshema Sabha, which is functioning for the welfare of Brahmins in the state, “the appointment of non-Brahmins as priests in these temples is against the tradition.” It was released in Thiruvananthapuram soon after the shortlist was published. The release demanded the government to return the temple to Brahmin community. “A majority of temples are with Devaswom boards or run by non-Brahmin organisations or trusts. If those in power are unable to maintain such tradition, they should return these temples to the Brahmin community,” the press release demanded.
The organisation also warned agitation if temples are not handed over to the Brahmins. The press note also demanded Devaswom Board and State Government to apologise to the believers for not upkeeping traditions.
Noted Dalit activist Sunny M Kapikkad said the incident brought the intolerance of upper caste Hindus towards Dalits and backward class.
“Public money is spent to pay the priests. And all of the candidates from backward classes were selected based on their merit and after clearing interview and tests. Still, the upper castes want to hold the monopoly of these duties,” he said.
The demand to appoint backward classes has been persisting for last several decades and it was, according to Sunny, addressed after the state witnessed several protests. “But, no changes are seen in the attitude of a sect of people. Even though people from backward classes are appointed, this sect will continue to practice the caste discrimination,” he said.
Media reports quoted Travancore Devaswom Board chairman Rajagopalan Nair saying previous attempts to meet the demand had faced stiff resistance from certain quarters, even though candidates from backward communities found a place in the list through merit.
In July 2017, the appointment of a non-Brahmin priest was cancelled by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Sudhikumar, who belongs to the Ezhava community was appointed as a junior priest in June in Chettikulangara Devi Temple in Alappuzha district. The appointment was opposed by the Hindu Matha Convention citing it would “anger the Goddess.” He was reappointed to the post after he challenged the action at the Kerala State Human Rights Commission. To add to this, a non-Brahmin priest was allegedly thrown out from a temple in Kottayam district in August this year when he approached the temple authorities with his appointment order.
Travancore Devaswom Board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan termed recruitment of priests from Dalit and backward segments very significant step.
The total reservation for SC/ST and OBC categories stands at 32%. But 36 persons were selected while some of them made entry through merit. Selected candidates will be appointed in temples under the Travancore Devaswom Board after final steps are taken by the recruitment wing of the board.