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Economic Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Gujarat's Aalwada village sees first Dalit haircut, ending decades of caste bias
Synopsis In a landmark event for Aalwada village, Kirti Chauhan, a 24-year-old Dalit farm laborer, received a haircut locally for the first time on August 7, ending a generations-long ban. This breakthrough followed persistent community efforts, activist advocacy, and administrative intervention. While challenges remain, villagers hail this event as a significant stride toward social equality, symbolizing freedom and acceptance. Gujarat village ends Dalit haircut ban In a historic moment for Aalwada village, 24-year-old farm labourer Kirti Chauhan became the first Dalit to receive a haircut locally on August 7, reported TOI. For decades, the village's 250-strong Dalit population had been denied service by barbers, forcing them to travel elsewhere for basic grooming. "I am the first Dalit to get a haircut here. Ever since I can remember, we had to go to other towns for basic grooming. In 24 years of my life, I finally felt free and accepted in my own village," an emotional Kirti Chauhan told TOI. After months of dialogue and advocacy, all five barber shops in the 6,500-strong village finally opened their doors to Scheduled Castes, ending an unwritten ban that had persisted for generations. The breakthrough came after persistent efforts by Dalit residents and activist Chetan Dabhi, who worked to sensitize upper-caste barbers and villagers about the unconstitutional nature of the practice. According to the report, when persuasion alone was insufficient, police and district officials stepped in to ensure compliance. Village sarpanch Suresh Chaudhary acknowledged the shame of the past, while mamlatdar Janak Mehta highlighted the administration's role in addressing complaints and fostering harmony. "Many resisted change despite months of sensitisation. Only after constant intervention by police and the district administration did the upper castes agree," Activist Chetan Dabhi explained to TOI. For Kirti Chauhan, the haircut symbolized freedom and acceptance within his own village. Elders like Chhogaji Chauhan reflected on decades of exclusion endured by previous generations. Barbers, including 21-year-old Pintoo Nai, welcomed the change, noting its social and economic benefits."We have walked miles for a haircut. My father faced this before independence, and my children endured it nearly eight decades after," Chhogaji Chauhan, 58, recalled to the media members of dominant communities also supported the move, recognizing the injustice of the old practice. Prakash Patel, a Patidar, told TOI , "If customers are welcome at my grocery store, why not at a barber's shop? We're glad the wrong practice is gone." Despite the milestone, prejudice persists in other areas, such as separate seating at community feasts, as noted by Dalit farmer Ishwar Chauhan. Still, villagers describe this first haircut as 'small cut, big change,' marking an important step toward equality in Aalwada.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Gujarat's Aalwada village sees first Dalit haircut, ending decades of caste bias
In a historic moment for Aalwada village, 24-year-old farm labourer Kirti Chauhan became the first Dalit to receive a haircut locally on August 7, reported TOI. For decades, the village's 250-strong Dalit population had been denied service by barbers, forcing them to travel elsewhere for basic grooming. "I am the first Dalit to get a haircut here. Ever since I can remember, we had to go to other towns for basic grooming. In 24 years of my life, I finally felt free and accepted in my own village," an emotional Kirti Chauhan told TOI. After months of dialogue and advocacy, all five barber shops in the 6,500-strong village finally opened their doors to Scheduled Castes , ending an unwritten ban that had persisted for generations. The breakthrough came after persistent efforts by Dalit residents and activist Chetan Dabhi, who worked to sensitize upper-caste barbers and villagers about the unconstitutional nature of the practice. According to the report, when persuasion alone was insufficient, police and district officials stepped in to ensure compliance. Village sarpanch Suresh Chaudhary acknowledged the shame of the past, while mamlatdar Janak Mehta highlighted the administration's role in addressing complaints and fostering harmony. Live Events "Many resisted change despite months of sensitisation. Only after constant intervention by police and the district administration did the upper castes agree," Activist Chetan Dabhi explained to TOI. For Kirti Chauhan, the haircut symbolized freedom and acceptance within his own village. Elders like Chhogaji Chauhan reflected on decades of exclusion endured by previous generations. Barbers, including 21-year-old Pintoo Nai, welcomed the change, noting its social and economic benefits. "We have walked miles for a haircut. My father faced this before independence, and my children endured it nearly eight decades after," Chhogaji Chauhan, 58, recalled to the media outlet. Many members of dominant communities also supported the move, recognizing the injustice of the old practice. Prakash Patel, a Patidar, told TOI , "If customers are welcome at my grocery store, why not at a barber's shop? We're glad the wrong practice is gone." Despite the milestone, prejudice persists in other areas, such as separate seating at community feasts, as noted by Dalit farmer Ishwar Chauhan. Still, villagers describe this first haircut as 'small cut, big change,' marking an important step toward equality in Aalwada.
News18
3 days ago
- General
- News18
78 Years After Independence, A Dalit Finally Got A Haircut In This Gujarat Village
On August 7, a Dalit man in Gujarat's Alvada village got his first local haircut, ending decades of caste-based discrimination at the barber's shop On August 7 this year, a historic event took place in Alvada village, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, marking a significant step towards social equality. On this day, 24-year-old farm labourer Kirti Chauhan received a haircut at the village barber's shop, the first time a Dalit had been served there. The Dalit community in the village regarded this as a moment of liberation. Breaking A Generational Barrier According to a report in The Times of India, Alvada has around 6,500 residents, including approximately 250 Dalits. For generations, local barbers refused to cut Dalits' hair, forcing them to seek this service in neighbouring villages, often concealing their caste to avoid discrimination. Chhogaji Chauhan, aged 58, reflected on the long-standing prejudice: 'Our ancestors faced this discrimination even before Independence, and my children endured it for eight decades." Kirti Chauhan's decision to have his hair cut at the local shop was a brave and emotional moment. He said, 'For the first time in 24 years, I sat at a barber's in my own village. Previously, we always had to go elsewhere. That day, I felt free and accepted in my own village." Mamlatdar Janak Mehta mediated discussions with village leaders to resolve the issue. Village Sarpanch Suresh Chaudhary expressed his regret over the past discrimination and his happiness at its resolution during his tenure. Now, all five barber shops in the village welcome Dalit customers. Barbers And Upper Castes Embrace Progress Pintu, the 21-year-old barber who cut Kirti's hair, stated, 'We used to follow social customs, but now that the elders have approved the change, there's no stopping us. Our business is also benefitting." Members of the upper castes are also supportive. Prakash Patel of the Patidar community remarked, 'If all customers are welcome at my grocery shop, why not the barber's? It's good that this wrongful practice has ended." A Step Forward, But More To Do Despite the progress, the Dalit community acknowledges that further change is necessary. Dalit farmer Ishwar Chauhan commented, 'Today we have a place at the barber's, but we are still made to sit separately at community feasts. Hopefully, that will end one day." This incident is more than just a trip to the barber shop for a haircut. The community sees this as a new beginning. As they put it, 'This is not just a haircut, but a significant step towards equality." view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
A snip of freedom: Banaskantha village ends Dalit haircut ban
1 2 Aalwada (Banaskantha): In a moment as symbolic as it was long overdue, a barber's scissors in Aalwada village cut through decades of caste prejudice. On Aug 7, 24-year-old farm labourer Kirti Chauhan became the first Dalit ever to walk into a barber's shop in the village and get a haircut. It felt like an early Independence day for the community as all five barber shops opened their doors to Scheduled Castes for the first time. For generations, the 250-odd Dalits in this 6,500-strong village were denied service by local barbers and forced to travel to other villages, often concealing their identity for something as basic as grooming. That changed last week after months of dialogue, when elders from all communities agreed to end the unwritten ban. "I am the first Dalit to get a haircut here. Ever since I can remember, we had to go to other towns for basic grooming. In 24 years of my life, I finally felt free and accepted in my own village," said an emotional Kirti Chauhan. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Gold Rates Today in Ahmedabad | Silver Rates Today in Ahmedabad The breakthrough followed persistent efforts by the Dalit community, supported by local activist Chetan Dabhi. Their campaign involved sensitising upper-caste residents and barbers about the unconstitutional nature of the practice. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo Where persuasion failed, the police and district administration stepped in. Village sarpanch Suresh Chaudhary admitted, "As sarpanch, I felt guilty about the earlier practice. I am proud it ended during my tenure." The district administration, led by mamlatdar Janak Mehta, played a crucial role in resolving the issue. "We addressed complaints of discrimination and worked with village leaders to ensure a harmonious resolution," Mehta said. "Small cut, big change," is how Dalits describe this first step towards social equality. Chhogaji Chauhan, 58, recalls, "We have walked miles for a haircut. My father faced this before independence, and my children endured it nearly eight decades after." Now, barbers are welcoming all customers. Pintoo Nai, 21, who gave Kirti his historic haircut, said, "We simply followed society's diktat earlier. Once the elders agreed to change, it was no longer prohibited. It's also good for business." Activist Chetan Dabhi explained, "Many resisted change despite months of sensitisation. Only after constant intervention by police and the district administration did the upper castes agree." Even members of dominant communities backed the move. Prakash Patel, a Patidar, said, "If customers are welcome at my grocery store, why not at a barber's shop? We're glad the wrong practice is gone." While celebrating the change, Ishwar Chauhan, a Dalit farmer, noted that prejudice lingers. "We still face separate seating at community feasts. I hope that will change too Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
