Who are Nepali Dalits?

The concept of caste has existed in South Asia for millennia. Though this socio-religious hierarchy had originated as a method of "division of labor", it has, in the modern age, served as a means of subjugation and disempowerment -- especially for the lowest strata in the caste system, the Dalit.Dalit means downtrodden, oppressed, and exploited. Though much of society rejects and ignores them - deeming them as "untouchable" - Dalits have fostered a rich culture and history. In the western world many picture Dalits as incredibly poor, helpless, and disenfranchised people. While there is some undeniable accuracy in this portrayal, it is incomplete. It is important to celebrate the heritage, culture, and accomplishments of the Nepali Dalit as they persist against all odds. (less) message form Ted Samuel

Who are the Gandharabs?

Gandharba cimmunity is one of the musicians communities of Nepal who are marginalized and vulnerable groups in Nepal and they have long been educationally backwarded, economically exoilted, politically marginalized, socially underrepresented and psychologically deprived not only so -called upper caste but also by Dalits. Low access information has left gandharbas far behind to get the national and international opportunities. Even though the internet opened up to provide information to all , it is again mostly accessible only to the same group. Despite several past efforts initiated in the country, the problem of Gandharbas have not been addressed and thier exclusion still persist in the various sectors including education, socio economi, cultural, institutional, organizatonal and political, and the poblem has been more acute. These are alol due to various exposures.

To address the above pathetic situation of Gandharbas, Gansharba Cultural Art Organization (GCAO) was established in 1994 for ensuring the human rights, educaion and scocio economic empowerment cultural promotion of Gandharbas. We have been involving in Dalit networks and in several programs but we are left out by the Dalit organizatons as well. We have been lacking ideas for Organizatinal development and various exposures and they have been feeling the flaw f excellent professional competencies in english lanuage to apporach t internatonal organization to get support.