CSW is proud to be hosting the launch of “India

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is pleased to be hosting the launch event of a new documentary film by Michael Lawson. The film, produced in association with Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and the Dalit Freedom Network (DFN), exposes the plight of the 250 million-strong Dalit (formerly ‘untouchable’) and tribal communities, who form the lowest layer of the Indian caste system.

Speakers at the event include CSW President Jonathan Aitken, film producer Michael Lawson and DFN President Dr Joseph D’souza.

This hour-long documentary film, shot in villages and cities across India in late 2006 and early 2007, portrays extraordinary scenes of Dalit exploitation together with first-hand testimony of Dalits facing bonded and coerced labour and sexual exploitation. This is accompanied by expert analysis of the caste system from former Prime Minister, V.P. Singh, Dalit Freedom Network President, Dr Joseph D’souza, leading Indian political scientist, Professor Dr Kancha Ilaiah and British MPs with experiences of visiting Dalit communities.

Commenting on the launch, the film’s producer, Michael Lawson, said: “Some of the individual stories I heard while making this film are heart-breaking. While I have included many testimonies of exploitation, these represent countless people in similar situations throughout India who are victims simply as a result of their birth. These stories must be heard if we are to uncover the slavery that is so rooted in the caste system of Indian society.”

CSW’s Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, added: “CSW is honoured to be involved in this powerful film. It provides a vivid reminder that the bonds of slavery still hold many people in their grip today. The exploitation of Dalits has been ignored in much of the talk about modern day slavery, and we hope this film will increase the profile of this community in the public consciousness.”

Dr Joseph D’souza, President of the Dalit Freedom Network, is currently visiting the UK and has met with MPs, Peers and religious leaders. He said: “As Britain is commemorating the bi-centenary of the abolition of the slave trade, it is important to highlight that slavery is not over. We are here to raise the plight of the Dalit community, the main victims of modern forms of slavery in India as a result of their position in the hierarchical Indian caste system. Only by exposing their suffering to the world will we be able to enact change for these broken people.”