Nashik: Krishna Chandgude Honoured With Bhateke-Vimukta Samaj Karyagaurav Award

In the Nashik district, social activist Krishna Chandgude was recently awarded the Bhateke-Vimukta Samaj Karyagaurav Award. This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to combating the unjust practices of caste panchayats. The award was bestowed by the Bhateke-Vimukta Shoshit Community Struggle Organisation, an organization operating throughout Maharashtra.

The award ceremony took place at the Sane Guruji Memorial in Pune, attended by prominent figures including Pramod Kumar Pawar, Pramod Kumar Pawar, Sumant More, Ashok Mahajan, and others.

Chandgude holds the position of State Executive Officer for the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) Jat Panchayat Muthmati Abhiyan, a campaign specifically targeting the oppressive actions of caste panchayats. These caste panchayats, present within various communities, have historically inflicted severe punishments, particularly on nomadic and denotified communities. A tragic example is the 2013 murder of a pregnant woman from the Bhateke-Vimukta community by her father following an inter-caste marriage.

Inspired by the legacy of Narendra Dabholkar, Chandgude spearheaded a campaign against caste panchayats, launched in Nashik and subsequently expanded across Maharashtra. His tireless efforts played a pivotal role in the passage of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Social Boycott Act, 2016. Under his leadership, 19 caste panchayats were abolished among the Bhateke-Vimukta communities, marking a significant turning point in Maharashtra's social history.

The practice of openly convening caste panchayats has diminished, while unconstitutional forms of parallel justice and harsh punishments have been curtailed.

Chandgude's work has also focused on eradicating superstitions and harmful customs among nomadic and denotified communities. His efforts have restored dignity to hundreds of victims, granting them enhanced social security and respect.