Tikesh Makwana was one of those few daring
dudes who dared to challenge Hindu fanatics in Gujarat and particularly in Ahmedbabd
city. It is very easy to talk on secularism while living in upper caste
dominated area and not having a single Muslim as neighbour within one
kilometre distance of your home. For Dalits of Gujarat, secularism is not a
subject of a symposium, because they have been living with Muslims since
centuries and Dalits are the people who have been protecting and nurturing and
advocating secularism.
I compiled collection of articles written by Tikesh
Makwana in a book "Ek patthar to tabiyat se uchhalo yaro" (एक पथ्थर तो तबियत से उछालो यारो). If
you want to get real picture of secular Gujarat,
you must read this book, published by Dalit Youth circle of Rajpur-Gomtipur,
Ahmedabad. In one of the articles, Tikesh narrated the venomous frenzy of fanaticism which engulfed entire city in post-Godhara riots. Some Dalits misguided by VHP targeted Tikesh as he was exposing their communal character. They threw stones on his home, abused him and threatened him. But, Tikesh did not budge. He carried his fight till his last breath.
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