National convention of DOMA brings together a wide spectrum of intellectuals, social activists, religious leaders, retired bureaucrats, and representatives from civil society
NEW DELHI — In a powerful display of social solidarity, around 500 delegates from across the country gathered at the NDMC Auditorium here on Sunday for a national convention organised by the Dalit, OBC, Minorities and Adivasi Parisangh (DOMA).
Led by former member of Parliament Dr Udit Raj, the convention concluded with strong resolutions to forge unity among historically oppressed communities to resist the growing influence of communal forces in the country.
The convention brought together a wide spectrum of intellectuals, social activists, religious leaders, retired bureaucrats, and representatives from civil society. Leaders from Dalit, Muslim, OBC, Christian, and Adivasi communities emphasised the need to build a united front of 85% of the population against forces they alleged are monopolising the country’s resources and systematically disenfranchising the marginalised.
“Today, civil society of Dalits, Muslims, backward castes, tribals, and Christians must assume leadership. We cannot rely on the traditional upper-caste elite anymore, as they have largely aligned with communal forces,” said Dr Udit Raj. He emphasised that this was not just a political initiative but a civil rights movement to reclaim the soul of the Indian Constitution and democracy.
Unity Beyond Identity
One of the central themes of the convention was the need for grassroots unity and mutual trust between marginalised groups. The speakers proposed cultural initiatives such as community feasts, joint business ventures, and solidarity events during festivals and crises to have a lasting social cohesion.
“Brotherhood must be made a lived reality, not a mere slogan. We need economic, social, and cultural interdependence among ourselves,” said prominent lawyer Satish Kumar Sansi, who was felicitated during the convention. “Only then can we resist those who are privatising the nation and turning democracy into a sham.”
Alarming Trends
Concerns were also raised over the ongoing privatisation drive by the government, which participants said was “handing over national wealth to a handful of corporate entities.” Speakers linked this trend to a broader erosion of democratic accountability, citing corporate media control, job loss, and diminished access to education as direct consequences.
On the contentious issue of the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), a speaker asked if even developed nations have abandoned these machines for their vulnerability, why is India clinging to them?
Legal and Religious Rights
DOMA resolved to intensify its legal battle to protect the Waqf Board, which is facing encroachments and dilution of powers. “From the Supreme Court to the streets, we will continue our struggle to protect Waqf properties,” said CP Singh, Coordinator of DOMA Federation.
Another major resolution was to transfer the management of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya to Buddhists, in line with global norms and religious rights. “It is shocking that Buddhists still don’t control one of their holiest sites. This is a historical injustice that we will not allow to continue,” said Pradeep Ambhore, National Secretary of DOMA.
The controversy over the installation of Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue in the Gwalior court premises was also brought to the fore. Despite an order by the Chief Justice of the Bhopal High Court, BJP and RSS workers allegedly blocked the statue’s installation.
“The refusal to allow Ambedkar’s statue in the Gwalior court despite legal orders shows the level of caste arrogance and political interference we are facing,” said RK Kalsotra, Jammu state president. The gathering unanimously resolved to carry forward this movement “at any cost.”
Mass Mobilisation
Addressing the gathering were a wide array of leaders and activists, including Devi Singh, Kunal Kumar, Chandra Bhushan, Basudeb Mandal, Vijay Bhadur, Vijay Shankar Paswan, Pritam Athawale, Maheshwar Raj, A P Khan, Babu Singh Buddhist, Sadhu Singh, Maulana Muhibullah Nadvi MP, Faizul Hashmi retired IAS, Lazman Raba and others.
The Road Ahead
The DOMA Parisangh declared that in a time when democracy is under attack, non-political organisations and civil society must rise to defend the Constitution and democratic values. “Those who stay neutral during such times will be judged harshly by history,” concluded Dr Udit Raj.
The convention marked the beginning of what leaders called a new national campaign led by the oppressed, for the oppressed, and resolved to take the struggle forward at both grassroots and national levels — through legal, social, and political mobilisation.
