The Dalit Shakti Kendra (DSK), a technical school dedicated to Dalit empowerment and training teenagers in vocational skills near Sanand town in Ahmedabad district, has launched a solidarity initiative for the people of Palestine. In response to the mounting humanitarian crisis, where more than 65,000 lives have been lost in military action and many children are dying from hunger due to obstructed food supplies, DSK is calling upon individuals and organisations to express support and compassion.
As part of the initiative, students, staff, and supporters of DSK will construct a 60 x 12 x 12 inches candle to honour the victims, which will be lit on October 5, 2025. Smaller candles will also be distributed to participants across the country, symbolising the message “People Prefer Peace Over Politics.” Contributions are being sought to cover the cost of producing the candles, amounting to Rs. 1,25,000.
The programme will also involve extending aid to families in Palestine most in need. For this, DSK plans to approach the Embassy of Palestine in New Delhi and obtain clearance from the Government of India. Until such permission is secured, the organisation will not collect funds directly but will instead gather “Promise to Pay” letters of intent from individuals and institutions. The initiative will be formally launched on September 24, 2025, coinciding with the 152nd anniversary of the Satyashodhak Samaj, founded by Mahatma Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule.
The “Promise to Pay for Peace Letter” asks donors to affirm their intent in writing: “I declare my willingness and promise to donate on humanitarian grounds in accordance with Indian Culture to Dalit Shakti Kendra for the affected people of Palestine. I am aware that Dalit Shakti Kendra as a Trust cannot directly transfer the money to the affected persons without the permission from the Union Government of India. Upon receiving such permission by Dalit Shakti Kendra, I shall donate the money. I am also aware that Dalit Shakti Kendra does not receive anonymous donations and I shall provide necessary identity proof as required by law.”
DSK has emphasised that donations will only be accepted after government approval and anonymous contributions will not be considered. The organisation hopes to secure permission by Diwali, allowing Indian children to share light and sweets while extending the same comfort to children in Palestine.
Quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, DSK reminded supporters: “Ours is a battle not for wealth, nor for power; ours is a battle for freedom; for reclamation of human personality.” Coordinators Martin Macwan, Indu Rohit, and Chatur Parmar said the effort is not just about relief but about affirming the universal struggle for dignity, compassion, and justice.
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