University 03

The Arunthathiyars of northern Tamilnadu, especially at Thiruvannamalai and Villupuram districts are few of the most neglected, despised and vulnerable groups among the Dalits. They are triply exploited by the dominant caste groups, by the Government and by the Church. They have neither property nor permanent income nor education nor political power and authority nor even any human dignity. Since, quite a number of them are Roman Catholics, the Indian Government considers them as Backward Caste (BC) and they do not get any benefits from the Government unlike their Hindu brethren. The educational situation among these people is dismal in nature. They have been discriminated in every sphere of life.