Land and Politics: Rights, Representation, and Resource Management Take Center Stage at Chennai Conference — Caste, Gender, and Equity in Focus

Chennai-  The intricate relationship between land and politics in India will be under the spotlight at a one-day conference titled “Land and Politics: Intersections of Rights, Representation, and Resource Management”, organized by the All India Forum for Women Intellect (AIFWI) in collaboration with Pudhiya Kodangi Magazine. The event is set to take place on March 15, at Dhyana Ashram, Chennai.

The conference aims to dissect the historical, socio-political, and economic dimensions of land governance in India, with a special focus on caste, gender, and resource management. It will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, academicians, researchers, civil society activists, and land rights advocates, to deliberate on pressing issues and chart a path toward equitable development.

Dalit Land Struggles

Dalit land struggles have been pivotal in challenging systemic exclusion. Dalit communities, historically denied land ownership due to social hierarchies, remain landless or possess only marginal holdings. Struggles for equitable land distribution have often faced political resistance, highlighting the complex interplay between land, caste, and power. Movements led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar advocated for land redistribution as a means of socio-economic upliftment.

Despite these efforts, Dalits remain among the most land-deprived groups, reflecting ongoing discrimination and exclusion from land governance mechanisms. Similarly, women’s land rights remain precarious despite legislative advancements like the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, which granted equal inheritance rights. Societal norms, legal illiteracy, and weak enforcement continue to obstruct women’s ownership and control of land. Customary laws and patriarchal structures restrict women’s access to land across various communities.

Key Highlights of the Conference

    Inaugural Session: The event will kick off with addresses by distinguished personalities, including Justice K. Chandru, Justice Prabha Sridevan, and Mr. R. Poornalingam, IAS (Retd.).

    Panel Discussions: Two thought-provoking panel discussions will delve into the historical and socio-political dimensions of land rights, as well as policy and legal frameworks for gender equity. Panelists include Dr. Kalpana Sathish, Ms. Vanessa Peter, Prof. Awanish Kumar, and Ms. Chaya Khobragade, among others. Dalit rights activist and author Shalin Maria Lawrence will speak on Intersectional Barriers to Women’s Empowerment: Religion, Caste and Class Dynamics.

    Valedictory Session: The conference will conclude with closing remarks by Mr. R. Christhodas Gandhi, IAS (Retd.), and a summary of the day’s deliberations.

The conference is open to policymakers, academicians, researchers, activists, and all individuals interested in land rights and socio-economic justice. This landmark event promises to be a platform for meaningful dialogue and actionable insights, paving the way for a more equitable future.

About the Organizers

All India Forum for Women Intellect (AIFWI): Established in 2018, AIFWI is a network of over 150 women scholars, writers, and activists committed to evidence-based research and advocacy. The forum has conducted three major surveys and organized numerous awareness campaigns across Tamil Nadu.

Pudhiya Kodangi Magazine: Since its inception in 1995, Pudhiya Kodangi has been a trailblazer in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, and transgender individuals. The magazine has played a pivotal role in advocating for Dalit land rights and social justice.

Courtesy: The Mooknayak

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