Dalits are the people formerly known as untouchables. They have been historically excluded from human society, and were deprived of the most basic opportunities. This discrimination affects every aspect of life: health, housing, education, work, marriage, social interaction. For most Dalits, there is no opportunity to escape from caste-imposed discrimination. Tens of millions of Dalits are trapped in debt bondage.

The largest population of Dalits is in India, where Hinduism and the caste system are traditionally associated with the evil practice of untouchability. Their access to modern medical care is almost non-existent; they are exploited as vote banks with little hope of improvement, and they are targets for religious conversion. Rampant superstition, the practice of internal untouchability and desperate poverty are the hallmarks of most Dalit communities.

What can YOU do to help? Adopt a Dalit village!

Join hands with IHEU and adopt a Dalit village. It will cost just £2,000 or €3,000 or $4,000 a year to make a positive difference to the lives of nearly a thousand Dalit men, women and children. That is just $4 a year per person. The details of this scheme and how your money will be used are available at www.iheu.org/dalitfaq