The article “Khairlanji: Insensitivity of Mahar Officers” by S M Dahiwale (EPW, 1 August 2009) has presented us with a serious issue for discussion. The Mahar officers and the so-called intellectuals who are the real beneficiaries of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy have not paid back to the community what they have been receiving in its name.

In fact, Babasaheb seems to have issued a warning that is pertinent to these groups when he said that “If you cannot take the cart of dalit uplift forward leave it as it stands”.