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Some conference messages received ….
 . . . Message from Baroness Udin, House of Lords.
"I congratulate CasteWatchUK on holding this conference. I believe, we can only call ourselves civilised if we can ensure that everyone is able to live free of fear, prejudice, discrimination, and is equal before the law. I applaud your efforts to shed light on this unacceptable practice of caste-discrimination and hope we can all work together for its eradication."
 . . . Message from Lord Dholakia, House of Lords.
“A society based on equality of opportunity can never tolerate discrimination based on caste, colour or creed. Your conference is the right venue to discuss this important subject and I trust your deliberations will highlight the way all Communities can move forward.”
 . . . Message from Rt. Hon. Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
“I am pleased to learn that CastewatchUK is to hold its conference this July. There must never be barriers to the personal advancement of human beings. In society we must seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community to ensure that no-one is enslaved by poverty, ignorance and conformity. We must all work towards realising this ambition wherever inequality raises its ugly head.”
 . . . Message from Julian Brazier, MP
“The Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart recently admitted that her department had taken no measures to tackle discriminatory practices against the Dalit community in the UK. She also said that she was aware of criticism levelled at the Hindu Caste System with regards to the treatment of Dalits but said that it is not the role of the Government to take a position on the rites, beliefs or practices of any particular religious faith, other than where these give rise to conflict with law.”.
 . . . Message from Marsha Singh, MP
“Thank you for your recent letter. I am happy to lend my support to CastewatchUK.”
Speakers and Key Messages from the CasteWatchUK National Conference held at St Marys Guildhall, Coventry, on 3rd July 2004.
Leaders from the Ravidassi and Valmiki and Ambedkarite communities, with Dr. Eleanor Nesbitt, University of Warwick, in the foreground.
Rt. Hon. Bob Ainsworth, Deputy Chief Whip for the Labour Party giving the first speech in which he mentioned the need to raise awareness of Caste and Caste Discrimination and encouraged CasteWatchUK to work with other bodies to resolve this big problem of discrimination.
Rena Prasad, Acting Chair of VIBES (Valmiki Information Base for English Speakers) performed her role of Conference Stage Secretary and introduced the speakers professionally.
Satpal Muman, CasteWatchUK and well respected and learned professional from the Ambedkarite community, delivering his speech. During it he mentioned the need to include caste discrimination in relevant legislation to bring it on a par with race and sex discrimination.
The Arch Deacon for Coventry, Reverend Mark Bryant, addressing the audience with his views on Christianity, caste and asian christians.
Please note submitting your message does not confer an automatic guarantee that it will appear, as the decision for such remains with CasteWatchUK.
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conference speakers and messages of support.
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more scenes of the conference
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