AALWADA (BANASKANTHA): In a moment as symbolic as it was long overdue, a barber’s scissors in Aalwada village cut through decades of caste prejudice. On Aug 7, 24-year-old farm labourer Kirti Chauhan became the first Dalit ever to walk into a barber’s shop in the village and get a haircut. It felt like an early Independence day for the community as all five barber shops opened their doors to Scheduled Castes for the first time. For generations, the 250-odd Dalits in this 6,500-strong village were denied service by local barbers and forced to travel to other villages, often concealing their identity for something as basic as grooming. That changed last week after months of dialogue, when elders from all communities agreed to end the unwritten ban.“I am the first Dalit to get a haircut here. Ever since I can remember, we had to go to other towns for basic grooming. In 24 years of my life, I finally felt free and accepted in my own village,” said an emotional Kirti Chauhan.
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The breakthrough followed persistent efforts by the Dalit community, supported by local activist Chetan Dabhi. Their campaign involved sensitising upper-caste residents and barbers about the unconstitutional nature of the practice. Where persuasion failed, the police and district administration stepped in.Village sarpanch Suresh Chaudhary admitted, “As sarpanch, I felt guilty about the earlier practice. I am proud it ended during my tenure.”The district administration, led by mamlatdar Janak Mehta, played a crucial role in resolving the issue. “We addressed complaints of discrimination and worked with village leaders to ensure a harmonious resolution,” Mehta said.“Small cut, big change,” is how Dalits describe this first step towards social equality.Chhogaji Chauhan, 58, recalls, “We have walked miles for a haircut. My father faced this before independence, and my children endured it nearly eight decades after.”Now, barbers are welcoming all customers. Pintoo Nai, 21, who gave Kirti his historic haircut, said, “We simply followed society’s diktat earlier. Once the elders agreed to change, it was no longer prohibited. It’s also good for business.”Activist Chetan Dabhi explained, “Many resisted change despite months of sensitisation. Only after constant intervention by police and the district administration did the upper castes agree.”Even members of dominant communities backed the move. Prakash Patel, a Patidar, said, “If customers are welcome at my grocery store, why not at a barber’s shop? We’re glad the wrong practice is gone.”While celebrating the change, Ishwar Chauhan, a Dalit farmer, noted that prejudice lingers. “We still face separate seating at community feasts. I hope that will change too
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