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Our Journey
Milestones of Hope, Justice & Inclusion
Since its founding, the Periyar Ambedkar Thoughts Circle of Australia (PATCA) has grown into
a dynamic force for justice, equity, and social transformation. From humble beginnings to
national recognition, our journey is powered by the belief that every community deserves
dignity, and every voice deserves to be heard.
- April 2022 – We submitted over 30 detailed representations to the Australian
Human Rights Commission, demanding recognition of caste discrimination as a form
of racism. - December 2022 – A historic moment: AHRC formally acknowledged caste
discrimination as racism, marking a turning point for caste-oppressed voices in
Australia. - July 2023 – Thanks to our tireless advocacy, The Greens NSW became the first
political party in the Western world to recognise caste as a form of racism in its
policy platforms. - December 2024 – PATCA proudly contributed to the Australian Human Rights
Commission's report "An Anti-Racism Framework: The Perspectives of Multicultural
Australia" by conducting community consultations on the experiences of caste
discrimination across Australia. Our work brought greater awareness to the wideranging, severe, and structurally invisible discrimination faced by caste-oppressed
communities - December 2024 – PATCA made a significant contribution to the Australian Human
Rights Commission's National Anti-Racism Framework 2024, resulting in a historic
recommendation for the inclusion of caste as a protected attribute in Australia's antiracism policy and legislation.
From the corridors of Parliament to grassroots community halls, PATCA’s voice is shaping
policy:
- Submitted proposals to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act review and the NSW Law
Reform Commission for caste to be a protected attribute. - Raised urgent concerns in NSW Parliament Budget Estimates about public funding
reaching organisations accused of caste-based discrimination. - Highlighted the risk of casteist teachings in Special Religious Education programs
in NSW public schools.
- Invited to speak at ACT’s Ministerial Advisory Body for Multiculturalism
- Established strong partnerships with the Queensland Human Rights Commission
and Multicultural Affairs Queensland, who have now committed to tackling caste
discrimination. - Our advocacy featured in major outlets like the Rationalist Society of Australia,
amplifying our reach.
PATCA proudly defends the dignity of Tamil identity and promotes inclusive multicultural values:
- In August 2024, PATCA led a national campaign against the burning of the Ravana
effigy, a practice deeply offensive to many Tamil Hindus who revere Ravana as a
spiritual and ancestral figure. - We filed legal complaints in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, calling
out councils that permitted such acts, including Whittlesea Council, for failing to uphold
cultural respect on public grounds.
This bold campaign was more than a protest — it was a powerful affirmation of Australia’s
commitment to equity and multiculturalism. By challenging practices that marginalise casteoppressed and Tamil Hindu communities, PATCA upheld the principles of inclusion, cultural
respect, and social cohesion that lie at the heart of Australian multiculturalism.
Our efforts helped amplify the message that true multiculturalism must reflect the voices,
beliefs, and lived experiences of all communities — not just the dominant or privileged
groups.
PATCA will continue to ensure that Australia’s multicultural spaces are inclusive, equitable,
and respectful of the full diversity of Hindu traditions and the identities of caste-oppressed
peoples.
- 🇮🇳 In March 2025, we welcomed Asiriyar K. Veeramani and Advocate Arulmozhi to
Australia, sparking an emotional and powerful resurgence of Dravidian values. - Their visit drew record crowds across four states, solidifying PATCA’s reputation
as a leading diasporic voice for social justice, inclusion, and humanism.
What Lies Ahead:
From local council chambers to national legislative reform, PATCA is here to stay. As we build
alliances, shape policy, and inspire a new generation, we invite you to walk with us — towards a
future rooted in dignity, equality, and justice for all caste-oppressed communities in Australia
and beyond.
"Our work is far from done, but every milestone reached is a reminder that together, we are
unstoppable."
December 2024
- Contributed to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s "An Anti-Racism
Framework: The Perspectives of Multicultural Australia" through national community
consultations on caste discrimination. - Influenced the National Anti-Racism Framework 2024 resulting in a landmark
recommendation to include caste as a protected attribute
2024-2025
- Defended Tamil Hindu heritage against public acts of cultural desecration in
Queensland, NSW, and Victoria. - Established formal partnerships with state Human Rights Commissions and
Multicultural Affairs bodies across Australia.
March 2025
- Organised a historic national visit by Asiriyar K. Veeramani and Advocate Arulmozhi,
strengthening global Dravidian solidarity. - PATCA’s actions are setting new benchmarks for advocacy and inspiring a movement rooted in
dignity, humanism, and lasting social change.
