Dass was addressing a seminar on Dalit Consciousness and Social Change in Punjab organised by the Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Punjab, in association with Panjab University School of Panjabi Studies at the PU English auditorium here today.

Punjab Welfare Minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur inaugurated the opening session of the two-day seminar. Dr Jagbir Singh analysed the problem in historical perspective while Dr Lekh Raj Parwana presented an analysis of the Dalit parampara in India. Dr O.P. Vishista raised the question as to "why the ideas of the great Bhakti saints failed to bring about a social revolution in the country or to restructure the socio-economic relations.Dr Maheep Singh regretted that despite the fact that Gurbani and the Sikh movement de-sanctified the caste and the race system, some Skhs continued the practise. R.L. Kalsia addressing the gathering asked the Punjab government to release the funds allocated for the welfare of the scheduled castes in Punjab.

Cultural show held
Girl students of Government College, Sector 46, presented a cultural function here today. They presented a number of items which included group dance, skits, solo songs and other dances.