Gypsies face discrimination at Ambattur multiplex

Chennai, 18 February 2015 : Every textbook brought out by the Tamil Nadu state education board has the following words on the front page – untouchability is a sin, untouchability is a crime, untouchability is inhuman. But the management of a multiplex in Ambattur does not seem to have learnt that lesson.

The members of Narikuravar community have to face the scourge when they went to the multiplex. The bunch of gypsies hailing in Ambattur telephone exchange were stopped from watching a movie with their children and the reason they gave for this is quite appalling.

"They refused to let us in. They said we're not civilised because we're not dressed in pants and shirts. They said only those who wear pants and shirts will be allowed inside," said Vijaya, a Narikuravar.

The management is unwilling to take up the blame, calling this a small issue being blown up by the media continous, Vijaya. Administartive Officer of Rakki Theatre said that : "This is a small matter... you're blowing it out of proportion. It's no big deal," says Vijaya.

It might not be a big deal, but those who are told repeatedly that they're indecent and unfit to mix with 'normal' people, it's definitely much more than a non-issue says the gypsy team.

This eight member gang comes to T.Nagar for a week every month to sell their goods - and a small break from their work on a Saturday morning has turned into an hour of humiliation.