Justice Through Compassion: Daya Bai Forgives and Advises Equality

Aluva, January 26, 2025: A Kerala court has dismissed a case against Shylan, a bus conductor accused of mistreating renowned social activist and tribal rights advocate Daya Bai, after the activist decided to pardon him. Daya Bai, who traveled from her home in Madhya Pradesh to attend the court hearing in Aluva, informed the court of her decision to forgive Shylan, who is set to retire from the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in February.

The incident dates back to December 20, 2015, when the 83-year-old activist was traveling late at night to Aluva after attending an event in Thrissur. Mistaking her for a beggar due to her Adivasi attire, Shylan reportedly verbally abused Daya Bai and forced her to disembark far from her intended stop. The incident caused her significant anguish and sparked widespread outrage after it was shared on social media.

In the aftermath, KSRTC suspended both Shylan and the bus driver, Yousuf, following public apologies from Kerala Transport Minister Radhakrishnan Thiruvnachoor and KSRTC Chief Managing Director Antony Chacko. During the court proceedings, Daya Bai offered Shylan words of advice, urging him to treat all people equally, regardless of their appearance or attire. Despite not being implicated in the case, the retired driver Yousuf also attended the hearing to meet Daya Bai and seek her blessings.

Daya Bai: A Lifetime of Advocacy for Justice

Born Mercy Mathew in 1940 in Poovarani near Pala, Kerala, Daya Bai left home at the age of 16 to join a convent, later leaving it to pursue her calling of serving the marginalized. She adopted the lifestyle of India’s Adivasi communities, dedicating herself to their socioeconomic upliftment in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh.

Her work spans decades of advocacy for the rights of tribal communities, participation in major movements like the Narmada Bachao Andolan, and campaigns for education in remote villages. Known for her fiery speeches on social justice, she has inspired many to take action for the oppressed.

Daya Bai’s activism extends beyond India’s borders, including her service to Bangladeshi refugees during the 1971 war. She also staged a hunger strike in 2022 to demand justice for victims of endosulfan pesticide exposure in Kerala’s Kasargod district. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Woman of the Year Award (2007) and the Good Samaritan National Award (2012). She has also been the subject of the documentary Ottayal and is lauded as a source of inspiration by luminaries like actor and activist Nandita Das.

A Lesson in Forgiveness

The decision to drop the case comes as a testament to Daya Bai’s compassionate spirit. Her choice to pardon Shylan underscores her belief in the value of forgiveness and equality, serving as a reminder of her lifelong commitment to justice and humanity.

By Catholic Connect Reporter