As part of an ongoing campaign against manual scavenging, the anti-caste organisation Jai Bhim Mandram has uploaded a powerful short film on its Facebook page. Mugamoodi, directed by Sujith S, blasts many of the stereotypes associated with manhole workers. The worker Vadivelu has miraculously escaped death in a manhole. When non-governmental organisation worker Sampath comes visiting with a safety kit containing gloves, a mask and footwear, Vadivelu’s sister points out, “Is surviving death on a daily basis a way to live life?”

Vadivelu’s sister also counters the sanctimonious Sampath’s lectures on drinking and beef eating, pointing out that the fragrance of the beef dish is far better than the stink inside the manhole.

The organisation has also solicited the testimonials of prominent Tamil film industry luminaries, including Sathyaraj, Vetrimaaran and Vivek. “We as a society are responsible for the practice of manual scavenging,” Vivek says in a video message. Director Ram calls out the fraudulent narrative that believes that caste system is a myth in India: “The fact that manual scavenging exists is proof that caste system is a reality in the country.”

Manhole scavenging continues in many states despite the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act in 2013. “It is time to end this ourselves,” is the campaign’s baseline. Jai Bhim Mandram will also stage a play on June 30 in Chennai, titled Manjal (Yellow), to expand their campaign.