The Pervasive Grip of Casteism in India
Casteism continues to be a deeply entrenched issue in India, manifesting in various forms despite decades of progress and legal protections. This analysis delves into the current state of caste discrimination, highlighting how it remains a significant societal ill, woven into the fabric of Indian society.
The very concept of Hinduism, as articulated by prominent figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, is viewed by some as a loose confederation of castes, each vying for dominance, rather than a cohesive religious or social entity. This perspective suggests that perceived advancements in Indian society are superficial, with underlying casteist structures and mindsets remaining largely unchanged. The following examination aims to illuminate the persistent and often brutal realities of caste discrimination through contemporary examples, underscoring the urgent need for societal reckoning and transformation.
Ambedkar’s Diagnosis: Hindus as ‘Sick People’
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a pivotal figure in India’s struggle against caste discrimination, famously described Hindus as a ‘sick people,’ whose malady harmed the nation’s health and happiness. This observation, made decades ago, sadly resonates strongly in contemporary India. Superficial changes in lifestyle—better clothing, housing, and amenities—have done little to eradicate the fundamental casteist prejudices that permeate society.
The systems and mindsets perpetuating caste-based discrimination remain as entrenched as ever, mirroring the insights found in Ambedkar’s extensive writings. His assertion that Hindus are ‘sick people’ points to a systemic ailment, a collective illness of caste consciousness that affects the entire community and, by extension, the nation’s well-being.
Ambedkar further elaborated on this by suggesting an ‘ideal Hindu’ would resemble a rat, confining itself to its own burrow and avoiding contact with others. This analogy highlights the inherent segregationist nature of caste, where individuals are expected to remain within their prescribed social boundaries. The ‘burrow’ represents the caste itself, and the refusal to interact with other castes signifies the deep-seated prejudice and aversion that fuels discrimination.
He also posited that the real enemies are not those who follow the caste system, but the scriptures that propagate it. The solution, therefore, lies in dismantling the authority and perceived superiority of these religious texts, which have historically been used to justify and perpetuate caste hierarchies. This ideological dismantling is crucial to making any meaningful dent in the pervasive casteist structure.
Contemporary Manifestations of Caste Discrimination
While Ambedkar’s diagnosis and theoretical critique offer a foundational understanding, contemporary incidents provide a stark illustration of casteism’s living reality. These real-world examples reveal how deeply ingrained these discriminatory practices remain, affecting various strata of society and demonstrating the urgent need for continued action.
The Purificatory Ritual in Odisha
A stark recent incident from the Rayagada district of Odisha, on June 21, 2024, tragically illustrates the enduring brutality of casteism. In Bainganagoda village, a woman from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community married a man from another ST community, albeit from a different sub-caste. Following this inter-caste marriage, her family of 40 members was subjected to a humiliating ‘purification’ ritual. This ritual involved being forced to shave their heads and ostracize them from the community.
Acceptance back into the fold was contingent upon completing further rituals, including communal feasting and animal sacrifice. This event underscores that caste discrimination is not confined to historical narratives; it is a living, breathing reality that impacts even tribal communities, demonstrating how deeply ingrained notions of caste purity and pollution have become. The forced purification and ostracization highlight a societal demand for conformity to caste norms, even within marginalized groups, revealing a deep-seated need for mental and social cleansing to eradicate these prejudices.
The Bus Seat Incident: Internalized Subjugation
A viral video, reported by Navbharat Times, captured a heart-wrenching scene on a bus that spoke volumes about the psychological impact of centuries of caste-based discrimination. A woman, accompanied by her child, chose to sit on the floor of the bus despite vacant seats being available. When questioned by the conductor, she responded that she was not accustomed to sitting on seats, preferring the floor. This unsettling statement revealed a profound sense of internalized oppression and a loss of self-worth stemming from generations of being treated as ‘untouchables.’
The video, shared by Dr. B. Karthik Navayan, served as a powerful indictment of societal development projects, arguing that mere infrastructure growth is meaningless if it doesn’t translate into dignity and self-respect for the most marginalized. It highlighted how the systematic exclusion and dehumanization due to caste have eroded the basic sense of entitlement and self-esteem among oppressed communities, preventing them from claiming even simple rights like occupying an empty seat.
Casteist Insults in the Skies: A Trainee Pilot’s Ordeal
The insidious nature of casteism extends even to professional spheres, as evidenced by the case of a trainee pilot from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in India. Reports detailed how the pilot was subjected to casteist slurs and humiliation by his seniors at IndiGo Airlines. He was allegedly told he was unfit to fly planes and should return to his traditional caste occupation of cobbling (Chappal silai). This incident starkly illustrates how deeply entrenched caste prejudices can obstruct opportunities for individuals from marginalized backgrounds, even in highly skilled professions.
The implication that certain jobs are inherently suited to specific castes and others are not, reflects a dangerous resurgence of traditional caste-based occupational restrictions, demonstrating a blatant disregard for meritocracy and equal opportunity. The allegations included repeated verbal abuse and discriminatory behavior, aimed at forcing the pilot to resign, possibly to make way for someone from a dominant caste.
Deteriorating Conditions for Sanitation Workers
A report by The Wire shed light on the appalling conditions faced by sanitation workers in Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD). Photos shared on social media depicted workers descending into sewage manholes without any protective gear, such as gloves, masks, or even basic clothing. These workers, predominantly from SC communities, were engaged in manual scavenging, a practice outlawed by the Supreme Court.
The casual sharing of these images by the PWD, seemingly oblivious to the inherent casteist undertones and the blatant violation of safety regulations, reflects a societal indifference and a normalization of the hazardous labor performed by Dalits. The official justification that machines cannot access all areas, thus necessitating manual intervention, conveniently overlooks the ethical imperative to provide adequate safety equipment and the deep-seated casteist attitude that deems the lives and well-being of Dalit workers expendable.
Caste-Based Ghats at a Madhya Pradesh Pond
Despite the legal framework against caste discrimination, traditional practices continue to prevail in many rural areas. An article from 2023 highlighted a village in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, where the local pond had separate bathing ghats (access points) designated for different castes. Villagers justified this segregation as a mere ‘tradition’ or ‘custom’ of their ancestors, thereby perpetuating the discriminatory practice of untouchability.
The division of the 2.5-acre pond into four distinct ghats based on caste signifies a persistent adherence to the hierarchy and segregation inherent in the caste system. Such practices not only reinforce social divisions but also perpetuate the idea of ritual purity and pollution, where lower castes are relegated to less desirable access points, often receiving poorer quality water, a stark reminder of historical water-sharing conflicts like the one at the Chawdar Talab.
The Persecution of OBC Katha Vachaks
The Other Backward Classes (OBCs), often harboring aspirations of social mobility and even claiming upper-caste status, are also increasingly facing casteist backlash when they venture into traditional Brahminical domains. A recent incident in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, involved Mukutmani Singh Yadav, an OBC Katha Vachak (religious narrator), who was subjected to severe humiliation by a dominant caste group. Upon arriving to perform religious discourse in a Brahmin-dominated village, Yadav and his team were allegedly beaten, had their heads shaved, harmoniums broken, and were forced to rub their noses on the feet of women.
They were also reportedly doused with what was claimed to be women’s urine for ‘purification.’ This event exemplifies the Brahmanical assertion of dominance, reminding OBCs of their perceived subordinate status, particularly when they encroach upon spheres traditionally reserved for Brahmins. The incident underscores the fragile nature of social mobility claims for OBCs, as Brahmins are quick to reinforce caste boundaries when their privileges are challenged, often resorting to extreme humiliation and violence. The subsequent counter-accusations of molestation against the Katha Vachak by a local woman, widely seen as a tactic to undermine his complaint and shield the perpetrators, further highlights the manipulative strategies employed to maintain caste hegemony.
Global Arena vs. Indian Realities
Johran Mamdani’s Candidacy and American Inclusivity
While these deeply ingrained issues persist within India, understanding global responses to discrimination can offer valuable perspective. In stark contrast to the persistent casteism in India, the United States presents a different social dynamic. The recent news of Johran Mamdani’s potential election as the Mayor of New York City offers a glimpse into a society that, while not without its own challenges, appears more open to diversity and inclusivity. Mamdani, a Muslim and the son of renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, is poised to lead one of the world’s most influential cities.
Notably, his public statements have included strong criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he equated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a ‘war criminal,’ citing the Gujarat riots. This political stance, combined with his identity as a Muslim, challenges prevailing narratives about American society being entirely dominated by Zionist lobbies or anti-Muslim sentiments. The fact that he is a viable candidate for such a prominent position, even with his critical views on Indian leadership, suggests a level of political discourse and acceptance that is largely absent in India, where discussions on caste and religious minorities are often heavily polarized and constrained.
Contrast in Political Discourse: US vs. India
The American political landscape, despite its own complexities, allows for figures like Mamdani to rise, reflecting a society that, at least in some progressive urban centers, values diverse perspectives and democratic participation. This stands in sharp contrast to India, where expressing dissent or questioning dominant narratives, particularly those linked to religious or caste superiority, often invites severe backlash. How long must India bear the ‘sick people’ diagnosis before a true cure is found?
The ability of individuals to openly critique powerful political figures and advance their candidacies based on their platforms, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, marks a significant difference. While the Indian diaspora in the US is often perceived as largely aligned with the ruling party, Mamdani’s potential victory suggests a more nuanced political reality, where voters may prioritize local governance and diverse leadership over broad ideological affiliations. This American context serves as a point of comparison, highlighting the limitations and severe constraints on social and political expression within India, particularly concerning issues of caste and religious identity.
Conclusion: The Unfinished Battle for Equality
The examples presented—from the ritualistic humiliation in Odisha to the psychological subjugation on a bus, the professional discrimination faced by a trainee pilot, the perilous conditions of sanitation workers, the caste-based ghats in Madhya Pradesh, and the brutal treatment of an OBC Katha Vachak in Uttar Pradesh—paint a grim picture of casteism’s enduring presence in India.
These incidents are not isolated occurrences but symptomatic of a deeply entrenched social hierarchy that continues to deny dignity and equality to millions. The comparison with the American political scene, where figures like Johran Mamdani can challenge established norms and gain prominence, underscores the stark contrast in societal openness and the struggle for inclusion. The fight against casteism requires collective action and unwavering commitment to ensure that a truly just and equitable future is realized.
What can you do?
The fight against casteism is a long and arduous one, requiring collective action and unwavering commitment. It is imperative for individuals to educate themselves about the history and contemporary manifestations of caste discrimination. Actively challenge casteist remarks and practices in everyday life, whether in personal conversations, workplaces, or public spaces. Support organizations working towards caste annihilation and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Advocate for stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and policies. Amplify the voices of those affected by caste oppression and contribute to creating a society where merit, not birth, determines one’s opportunities and dignity. The movement for equality must be carried forward with renewed vigor, ensuring that the sacrifices of past generations are not in vain and that a truly just and equitable future is realized.
Disclaimer: Common Terms Used
- Purification Ritual: Ceremonies performed to cleanse individuals or communities perceived to have become ritually impure, often associated with caste transgressions.
- Manual Scavenging: The practice of cleaning human excreta or other waste with bare hands or basic tools, primarily performed by Dalits, and officially banned.
- Ghats: Steps leading down to a body of water, such as a river or pond, often used for bathing and washing.
- Dowry: The transfer of parental property, gifts, or money, often in the form of dowry, to a bride at the time of her marriage, which can be a source of exploitation and violence.
- Dalit: A term used by members of the former ‘untouchable’ castes to refer to themselves, meaning ‘oppressed’ or ‘broken.’
- OBC Samaj: A collective term for communities categorized as Other Backward Classes.
- Yadav: A prominent OBC community in India, often associated with traditional pastoral occupations and claiming descent from the Yaduvanshi lineage.
- Dissent: The expression of opinions that are at variance with official policy or established belief.
- Dignity: The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
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