The caste-virus.. #1#.

It does not matter which part of India you are from – Caste matters.

I have started preparing a research paper, the topic of which is somewhere related to caste based discrimination at workplace in India. Although my research is in a nascent stage currently and in depth findings can only be disclosed after it is completed… certain facts and findings were so shocking and is nothing less than a slap on our so called “Modern-Society” which “claims” to believe in “equality”, that I couldn’t stop myself from expressing my disappointment!!!

Caste based discrimination is so deep rooted and religiously followed in society and specially at workplace that it is probably not going away any time soon. Whether education, health, religion or workplace… caste based discrimination is omnipresent!

Let’s start from college time. Every college I aspired to get admission in and of course, the one I ultimately got into… every admission form had this Colum that asked me to mention my “Religion” and “Caste”. I felt offended every single time!

When I applied for jobs in companies, this question kept following me. Not that I really faced discrimination anytime… but I have seen people face the same and feel helpless about it. So what if am from the general category? So what if I am SC/ST, from some tribe or a Dalit??

Look at my achievements and accomplishments before you look at my caste and religion!   

Gone are the times when dalits were out casted and looked down upon. Times have changed, when will you change? 

And if someone gives me the argument that this information of “caste” and “religion” in application forms is used only for statistical purpose and to know what % of population is from which category then let me tell you… this is not the sole purpose! Had this been the case, then the numerous reports of dalits (exclusively) being thrown out of their jobs or SC/STs facing social isolation would not have come out in open.

During my research I read “n” number of cases where public servants at respectable positions said and did things that one would not have expected otherwise.

Let me share one such article here:

“Most elected Dalit women feel they are treated differently from other local government representatives primarily due to being female and Dalit. Overt discriminatory practices are prevalent in local government offices, including prohibitions on Dalit women sitting on chairs alongside other elected representatives; drinking water or tea from vessels used by dominant caste elected representatives. Some Dalit women attempt to actively participate in meetings and taking decisions, but are silenced or ignored; subjected to ‘no confidence’ motions to remove them from office; denied information and support to undertake their duties; etc”

(http://dalitmarch.org/political-participation.html)

The amount and extent of discrimination faced by dalits makes my heart sink! Rolling out new laws and acts will NOT solve the problem! AWARENESS and COMMEN SENSE will.

Last but not the least, I am firstly an Indian. And humanity is my religion. And if you are a rational recruiter, then this credential should be more than enough for you!

Treat others the way you want to be treated. Let us all take a pledge today, right now, not to discriminate anybody based on their caste or religion. It is humiliating. Imagine yourself to be in their position. Would you even then want to be discriminate??

Feel free to share your views! ;)