Ajinkya Sanjay Khandizod Introduction Dalits comprise 16.6% of India’s population, with 1000 males to 945 females (Census, 2011). The alarming situation is that every day, ten Dalit women are raped (Maniyar, 2024). The historical marginalization of Dalits is reflected in various forms. According to Shastras, Dalits were prohibited from owning wealth or land (Anowar & …
Merit: A Savarna Tool to Reinforce Caste Hegemony
Vaibhav Kharat The recent notification by the UPSC, inviting applications for 45 lateral entry posts at the levels of Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary across 24 Union government ministries, has reignited the toxic debate of meritocracy vs reservation. The government’s promotion of lateral entry as a tool to bring in fresh talent and expertise …
The 2024 General Elections and the Stifling of Muslim Anti-caste Discourse
Md Asif Uzzaman Abstract: This article looks at the uses of Pasmanda political discourse during the Indian general elections of 2024 by the two contending sides represented by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) in order to bring out a larger process of invisibilization of the politics based …
Dalits of All Faiths Deserve Equal Rights: A Call for Justice
Shahnawaz Ahmad Ansari Shahnawaz Ahmad Ansari, National Spokesperson, All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz (AIPMM) In a nation where diversity is our strength, the struggle for social justice remains an ongoing battle. The recent landmark decision by the Supreme Court, allowing sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), is a beacon of hope for …
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution: A password for Social Transformation
Ashok Mane Introduction We are celebrating the 77th independence day. But the question remains whether we have been successful in ensuring independence to all or it is just an annual festival for few. I am writing my personal views about social change in India and how our Preamble is helpful to this process. In recent …
Banksy’s Bristol, UK riots and the texture of subaltern life
Umar Nizar The graffiti superstar Banksy known for his politically charged work, has recently been playing it safe by making animal murals in the city of London, which is interesting in the light of the recent right wing hooliganism and rioting in the UK. Multiculturalism in the UK is a sham, and so is the …
The Sanskritisation of Ambedkarite Buddhism: A Critique
Vaibhav Kharat The conversion of the Mahar community to Buddhism under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was a significant socio-religious movement aimed at escaping the oppressive caste system entrenched in Hinduism. However, as a student of Sociology, my recent observations suggest that certain practices within the converted Mahar Buddhist community reflect a form of …
Chai, Cups, and Caste: Everyday Observations of Inequality
Ritika Srivastava This article is based on my everyday observations and interactions in various social spaces. It focuses on three specific contexts that show how caste-based practices remain prevalent in society. This write-up does not claim any generalisations. Instead, the episodes highlight how caste discrimination and segregation are perpetuated through the use of utensils, food, …
Manusmriti in DU
Jatin Mathur Recently Delhi University received proposal from the Faculty of Law suggesting to include readings from Manusmriti with The Manubhasya of Medhatithi by Ganganath Jha and commentary of Manusmriti – Smritichandrika by T Kristnasawmi Iyer. The two suggested texts and the amendment have been rejected by the University. The revisions pertained to the courses, …