For An Informed Ambedkar Age
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 …
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, …
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, …
Pratyancha Khandare “Caste doesn’t matter anymore” is a common phrase in India’s elite urban spaces. Belonging to one of the most prestigious colleges in Bombay, when caste is discussed amongst my peers, I hear this phrase in a group of people where I am the only Dalit student, which speaks volumes about how caste still …
Pranav Jeevan P There is a popular myth that technology is neutral, but in reality, technology reinforces the hierarchical and exploitative power relations of the societies that create and use it. Throughout history, technological advancements have been deeply intertwined with acts of genocide, apartheid, and the exploitation of people. From the colonial era, where technological …
Sree Govind Bharatvaraj In the recent past, the popular filmmaker Ranjith has been overtly criticized as an anti-Periyarist and a Hindutva supporter by Dravidian intellectuals and Periyarists. Starting from senior intellectuals like Suba Veerapandian to young Periyarists, this criticism is framed around Ranjith. But how far this argument is true is a serious one that …
Sanjukta Bhowal Stalwarts of the BJP regime, typically Savarnas, vouch for the idyllic, model like qualities of the city of Vadodara and its sister cities in the state – Ahmedabad, Surat amongst others. Undeniably it is an idyllic city, but only for UCs who seek the comfort of its refuge. The Prime Minister often claims …
Dr Ratnesh Katulkar Deekshabhumi is a site where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism on October 14, 1956 along with his five lakh followers. However, this place of historical and spiritual significance is now facing an existential crisis. Common persons’ entry to the upcoming Dhammachakra Pravartan Divas in October could be permanently restricted if things continue …
Umar Nizar Furthermore, it is a commonplace that mistakes or errors are part of the learning process and thus essential to creativity: as Jung remarked, “anyone who takes the sure road is as good as dead’, or as Hélène Cixous puts it: ‘our mistakes are our leaps in the night. Error is not lie; it …