Chanchal Kumar Origin the film released in India some time back. After watching the much anticipated movie (twice) here are some of my haphazard jottings and observations. Introduction To begin with, I’m sure Origin will renew discussions amongst movie-goers and audiences around the theme of caste and how it connects the dots of oppression around …
Caste as a textual label and audible word
Anu Ramdas Caste is a word, and like any word is a single unit of language; when spoken or written it conveys some agreed-upon meaning. The key here being the agreed-upon part. Is there a universal agreed-upon meaning when the term caste is rendered as a textual or audible word? A word is often an …
Interest in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar among academics outside India
The Popularity or (Un)Popularity of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar among academics outside India Ablaz Mohammed Schemnad Reading Ambedkar and practising Ambedkarism as a student in India gave me a feeling of strength and confidence among peers in university spaces. The ‘Jai Bhim’ slogans and posters asserting the oppressed unity, winning elections, and representing the whole student …
The unworthy students of India: Why are students at the school level made caste and class conscious?
Nandini Singh “Students who enter through reservation have never had to work hard, knowing they will get a seat anyway” “…these students do not have the merit to survive in premier institutes like DU, IITs, AIIMS etc. and when they can’t handle the academic standard they expect, they drop out. Or kill themselves” “…I hate …
Dr. Ambedkar and the Question of Caste Identity
Dr. SPVA Sairam In India, caste is the major form of identity that dictates every walk of life, from womb to tomb. This article aims to deal with the question of caste identity of Scheduled Castes through the lens of Dr. Ambedkar. Broadly speaking, there are two aspects to this question of Caste Identity. Firstly, …
Reading Kanthapura: The Curious Case of the Cat’s Asceticism
Ankit Ramteke Raja Rao wrote Kanthapura in the 1930s when he was a twenty-one-year-old, living “in a 13th-century old castle in the French Alps belonging to the Dauphins of France” (Naik 60). It was first published in 1938, and since then, starting from E.M. Forster’s famous remark — that it was one of the finest …
Urban development policy in India and exclusion of Dalit-Bahujans
Manoj Madame The social and economic landscape of India has been profoundly altered by urbanization. Indian cities have experienced unprecedented urbanization over the past few decades, as millions of people have left rural areas in search of better opportunities. In cities and towns, new industries have developed, services have expanded, and employment opportunities have been …
Natchathiram Nagargiradhu: How love is a political choice
Hritika Mohite Natchathiram Nagargiradhu is a 2022 Tamil movie directed by Pa. Ranjith. The movie encompasses the themes of caste, gender and sexuality and blends into the larger theme of ‘Love’. It is set in Pondicherry, when a motley theatre group comes together to put forth their views on love while discussing the subject of …
Which came first? Caste or Reservation?
Rahul Kumar Gautam The Past life of Dalits Since the time of Vedas, the people of India have been divided into a hierarchical caste system based on their occupation. According to Hindu scriptures, Brahmins are at the top. Dalits were separated from the four caste hierarchy classes (Varnas) and were referred to as Avarna. According …