Dear India, Why Discriminate?

Dear India, let’s say no to discrimination, writes a young, educated Dalit woman.

India is burning in protest after the unfortunate death of the Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula. His death brought new voices into an age-old debate on caste discrimination and how it is a parasite that is eating up our society and we are doing nothing about it.

Here’s a Letter to India from a Dalit woman questioning the very basis of discrimination.

   

Dear India,
     
Thursday’s papers carried, at least, seven headlines pertaining to atrocities against weaker sections across the country, similar to the recent HCU student’s suicide case. Some say the HCU suicide case is being treated as one of caste discrimination even though it isn't. But it would be unfair to see his background in isolation. There is evidence that this background shaped the circumstances he found himself under.
     
Resistance expressed over caste-based reservations need not always come from the privileged section. It can come from one's accruing benefits too – only that expression took the form of suicide this time. That dissent proved costly. Resistance that one has to face as a consequence of the help that the person may receive are many - for example, he has to explain why he needs that support, he has to live under the constant gaze of questioning eyes that nag him into answering why he was there in the same classroom, hostel, dorm, playground, canteen or cafe, explain every time what kind of hard work he/she had to put in to arrive at the same place.

One interesting petition doing the rounds on change.org says, "Why do people earning 10 lakh per annum need reservation. Monetary well-being doesn’t end social discrimination. A country wherein many pockets of people still practise untouchability without knowing that it is a crime, is evidence enough that discrimination has not been uprooted entirely.”

A country that seeks to project an image of self-sufficiency through recent financial benefits cannot afford to leave behind its weaker section if it has to meet its full potential. It has to learn about differences – forget tolerance, that is too much of a favour to ask, We must see the inability to respect differences as a personality defect. The reasons for reservation run deep. Anyone who negates these reasons based on earning capacity must realise that social discrimination entails rejection at multiple levels – access to better residential quarters, the best schools, even if you had enough money to pay for it.

So dear India, if your girlfriend happens to be a Dalit and your family cannot accept her then you should know where the problem lies. Education begins at home, so we already know what values you will inject society with. You might choose not to argue with your parents and part ways with that girl but remember your cowardice will always haunt you. The world is watching, just in case you thought your ideas were tucked away safely in your mind. For the record, it looks down upon thoughts like yours. So, to ask tolerance out of you is shaming me. In my aspiration to lead a dignified life, I haven't forgotten to love others just the way they are and with all their imperfections.

Love and prayers,

Your daughter  

 

Audi India is proud to be a part of India’s progressive growth and salutes the spirit of India.

(Do you ever feel like talking to India? Yes, perfect. This is your chance to write to her to tell her how you feel about her. You could be bitchy, angry, happy, emotional or spoofy. But if your answer is No – never mind, there is always a beginning. Let’s start here. Send us what you want to tell your India and we will publish it. Don’t be shy, just say it all. Mail us your letter at [e-mail]. We’ll ensure India gets your message.)