The caste system, which has very much been a part of the social fabric of India for centuries, can be dismantled only through a painstaking process of introspection by all of us (“ >The echoing silence of caste ,” April 15). While long-term strategies to combat casteism would involve efforts to impart awareness about its evils to the younger generations, short-term strategies must aim at ensuring adequate representation to all castes in the social sphere. It is unfortunate that affirmative actions like reservation have not improved the lot of Dalits, much as we would have liked them to.
Seriene Mohammed,
Thiruvananthapuram
I was touched by the writer’s narrative about his playmates and the system of slavery. I concur with him when he says the caste issue is not confined to Hinduism but applies to other religions as well. I once overheard someone saying that in India you do not cast your vote, but you vote your caste.
I’d like to quote Mahatma Gandhi who said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” If we want the caste system to go, it has to go from our hearts and minds. The caste system is a disease which first needs to be removed (or abolished) and then treated (through upliftment). Till such time as it comes from our hearts, we will have to rely on the Constitutional provision of the fundamental right (against exploitation) implemented through stringent laws.
K. Samuel,
New Delhi
It is wrong to assume the absence of Dalits in the private and cultural spheres. There may not be many billionaires among them, but Dalit entrepreneurship is catching on. Dismantling the archaic caste system should be the prime motto if India is to reach the heights every nation aspires to touch. But how does one dismantle the system? What if the same underprivileged group does not want to be excluded from that bracket for fear of losing benefits? What if the political class doesn’t want these sections to be uplifted as they would not have anything to promise them in successive elections?
Kiran Shivakumar,
Bangalore
Reservation has an adverse effect on the competitive spirit of the youth. The U.S. has Michael Jacksons and Mohammad Alis from the “oppressed classes” because it is a competitive society with no reservations and one that recognises talent. Aren’t there backward class managers of upper class employees in MNCs in India? No MNC denies the services of an employee on the basis of caste if he is competitive enough. Before widening the scope of reservation to the private sector, we should evaluate and analyse the outcome of the reservation policy as it exists.
L. Pramod Chaitanya,
Hyderabad
