The Indian government has always managed to demonstrate a stunning volte-face when it comes to caste-related issues (“How to be free of caste”, April 13). From manual scavengers dying trapped in sewers to rampant caste-based discrimination all over the country, the government must realise that these differences will not be dispensed with solely by debating the need for social justice at international forums. Rather, it can be done only by creating awareness through education and through strict enforcement of laws and policies.
Vikram Lakshman,
Avadi
George Orwell’s famous words — “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” — makes sense in the context of the caste system. Many parties which took up the cause of Dalit emancipation have lost their purpose. They offer no more hope than other parties do. If this is the case, what can we expect from other parties that were not started with this purpose? It feels as if no one wants the caste system to go.
Haritha,
Hyderabad
