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In his book Annihilation Of Caste, Dr BR Ambedkar rightly says, “Caste is another name for control. Caste does not allow a person to transgress caste limits in pursuit of his enjoyment.”
His words hold the same value today, if not more, as they did back in 1936 when the book was published. Countless aspects of the caste system affect Indians on a daily-basis — violence, inequality, injustices, and unfair treatment in various walks of life.
Beyond being an act of gender-based violence, this particular incident is also an instance of the widespread caste-based discrimination and violence in India. Citing National Crime Bureau Records data, The Print had revealed in 2018, “over the decade to 2016, the rate of crime against Dalits rose more than eight times (746%); there were 2.4 crimes per 100,000 Dalits in 2006, rising to 20.3 in 2016.”
The need to unlearn and re-educate ourselves is at an all-time high. The notions about the Indian structure of society that were introduced to us at a young age need to be discarded.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative for us all, as responsible Indian citizens, and moreover, as human beings to understand, support, and take action for those who have been and continue to be oppressed.
We have put together a list of a few people and organisations for you to follow and join the movement. In no way is this list exhaustive as innumerable more people perform similar duties and strive for equality and freedom from the shackles of the ruthless and shameful caste system that thrives even today.
I. Sumeet Samos
It is said that words can inspire and words can also destroy — Sumeet Samos’s words do both. He breaks down the realities of caste-based inequality and violence, provides insight on events and news that affect members of the community, and shares similar inputs from various others contributing to the cause. Additionally, he recommends books that are relevant to the cause and also organises live sessions with those that have more to offer in order to get people to align themselves and contribute positively.
You can follow Sumeet Samos here.
II. Yogesh Maitreya
Conveying the sheer injustice and pain of living the life as the member of a ‘backward’ caste, Yogesh Maitreya writes impactful poems that really get you thinking. In a Rupi Kaur-esque manner, along with how caste implicates fields of cinema, education and the overall position in society, Yogesh opines on how history has narrated the course of life for Dalits. Of Oppressor’s Body & Mind is his collection of essays on language, literature and cinema.
You can follow Yogesh Maitreya here.
III. Dalit Camera
Tackling hate and negativity through information and education, Dalit Camera gives a platform to news and content regarding situations of Dalits that would otherwise be willfully ignored. With the correct usage of dissent, Dalit Camera poses its disagreements with certain authorities successfully and rightfully. The platform aims to educate and mobilise people to take steps to bring about justice themselves, rather than to wait for it to arrive.
You can follow Dalit Camera here.
Find their website here.
IV. Divya Malhari
Through her blog Dalit Writer, Divya Malhari goes beyond the unfortunate events that continue to take place and breaks down why they matter so much. Her perspective of humanity applied to the Dalit atrocities is one that is worthy of dedicating our time to. She covers topics such as Brahminism, the overwhelming power of the authority, the usage of patronising language and much more.
Her latest piece, Dear Manisha, is a heartfelt ode to the Hathras gangrape victim. More of what is a personal account of Divya’s thoughts and feelings, one can tell she would much rather have Manisha there in person with her.
You can read Divya’s blog, Dalit Writer, here.
Find her on Twitter here.
V. Adivasi Lives Matter
Apart from being a platform that mentors Adivasi youth to come into their own and share their stories, Adivasi Lives Matter also doubles up as a platform that disseminates imperative news pertaining to the community. People of the Adivasi community overcoming odds, their achievements and stories are featured on the page in attempts to encourage them and also provide a safe space to be able to express themselves.
You can follow Adivasi Lives Matter here.
VI. Dalit Feminist
Focusing on strength rather than weakness, Dalit Feminist is a platform where injustices across all boards are condemned with reason. Giving intersectionality the attention it deserves, they collect opinions on various aspects. Additionally, they also collect resources to several academic books and playlists for people to access, in an attempt to stray away from mainstream education practices and making knowledge available to those who struggle to avail it. In fact, they have highlights dedicated to helping people with their studies and/or jobs and therapy.
You can follow Dalit Feminist here.
VII. Kiruba Munusamy
A forerunner in the Dalit equality movement, Kiruba Munusamy is here to provide informative arguments for the deep-rooted caste-based and caste-based gender violence and injustice. She is a researcher and an advocate at the Supreme Court of India. She makes sure to share her expertise and knowledge by informing people of important aspects of the injustices faced by the Dalit community. As part of various news panels, she takes up the responsibility to rightfully represent and portray the community, too.
Her recent article When I Rage Over Hathras, Why Call It ‘Personal’ And ‘Dalit Anger?’ for The Quint is a must-read. You can find it here.
You can also follow Kiruba Munusamy here.
VIII. Dalit Desk
Providing a comprehensive collection of news, information, accounts and insights, Dalit Desk follows anti-caste journalism that not many people are even aware of. Posing much-needed questions not only against the authorities involved in the Hathras rape, but they also stand up to the centuries-old hierarchical caste system and its implication in daily life. They say they are ‘a loud mouth to unheard voices’ and rightfully amplify voices that need to be heard.
Moreover, you can find a highlight dedicated to Dalit literature on their page.
You can follow Dalit Desk here.
IX. Divya Kandukuri
Not complying with hollow politeness, Divya Kandukuri calls out casteist behaviour as it is, then and there. As a journalist, she uses her words sharply to bring to fore the responsibilities that come with upper-caste privilege and all that one can do to help out. Through her social media, she also attempts to amplify people that serve their communities whether it be through journalism, arts, activism and much more. Divya is also quick to rectify people’s misunderstandings about just how deeply the caste system is entrenched in our society and just how far and wide its atrocities are present.
You can follow Divya Kandukuri here.
X. Dalit Women Thrive
Recognising the difficulties of having to make a way in the world as a Dalit woman, Dalit Women Thrive tries to do their bit to make it easier in whatever little way possible. Whether it be mental health care or self-care, the platform carefully puts out content to amplify the voices of Dalit women all while empowering them. The platform provides them with the confidence boost they might need, or even the empathy they might have been longing for,
You can follow Dalit Women Thrive here.
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