India -The Untouchables(Dalits): Breaking the barriers/silence

Summary

The video highlights the plight of untouchables in India, focusing on the Koraga community in Karnataka. Despite efforts to combat discrimination, they face societal rejection and are often relegated to menial jobs. Basri's family struggles with poverty and the trauma of abuse, reflecting the harsh realities of their existence. Activist Keshav Koteshwar works tirelessly to uplift the Koraga community through education and advocacy. His efforts have led to a school that empowers children, fostering confidence and challenging traditional roles. A symbolic march involving both upper and lower castes signifies hope for change, hinting at the potential for breaking down entrenched caste barriers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Millions of untouchables in India face systemic discrimination and are denied basic human rights.
• 🪘 The Koragas, an untouchable community, have historically served upper castes by performing menial tasks and rituals.
• 📉 Despite government efforts to combat untouchability, prejudice and social exclusion persist in many areas.
• 👩‍👧 Basri and her granddaughter Jaya represent the struggles of untouchables, including experiences of abuse and poverty.
• 🎓 Education initiatives, like the school set up by Keshev Koteshwar, are vital for empowering untouchable children.
• ✊ Keshev's activism has included hunger strikes and protests to raise awareness about the plight of the Koragas.
• 🍽️ Traditional customs often force untouchables to accept degrading practices, such as eating leftover food from others.
• 🚫 Legal frameworks exist to protect untouchables, but enforcement is often lacking, leading to continued discrimination.
• 🗣️ Younger generations are beginning to challenge traditional beliefs, showing hope for change in societal attitudes.
• 🌈 Community events that include members of all castes symbolize the potential for unity and breaking down caste barriers.

Q & A

What is the social status of untouchables in India?

Untouchables, often referred to as 'Dalits', are considered the lowest in the traditional Indian caste system and face severe discrimination and denial of basic human rights.

How does the caste system in India categorize people?

The caste system divides people into four main categories: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (rulers and soldiers), Vaishyas (merchants and traders), and Shudras (laborers). Untouchables are deemed 'impure' and are excluded from this system.

What efforts have been made to combat untouchability in India?

Various efforts have been made, including a hunger strike led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1932 and the Indian Parliament passing legislation in 1955 that outlawed untouchability.

What challenges do untouchables face in terms of employment?

Untouchables often face difficulties finding decent work, being limited to low-paying cleaning jobs in hotels and hospitals, despite government initiatives reserving jobs for them.

What role does education play in improving the status of untouchables?

Education is crucial for empowering untouchables; initiatives like the residential school set up by Keshev Koteshwar aim to teach children about equal rights and help them challenge feudal customs.

How has the younger generation of untouchables begun to change their community's status?

Younger untouchables are gaining confidence and questioning traditional beliefs, as demonstrated by individuals like Ganesh, who advocate for equality and participation in community rituals.

What specific actions has Keshev Koteshwar taken to support the untouchables?

Keshev Koteshwar has organized protests, staged hunger strikes, and raised funds to support education for untouchable children, working tirelessly to change societal attitudes.

What cultural practices still bind untouchables to their traditional roles?

Many older members of untouchable communities continue to adhere to traditional duties, such as leading processions for temple festivals, often out of fear of divine repercussions.

What significance does the participation of different castes in rituals hold?

The participation of both upper and lower castes in rituals, such as the buffalo procession, symbolizes a potential shift in societal attitudes and a step towards breaking down caste barriers.

What impact does societal perception have on untouchables' lives?

The entrenched societal perception of untouchables as inferior affects their self-esteem, opportunities for advancement, and overall quality of life, leading to a cycle of discrimination.