Eminent sociologist Imtiaz Ahmad, who wrote extensively on caste among Muslims in India, has died. His book 'Caste and Social Stratification among Muslims in India' is a pioneering work. #Academia#Caste
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is BJP's prominent Brahmin leader, tweeted on Monday that serving the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas is the duty of the Shudras, citing a verse in Bhagavad Gita. Brahmin pandits have historically slotted all agrarian castes and below as Shudras. #caste
After posting publicly on #SocialMedia since 2007, today I reached a milestone: a rando on the internet asserted that I was a #Dalit (i.e. “an untouchable” of the #Hindu#caste system).
"Dalit Dreamlands: Towards an Anti-Caste Future - a landmark multimedia Dalit art exhibition and dance party that will bring together over 30 multiply marginalized artists from Dalit*, Adivasi*, Bahujan*, Afro-Indian, Indo-Fijiian, Indo-Caribbean, and Muslim communities to showcase the depths of creativity and community."
Dalit boy in Tamil Nadu attacked by students in another caste atrocity incident
Hari Prasad, a student of Government High School in Kalugumalai, was subjected to casteist harassment at school when he tried to defuse a fight between two students and was later attacked by a gang in his hometown.
‘Virtual lynching’: Scholars issue statement supporting Yashica Dutt in Made In Heaven row
Signed by over 400 people, the statement called for giving Yashica Dutt due credit for her likeness being used in one of the episodes in Made in Heaven, directed by Dalit filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan.
Challenging this agenda will mean condemning efforts to brand anti-Hindutva as discriminatory and compassion for Hindus who face religious marginalisation.
Last boost (courtesy of @kavana) reminded me of this book which I just finished. Written during the pandemic, it's a humorous but not unserious tale of a woman who takes inspiration from the true story of Phulan Devi, the Dalit girl who went from exploited victim of abuse to vengeful goddess to politician within a few short decades. Definitely recommend.
My second book giveaway of February. The winner, drawn at random from social media “likes” to this post and other posts across numerous social media platforms, will be announced on Saturday (Feb 10). Good luck! #book#books#caste#origin#originmovie#Mastodon#BlackMastodon🖤🙏🏿
Online caste pride pages in Tamil Nadu and the influence they exert in real life
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, are home to multiple pages that profess caste pride. While most of these have thousands of followers, how much influence do they exert in real life?
Protection of the Rapist and the Molester in Neoliberal India
Why does there continue to be a disconnect between sexual assault and punishment of the perpetrator in India? We must recognise the potent nexus of political power, caste superiority, and muscle power that shields sexual offenders in our society. Ranjana Padhi writes.
State benefits doled on caste lines are also leading to ‘caste ferocity’ in society: Madras High Court
Justice Anita Sumanth, in her observations in the case relating to the Sanatana Dharma row, said the ancient Varna Dharma propounded caste divisions only on the basis of avocation and not birth; she emphasised that caste inequities that exist today must be eradicated.
As Rahul Gandhi asks Bahujans what is their share in power, he is speaking more and more like Kanshiram. This is a triumph of the anti-caste movement and the narrative it has created.
Ambedkarite activists have long been saying that Hindu nationalism can only be undercut by talking about caste inequalities. Gandhi seems to be following that precept. #India#caste
If you read this book, you will see the underlying power structure everywhere you go. You will also see why the hard right wing conservatives are working long and hard to undermine every bit of the rights that have been hard won for immigrants, POC and women over our lifetimes. Did I mention I recommend this book. The world could be a better place if more people read it and became aware of and changed this caste system in America.
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson: 9780593230275 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
A Dalit feminist reflects on how different causes (from Dalit to Palestinian) are deeply intertwined due to resistance against targeted, systemic, & intergenerational oppression.
" Transformational solidarity is .. the quiet, consistent work of education, of unlearning centuries-old prejudices. Most critically, it is relearning history from the perspectives of those who systematically continue to be silenced and erased. "
Caste Matters : a Brahmin member from the ruling party, BJP, urinated on a tribal youth. (www.youtube.com)
Caste violence and inhumanity continues in Madhya Pradesh, India.