In a gesture of apology and remorse, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan washed the feet of Dasmat Rawat, a tribal man on whom Bharatiya Janata Party worker Pravesh Shukla, a Brahmin, urinated in the Sidhi district.
Shukla was arrested and booked under the National Security Act and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. The incident, captured in a viral video, has sparked a political controversy in Madhya Pradesh and across India.
This reminds us of an event that took place during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in February 2019. He washed the feet of five manual scavengers, including two women workers, expressed gratitude for their dedicated work in keeping the Kumbh clean, and referred to them as “the real karma yogis”.
While these two events may appear similar, there is a notable difference. Chouhan’s act carries a more natural and impactful tone, providing solace to a traumatised and distressed individual. It reflects the broader concept of empathy and shared sorrow, which is an essential aspect of nation-building.
Furthermore, such acts of empathy have the potential to create a ripple effect within society. When leaders at the highest levels of government demonstrate compassion and acknowledge the struggles faced by marginalised communities, they foster a sense of inclusivity and solidarity. It sends a powerful message that no individual or community should be overlooked or marginalised.
By challenging the existing social power structure in a subtle yet significant way, these acts serve as catalysts for change. They encourage a reevaluation of societal norms and biases, prompting individuals and institutions to reflect on their own actions and responsibilities. This can lead to a collective effort to dismantle systemic inequalities and work toward a more equitable society.
And these gestures aren’t mere theatrics but rather symbolic, holding immense transformative potential.
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The phenomenon of impunity
It is crucial to go beyond the immediate outrage over the incident and shed light on the aspect of impunity in this case. I explore it not only in its manifestation through deviant behaviour of individuals but also as a social phenomenon. The disproportionate representation of the privileged caste in media (where 49 per cent of top positions are held by Brahmins), administration, and the judiciary leads the youth from this community to foster a sense of complacency and believe that they can commit crimes without facing repercussions. It is high time we acknowledge and challenge this troubling phenomenon.
In India, caste-based privilege is an unfortunate reality. Certain castes enjoy entrenched advantages, holding sway over crucial aspects of society. The disproportionately strong presence of a privileged caste in power institutions perpetuates a cycle of systemic inequality. When individuals from a privileged caste believe they are immune to the consequences of their actions, it undermines the foundations of the criminal justice system and equality. Shukla’s atrocious act is a stark reminder of this complacency, as he committed a degrading act against a tribal man without fear of retribution. He wasn’t even bothered that someone was filming him.
The effects of unchecked privilege extend beyond individual actions. When a privileged caste enjoys undue influence, it not only suppresses the voices and rights of marginalised communities but also impedes progress toward a more inclusive and harmonious society. The disparity in representation exacerbates social tensions and erodes trust, hindering efforts to build a truly equitable nation. It is alarming that the victim in this case was not even ready to file a police complaint, as if knowing that he will not get justice.
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The changing face of the villain
In Bollywood, portraying a Thakur or a hereditary warrior caste individual as the villain has long been the norm. An article in TFIPOST lists the Hindi films where Thakur characters are portrayed as villains — Bhagwat Chaudhary from Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985), Thakur AM Singh from Dance Dance (1987), and Thakur Bhupendra Singh from Aaj Ka Arjun (1990) are depicted as lechers, rapists, and murderers. Barrister Indrajit Chadha from Ghayaal (1993), too, is described as a lecher and charlatan, Thakur Durjan Singh from Karan Arjun (1995) as a murderer, and Brigadier Rudra Pratap Singh from Shaurya (2008) as a tyrant.
Such portrayals, while often reflecting certain historical archetypes, do not accurately represent the complex social realities in India, where power dynamics are shaped by a multitude of factors. It is essential to move beyond stereotypes and delve into the nuances of social dynamics to understand the contemporary power structures and the interplay between different castes and communities.
Social realities have evolved significantly over the years. Due to the decline in their representation within the system and the fall in the rural sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP, Thakurs have lost their clout and muscle power. In this shifting landscape, the space has been largely occupied by another influential group — the Brahmins. That explains the rise and rise of gangsters like Sriprakash Shukla and Vikas Dubey in North India.
As socioeconomic dynamics transformed, the influence and power dynamics within Indian society underwent changes as well. Urban spaces, where new influential groups have gained prominence, became the new power centres. The dominance of Brahmins in key sectors such as media, administration, and the judiciary has contributed to their growing influence. They have also translated some of this social capital into financial capital and ventured into various businesses.
This changing reality is also reflected in various sectors of the economy, such as real estate, government contracts, and mining. As power dynamics continue to evolve, economic prowess, political connections, and bureaucratic influence have become key determinants of success.
In the business world, the ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks, secure funding, and establish strong networks has become paramount. While muscle power may have once held sway in these sectors, it is increasingly being overshadowed by the growing importance of financial acumen, legal expertise, and political affiliations. Similarly, in the mining industry, adherence to environmental regulations, technological advancements, and corporate strategies are now crucial factors for success.
Dilip Mandal is the former managing editor of India Today Hindi Magazine, and has authored books on media and sociology. He tweets @Profdilipmandal. Views are personal.
(Edited by Humra Laeeq)