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Wednesday, July 23, 2025
TopicAnti-caste

Topic: Anti-caste

Bhakti to Babu Mangu Ram, where did anti-caste history go? Reduced to mere buzzwords

Political appropriation whitewashes the rich history and cultural complexities of anti-caste movements, manipulating them for vested agendas.

American Bar Association’s anti-caste resolution isn’t just progress but a revolution

ABA's Resolution 513 will support Dalits who have transitioned from the haunting memories of Khairlanji massacre to the hopeful corridors of rights advocacy in the West.

What dominant Hindus in US get wrong about Seattle caste ban

Seattle caste ban will apply to acts of discrimination. The American city won't be discussing or analysing religious texts and scriptures of Hindus.

Narayana Guru, the anti-caste social reformer who fought Brahmins for Ezhavas’ rights

In 1888, Narayana Guru irked Brahmins by consecrating a rock from Neyyar River as Lord Shiva for the Ezhavas. He consecrated many Shiva idols in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Saint Devasahayam’s anti-caste struggle angered Brahmins and Nairs, not his conversion

Devasahayam Pillai's new life became a cause of serious concern among high caste Hindus. They accused him of betrayal, and of insulting Brahmins and the royal throne.

Why Bengal and North India failed to produce any Phule, Ambedkar, Periyar

Almost all prominent social reformers and anti-caste leaders emerged in two geographical and administrative locations—Bombay and Madras presidencies—during British rule.

Bollywood has miles to go before it can produce Kaala, Asuran, Karnan or even a Jai Bhim

Tamil film industry used to be like any other Indian film Industry about a decade ago. But then it delved into anti-caste movies that even Hindi and Bengali new wave films didn't.

In JNU, works of Gail Omvedt and Dalit scholars are relegated to ‘underground’ networks

I joined JNU’s Centre for Historical Studies in 1995, and found that books and archival materials on Dalits and Adivasis were scarce. Keeping up the Brahminical caste status was a primary motive of these studies.

Gail Omvedt took caste to global audience that was fed only a Brahminical point of view

Gail Omvedt represents a generation of scholarship and activism that combined diverse ideologies to fight out caste-based oppression. She was a trusted friend of Bahujans.

There was more to Vira Sathidar than ‘Court’. He fought caste with theatre for 40 years

Vira Sathidar found prominence only in 2014 with the National Award-winning film 'Court'. But he leaves behind a rich legacy for the young generation of rights activists.

On Camera

Bihar mimics 19th-century American South. Citizenship is now weaponised to exclude voters

Disenfranchisement by institutional fiat is profoundly undemocratic. The effect of the ECI's new documentary process in Bihar will tilt the scales in favour of the BJP.

India-US set to ink mini trade deal soon, reach understanding on agricultural & dairy products

Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.

Not just AK-203, India & Russia to jointly manufacture AK-19 and PPK-20 for domestic use and export 

India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.

Strategic partner one day, tactical nightmare the next: India’s learning Trumplomacy the hard way

Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.