The responsibility for dismantling casteism lies with the upper castes. The irony of a caste being okay with being categorised as “upper” just via the virtue of incidental birth is beyond comprehension and lacks humanity.
Acknowledge your privilege. Accept it. Speak less; listen more. Extend support to those who were denied the same opportunities.
Brahmanism and humanity are fundamentally incompatible. You cannot genuinely uphold human dignity while clinging to a system rooted in exclusion and hierarchy.
When a dominant group consistently marginalizes another, the latter often turns inward, becoming more rigid and orthodox. This fuels deeper resentment. Such dynamics are at the heart of why countries that enshrine a single religion in their constitution or governance inevitably face profound social, cultural, and political crises.
In the post–World War II era, the systematic alienation of Islamic nations by imperialist powers and Axis forces set off a chain reaction—one that has deeply strained international relations and intensified religious orthodoxy. It’s a tragic and ironic outcome, one that continues to affect global humanity.
India stands as a beacon of pluralism, guided by a beautifully crafted constitution. It must be protected.
History shows that economic crises are often preceded by periods of religious majoritarianism. These phases create a national mood of despair, anger, and confusion—conditions that suppress innovation and obstruct meaningful progress.
India is currently undergoing a moral, creative, and ethical erosion. When hatred arises between a dominant and a marginalized group, it’s essential to recognize the difference: the former often clings to the status quo out of fear of losing power, while the latter grieves the pain of being hated. That grief is not weakness—it’s a profound and human response to systemic exclusion.
In the United States, the historical oppression of Black communities by white Christian majorities led many to seek dignity through Islam, which they saw as connected to their African roots.
In India, Dalit and tribal communities, after enduring centuries of exclusion, found hope in Buddhism and Christianity—movements led and inspired by social visionaries like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Upper-caste Hindus who object to this shift, often citing financial or political concerns, fundamentally misunderstand the injustice they themselves helped perpetuate.
Many northeastern tribal groups embraced Christianity because it was the first religious text to reach them. Each community has a history, and the only way to truly understand it is by listening—without judgment.
To foster change, we must begin with dialogue. Ground-level workers must be deeply familiar with these ideas and encouraged to engage others in conversations. Faith, at its core, is a personal and deeply human emotion—it has no place alongside hate.
This vision of honest dialogue and mutual respect is the foundation of the revolution our country needs—for true growth, lasting development, and enduring peace.
Himanshu Chakravarty Sharma / मंच 