Reply to Scott in SF

Submitted by Vijay (United States), Dec 27, 2006 at 11:53

Scott must have used a time machine to travel to the India of the 1800's to make strong statements like "extreme and pervasive stigma of Dalit status" and "Dalits still suffer extreme discrimination". Neither of it has any semblance of reality. The country has gone through a very painful and difficult transition of removing economic and social horrors of the caste system (just like the change in race relations in America) to an extent it is almost irrelevant in fast growing and vibrant economy/democracy.

As as a 28 year old who was part of the generation that grew up in the post modern version of the country, I never once saw any kind of caste based discrimination. The so called "lower castes" dominate all levels of administration, have over-representation in government jobs, and have more opportunities for social mobility then anyone else.

Even more of a reflection of his ignorance is the conversion of "Dalits to Islam" statement. Almost all conversion away from the lower castes is towards Christianity and Buddhism, Dalit conversion to Islam is practically unheard off in India. So 'Mr.Scot in SF', needs to get out of his shell and spend time learning about the contemporary situation in India.

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