Castes were originally meant for classification according to one’s occupation. It later became something exploitative as it divided people into upper and lower castes. Caste discrimination is a reality even today. The Constitution has failed to stop caste discrimination.
I strongly oppose the present concept of casteism. I have a simple question. The superior person always wants to remain superior. However, if a person deemed to be inferior wanted to upgrade, would there be any way to do so? If Brahmins still retain their dominant positions and Shudras continue to be considered ‘lower’ caste, how can equality exist? Why is a Hindu priest almost always a Brahmin? Why are there so many horrific crimes committed over inter-caste marriage? Why is there so much hatred? And why are people even considered ‘upper’ or ‘lower’ caste in today’s world?
If there is to be any caste system today, in my opinion, it should be based on financial capacities and standards of living. The government needs to provide a new concept which can establish equality and remove discriminations once and for all. These are some of the reasons behind why this needs to happen.
- Today’s technological world is not dependent on the ancient phenomenon. The Brahmins are not the only teachers and not all Shudras clean up drains. Some are Principals of reputed colleges as well.
- Not all high-class Brahmins are financially well-off and not every person from a lower caste background is starving due to poverty. Some of them are owners of big industries.
- There are hardly that many differences among the rituals practised by Brahmins and those practised by other castes. However, their financial condition affects their standard of living.
- Not all OBC/SC/ST category people require a reservation. Some of them do but all of them are not financially deprived. Similarly, the financially weak Brahmins should also be given a chance to use the reservation system and be granted scholarships.
- Many successful relationships have disappeared due to the injustice of the caste system.
Presently, many castes are demanding separate reservation (Jats, Patels, Marathas) thereby creating more difference in the society. Even today, the marriage of a ‘Bhattacharya’ girl with a ‘Das’ boy or vice-versa is unacceptable and leads to clashes. Whereas technology drives the world towards advancement, caste has always acted as its opposite. It created hatred and enmity and divided us into classes.
To fulfil my casteless dream, I have a role to play as an individual. I need to educate myself and the society. I pledge to stop dividing communities on the basis of caste. I think the needy should be the beneficiary of the reservation system. Those considered ‘untouchables’ should be touchable. The system needs to be reviewed. The structures and mentalities need to change. When I see my country happy, united, peaceful and truly equal, I would consider myself to be successful in the real sense of the word.