You are sonu , the school head boy, prepare a speech on the topic of caste discrimination
Answers
Caste discrimination is not something that has emerged post-colonially. It is a cultural and
social phenomenon that has been a part of the traditions of Hinduism for thousands of years,
dividing people into castes in a hierarchical order based on their descent. Since independence
Indian authorities has struggled to impede this type of discrimination with various means (and
minor results), while at the same time endorsing religious freedom in a much proclaimed
secular state. The efforts made by various governments, such as legislation changes, has been
proved drastically insufficient and caste based discrimination has moved from being a
religious tradition to becoming a human rights issue with international proportions.
With this paper I would like to present caste-based discrimination and how it is being
addressed by the authorities in contemporary India. I also want to look at how the western
states, in particular those of the European Union, are positioning themselves on the issue. It is
interesting that the western perception of India has changed from being that of an underdeveloped state throughout most of the second half of the last century, to becoming that of a
respected world power - all the while many of the internal characterises that usually defines
‘under-development’ remains intact in the country. The quiet position on the matter reveals a
strategy for EU to maintain a smooth relationship with India. Caste discrimination is not a
popular topic for discussion between the two, not even in the annual human rights-dialogue,
and the international concern is mainly built by NGOs with a shortfall of supportive stateplayers. Of course some high-end efforts have been made, for example by the European
Commission to shine light on the topic. It might be a matter of sovereignty, India and its
people has the right to self-determination, so the question is, when is it justified for one
democracy to point fingers and accuse another democracy of inadequate measures? There are
numerous examples of other major powers disliking foreign enquiries about human rights
(China for example); however, India is a peculiar case since it is defined to be a democracy. I
will devote a part of the paper to discuss this further.