Satyamev Jayate – Down With Casteism

By Fenil Seta -

July 9, 2012 - 10:22 AM IST

In the tenth episode of Aamir Khan's TV show 'Satyamev Jayate', Stalin K Padma makes a very valid point. The documentary filmmaker said that those who claim that they are unaware of their caste definitely belong to a high caste as it's impossible that a low cast person will not be aware of his caste identity!

Even after 65 years of independence, we are still riddled with caste-related problems - surely a matter of shame. Yet again, the makers of 'Satyamev Jayate' chose a topic which has been talked, debated, argued, fought and discussed about countless number of times. But the approach was drastically different and no political angle was brought into the picture. The first guest, Dr Kaushal Panwar, spoke about the horrors she faced in her childhood because of her identity and the wise words of her father that in a way led her way to the pinnacle of success. Stalin exhibited clippings from his documentary that also highlighted how this problem has a pan-India influence. Moreover, if we feel that it's prevalent only in Hindus, then we are so wrong! It unfortunately exists in all religions! His documentary was smartly used in giving a thorough explanation of casteism and how it affects people on a day-to-day basis. Stalin, besides the aforementioned point, came up with many more noteworthy facts, one of them being that we should accept that problems associated with casteism exist and only then can we find a solution to it.

Satyamev Jayate – Down With Casteism

Aamir then invited two guests who were born low castes but fought against the wrongdoings. Rampal Suwasiya, from low caste, from Rajasthan bravely got a 'ghodi' for his son-in-law on the day of his marriage which was a privilege enjoyed only by the upper castes. Moreover, the local police officer too provided all the help which came as a pleasant surprise since he too belonged to a higher caste! Hats off! Then Bezwada Wilson highlighted the inhuman and humiliating practice of manual scavenging that exists widely in India till date. What's more, even after a law was passed against it, the Government of India doesn't pay heed and insread employs scavengers to clean the excreta from the railway tracks! Needless to say, all scavengers are members of lower castes! Although all guests did leave a mark, Justice (Retd) C S Dharmadhikari stood out! He made the situation light with his thoughts and so impressed were the audiences that they gave him a standing ovation - the first in these ten episodes!

There are crores of people who suffer discrimination, untouchability and humiliation because they happened to be born in a lower caste. I am fortunate that I am staying in a city like Mumbai where these discriminations do exist but on a very low level. Let's be mature and practical and strive to put an end to this illogical and regressive practice! Let's make India a better place to live!

Watch the video: Satyamev Jayate: Untouchability - Dignity For All (Episode 10)