Who Are the Dalits?

Click on the image above to learn about our New Campaign!

When people hear the phrase “caste system,” they often think of what they believe to be now defunct practices of economic, social, ethnic, and religious hierarchy or discrimination among extinct civilizations. What most do not realize is that there are still millions who continue to suffer under the caste system today. 

The most troubling form of the caste system is practiced in the world’s largest democracy and the second most populated country, India, with over 160 million people known as the Dalits. The Dalits are denied equal access to education, financial resources, places of worship, and housing among other rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution because of their caste. So, who exactly are the Dalits? 

It wasn't long ago that the Dalits used to be labeled as the “lowest caste” in India and across South Asia. Worse still they were stigmatized as “untouchables”. The word “Dalit” means “oppressed.” These individuals are not only excluded but also placed at the bottom of the Hindu caste hierarchy and are viewed by some as tainted. 

Excluded from social equality for centuries, in some places, even today, they are not allowed to draw water from the same well as the so-called“ upper castes,” who treat them as chattel and as cheap manual labor. Throughout history, they have been regularly targeted, oppressed, and attacked. 

The fate for girls and women can be worse. In many cases, they are raped and even killed with impunity and the police, controlled by the “upper castes,” do not register cases. Though less frequently, this abhorrent practice still happens today and shows up in media headlines. 

One of India’s shining stars, an economist, professor, and lawyer, Bhimrao Ambedkar came from the Dalit community. Equipped with doctorates in economics from both Cornell University and the London School of Economics, he became the chief architect of India’s Constitution.

In addition to championing India’s freedom from colonial British rule, Ambedkar also advocated for the rights of the Dalits, bringing significant social advancement to the Dalit community. He was a strong proponent for transformation and empowerment by education, and this is reflected in the Indian Constitution which guarantees equality to all Indians regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, caste, or other differences. 

At Tiyara, we seek to provide educational opportunities that will make life-changing differences for under-resourced young women and men in India, equipping them to pursue professional and skilled employment. Some of these young women and men have had their lives changed by crime, others’ families are constantly struggling to get by, and some are from indigenous populations that are often discriminated against. You can help make a difference by providing technology for our students, other education-related costs, or by putting a deserving young person through college!