BALA PANCHANATHAN Caste is an unwritten compendium of rigid social structures that includes a network of hierarchies, segmentation and segregation (Ghurye 1969 in Bharathi et al 2019). It is beyond a social evil in India— it is a state of mind and a way of life. Spatial segregation and discrimination have been basic aspects of…
Tag: social issues
Digesting Caste: Caste on my Plate
The second of a two-part article, this piece explores how food based caste-discrimination manifests itself within the structure of official State food security policies.
Digesting Caste: Graded Inequality in Food Habits
Caste based discrimination assumes varying forms and shapes, with discrimination embedded into food and food habits being particularly worrisome. This article explores the historical and cultural context from which this issue arises.
Domestic Violence during the Pandemic: Role of Technology
Divyanshi Shrivastava writes about the role of technology in helping victims of domestic abuse escape the frightening confines of their house and seek help. With past efforts having failed as is, and greater isolation through imposition of lockdowns, nations must situate women and girls at the centre of their COVID-19 response strategy.
Panchami Land: Where Social Justice Stays Buried
Tamil Nadu was first witness to land reforms in favour of dalits towards the end of 19th century when the British government came out with orders for Panchami Land. Thereafter, land reforms have been carried out in favour of Dalits in independent India as well. Despite these measures, why has this marginalised community continued to remain overwhelmingly landless? A product of over a month spent on field in Tamil Nadu, this piece by Mathur systematically untangles the foregoing question by comprehensively problemitising the situation of Panchami land.