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Unveiling Kerala’s ‘Black’ Reality

Kerala, often hailed as “God’s own country,” grapples with a persistent issue that tarnishes its cultural fabric: caste discrimination. Despite its claims of enlightenment and progressive values, the state continues to struggle with entrenched caste and colour biases, challenging its reputation as a modern and egalitarian society … writes Ashok Parameswar

The recent resurgence of caste-related incidents has reignited debates about Kerala’s societal norms and values. These incidents serve as stark reminders that the battle against discrimination is far from over, even in a state known for its leftist legacy and intellectual prowess.

At the heart of this issue lies the dichotomy between Kerala’s perceived progressiveness and the harsh realities faced by many of its inhabitants. Discrimination based on caste, religion, and colour remains deeply ingrained in the social fabric, casting a shadow over the state’s reputation as a beacon of equality.

In recent times, Kerala has witnessed a surge in caste and race-based animosity, with several incidents unfolding amidst election campaigns and cultural events. Despite its historical resistance to caste discrimination, Kerala continues to grapple with systemic inequalities that undermine its claims of being a progressive society.

Pic credits-Screen grab(Facebook)

Even within the realms of art and culture, discrimination persists. Notable figures like Kalamandalam Sathyabhama Jr., a seasoned Mohiniyattam dancer, have faced backlash for their controversial remarks regarding individuals with darker skin tones. Sathyabhama’s comments sparked outrage within Kerala’s public sphere, shedding light on the pervasive nature of discrimination within artistic circles.

Similarly, popular singer Jassie Gift found himself at the centre of controversy when his performance at St. Peter’s College was interrupted by the college principal, Binuja Joseph. The incident, captured on video and circulated widely on social media, raised questions about discrimination within educational institutions and broader societal norms.

These incidents serve as poignant reminders that discrimination knows no bounds, permeating every facet of Kerala’s society. Despite its left-leaning ideology and claims of progressiveness, Kerala continues to grapple with deep-rooted biases that hinder its path towards true equality and inclusivity.

Even political figures have not been immune to caste-based discrimination. Kerala’s Devaswom Minister, K. Radhakrishnan, recently recounted an experience of facing disrespect at a temple ceremony in Kannur. The incident, where the chief priest hesitated to hand over a ceremonial lamp, underscored the persistence of caste and religious discrimination in societal institutions.

Radhakrishnan’s experience garnered widespread criticism and sparked public outrage, prompting calls for systemic reforms to address entrenched biases. Despite advancements like the Chandrayaan mission to the Moon, Kerala remains mired in the ‘Dark’ memories of discrimination that continue to plague its society.

As Kerala grapples with these challenges, it becomes increasingly evident that meaningful change requires collective introspection and decisive action. The state must confront its past and present biases head-on, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all its inhabitants.

In conclusion, Kerala’s struggle with caste discrimination serves as a sobering reminder of the complex realities that lie beneath its veneer of progressiveness. As the state navigates its path forward, it must confront these issues with courage and determination, striving towards a future where equality and justice prevail for all.

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Categories
-Top News USA

California bans caste discrimination

Many of them fear that codifying caste in public policy will further fuel instances of Hinduphobia in the US…reports Asian Lite News

The California state Senate passed by 34-1 vote a bill that would make discrimination on the basis of caste illegal in the state.

California would become the first state to protect caste if the state Assembly passes the bill and Governor Gavin Newsom signs it into law.

Introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab in March, SB 403 adds caste as a protected category to an existing law, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which provides that all people in the state of California are entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments.

The development comes just weeks after the California Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed SB 403 in April.

It also follows the Seattle City Council’s historic legislation banning caste discrimination earlier this year. The resolution moved by Indian-American Kshama Sawant was approved by the Seattle City Council by six to one vote.

Wahab, the first Afghan American and Muslim elected to the California state senate, represents the 10th District — home to a diverse Asian population.

While introducing the Bill, she had said that caste-based prejudices exist in the US, and expanding the understanding of discrimination is necessary given the growing diversity in the country.

In California, caste discrimination occurs across industries, including technology, education, construction, restaurants, domestic work, and medicine, according to civil rights organisation Equality Labs, one of the proponents of the bill.

“On behalf of all Dalit Californians and caste-oppressed people around the world, we are ecstatic that the California Senate has passed SB403 off the Senate floor,” Thenmozhi Soundararajan, a Dalit activist and the founder of the caste equity organisation Equality Labs, wrote in a tweet.

“This is a win rooted in years of Dalit feminist organising, and we are just getting started in making the state safe for our entire caste-oppressed community. We know that we have a long journey ahead of us with this bill, but we have made history with this vote and are proud to look forward to working with the California Assembly on this historic bill!” Soundararajan

A lot of Hindu groups in the US have expressed strong opposition to SB 403, which would specifically add “caste” to California non-discrimination policy.

Many of them fear that codifying caste in public policy will further fuel instances of Hinduphobia in the US.

“SB 403 unfairly maligns, targets and racially profiles select communities on the basis of their national origin, ethnicity and ancestry for disparate treatment, thereby violating the very laws it seeks to amend, the Unruh Civil Rights Act. It further violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the US and California State Constitutions,” The Hindu American Foundation had said in a statement.

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