Iniyavan M & Lalitha M “Those responsible for implementing the policy of Reservation must undoubtedly understand that “Reservation is neither a policy matter, a political gimmick nor a matter of Charity. It is a Constitutional Obligation” – Dr B. R Ambedkar In the line of policies aimed at systematic and sustained remoulding of the reservation policy …
Trading pearls for sand: BJP and the Panchamasali reservation struggle
Trading pearls for sand[i]: BJP and the Panchamasali reservation struggle ಛಲಬೇಕುಶರಣಂಗೆ, ಪರಧನವನೊಲ್ಲೆನೆಂಬ;ಛಲಬೇಕುಶರಣಂಗೆ, ಪರಸತಿಯನೊಲ್ಲೆನೆಂಬ;ಛಲಬೇಕುಶರಣಂಗೆ, ಪರದೈವವನೊಲ್ಲೆನೆಂಬ;ಛಲಬೇಕುಶರಣಂಗೆ, ಲಿಂಗಜಂಗಮಒಂದೇಎಂಬ;ಛಲಬೇಕುಶರಣಂಗೆ, ಪ್ರಸಾದದಿಟವೆಂಬ;ಛಲವಿಲ್ಲದವರಮೆಚ್ಚನಮ್ಮಕೂಡಲಸಂಗಮದೇವ. Fortitude is needed for the Sharana (devotee) to declare: “I don’t want another’s wealth” Fortitude is needed for the Sharana to declare: “I don’t desire another’s wife” Fortitude is needed for the Sharana to declare: “I will not believe …
Reservation is not a Poverty Alleviation Program but a Weapon for Social Justice
Vikas Parasram Meshram Much has been written on the split decision of the Constitution Bench of the Hon’ble Supreme Court upholding reservation for economically weaker sections; therefore, it is unnecessary to repeat it. Only one point needs to be highlighted: there was no disagreement in the constitution bench of the Hon’ble Supreme Court regarding economic …
India: Where social discrimination persists despite 75 years of independence
A Rajeshbabu On 15 August 1947, India got independence from British rule. People hoped to lead a respectful life free from all kinds of discrimination, unlike under British imperialism. However, the oppressed people were in despair because they felt that the oppressors had only changed their form. The Constituent Assembly drafted the constitution and provided …
Caste based structural exclusion in Azim Premji University
Ankush Uttam Helode When I hear these two words—‘Mother and Father’—it pains me a lot. This is drawn from my personal experience: my mother was so determined to pursue education when she was young, but couldn’t get one owing to her parent’s socio-economic status which made her cry many times. When I asked her what …
Savarna Subversion of Reservation
Bobby Kunhu I was approached on behalf of a Dalit woman friend who is planning to contest the upcoming local body elections in Tamil Nadu from a general constituency and was being misled that a) a reserved category person cannot contest from a general constituency and b) that if she does contest from a general …
The myth called medical fraternity
Prashik It is perhaps known to every liberal (if they have at least basic understanding) that our constitution enshrines three values which it holds essential for human progress. They are as propounded by Dr Ambedkar: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. If you are a medico, you have probably seen the term fraternity thrown around a lot …
Judicial Subversion of Affirmative Action Jurisprudence
Bobby Kunhu “Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment. It has to be cultivated. We must realise that our people have yet to learn it. Democracy in India is only a top-dressing on an Indian soil which is essentially undemocratic.” ~ Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Annihilation of Caste The jurisprudence around reservations and affirmative action …
Open Letter to casteist Telangana MLA Dharma Reddy from a Swaero
Vara Lakshmi Swaero ToMr. Challa Dharma Reddy, Honorable MLA, Parkal, Telangana, Re: Rebutting your recent public statement on ‘upper castes’ not securing jobs while “others” without merit were getting positions through reservations Dear Sir, As a citizen of India and a resident of Telangana, I am writing to express my extreme opposition to your recent remarks …