Caste Matters

by Suraj Yengde

Dalit Nationalism is also a space of congeniality and mutual respect. It is not a space that espouses ethno-centric nationalism. It is also not a geographically constricted spatiality. It is a consciousness of the highest standard based on the solid foundation of respect to everyone. Dignity and justice form the crux of Dalit Nationalism, which is a radical reimagination of selves in the topography of human virtues. Dalit Nationalism centres its attention on the lives of Dalits, the most vulnerable section of society, who need care and attention as the society mirrors the failure of collective humanity. By redrawing the lines of human-created boundaries, it breaks the axis of separation and encircles everyone who is willing to let go of their inhuman virtues. In it there is absence of hatred but a firm conviction to retort to the privilege-blind, entitled oppressor castes. It is not an appeal to the consciousness of the oppressor; it is a direct action of the oppressed.