The Cry Of An Outcaste

In any attempt to understand the problem of Outcastes the basic aspects of (so-called) Hinduism are to be viewed with social realities. Hindu society as such does not exist. It is only a collection of castes. It has no founder. No ‘church’. Hinduism is neither a religion nor a way of life. There is no unified code. Hinduism cannot be defined. A Hindu cannot be fully described. Caste. is Hindu religion, Hinduism is caste. Caste cannot be detached from Hinduism. Outcastes did not find mention in the scriptures and were outside the four-fold divisions. Hence they were called ‘ Avarnas‘ and ‘Panchamas’. Practically Outcaste did not form the integral part of Hinduism at any time, says Dr. M. N. Srinivas. Among the various terms, “Outcastes” may probably be the most suitable one to call the ‘scheduled castes’. The relation between Hindus and Outcaste is that of shoes and foot. Also, the relationship between Outcastes and Hindus is only antagonistic in nature. Hindus do not tolerate even wearing of neat dress by Outcastes who are sub human in the Hindu view. Hindu scriptures are full of vulgar manifestation of crude feelings in the name of religion. Hindus alienated themselves from Outcastes. Christianity & Islam have played a positive role in protecting Outcastes. Christians and Muslims have failed to recognize the causes of Outcastes by recognizing ‘Hinduism’ as a religion. Most of the Christians and Muslims believe that caste can be abolished which is a gross error. Missionary religions must impress upon their religious members of other countries with the fact “Hinduism’ is caste. That will be a valuable help to the Outcastes. Outcastes cannot escape from caste and untouchability. There are Hindu religious leaders defending untouchability as their birth right. Hindu religion and gods have sanctioned untouchability. Hierarchy and exploitation are so deep-seated in India that they are accepted without challenge by the exploited. Hinduism lacks social value. Socialism and secularism are, the day dreams in India: The value of non-violence is meaningless for Hindus, The meagre employment and educational opportunities to Outcastes are the thorns in Hindu flesh. Outcastes are at the crossroad. But they must decide their future learning from the Gujarat Caste War and the Marathwada massacre of Untouchables. As long as Hinduism is there, untouchability will be there. Therefore, one of the best alternative is for them to disown Hinduism and get converted to other religions. There is no friend for Outcastes. They cannot call India their home although they are its original inhabitants. Who are the friends of the Out castes ? (1) Those who are not Hindus, (2) those who disown Hinduism and Hindu scriptures, (3) those who accept the fact that Hinduism is caste, (4) those who agree Outcastes are outside the Hindu order (non-Hindus). Such people shall be the friends & allies of Outcastes. They are disorganised and some of them try to get sanskritised. Most of the Outcaste leaders did not support Ambedkar in his fight with Gandhi. If we want to be liberated, we have to follow the teachings of Ambedkar. Read his books. Not merely worship his photo. Outcastes will have to seek a separate identity. Not as Hindus but like the tribals. We must fight for reservations in all spheres even after we embrace other religions a right given to tribals. The following are my conclusions : (1) We must seek separate identity outside Hinduism, (2) Outcastes must be treated as a distinct group for economic and social emancipation as in the case of tribals, (3) Outcastes can either remain as a distinct group or join some other missionary religions like Islam, Christianity or rational religion like Buddhism, (4) they must fight for proportional representation for educational and employment purpose (5) among the Outcastes, the disabled group like scavengers need weightage in reservations, (6) they must identify their friends and allies in their struggle for basic human rights, (7) they must secure support of international organisations for liberating India’s huge Outcastes and help them fight Hindu tyrannny, untouchability and establish socialism. (Summary of the paper read at the seminar for professors on “Scheduled Castes and Struggle for Justice” held by the United Theological College, Bangalore, on April 16-18, 82)