It is disturbing that untouchable and educational inequality remains, Siddaramaiah said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stressed the ongoing caste discrimination and educational inequality in society, saying on Saturday that untouchable sex remains a grim reality in modern India, and letters and spiritual equality remain a phantom for many communities.

Speaking in a conversation held by Kuruba Cultural Commission, Sridevi Educational Institution, Praja Pragathi and others, the Chief Minister said that, as envisioned in the Constitution, the dream of a casteless and humane society continues to be denied by many. “Even today, untouchable capabilities still exist, equal educational opportunities are still not a reality. It is disturbing,” said Mr Siddaramaiah.

A narrative of inequality

In establishing the hierarchy in many ways, he warned that he believed the narrative was designed to reduce the personality of certain “upper castes” while also reducing the intellectual capacity of people from marginalized communities. He cited the example of great writers like Kalidas, who was portrayed as a person with low knowledge, but became a poet due to the blessing of the goddess or Valmici, who is believed to be considered a robber.

Now, people who have education from backward communities should focus on documenting their experiences and work to improve others, he said. Mr. Siddaramaiah stressed the need for rational thinking, scientific inquiries and empirical evidence to deal with caste oppression.

“Early, those who tried to learn Sanskrit or get education were punished by their ears. But today, we can get education. Record your experience. Talent is not a monopoly of any group of people.”