Dear readers, if you carefully read once again the words written in the headline of this article, you will realise that their underlying sentiment and essence represent a fundamental principle of Sanatan culture.
Unfortunately, over time, this principle has become distorted and misunderstood in both interpretation and practice. In the Western world, social divisions are often shaped by class, determined by factors such as income, education and place of residence. In India, however, undue importance continues to be placed on caste and community.
The damaging effects of caste and community-based disputes, divisions and tensions are clearly visible across the country. We must recognise these warning signs and act before it is too late. Unless every section of the community, from the younger generation and parents to elders and community leaders, develops a fair and inclusive outlook, such divisions could seriously threaten the unity and stability of our community.
For the past week, a strange kind of unrest has gripped the town of Middlesbrough in England. Middlesbrough is a district in north-west England. Five young men from the area were driving recklessly at high speed. They drove dangerously on the wrong side of the road and caused a horrific accident. Two police officers were killed, along with all five young men travelling in the car.
The accident, which claimed seven lives, was a deeply tragic loss. Yet the violence that followed made the situation even more disturbing and dangerous. Groups of young people gathered in the area, and the unrest escalated to such an extent that 200 armed police officers had to be deployed to restore order and protect the public. Rather than allowing the community to grieve peacefully, the incident triggered further tension, fear and division. This may be only one example, but it shows how quickly anger and social unrest can spiral into violence, with serious consequences for the entire community.
In America and other countries too, such perceived divisions arise because of class or caste. Whether the division is caused by class or caste, division ultimately remains division and its consequences are inevitably destructive.
Fortunately, in India and among Indian communities across the world, a more balanced understanding of caste and community has gradually developed. Nevertheless, people are still sometimes judged by their surname, subgroup, family name, village, caste or community and labelled as belonging to a supposedly “high” or “low” caste. Such distinctions have existed since ancient times. Although attitudes have improved considerably over the years, these divisions continue to persist in many rural parts of India, where some outdated beliefs, customs and social prejudices are still followed.
Those belonging to a so-called ‘higher caste’ may feel proud of their status, but has anyone considered the humiliation experienced by those labelled as belonging to a so-called ‘lower caste’, or the deep pain caused by such discrimination? After all, no one chooses the caste into which they are born.
How the caste system evolved
Over time, we have also failed to understand how the caste system originally evolved. Farmers cultivated the land, while carpenters, goldsmiths, cobblers, potters and blacksmiths possessed different forms of specialised skill.
Those who worked with metal or wood were known as ‘Vishwakarma’, while those who shaped clay were called Prajapati. Those engaged in trade were known as ‘Vaishya’, and those responsible for protection were called ‘Kshatriya’. There is considerable confusion within our community about the meaning of ‘Shudra’. The term is traditionally associated with Shramik or Shramjivi, those who earn their livelihood through labour and work and should not be narrowly interpreted as referring only to people engaged in cleaning or waste collection. Rather, it referred to those who, for various reasons, lacked education or specialised professional skills and were therefore compelled to undertake casual or manual work. Such individuals might also be described as landless labourers.
In this context, the time has come to abandon outdated and irrational attitudes, particularly within the Indian community. It would be wise to reject the false interpretations prevalent in India and elsewhere, as well as the misconceptions that have become deeply ingrained in people’s minds.
The reservation system was introduced to support the upliftment of historically disadvantaged communities and safeguard their rights, providing them with equal opportunities. It has helped widen access to education, government employment and respected professions, enabling individuals from marginalised backgrounds to become doctors, IAS and IPS officers, and leaders in many other fields.
A powerful example is the Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, who was born into a Santhal tribal family in Uparbeda, a remote village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. Her early life was marked by hardship, perseverance and the strong values instilled by her family. Despite social and financial challenges, she became the first girl from her village to attend college. Her remarkable journey, from a remote tribal village to becoming the 15th President of India, is a profound source of inspiration and shows what can be achieved when determination is supported by opportunity and inclusion. There are lot such examples.
Dr B R Ambedkar, born into a socially disadvantaged community, overcame discrimination with the support of educational scholarships. He pursued higher studies abroad and became a leading advocate for equality, India’s first Law Minister and Chairman of the Constitution’s Drafting Committee. His journey shows how education and opportunity can transform both an individual and a nation.
Changing outlook helps
When we change our outlook, the world around us begins to change as well. Most importantly, our attitude towards deprived, marginalised and neglected sections of society becomes more compassionate and inclusive. Without this change, the timeless values of Sanatan culture may gradually lose their meaning.
This is not merely a noble phrase; it is a principle that should guide our thoughts and actions.
God blessed each of us with human life without making distinctions. Who, then, are we to divide people in the name of caste or community?
People may differ in complexion, appearance and physical build because they come from different regions and climates. Yet, ultimately, every human being is equal. There is no question of high or low; what truly matters is our humanity.
If we embrace this understanding and treat everyone with dignity and respect, the spirit of equality, unity and brotherhood will naturally grow.
Reservation debate resurfaces
Recently, the issue of reservation has once again sparked debate across India. While some groups have taken to the streets in opposition, others have strongly defended the policy and highlighted its continued importance.
Those who oppose the reservation system argue that deserving candidates are sometimes denied admission to leading educational institutions or opportunities for good jobs, despite achieving higher marks or possessing stronger qualifications. They also point out that some financially secure individuals continue to benefit from reservation solely because they belong to an eligible category, while genuinely disadvantaged people may still be left behind.
On the other hand, many people genuinely need the support provided through reservation to improve their education, employment prospects and standard of living. For them, it can offer a vital opportunity to overcome long-standing disadvantages, uplift their families and contribute to the wider progress of their communities.
Rather than viewing reservation simply as something to support or oppose, we must examine it fairly and in the context of present-day realities. The discussion should not be driven solely by political statements or electoral interests, but by the genuine needs of society.
Social reformers, sociologists and economists have long explained the importance of uplifting disadvantaged communities. When Mahatma Gandhi began his campaign against untouchability from Sabarmati Ashram, his central aim was to restore dignity and create opportunities for those who had been marginalised.
This principle later shaped special provisions intended to improve access to education and employment and raise living standards. Such support remains important because, without meaningful opportunities, those already disadvantaged may continue to fall further behind.
There can be no doubt that the objectives of great social reformers from our history such as Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B R Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule and Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj were noble. They worked in different ways to promote equality, education, dignity and the holistic development of disadvantaged communities. Community must make special provisions for the holistic development of disadvantaged communities.
True development is inclusive
But what have our politicians done? To preserve or strengthen their respective vote banks, they continued adding different communities to the reservation system.
Over the years, the situation has reached a point where, on average, around 60 percent of places are reserved for various communities in most Indian states. In some states, a further 5 to 10 percent is reserved under additional provisions.
As the number of communities covered by reservation has expanded, some people in the general category feel that they are being denied fair opportunities.
There is no doubt that reservation has an important role in uplifting deprived and marginalised sections of society. However, the system must ensure that its benefits reach those who genuinely need them.
Those facing financial hardship, regardless of their caste or community, deserve support in improving their circumstances. It is therefore time to review the present approach and develop a fairer, more balanced system that considers both social and economic disadvantage.
India is making remarkable economic progress, but true development must be inclusive. Its benefits and opportunities should reach every section of the community, leaving no one behind.