In 1998, as a student at the Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, I co-directed and produced (along with two of my classmates) a documentary titled Yathartha as part of our final video project. The film was an attempt to present a stark examination of casteism, a deeply rooted issue in Indian society. Focusing on the lived experiences of three university students from New Delhi, Yathartha brought to light the harsh realities of caste-based discrimination within reputed academic institutions. Over two decades later, the themes addressed in the film remain disturbingly relevant, not only in India but also among Indian diaspora communities worldwide.
The Making of Yathartha and Its Central Themes
Yathartha tells the stories of three university students—Ratan Lal, Madan Lal Kalkal, and Prashant Sharma—whose perspectives on caste and casteism provide a revealing cross-section of Indian society. The documentary captures the struggles faced by Dalit students like Ratan Lal from Delhi University and Madan Lal Kalkal from Jamia Millia Islamia, who are subjected to caste-based discrimination within their academic environments. Through their personal accounts, the film portrays how caste prejudice affects their daily lives, education, and mental health. They speak about the social injustices they face, the systemic exclusion, and the deep-seated biases that continue to impede their growth.
In contrast, Prashant Sharma offers a different viewpoint, representing the mindset that supports the caste system. He argues that Dalits should know their "place" in society and should not aim to be like the upper castes. While his views are discriminatory, his willingness to express them openly reflects the persistence of casteist attitudes in modern Indian society. Yathartha sought to confront audiences with these unsettling truths, encouraging them to consider how ingrained caste biases still are, even in supposedly forward-looking and inclusive spaces.
The Continuing Relevance of Caste Issues
More than twenty years after Yathartha was produced, caste-based discrimination remains a significant issue, not just in India but also among the Indian diaspora. Continuing my work in this field, I have now begun exploring how caste operates within Indian communities abroad, particularly in Australia. The discrimination faced by Dalits in diaspora settings often mirrors their experiences in India, although it may manifest in more veiled ways. In educational and professional spheres, caste remains a barrier to fair treatment and equal opportunities.
Towards Policies Against Caste Discrimination
There is an increasing recognition that casteism is not confined to India; it is a global problem that affects people wherever they go. This has led me to investigate how policies can be developed to protect against caste discrimination, especially in countries with large South Asian communities, such as Australia. Tackling caste discrimination is not just a national issue for India; it is a human rights concern that calls for international attention and action. Yathartha serves as a stark reminder of how deeply caste divides people, regardless of their location. Revisiting the film today reinforces the need to address casteism at multiple levels—from policies in Indian universities to anti-discrimination measures in countries hosting Indian diasporas. The journey to challenge caste discrimination continues, and the need for discussion and action remains as urgent as ever.
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