An Idea of Dialogue and Dissent!

Guru Prakash, Assistant Professor (Law), Patna University & Adviser, Dalit Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (DICCI), is also a visiting fellow at India Foundation and is a contributor to mainstream newspapers and online portals. On 3rd July 2020, he spoke with Vikram Singh, Web Manager at Social Media Matters for the ongoing campaign on Dalit Lives Matter.


Guru Prakash feels caste superiority is a reality. He shared, “There is imposed inferiority among the marginalized sections of society. Since, generations downtrodden classes have been made to feel inferior.” He further added, “The public institutions do not have adequate amounts of diversity in key decision making positions. There are not much Dalit representatives in bureaucracy. When casteism is a reality, let’s not try to antagonize it.”

Sharing his experience as a student in college, Guru narrated, “When I was in a premier law college, all the meritorious SC/ST students were allotted dormitory. While the general category students got single room accommodation. At that time we had no idea about what was happening. But when we started reading literature, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Babu Jagjivan Ram, it was then we understood the problems on caste existed even at the institutional level. So, we do not have to run away from these problems but face and confront them in order to have a deeper understanding. I hail from Bihar.” Adding to the conversation he shared, “People often say Bihar is a caste based society. However, caste based marriages are not new to any Indian state. In fact in Maharashtra and Gujarat there are so many caste based societies. So, we have to accept caste as it is. Especially for the younger generation. People like us must accept that caste is a reality and we can no longer afford to run from it.”

Guru also stated, “Historically generation after generation we’ve been made to feel that we’re meant for menial tasks. It’s an imposed inferiority complex. As per NCRB data, there is 66% increase in violence against Dalits. The Supreme Court always condemns violence and atrocities against Dalits, but there are hardly any judges from marginalized communities in the Supreme Court. Till date from the past 70 years there has been only one CJI from Dalit community, i.e. P G Balakrishnan. We have not had any cabinet secretary or foreign secretary from the Dalit community till date. There are not many Dalits in the media. As per a study published in The Pioneer, 96% of top editorial decision making positions are occupied by a single caste.”

Upon asking about ground realities of caste based discrimination in online and offline world, he said, “On ground whatever is happening will reflect on social media as well because it’s also a part of society. But the level of atrocities happening on ground are deeply ingrained in our conscience. In marriages caste factor has become more stringent and robust. However, it’s my personal belief that marriage shouldn’t be subject to any state interference. But it’s our responsibility to look at it in a subjective manner. So, caste has a crucial role to play even in the institution of marriage. The abusive behavior prevalent in the real world is present online as well.”

One being asked why people can’t treat each other equally with respect, Guru shared, “We need to start at an individual level when it comes to respecting people. Everyone has their own definition of morality. Self-introspection would help. We should learn and follow the constitution. With time it shall reflect in our behavior as well.”

While talking about the positive experience on Social Media, he pointed out, “I have benefitted personally through social media. I started writing short notes on Facebook since 2010 which gave me a lot of courage. If we look from a social perspective, social media has addressed the lack of communication. Although it’s a long journey ahead. There needs to be a constructive solution oriented approach. We need to work for the country. Whenever there is discussion on reforms in reservation, I’ve strongly felt the voice of reforms must come from the community.” Guru opined, “If these reforms are imposed, they would be of no significance. Also, there should be a white paper released by the government stating the beneficiaries as well as those deprived of reservation. We can talk about reforms for those sectors where there is lack of representation or zero representation, be it industry, media, civil society, bureaucracy or academia.”

As concluding remarks he shared, “Everyone has their own opinion, perspectives and journey. The idea of dialogue and dissent must be supported. There should be more space for conversations. There could be ideological differences but the conversations must go on. Social Media Matters is contributing towards it.”