Features on social justice, caste, minority issues, gender discrimination - Frontline

The activist Raees Mohammed says that he does not find any unified Dalit movement in Tamil Nadu.

Right now, I am rethinking the word ‘Dalit’ itself: Raees Mohammed

The Arunthathiyar activist and scholar questions the idea of Dalit unity and calls for a closer look at caste differences.

Dr B. R. Ambedkar (first from right in second row) with his professors and friends from the London School of Economics and Political Science, circa 1916-17.

How London taught Ambedkar to ‘educate, agitate, organise’

A new book explores B.R. Ambedkar’s little-known years in Britain, revealing his far-reaching influence on anti-discrimination movements.

Cynthia Stephen

We must learn from tribal societies: Former NCST chief Harsh Chouhan

Erstwhile head of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes says tribal knowledge is key to tackling environmental and social crises.

The creamy layer myth: Cash can’t wash away caste

The Supreme Court’s call for SC/ST subcategorisation aims for fairer quota distribution, but risks political meddling and impact on vulnerable castes.

K. Kalyani,Mukesh Kabir

DK leader K. Veeramani.

Periyar’s legacy remains strong even today: K. Veeramani

Dravidar Kazhagam leader says Self-Respect Movement remains vital in fighting caste, with both gains made and work still ahead in Tamil society.

Ilangovan Rajasekaran

Subclassification of Scheduled Castes: Policymakers face the challenge of addressing inequality without fracturing unity

Supreme Court ruling aims to level the playing field within marginalised communities, but risks deepening existing fault lines.

Justice Chandru report illustrates eradicating caste in classrooms remains a tall order

The report shows Tamil Nadu’s education system is infested with deep-rooted caste discrimination, challenging the State’s social justice credentials.

Ilangovan Rajasekaran

More stories from Social Justice

PM Modi with Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh (centre) at a ceremony on June 29, 2023. Yogesh Singh is one of the 181 academicians who have signed the letter criticising Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on RSS’ influence on the VCs.

Vice chancellors ko gussa kyoon aata hai?

Rahul Gandhi’s candid remarks on RSS influence in academic appointments expose a troubling truth about India’s educational system.

Alok Shukla helped mobilise Adivasi communities across Chhattisgarh under the “Save Hasdeo Aranya Resistance Committee”. This has saved 4,45,000 acres of forests from no less than 21 proposed coal mines.

‘The Hasdeo movement is a model of resistance’: Alok Shukla

The activist, who won the Goldman Environmental Prize for his campaign against coal mines, talks about the struggle of grassroots activists.

Student activists stage a protest against the Hapur lynching incident at Parliament Street, in New Delhi in June 2018.

Hapur district court sets precedent with life term for mob lynching

Landmark ruling imposes life term on 10 accused in mob lynching case, recognising religious motive and calling for police accountability.

BJP supporters celebrate after Uttarakhand passed the uniform civil code, in Dehradun on February 7, 2024.

Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code: Testing the waters?

While the government claims the UCC is a milestone for women’s rights, critics say it infringes upon personal freedoms, and targets minorities.

New idols sculpted by caste Hindus in Thenmudiyanur village after Dalits entered the village temple for worship.

Following Dalit entry into Tamil Nadu village temple, caste Hindus to construct separate place of worship

Move follows a series of disputes, closure, and reopening of the temple, highlighting persisting tensions around caste-based discrimination.

Ilangovan Rajasekaran

A life-size statue of Periyar placed at the entrance of a bookstall in the 47th edition of Chennai Book Fair organised by Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India.

Periyar wins yet more hearts and minds at the 2024 Chennai Book Fair

As the threats of communalism and casteism become more pronounced, Periyar is being revived by youngsters who hope for a better, fairer future.

Siddarth Muralidharan

T.J. Gnanavel’s Tamil film Jai Bhim (2021) uses an Ambedkarite perspective to examine the problems of poverty, police brutality, and discrimination.

Ambedkar, on a device near you

From Bollywood blockbusters to regional films and OTT originals, Ambedkar’s image and message are finding new resonance in Indian popular culture.

Harish S. Wankhede

A protest on the Pune-Solapur Highway to press for Maratha reservation, in Solapur on November 1.

Maratha quota agitation: A cat among the pigeons

Marathas’ agitation for reservation has placed Shinde government in a bind, while many believe it is a ploy to divide the community ahead of election.

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Backward Classes (BC) Welfare, Chelluboina Srinivas Venugopal Krishna (left), says the State government plans to release the caste census data in January 2024.

Andhra Pradesh hopes caste census will enhance data-driven governance

It is expected to provide clarity on population proportions of castes and subcastes, and insights into the most backward castes and nomadic tribes.

Students hold placards and pride flags as they take part in an LGBTQIA+ Pride vigil organised after Supreme Court declined to legalise same-sex marriage on October 18, 2023.

Amidst disappointment, there is a glimmer of hope in Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage verdict

The ruling has opened a path for potential progress in LGBTQIA+ rights.

Bastian Steuwer

Agitators burn tyres and other inflammable items during a protest on Pune-Bangalore Expressway to press for Maratha reservation, in Pune, on October 31.

Maharashtra on edge as Maratha reservation protests turn violent

Protesters set fire to the house of NCP MLA, demanding Kunbi certificates for all Marathas.

By seeking to recriminalise adultery, even in gender-neutral terms, the Parliamentary Standing Committee would go against what the Supreme Court had held five years ago.

Parliamentary panel’s draft proposal to make adultery a crime contradicts landmark SC judgment

The move also raises questions about the direction of legal reforms in India.

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