Caste Discrimination in Elite Institutions: A Blot on Our Nation's Conscience

As I write this, I am filled with a deep sense of outrage and disappointment. A Dalit professor at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment at the hands of the institution's Director and seven other faculty members. This disturbing incident serves as a grim reminder that casteism is not a relic of the past but a deeply ingrained social ill that continues to thrive in even the most esteemed institutions.

It is a stain on our nation's conscience that, despite decades of social progress and policies aimed at eradicating caste-based discrimination, such injustices persist. The allegations made by the professor are deeply troubling, and they highlight the toxic undercurrents of casteism that continue to poison our academic and professional environments. The fact that the accused include the Director and senior faculty members only adds to the gravity of the situation. These are individuals entrusted with the responsibility to foster an inclusive, respectful, and equitable learning environment. Yet, they have become perpetrators of the very discrimination that should have no place in our society.

As an editor, I am compelled to reflect: how did we reach a point where such behavior could go unchecked in institutions meant to uphold the values of knowledge, progress, and equality? What message does this send to the students who are being groomed to become the leaders of tomorrow? It is a chilling reality that the very institutions that should nurture the minds of future change-makers can be breeding grounds for discriminatory behavior.

In response to the allegations, the police have booked the eight accused under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. While this is a step in the right direction, it is only a beginning. Legal action alone is not enough to address the deeply entrenched caste biases that still permeate our institutions. We must go beyond punitive measures and work toward systemic change.

We need a culture of inclusivity that permeates every aspect of academic and professional life. It is imperative that we create spaces where individuals are respected and valued for their merit and character, not judged by their caste or background. Educating students, faculty, and staff about the harmful effects of casteism and promoting social justice must be a priority.

The road ahead is long, but we must start by acknowledging the problem and taking decisive action to dismantle the structures that perpetuate caste-based discrimination. Only then can we begin to move toward a truly equitable and just society.