Thought: Being born into India's lowest caste didn't deter me from embracing happiness.
I'm part of India's Dalit community, with around 200 million people who suffer some of the worst health outcomes, lack access to clean water and sanitation, and have been denied educational and employment opportunities for centuries. Historically, members of this community were called "untouchables," a term that is now considered a slur.
Dalit women, in particular, face double discrimination through their caste and gender. Women in my community are at the highest risk of sexual violence in India. However, only focusing on the hardships faced by Dalit women would be inaccurate and oversimplified. The Dalit woman's experience is unique and much more than just being defined by her misfortunes. We know how to find joy in our daily lives.
Our existence is more complicated, involving much more than what is seen through the casteist lens that portrays us as mere victims of systematic oppression. Dalit women have formed a strong sisterhood for generations, even before that. While acts of cruelty persist as part of India's entrenched hierarchy, we refuse to let this be the only aspect defining us.
Many of us, including accomplished Dalit women, have heard the insensitive remark, "You don't look Dalit." Such comments are fueled by the biased thinking that equates Dalit women with unending suffering. Our successes and accomplishments are often sidelined in news media and social platforms, which primarily focus on the horrors inflicted upon us.
In a world where Dalit women are often depicted as slaves to our identity, it's essential to recognize their achievements and the many ways they have defied the odds. Inspiring stories include Dalit women becoming lawyers, journalists, policy analysts, engineers, athletes, fashion models, writers, civil service officers, and musicians. These stories have given me, as a young woman, hope for my future and shown me a way out of the limitations imposed by our societal constructs.
Beena Pallical, a trailblazer in the field of gender equity and caste justice, has touched my life deeply as a strong female figure. She has been a mentor and inspiration, standing atop the global stage as the first Dalit woman to address the UN General Assembly. Pallical's devotion to her work extends beyond the confines of her career, and she has a profound connection with the community. By engaging with us, she demonstrates how Dalit women can be both victims of the caste system and successful achievers.
Despite the atrocities faced by the Dalit community, there are many success stories and victories to celebrate. Gaining equal access to education and employment through anti-discrimination laws has led to significant strides in our freedom and opportunities. However, these successes have also been met with significant pushback, with many ignorant people claiming Dalits are undeserving of help. As we continue to battle our oppression, we must also rely on each other for support and encouragement.
I can't help but reflect on the political progress Dalit women have made as India concludes its general election. Our struggles have led to meaningful changes, but the hardships we face will never cease. Some politicians have made empty promises to gain our votes, but these victories come with a cost: continuous discrimination and harmful stereotypes.
But I, like countless Dalit women before me, refuse to be bound by the pain and oppression of my birth. The accomplishments of these inspiring women have been instrumental in paving the way for a brighter future for other Dalit women. We may not have it all, but we have made significant strides.
For me, leaning into joy as a Dalit woman means embracing my grandmother's storytelling, witnessing the first Dalit hockey player score a hat-trick at the Olympics, and so many other moments of triumph and happiness in the face of adversity. These moments of joy remind me that I am more than just a victim of a merciless system.
I'm delighted to be top of my class in my exams, aiming to be the first lawyer from my family. I'm also going to the Buddha Vihara to show gratitude the day my close friend lands a job. It's an incredible feeling, dancing amidst a crowd of unfamiliar women in a sea of blue, on Ambedkar Jayanti - the holiday commemorating India's esteemed Dalit constitutionalist leader. We sing Bhim Geet, folksongs that pay homage to our leader, on the way there.
Furthermore, witnessing my fellow Dalit women making their mark on international platforms is a source of immense pleasure. Their bravery serves as a source of motivation for me. The community I derive my sisterhood from has played a significant role in shaping who I am. Without their solidarity, my success would have been hard to achieve.
Dalit women are determined to transcend the societal norms that label our community solely by our struggles. We desire to be recognized not just for our pain but also for our accomplishments. Observing these ladies embrace their joy changes everything.
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Dalit women have unique perspectives on their experiences, and their opinions on various topics, including their struggles and successes, are essential to understanding their journey. Despite facing negative stereotypes and discrimination, Dalit women have been sharing their opinions through various platforms, such as becoming lawyers, journalists, and policy analysts.
Additionally, Dalit women's opinions on the importance of solidarity, support, and encouragement within their community have played a crucial role in their successes and the progress they've made in fighting against systematic oppression. Their collective voices are a testament to their resilience and determination to challenge the casteist lens that has often oversimplified their experiences.
