Writer : Bindu Ammini, Advocate, Writer and Dalit Activist
Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and affirmative action policies, Dalit scholars in India continue to face pervasive discrimination across academic and cultural spheres. Recent incidents in Kozhikode, Kerala, exemplify the systemic biases that undermine the dignity and professional growth of Dalit academics.
Recent Incidents in Kozhikode
In Kozhikode, Dr. Maya Promod, Dinu Veil, and Dr. Shyam Kumar have recently faced significant disrespect in academic and cultural settings. Dr. Shyam Kumar, invited to a seminar by the Department of History at Calicut University, reportedly endured mistreatment from Professor Mujeeb Rehman. Similarly, during “Ragam,” a cultural fest organized by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Kozhikode, both Dr. Promod and Veil experienced comparable disrespect. Such incidents are particularly disheartening, given the progressive reputation of these institutions.
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Historical Context and Legal Framework
The caste system in India has long dictated social hierarchy, with Dalits historically marginalized. Although the Indian Constitution abolished untouchability and introduced reservations in education and employment, these measures have not eradicated deep-seated caste prejudices. Upper-caste dominance in educational institutions has perpetuated the marginalization of Dalits, affecting all aspects of academic life.
Institutional Barriers in Higher Education
Studies and firsthand accounts reveal that, despite mandated quotas, Dalit representation in elite institutions remains below expectations. In India’s premier science institutes, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the number of Dalit researchers and professors is alarmingly low. Many Dalit scientists report exclusion from doctoral supervision roles and unjustified delays in promotions, often attributed to caste rather than merit.
In non-scientific disciplines, Dalit academics frequently encounter isolation, biased performance evaluations, and exclusion from informal networks crucial for career advancement. This systemic bias hampers their professional growth and perpetuates a cycle of marginalization within academic institutions.
Experiences of Isolation and Exclusion
Dalit scholars often find themselves marginalized within academic circles. This exclusion extends beyond social interactions to professional opportunities, where informal networks play a pivotal role in collaborations, mentorships, and access to resources. The lack of inclusion in these networks significantly impedes their academic and professional development.
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Biased Performance Evaluations
Performance reviews for Dalit academics are frequently marred by prejudice. Evaluators, consciously or unconsciously, may harbor biases that influence their assessments, leading to unjustified criticisms or undervaluation of Dalit scholars’ work. This bias affects promotions, tenure decisions, self-esteem, and professional credibility.
The Burden of Representation
Dalit academics often bear the undue burden of representing their entire community. In instances where they achieve success, any mistake or perceived shortcoming is not viewed as an individual lapse but as a reflection on their community as a whole. This added pressure necessitates that Dalit scholars consistently prove their worth, operating under heightened scrutiny compared to their peers.
Case Studies and Personal Narratives
The tragic case of Rohith Vemula, a doctoral candidate at the University of Hyderabad, underscores the severe impact of institutional biases. In 2016, Vemula died by suicide, an event that ignited widespread protests and highlighted the systemic discrimination faced by Dalit students in Indian academia. His death brought to light the profound consequences of exclusion and the lack of support for marginalized communities within educational establishments
Impact on Career Progression and Research
The cumulative effect of discrimination profoundly impacts the professional trajectories of Dalit scholars. Many report a persistent sense of isolation, the need to work twice as hard for equal recognition, and an internalized pressure not to falter, as any misstep is attributed to the shortcomings of their community. These challenges stifle innovation and discourage talented individuals from marginalized backgrounds from entering or remaining in academia.
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In research-intensive fields, where collaboration and access to resources are vital, Dalit scholars often find themselves on the periphery. They face barriers in securing research grants, obtaining mentorship, and being invited to collaborate on projects. Such systemic exclusion not only harms the individuals but also deprives the academic community of diverse perspectives that could drive scientific and social progress.
Responses and Activism
In response to these challenges, Dalit scholars and activists have begun organizing and mobilizing. Student organizations, academic collectives, and grassroots campaigns have emerged to demand fair treatment and accountability from educational institutions. Public protests, legal battles, and advocacy through media platforms have become tools in the fight against caste-based discrimination in academia. Activists argue that while reservation policies are a step forward, true inclusion requires a transformative change in institutional culture—one that addresses implicit biases and ensures that merit is not defined by caste privileges.
Conclusion
Addressing the discrimination faced by Dalit academics necessitates a multifaceted approach. Academic institutions must implement unbiased evaluation systems, foster inclusive environments, and actively work to dismantle the informal networks that perpetuate exclusion. Only through such comprehensive measures can the academic community ensure equity and support the professional growth of Dalit scholars.
The struggle of Dalit scholars in India serves as a stark reminder that legal reforms and affirmative action alone cannot dismantle centuries of social prejudice. For India’s academic institutions to truly embody the principles of equality and excellence, there must be a collective commitment to challenging and changing the deep-seated attitudes that perpetuate caste discrimination. Only then can the full potential of every scholar, regardless of their background, be realized.
This analysis draws on multiple investigative reports and firsthand narratives, reflecting a broader pattern of systemic discrimination in Indian academia.
*दलित टाइम्स उन करोड़ो लोगो की आवाज़ है जिन्हें हाशिए पर रखा गया है। *
महिला, दलित और आदिवासियों के मुद्दों पर केंद्रित पत्रकारिता करने और मुख्यधारा की मीडिया में इनका प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए हमें आर्थिक सहयोग करें।
