Casteism: A Threat to Indian Society Ever

INTRODUCTION

The structure of Indian society is made according to unity in diversity and diversity in unity. The structure of Indian society is the sum total of diversities which includes many social classes, castes, religions, cultures and languages. Indian society is like vast ocean which merges much diversity in it. Indian society has number of different castes which is originally based on verna system, Brahmin, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudra. This system has broken the back bone of Indian democracy and also people of this country suffered a lot till ancient times due to this problem. In general, caste is group of persons where a child in initiated to membership by virtue of his birth with the result that his rights and duties are determined. It is an important feature of Indian society since ancient times. Each caste has its own ceremonies, religious rituals and ways of living, eating and social mixing. It binds the members of society into cohesion. This is unavoidable as long as the conception of Sub caste exists for that is the one permanent loyalty that Hindu has inherited. It is a social rural problem which is very peculiar to Indian society. Cates and sub castes challenge to Indian society for single ideology. R.N.Sharma well said, ―Casteism is a blind group loyalty that towards one‘s own caste which does not care for the interests of other castes, and seeks to realize the social, economic, political and other interests of its own group.‖

Caste system had been divided into four sections in India since ancient times. Sub castes are divided on the behalf of it. Time changes and castes are converted into sub castes. The thinking power of human beings has also changed with modern outlook. Numbers of new religions are developed in Indian society. It had given birth to various movements in India as well as in Punjab like The Chet Ram Movement, Singh Sabha, Nirankari Movement, NamdhariMovement, Arya Samaj Movement, BrahmoSamaj Movement, Ahmadiya and Anjuman Movement. All these movements are organized for protection of castes and removal of various social evils.

The above characteristics are mentioned for this term • It signifies blind caste loyalty. It ignores the interest of other castes. • It is against lofty ideals of the constitution. • It neglects the spirit of democracy. • It is a big obstacle in the way of National integration.

The problem of different castes create problem of unity in the country since ancient times. It can be seen as above: • People give more importance to their own caste rather than other castes. • Society has been divided into various categories which has broken the back bone of Indian society. • In present time, the problem of reservation is also effect of caste system. • Various political parties are formed on the bases of castes. • People cast their votes on the base of caste. • There are number of sub castes have been originated with passage of time. • The concept of single ideology has been drained.

The above factors contribute to the growth of Castesim. • Sense of caste Prestige is one of biggest cause of developing casteism. • Endogamy is another cause of developing casteism. it closes the way of open system. • As the problem of unemployment, the problem of migration is another cause of developing casteism. • Number of trade union based on caste has raised this problem. • There are number of people in society who believe in religious dogmas. • The problem of illiteracy among people is also another factor of creating this problem. • Our society is divided on the base of social distinction. It develops this problem.

It is considered that the members of lower classes suffer from several social disabilities. They have less opportunity to develop themselves. They have no different parts of the county. It disturbs the peace and prosperity of people.

1. Sharma, Dr. Deepak, (2010), ―Philosophical and Sociological foundations of Education‖ Aditi Parkashan, Ambala 2. Sharma,Dr. Deepak, (2015), ―Contemporary India and Education‖ Tandon Publications, Ludhiana 3. Sharma, R.A, (2011), ―Philosophical and Sociological foundations of Education‖ RALL Publications, Meerut 4. Walia, J.S, (2011), ―Philosophical and Sociological foundations of Education, Ahim Paul, Jallandhar

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