Dalit Christians – The Victims of Casteism
Casteism has become pervasive in the Indian society and also in Christian churches and organisations. It has entered into the marrow and bones of a sizeable number of people, irrespective of their socio-economic and educational status and religious affiliation. I. What is Casteism? Casteism means prejudice or discrimination based on caste. It is a loyalty to one’s caste. In general, it may be defined as a phenomenon by virtue of which persons belonging to a certain caste group are either discriminated against or shown favour regardless of their merits and demerits, just on the basis of their caste. Casteism exhibits a number of characteristics such as: Casteism signifies blind caste or sub-caste loyalty. It either ignores or does not care for the interests of other castes. For a casteist person “My caste man/woman and my caste only” is the principle. Casteism goes against the spirit of democracy. Casteism submits or subordinates one’s sense of justice, fair play and