Enrollment Day at Delhi University

Key Speaker: Kel PA

• Checks documents for upcoming semester
• Has been teaching for 8 years after going through 17 job interviews
• Attributes struggle to her last name rather than talent/qualifications

Social Context

• Caste System in India: Last name can reveal background
  • "Panis" associated with lower castes
  • "Dlats" and "Bikis" regarded as lowest among the lower castes

Students' Reactions

• Students show discomfort and inappropriate behavior (e.g., shouting abuse)
• Kel PA emphasizes importance of addressing caste-related issues in her teaching

Personal Background

• Parents could neither read nor write
• Teaches Sanskrit, traditionally a Brahmin subject
• Experienced caste discrimination as a child:
  • School uniform colors (blue vs. pink)
  • Forbidden to touch water troughs
  • Incidents of violence from upper castes (e.g., beaten for bathing in a pond)

Achievements

• Proud of accolades received for fighting for Dalit rights
• Invited to speak in the United States about the plight of Dalits in India

Current Issues

• Dalits still face restrictions (e.g., not allowed to enter temples)
• Ongoing social challenges despite modern advancements
• Expresses anger towards government and societal attitudes

Research Findings by Viv Kumar

• Research on violence against Dalits
• Approximately 120 acts of violence daily despite anti-discrimination laws
• Concerns about the effectiveness of current government measures and leadership in affecting change

Future Aspirations

• Kel PA hopes for positive changes under new Dalit president
• Desire for societal change and upliftment of Dalits in India.