Casteism, superstitious attitude on the rise among educated people, says Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
He expresses concern that though social reformers and spiritual leaders like Buddha and Basavanna tried to wipe away the caste system several centuries ago, casteism is increasing of late
Expressing concern about an increase in casteist and superstitious attitudes among educated people, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called upon students to shun them.
On Wednesday, the Chief Minister honoured meritorious students who have done well in SSLC and PUC exams at a programme jointly organised by the Social Welfare Department and Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions’ Associations in Bengaluru, along with Legislative Council Chairperson Basavaraj Horatti and Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa.
Addressing the gathering, he said, “Several doctors are themselves yet to shun blind beliefs. Educated people continue to believe in fate and the karma philosophy.”
What social reformers said
He expressed concern that though social reformers and spiritual leaders such as Buddha and Basavanna tried to wipe away the caste system several centuries ago, casteism is increasing of late, especially among educated people. Society is witnessing inequality mainly due to the caste system, he said, while stressing on the need to ensure equality.
Pointing out that elders teach caste and religion-based discrimination to children, he stressed the need for teachers and parents to first come out of ignorance and superstition. “Only then will students evolve based on scientific temper and shape a bright future for themselves,” he said.
Referring to poet laureate Kuvempu’s famous lines that “Every child is born as vishwa manava (universal man). But, as it grows, we turn it into alpa manava (petty man)”, the Chief Minister said teachers and parents have the responsibility of preventing children from becoming petty men.
Recalling that Basavanna had initiated inter-caste marriages as early as in the 12th century between Dalits and Brahmins, he said the oppressed communities should get social and financial empowerment if the caste system has to become weak. This had been emphasised by B.R. Ambedkar, he pointed out. He said because of the Constitution, children of even oppressed communities can get education.
Mr. Siddaramaiah recalled that he had started Morarji Residential Schools in rural areas while presenting his first State Budget on being inspired by the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti’s campaign with the theme — ‘We need residential school and not arrack’.
He pointed out that he had been continuously permitting new such schools since then. This year alone, he had permitted setting up 20 such schools. Karnataka has 946 residential schools, including 833 under the Social Welfare Department. Students of these government residential schools had registered 96% pass in SSLC and PU exams.
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