From Inequality to Dignity: Rethinking Caste in Modern India – Dr. Dontha Prasanth

Dr. Dontha Prasanth explores how caste continues to shape occupations, wealth, and education in India. He reveals the contradictions in land and wealth ownership, questions the unfulfilled promises of affirmative action, and shows how caste follows individuals into classrooms and modern institutions, forcing them to constantly doubt their worth. With sharp insight, he argues that false pride is built not on achievement but on the dehumanization of others.

This speech is both a critique of inequality and a call to dismantle caste as a barrier to the nation’s progress and to humanity itself. Quoting Ambedkar, reflecting on Rohith Vemula’s vision, and drawing from contemporary research, Dr. Dontha reminds us that: “False pride does not come from achievement — it comes from dehumanisation of others.”

A call for humanity, equality, and dignity!