Answer:

It is time for us to introspect what is wrong with Indian society even after nearly seven decades of Independence (“Suspension of 4 students revoked” and “Grim shadow of caste over educational INSTITUTIONS in T.N.”, Jan. 22). We cannot blame political parties or other organisations for the PREVALENCE of caste or caste-based discrimination; the prejudice is in our MIND. Irrespective of region or religion, caste-based discrimination is being practised in our society. B.R. Ambedkar had said, “On the 26th of January 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions. In politics we will have equality, and in social and economic life we will have inequality. In politics we will be recognising the principle of one man, one vote, and one vote, one value. In our social and economic life, we SHALL, by reason of our social and economic structure, continue to deny the principle of one man, one value. How long shall we continue to live this life of contradictions?”

Unless the MINDSET of India changes and we begin to treat each other as fellow beings rather than as superiors or inferiors, this deep-rooted social evil is not going to disappear. The emotional reaction to any event such as this suicide will slowly but surely disappear in the course of time. However, the main problem of caste-based discrimination remains unresolved.

Hope it helps,

Alice Grinson