To Educate or to Inflict Wounds? : The Question of Caste Discrimination in Bama’s Short Story “Wherever You Look”

Abstract

Caste discrimination is quite common in India and even educational institutions are not exceptional. It is believed that education is the weapon to eradicate caste oppression in our society, however some Dalit students face caste discrimination at schools. After their education, the discrimination persists even at their workplaces. In Indian society, people of lower caste struggle to attain equality even after many years of Independence. Scheduled castes, who are weaker socially and economically, are considered Dalits and they are treated as untouchables by the upper-class people. Dalits have been facing many struggles and disparities since the Vedic period. This paper critically examines the experiences, struggles, and lives of Dalit students and employees presented in the short story "Wherever You Look", written by one of the most famous contemporary Tamil Dalit writers, Bama, who has been acclaimed for her unflinching portrayal of caste-based injustices in Indian society. Her short story “Wherever You Look” serves as a microcosm of the deeply entrenched caste hierarchy that continues to shape the lives of marginalized communities.

References

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