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The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Talk on caste and religion-based exclusions in educational content and institutions
The Telangana Education Commission's seminar on education for students from Backward Classes (BCs), held in the city on Friday, laid emphasis on the need for a unified school management, and raised concerns about caste and religion-based exclusions in educational content and institutions. The seminar addressed some systemic issues and concerns about social equity in BC institutions. According to convenor of the working group on BC Education, Murali Manohar, the crisis can be traced to caste-based discrimination and the lack of constitutional recognition of BCs as a category. He cited the absence of disaggregated data and called for release of the recent caste census data to address the gaps. Mr. Manohar also pointed at the long-standing educational deprivation faced by Shudras and Ati-shudras, contrary to the constitutional promise of equality. Commission member P.L. Vishweshwar Rao reiterated the TECs recommendations of setting up of composite schools (nursery to grade 12) in every mandal, and the community demand for English medium instruction. He noted that 15 working groups are actively studying thematic concerns from curriculum to employability. Mr. Rao also highlighted the contradictory state of Telangana's education, where govt. expenditure on each student remains the highest in the country but when it comes to learning outcomes, it is at the bottom. Alarming trends are also the declining enrolment in government schools, with over 2,000 schools with no students, and over 80% of junior colleges being privately managed. Speaker Sudharshan Rao presented data on school landscape in Telangana. Noting the 'gaps' in digital infrastructure, he said that school dropouts among BC students, especially girls, are high.
The Wire
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Will the Modi Government Carry Out the Caste Census or Will it Remain an Eyewash?
On April 30, the Modi government took a sudden decision to include enumeration of caste in the forthcoming decadal national census. The founding fathers of the RSS − K.B Hegdewar and – would have never imagined such a step by a BJP Government. Both these founding fathers had the same mindset that the Poona Brahmins had during Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's times. All of them believed that the caste system was part of the Sanatan Dharma. Their stand was that the Shudras/Dalits could never claim equality. Spiritual, social and educational equality were believed to be foreign to the Indian p arampara (tradition) by all RSS leaders. The idea of caste census is based on a modern democratic belief system that caste should be abolished and drive Indian society towards absolute equality. This is one of the ideals of Mahatma Phule and Ambedkar. The underlying philosophy of Sanatan Dharma is that caste is created by divine intervention and it can never be abolished. Democracy however believes that every individual, irrespective of caste, creed and sex should live as equals. The Hindutva school was against such democratic ideals . However, the RSS ideologues, after forming the Jana Sangh and later the BJP, thought that caste must be only used for the advantage of upper castes by not allowing its identity to express itself in the political and spiritual domain, though it could be manipulated in the electoral arena. A national caste census will go against that central ideology of the RSS/BJP. Caste census and Congress The last caste census data was collected in the 1931 decadal census by the British regime. That was the growth period of the Congress party under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to achieve independence from the British. Most Congress leaders had the same mindset that the RSS top ideological leaders had on caste questions. They too did not want caste to be abolished. Hence the enumeration of caste by the British Government in the decadal census was seen by them against Indian parampara and the Hindu social order. The British enumerating caste was seen as a conspiracy. Even in the Constituent Assembly, Ambedkar had to struggle a lot to use the word caste among the conservative Sanatan ideologues all around, irrespective of their political affiliation. Among upper caste leaders of that era, except Rammanohar Lohia, no one else had an open stand on the Shudra/Dalit liberation question. Nehru was more worried about other pressing issues as the Prime Minister and also believed in the theory of merit not social reform by confronting the caste system. But Ambedkar kept the lamp burning all his life time outside of and inside the Constituent Assembly. He continued that strategy while he was part of the Government till 1953. His conversion to Buddhism sent a message that if the Indian constitutional democracy could not address caste issues, the oppressed castes would go out of Hinduism. This was a shock to the RSS. However, the Congress managed the system with the ideology of secularism. All university research programmes were confined to secularism and democracy without allowing any research on the caste system. It was the 1990s Mandal movement that brought caste to the central stage because V.P. Singh was willing to allow that. A turning point in the Congress history Caste was the most difficult disease among the upper castes till Rahul Gandhi came to the political scene and demanded the 'X-Ray of the country' in his 2024 election rallies after making it part of the party's election manifesto. That was a major turning point in the history of Congress. Even at that point, the other Congress upper caste leaders were of the opinion that Rahul's caste census agenda was a negation of their history. But Rahul took an anti-caste movement leader's position much more categorically than Rammanohar Lohia and V.P. Singh. Even after becoming the leader of the opposition after the 2024 elections he continued that position. Now his position in the Congress is more credible because the RSS/BJP has had to accept his demand. The detractors have nowhere to go. The RSS/BJP upper caste forces around Narendra Modi had to accept to go for such an X-Ray because the OBCs in India now found a national leader having come from the same Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi family to take up their cause. Also Read: How a Caste Census Can Lead Us Towards a Casteless India Rahul has created an atmosphere of inevitability. He asked Telangana Government to go for the caste census and also asked the Karnataka Government to release the caste survey done by the Siddaramaiah Government in 2015. Rahul took serious political risk in pushing the issue to that far. Let us not forget the fact that even Nitish Kumar went for a caste survey much against the will of the BJP when he was part of INDIA alliance within Bihar along with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The BJP had a serious problem with such a historical issue being raised, one that went against their ideological parampara. A sudden turn History of caste has turned 360 degrees after the Modi government's announcement. The BJP ministers and leaders are attacking the Congress, particularly Nehru as anti-OBC reservationist after this turn. Its tongue twisting talk has really got exposed now. If there was anything that the RSS agreed with Nehru, was the question of avoiding caste census. Now BJP spokespersons are projecting their Government as pro-OBC and pro-caste census, though they were opposed to the caste enumeration till just the other day. The Congress and other regional parties must now see that the caste census takes place on a scientific basis. Just adding one column in the questionnaire is not enough. This is where the Telangana socio-economic, educational, employment and political caste survey, 2025 provides a good model. The Registrar and Census Commissioner of India as a Constitutional body must take an autonomous view of the census and collect all possible methodological information from Telangana, Karnataka and Bihar Governments. This will not be a one time exercise. Every decadal census has to include caste census hereafter. The future discourse The future caste discourse, in my view, is not for settling historical scores. But it will be and should be for changing the stagnant systems of India since millennia. Now the BJP, particularly Modi, will try to use this step for his advantage and the Congress has to unify its anti-census forces within its ranks. Several intellectuals, who held high administrative positions during the Congress regimes till 2014 were against caste census. This is what Rahul Gandhi realised while pushing the caste census agenda and removal of the 50 percent cap. The upper caste leaders saw the writing on the wall and took this decision. The left parties were also against caste census and mobilising the OBCs around the idea of human equality and casteless society. The BJP Government's sudden announcement about caste enumeration has created an ideological crisis among all parties, organisations, NGOs, individual intellectuals who were opposed to caste census. So long as only Rahul Gandhi was speaking about caste census in India and outside, they thought that he was crazy. Many said that he was a man of without serious ruling and leadership qualities. But now he will be seen as a major change maker. Also Read: What Does Telangana's Survey Reveal About Caste Structures Among Muslims? However, this turn of events would not have happened without the more conscious post-Mandal OBC electoral power. It is the educated OBC youth and leadership that has changed the course of history. Now let us wait and see whether the BJP Government will really carry out a caste census or it will be just remain an eyewash announcement. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal top leaders and the Brahmin sadhus, etc. had hoped that RSS would never allow this to happen. Even the monopoly houses supporting the RSS/BJP for the last ten years thought that Rahul's movement would fail because the RSS would not allow the caste census to happen. But now it is on the cards. Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd is a political theorist, social activist and author. He is the Vice-Chairman of Independent Expert Committe that the Telangana Government constituted to examine its Caste Survey data and how it should be used for social justice governance.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Phule' gets positive reviews amid censorship row: Netizens say Pratik Gandhi, Patralekhaa-starrer rewrote history
The much-anticipated film ' Phule ', starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa , has finally been released in theatres. The movie, which was originally scheduled to hit screens on April 10, faced delays due to legal complications surrounding its theme. However, it had a smooth release today (April 25). Following the unexpected delay, the film is now receiving decent reviews on social media, with users sharing their early reactions. Many viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their opinions and encouraged others to watch the film. One social media user wrote, 'They didn't just fight injustice—they rewrote history! #Phule is a powerful tribute to Jyotiba & Savitribai—India's OG changemakers. From classrooms to caste battles, their legacy roars on screen! Witness the fire. Feel the fight. #PhuleTheFilm #SupportPhuleTheFilm.' Another user praised the film's theme, stating, 'When this #Phule is facing so much opposition today, imagine how much resistance Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule would have encountered 175 years ago. How difficult it must have been to open and run a school for girls, and to fight for equal rights for Shudras. Such films should be encouraged—by the government and the public alike.' A third user commented, 'You must watch the film to understand how people with patriarchal mindsets try to suppress women. The Phule couple opened a school—imagine how challenging it must have been to advocate for the Shudras' right to equality. Such films deserve support, including from the government. Promote them. #Phule.' Shri Ramdas Athawale and Filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan Address Media for Film Phule 'Phule' revisits the relentless struggle of Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule against caste-based discrimination and their pioneering efforts in promoting women's education in 19th-century India. Director Anant Mahadevan had earlier addressed the controversy regarding the film's delayed release. He confirmed that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had requested certain cuts after some members of the Brahmin community raised concerns about the film's theme. Stay updated with the latest Best Hindi Movies , Best Tamil Movies , Best Telugu Movies , Best english Movies , Best Malayalam Movies
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First Post
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Phule movie review: Pratik Gandhi & Patralekhaa starrer biographical drama is beautiful, poignant and heart touching
Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan has brilliantly crafted the biographical drama of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule as the movie showcases the precious contribution of the couple, which played a crucial role in making India a progressive country. read more Star cast: Pratik Gandhi, Patralekhaa, Vinay Pathak, Sushil Pandey, Darsheel Safary, Suresh Vishwakarma, Joysen Gupta, Alexx O'Nell, Amit Behl, Akshaya Gurav and Jayesh More Director: Ananth Narayan Mahadevan After facing controversies and headlines, Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa starrer Phule has finally hit the screens today. Based on the life of social activist, businessman, anti-caste social reformer and writer, Jyotirao Phule aka Jyotiba Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule (the first female teacher of India), the biographical drama showcases the couple's contributions to social reform and education in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the trailer looked promising due to the nuanced acts of the lead cast, does it manage to impress the audience? Let's find out… The plot starts in 1897 in Poona (now Pune), where villagers are scared due to the bubonic plague and are taken to medical camps by Britishers. In a panic, Savitribai Phule (played by Patralekhaa), without any fear or hesitation, carries a kid and takes him to the camp. Cut to 1848, young Jyotiba Phule ( Pratik Gandhi) is teaching English to his wife Savitri, which is not only liked by the upper caste or surroundings but also by his father Govind Phule (Vinay Pathak). Jyotiba secretly goes to his upper caste friend's house along with Savitribai to educate young girls. But soon the upper caste people reach that place and destroy all the study material. Later, all the Brahmins warn Jyotiba through Panchayat to stop educating girls as it is insulting Indian culture and tradition and accepting the slavery of Britishers. To avoid any trouble for his father and elder brother, Jyotiba and Savitribai leave their home and go to Usman's house, who is Phule's school friend. As they realize that people are not comfortable sending girls to schools because there are no female teachers, Savitribai Phule and Usman's sister Fatima get professional training and thus emerge as female teachers of India. On 15th May 1849, a small open school was started by Savitribai and Fatima with 30 girls and by 1852, the number of schools reached 20. While the problem of girl education is slowly and steadily being solved, Jyotiba realizes the condition of Shudras (lower caste) and widows is still miserable due to regressive and orthodox traditions implemented by the upper caste. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On 24th September 1873, Jyotiba starts the Satyashodhak Samaj to fight for the equal rights of the lower caste and combat caste discrimination. The couple also tackled the Great Famine in India, which was triggered due to drought in 1876 and solved it with great will and determination. For the upliftment of the Shudras (Dalits) and for spreading progressive thoughts including widow remarriage, Phule was bestowed with the title of Mahatma on May 11, 1888. Till the demise of the couple, Jyotiba and Savitribai gave their heart, soul and everything for the reformation of the country and making a place where girls can be educated with free minds and no fear. Director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan has brilliantly crafted the biographical drama of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule as the movie beautifully showcases the precious contribution of the couple, which played a crucial role in making India a progressive country. Ananth takes you to that era and makes you part of Jyotiba and Savitirbai's struggles, hardships and triumphs. While Sunita Radia has done a good job as DoP, Raunak Phadnis' editing is good but could have been a bit crisper in the second half. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Talking about the performances, Pratik delivers a stellar act as Jyotiba and his sincerity in portraying this great soul is visible in every frame. Patralekhaa too gives an eye-pleasing emotional performance and makes a special place in your heart. Supporting cast including Vinay Pathak, Sushil Pandey, Suresh Vishwakarma, Joysen Gupta, Alexx O'Nell, Amit Behl, Akshaya Gurav and Jayesh More have played their roles perfectly. Special mention for Taare Zameen Par actor Darsheel Safary, who played Jyotiba and Savitribai's adopted son Yashwant with innocence and finesse. On the whole, Phule is a must-watch for all the Indians as it is a beautiful tribute to Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. Rating: 3.5 (out of 5 stars) Phule is playing in cinemas
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Educate, organise and agitate should be our mantra, says Karnataka CM
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the All-Karnataka Yadav, Hanabar, Golla Sangha in Chikkodi on April 20. He urged the community members to remain united at all costs, and to adopt the principles of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar — educate, orgainise and agitate for their rights — to ensure all-round development. In fact, this should be the mantra for all backward classes in India to escape exploitation, to strive towards a life of self-respect and growth, he said. The lives of leaders like Dr. Ambedkar show us that education can eliminate slavery and lead a life of self-respect. It is heartening to know that the Sangha has completed a hundred years and has been instrumental in organising the society and bringing it into the mainstream. All castes have become known through their professions. Vested interests used such nomenclature to divide the society. The Golla community now has many sub-castes, including Golla caste, Kadu Golla, Adavi Golla. But all of them need to develop equally and at the same pace, he said. 'Dr. Ambedkar said that education is essential for the downtrodden, backward classes, minorities, and the underprivileged to move towards progress. He observed that there is debilitating inequality in society. The majority are deprived of literacy. By following the Manusmriti, the four-caste system of Brahmins, Vaishyas, Kshatriyas, and Shudras was introduced in society, and the Shudras were not given the opportunity for education. Only those classes who had opportunities got educated and achieved progress in society. Now that we live in a democratic welfare state, it is our responsibility to see that all communities get such opportunities and access to education, health and livelihood,' the CM said. 'Our government is striving to create an equal society. Since I took charge, I have been trying to provide equal opportunities to everyone. I have represented the economic progress of backward communities. Therefore, I am trying to ensure equal distribution of wealth for all,' he said. The CM traced the history of reservation in Karnataka. 'In 1918, Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar formed the Miller Commission to provide representation to various communities in government jobs and education. 75% reservation was given to non-Brahmin communities in jobs and education. Later, many commissions were formed for reservation facilities. If one does not get education, slavery will increase and a life of self-respect will not be possible.' Mr. Siddaramaiah shared his experience and explained to the audience the importance of education, saying that it was only because of education that he was able to become the Chief Minister of Karnataka. The CM said he had received a memorandum from the community for the formation of a separate development corporation for the Yadav community. A decision will be taken after consulting community leaders, he said.
