GANDHI AND THE DALITS
Websites
https://www.britannica.com/topic/untouchable
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/gandhi-denounced-caste-and-untouchability
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/20/gandhi-and-the-rights-of-indias-lower-castes
https://www.mkgandhi.org/biography/campaign.htm
To Read:
Horace G. Alexander, “Mr Gandhi and the Untouchables” The Contemporary Review (Lon-
don) Volume 147 (January 1, 1935).
Assignment:
Gandhi fought against the discriminatory nature of India’s traditional caster (varna) system
but was unable eliminate it. In fact, the “Scheduled Castes” became enshrined in the consti-
tution of the new nation. In an interactive discussion, discuss among yourselves: Who are the
“Untouchables” of today? Who speaks for them? What would it take to eradicate “untoucha‐
bility” altogether—and not just in India?