The tragic news that an Indian student at Hyderabad Central University was driven to suicide because of the deep caste stratification in Indian universities has prompted protest and anger across the country. The student, from the Dalit or “untouchables”, felt isolated because of his caste, feeding the social pressures that led him to take his own life.
Universities around the world have traditionally occupied a special place in society not just as incubators of new ideas but also a space where people can improve their lot in life through hard work and application. That doesn’t mean that universities have always been models of integration and inclusion themselves – quite the opposite. In the US, for example, the debate about racism in higher education played a significant part in the development of the civil rights movement and eventually forced those institutions to change. A similar process is required on Indian campuses.
Although the caste system is woven into the fabric of Indian society – a seemingly permanent imprint on the general psyche of India itself – that does not mean change is impossible. However, it will require large amounts of time and clear determination.
It’s the ability of universities to be great levellers of class that can, in turn, reduce distinctions between castes. By changing one’s economic position in society, one can over time mitigate the effect of the caste one was born into. At least that is the hope.
Given the strength of the caste structure in society, real changes will take a great deal of time but that doesn’t preclude attempts to plant the seeds of transformation. India’s rising economy and increasingly globalised outlook make the education system the right place to start what will be a long journey. This is why one of the first challenges will be to reform the universities themselves.
Indian universities reflect many of the ills of the caste system in their underrepresentation of low-caste students and staff, but they remain fertile areas for social change. No more students should have to die to start a discussion about caste that society has avoided. Instead, university campuses should be leading the way.
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Specs%3A%202024%20McLaren%20Artura%20Spider
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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
SPECS
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The%20Specs
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
The biog
Marital status: Separated with two young daughters
Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo
Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian
Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness
Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon
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The studios taking part (so far)
- Punch
- Vogue Fitness
- Sweat
- Bodytree Studio
- The Hot House
- The Room
- Inspire Sports (Ladies Only)
- Cryo
MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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