Mysore/Mysuru: “The rightists and Hindutva proponents among the Non-Resident Indians (NRI), still continue to discriminate among castes,” rued K.P. Ashwini, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, United Nations Human Rights Council.

She was speaking on the topic ‘Eradication of Social Discrimination at Global and Local: Issues and Challenges’ at the two-day national seminar, organised as part of Bahuroopi Baba Saheb National Theatre Festival at Kirurangamandira in Kalamandira premises yesterday. Ashwini said that as Baba Saheb said, Hindus carried the caste tag where ever they travelled, similarly caste discrimination is continued even to this day in foreign countries.

“There have been protests to include stringent action against caste discrimination even in the United Kingdom. Even at USA, a survey is being conducted from the past two years to document different practices of caste discrimination,” she added.

In the State of California, a law was tabled against caste discrimination for discussion. However, the right wing Indians and Hindutva proponents protested against the proposed law and used money power and other resources to ensure the Bill was not passed, she said adding that Baba Saheb, during 1946 had written a letter to activist W.E.B. Du Bois in an effort to find a solution to caste discrimination at international level.

“In 1960, the cases of caste discrimination had increased during which the United Nations had thought about a law to curb discrimination following which a draft Bill was also prepared to eradicate caste discrimination for which many countries extended their support. The then UN diplomat from India K.C. Pant had signed the proposed Bill noting that the Dalit communities in India were subjected to caste discrimination. However, none of the international laws do not mention about any caste,” she added.

Stating that the activists and thinkers need to protest in this regard, Ashwini added that not just the present Government, the Governments for 40 years have not shown interest to discuss on caste discrimination at international forums.

Later, Dr. H.V. Vasu, activist, Jagrutha Karnataka, Bengaluru, presented a talk on ‘Constitution as a symbol of resistance against fascism’.

Dr. D. Anand, Department of Studies in Business Administration, University of Mysore and Prof. R. Indira, Senior Sociologist, Mysuru, chaired the sessions.