Breaking free: Towards a society rooted in equality and reason
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
To transform India into a socio-economic democracy free of casteism and religious divides, we must embrace the principles of freedom, equality, and scientific inquiry. Only by changing our values and attitudes can we achieve a truly inclusive and progressive society.
The call for change: From political to social democracy
While political democracy provides us with the framework for governance, the true transformation lies in evolving into a social democracy. This requires internal change—embracing values such as freedom, equality, fraternity, and justice. By combining scientific inquiry with compassion and wisdom, we can create a society free from the clutches of caste and religious prejudices.
Caste and religion: Obstacles to progress
Religious dogmas and casteism have deeply hindered India’s development. They perpetuate discrimination, exploitation, and moral decay, keeping the majority trapped in ignorance and poverty. Even with abundant human resources, societal divisions prevent us from reaching our true potential. Casteism amplifies the harm caused by religion, deepening socio-economic disparities and curbing progress.
Learning from global examples
Countries like Finland, Sweden, and Norway, with their focus on equality and scientific values, have achieved significant socio-economic progress. In contrast, India, burdened by caste politics and religious extremism, lags behind in education, healthcare, gender equality, and crime prevention. The time has come to shed these outdated beliefs and embrace the scientific and humanistic principles enshrined in our Constitution.
The role of religion in social transformation
Religion need not be an obstacle if reimagined through the lens of humane and scientific values. Believers must separate their faith from the oppressive ideologies often tied to religious texts. By envisioning God as a symbol of equality, justice, and compassion, devotees can align their spiritual pursuits with democratic and social progress.
The path forward: A united movement for social justice
To build a just society, the indigenous Bahujan population, including marginalized communities like SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities, must unite. Inspired by the visionaries like Phule, Ambedkar, and Periyar, we must reject caste and religious divides to form a civil society based on shared values of self-respect, equality, and fraternity.
Empowering future generations
The transformation begins with us—intellectuals, teachers, students, and citizens. By committing to these values, we can provide future generations with a society where they can live with dignity and self-respect. Together, let us move beyond caste and religious constraints to create a movement for empowerment, equality, and justice for all sections of society.
The journey toward an egalitarian society is not just a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for India’s progress. Let us rise above divisive ideologies and work together to build a nation that truly upholds the values of freedom, equality, and fraternity.
The views expressed in this column are those of Ecclesiastes, the Omnivoyant Observer.
