You just can't cast your caste aside

The death of the ajaat movement is a sad commentary on our caste-ridden society

GN Bureau | June 4, 2010



Here is a shaming story from The Hindu.

Ajaat, a bold social movement of the 1920s and 30s was founded and led by Ganpati Maharaj. It flourished with thousands of followers across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and present-day Chattisgarh. The ajaat (meaning people without caste) gave up their castes, married between castes and spread the message of equality. They even had birth certificates issued for their progeny where the caste column read "ajaat". But, says India's best rural reporter, P Sainath, today's caste reality is forcing them to change their birth certificates yet again. Replacing ajaat with jat!

Read the full story here.

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