Speakers at a two-day conference in Bengaluru said caste discrimination remains a deep social problem whose mental health burden is largely borne by Dalits and other caste-oppressed communities.
The panel discussion was part of Building Begumpura: A Conference on Anti-Caste Mental Health Practices, organised by The Blue Dawn and the National Federation of Dalit Women.
Bezwada Wilson speaks on caste violence
Bezwada Wilson said India often celebrates political independence while ignoring the struggles of communities historically forced into manual scavenging.
He criticised the continued existence of the practice and said caste oppression dehumanises communities while those perpetuating it often remain unaffected.
Focus on education and institutions
Advocate Mrudula V spoke about caste discrimination in educational and professional institutions.
She referred to the proposed Rohith Act, which seeks to address caste-based discrimination in higher education, saying legal safeguards are needed where knowledge is used as a tool of exclusion rather than empowerment.
Caste, religion and visibility
Scholar Shireen Azam discussed the intersection of caste and religion, particularly among Muslim communities.
She argued that caste often remains invisible in public discourse while religious identity becomes hyper-visible, creating multiple layers of discrimination.
Dalit women and generational trauma
Jyothi Raj highlighted the historical trauma faced by Dalit women and children, especially in communities affected by the devadasi system.
She also spoke about reclaiming dignity, land, and identity through community action in Tumakuru.
Rethinking mental health care
Dr Raviraj Shetty said mainstream therapy models often ignore structural inequality.
He advocated community-based spaces where people can openly discuss violence, hunger, exclusion, and healing.
First such national conference
Divya Kandukuri said the event was India’s first national conference to explicitly centre caste in conversations around mental health.
She said caste, patriarchy, and other forms of discrimination cannot be separated from emotional wellbeing in India.