What India holds for the future of Shudras: A book of essays explores new paths for the ‘caste’

An excerpt from Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd’s essay ‘Shudras and Democratic India’, part of the volume ‘The Shudras: Vision for a New Path’.

Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

· Feb 22, 2021 · 08:30 am

CAA-NRC debate: If religion is allowed to colour civil rights, India’s democracy will be imperiled

Even considering that Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh discriminate against their minorities, why should a mature democracy like India do the same?

Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

· Jan 03, 2020 · 06:30 am

If Nehru’s message thrives, it’s because he’s been resurrected by his most ardent critic – the BJP

Power-hungry men and women can never defeat knowledge-hungry men and women.

Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

· Nov 14, 2019 · 11:00 am

Communist leaders continue to harm India by claiming they recognise class but not caste

Many of them studied in private English medium schools but wish to deprive this privilege to the children of the working class and agrarian farm labour.

Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

· Dec 15, 2018 · 08:00 am

If CPI(M) really believes in its ‘Jai Bhim-Lal Salaam’ slogan, it must appoint senior Dalit leaders

The party has actively participated in the struggle for Dalit rights in India, but still does not have Dalits or Adivasis in its top-decision making body.

Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

· May 08, 2018 · 08:00 am

Opinion: Repealing cow protection laws should be an election issue in 2019

Right-wing groups are using these laws as a weapon to attack Dalits, Muslims and Christians.

Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

· Feb 15, 2018 · 08:00 am

Why is BR Ambedkar’s stock so low in Narendra Modi’s books now?

The prime minister has named Gandhi, Deendayal Upadhyaya and Lohia as three leaders who have shaped Indian political thought in the 20th century.

Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

· Oct 13, 2016 · 08:00 am

Brahmin groups lead movements against English education – but they have benefitted the most from it

The class that learnt to speak, read and write in English from Christian schools is also the most anti-Christian, anti-Dalit, anti-Muslim and anti-reservation.

Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

· Sep 23, 2016 · 10:30 am

The violence of caste: Why I have changed my name to Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

'I thought this is the best way to tell the Brahmin: I am now no longer interested in working to reform your spiritual culture.'

Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd

· May 27, 2016 · 03:15 pm