Naming and abusing through caste: the case of Chamar
Exclusive Interview with Shubhanshu Singh Dalit rights activist and former joint secretary of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union.
Shubhanshu Singh is a #Dalit_rights_activist and former joint secretary of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union.
Shubhanshu Singh’s field of interest is social science and political issues. He has completed his PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. During the last two years, he has worked for various social sciences and political issues through movements under students’ organisations. His interests are diverse and include India, #dalit_politics, #cultural_politics, #politics_of_naming & #education.
The topic of discussion: “Naming and abusing through caste: The case of #Chamar”
The term “Chamar” historically referred to a Dalit caste that was relegated to menial and “unclean” jobs, such as leatherworking and manual scavenging. Today, it has been reclaimed by some Dalits as a symbol of resistance and pride.
In this talk show, we explore the targeted harassment and abuse faced by #Dalit and #Chamar communities, due to her caste identity. The term “#Chamar,” historically used to refer to a #Dalit caste associated with menial and “unclean” jobs, has been reclaimed by some #Dalits as a symbol of resistance and pride. However, it is still used as a pejorative by many #non-Dalits, particularly online.
This video highlights the pervasiveness of casteism in our society and the need to actively challenge and dismantle it. We stand with #Dalits and #Chamar and all those who have faced similar abuse and discrimination based on their #caste identity.
Held on: 11 February, 2023
Host: Heman Das – Senior Research Associate, SARIM
