Caste Discrimination & Mental Health

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Nirajan Shahi

Background

Nirajan Shahi

• Grew up in Kalikot
• Currently live in Dillibazar,Kathmandu
• Completed schooling from Shree Tila Model Secondary

School, Kalikot

• Currently Studying management at class 12 in VS Niketan

Secondary School

• Fellow at Samaanta Foundation
• I like to explore new places,volleyball and fond of playing football
• I always wished for a platform to do community engagement program and got such platform from Aakar Nepal

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Context Of Caste System + Mental Health In Nepal

• Although caste-based discrimination was made a crime in Nepal in 2011, the caste system was nevertheless officially recognized to be unlawful in 1951.
• Dalit comprise 13.2% of the total population 27 million population of Nepal (Central Bureau of Statistics 2011)
• Less number of cases are filed from people who face caste discrimination
• We must start creating a safe space where people can talk about the mental health issues that any form of caste discrimination has caused them
• We must continue to support Nepal’s marginalized communities and activists/advocates that are fighting for their rights and take own initiative as well

My Approach:

Improve understanding and have open discussion

Research:

I researched about my topic on internet,youtube,watched interview of social activist.Talked with elderly people to get information.

Online Survey:

I collaborated my friend and co mentee, Prashan to create an online survey to know the present status of caste discrimination in our society.

Discussion at Schools and Colleges about causes, effects and solutions:

Did 2 interactive sessions, discussed current status, effects and discussed solutions

Challenges I faced during my project

Communication with People

People are less likely to talk on ‘caste’ topic. It was difficult to gather up information regarding this topic.

Used many sources to gather information: books, online research, survey.

Group activities helped people be open and share.

Searching Venue

Plan was to do project at my village but not possible due to time and distance.

I didn’t know people so finding venue in Kathmandu was a bit difficult.

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Used the help of friends to start with my current network.

Implemented online.

Time Management

As I am a college student I had my classes running and other activities.

I planned my time by scheduling all my activities.

Project Timeline

Impact

Collected data, Created awareness and started discussions

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Approached many people and reviewed about present context of caste system and discrimination, and its effect on mental health through:

• Online Survey ( Google forms )
• Conducted a session at my hostel
• Conducted a interactive session in VS Niketan Secondary School

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Online Survey on Caste Discrimination

34 people filled out the survey.

The survey became very beneficial for us to collect information which further helped us to prepare for my physical sessions at VS Niketan School and my hostel.

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Survey data Pie Chart:

Most people (68%) have experienced or seen caste Discrimination

Testimonials from my survey

Solutions Recommended By respondents To Eradicate Caste Based Discrimination

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• “In my opinion creating many programs about caste discrimination in the rural area will be a better solution.”

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• “Promote awareness and education to challenge caste discrimination, while also advocating for legal protections and equal opportunities to address this deeply entrenched issue.”

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• “We should change ourselves and family in such cases first and we shouldn't be scared about social dogmas.“

Mental Health:

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• “We should try to communicate with the victim of caste discrimination even though we cannot solve their problems we can listen to them”
• “Creating many awareness programs at local levels would be a better solution”
• “We should seek for help and share about the situation we have been through to our friends, family and teachers”
• “Involving in meditation and Extra curricular activities”

Survey data: when do people face caste discrimination

Physical Session 1

Did a physical session at V.S Niketan Secondary School,Tinkune among the students of class 9 and 10.

(Number of students impacted - 30 )

Performed interactive group activity among the students

Awareness Reach:

• At first, some students said they did not know about the present condition of caste system.
• After the session, they said that they were informed about the different forms of caste discrimination.
• Discussed about the effects and solutions
• Presented their group work at the end of the session

Glimpses

Add another picture

INTERACTIVE SESSION ACTIVITY

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Add the testimonials from the chart paper

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Physical Session at Samaanta Hostel

• There were 35 participant and all are boys in boys hostel.

Samaanta Fellows: 26

Others: 9

• We presented impacts of caste system on affected minority groups’ life and mental health
• Discussion session with audience:
• We shared experience:
• Concluded that most of them have either seen or have been victim of caste discrimination
• Discussed the solutions that can be implemented.

What I learned?

My learning after joining the Aakar Nepal;

• Communication skill: doing session, communicating with stakeholders
• Time management
• More information or knowledge about the caste.
• Computer skill: learned how to do surveys, PowerPoint, Google doc
• Active listening: during the sessions
• Leadership skills: leading project
• Creativity skill
• Team work: working with another fellow Prashan on implementation

If I had more time, I would

Conduct more sessions:

• At more schools outside the valley
• In my village during Dashain and Tihar:
• Awareness of the topic by performing street dramas, plays, interactive workshops

• Do more research on this topic
• Meet, talk and also invite social activist who have been working in this area to my sessions/ workshops

Thank You!