Rise Together, Ending Caste Discrimination

Prashan Pariyar

Background

• I completed my school education from Shree Chandrodaya Secondary School,Lamjung.A fellow of Samaanta foundation

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• Currently I am studying science in grade 12 at Nepal Mega College

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• Apart from studies I have keen interest in travelling and exploring new places,engaging in social activities and playing football

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• Grew up in lamjung and currently I reside in Dillibazar Kathmandu

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• As I heard about Aakar Nepal from Samaanta family Seniors I wished to be a fellow of Aakar and engage in the community through activities

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Context

• The caste system in Nepal was formally declared unconstitutional in 1951, and caste-based discrimination was criminalized in 2011, but different forms of discrimination is still there .

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• The caste system has traditionally defined social order in Nepal: Dalits, who make up between 13 and 20 percent of the population, occupy the lowest place of this social order.

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• Historically, this meant that Dalit men, women, and children were considered “untouchable” and were denied education, healthcare, public amenities, and economic opportunities.

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• The fight to end caste discrimination in Nepal is far from over and difficult

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• We must continue to support Nepal’s marginalized communities and activists/advocates that are fighting for their rights and take own initiative as well

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Approach

1. Research : Researched on the topic on internet , consulted my seniors, watch different interviews and documentaries
2. Survey: Conducted a Social survey of the topic
3. Collaboration: Collaborated with schools and my hostel for the workshop

Challenges

Online Surveys

Created an online survey form to know the situation of ‘caste discrimination faced by people’ in present time but it was difficult to get respondents to fill the form on time which delayed my research and collaborative steps

Communicating with people

Difficulty in managing time for approaching schools and colleges for implementation of project due to late survey responses and due to my college timing

Time Management

Sometime it was bit difficult for me to communicate with people during collection of information especially people of older generation

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PROJECT TIMELINE

Impact

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A total number of 34 people filled out the caste discrimination survey form.

Approached many people and reviewed about present context of caste system through

• Online Survey ( Google forms ) - Personal Impact
• Did a informative session on VS niketan secondary school
• Conducted a workshop at hostel

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Survey on Caste Discrimination

Solutions Recommended 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. “

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Data

67.6% experienced caste discrimination

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From the survey it was evaluated that 23 out of 34 respondents have experienced

different forms of Discrimination in the name of caste

Testimonials :

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• “I have observed many discriminations toward lower caste in my village.
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Lower caste people are not allowed in specific temples, water taps”

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• “In my village when we were making a road to tap , people termed

as low caste were kept differently while having lunch.”

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• “I saw caste discrimination in my society when I was going to

celebrate popular festival in my society but there

were some higher caste people who

didnt stayed with me ”

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Session in VS Niketan Secondary School

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 engaging group activity among the students

Awareness Reach:

• Most of the students were from Kathmandu valley and some of them were not known about the present condition of caste system, so after the session they said that they were informed about the different forms of caste discrimination faced by individuals belonging to specific caste or ethnic groups in and outside the Kathmandu valley
• Students were happy after the session and gave us feedbacks to perform such session in more places.

Impact continued

What I learned?

• Joining Aakar Nepal became advantageous and a beautiful learning experience for me
• It’s not always that easy to convince people
• Learnt to approach individuals and groups formally(written proposals)
• Started to take initiative rather than only thinking about the possibilities of completion
• Learned to create online surveys,did research on the topic
• Engaging and implementing the project and being able to make the participants of my session understand what I wanted to deliver gave me a sense of happiness and fulfillment

If I had more time, I would

• Do more research on this topic
• Probably collaborate with more schools and colleges and perform sessions outside the valley also.
• Conduct the project in my village and make people aware and informed of the topic
• Meet, talk and also Invite social activist who have been working in this area to my workshop
• Conduct a “Caste discrimination

Project specially designed for Parents”

• Leadership

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Thank You!