BJP’s Sanatana Dharma is another form of Manu Dharma

The practice of human untouchability, anti-dignity of labour and women’s inequality have deep roots in Sanatana Dharma. Yet, the BJP wants Sanatana Dharma as the eternal law of this karma bhoomi. Tamil Nadu Minister Udayanidhi Stalin Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd 12 Sep 2023 Sanatana Dharma was a religion of three castes in ancient and medieval north … Continue reading BJP’s Sanatana Dharma is another form of Manu Dharma

The right to religion and the Shudra predicament

In conversation with Articles 15 and 16  KANCHA ILAIAH SHEPHERD·AUGUST 15, 2023 Shudras are the single-largest caste group in India, and there are more Shudras than all other castes and religions combined. Yet they remain a largely marginalised group because of lack of strong leadership and their exploitation by dvija Hindus in their fight against Muslims and … Continue reading The right to religion and the Shudra predicament

Telangana poet Gaddar, who told Maoists class struggle wasn’t enough—caste was important too

Maoist, pro-Mandal, Ambedkarite, Dalit, and Buddhist—Telangana poet Gaddar was the face of many struggles in India. KANCHA ILAIAH SHEPHERD Telangana poet Gaddar | PTI Telangana folk singer Gaddar, born Gummadi Vittal Rao, also popularly known as ‘people’s singer’ and ‘Praja Yuddha Nauka’, died on 6 August in Hyderabad. Leaving aside my decades-long friendship with Gaddar in the … Continue reading Telangana poet Gaddar, who told Maoists class struggle wasn’t enough—caste was important too

Manipur: A ‘Triple Engine’ government at work

The third engine, the most critical one, systematically divides people into majority and minority at the ground level in every state, like in Manipur, writes Kancha Ilaiah. Written by  Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd On July 23, 2023, Vardhelli Murali, the Editor of popular Telugu daily Sakshi, wrote a poignant editorial with the title ‘Is my country a … Continue reading Manipur: A ‘Triple Engine’ government at work