Reports highlight the prevalent issue of caste discrimination in rural schools, where generations of students have been subjected to such discrimination, even during activities like the midday meal program.

"Death for Dalits is metaphorical. An 'Untouchable' never existed as a person worthy of respect from society or recognised as a mind. He was simply invisible, except when his labour was extracted, exploited and used for free…"

Sujatha Gidla's parents were both educated and worked as school teachers, yet, their caste followed them- they remained Untouchables. No matter how hard they worked, the family could not shake off poverty or untouchability.

For Dalit History Month, we spoke with Dr Anandita Pan to understand the path of Dalit feminism and the future of Dalit Literature.

‘Coming out as Dalit' should be mandatory reading for all Indians, because we need to understand that the caste system is still alive, and that by merely pretending it is no longer relevant, we cannot wish it away.