On Equality - Long Answer Questions
It means that all adults (citizens aged 18 and above) have the right to vote irrespective of their caste, education, religion, or financial status.
Kanta is a domestic worker standing in a voting line. She is happy she is equal to her employer (Jain Saheb) in voting. But later she realizes the inequality when her daughter is sick and she has to borrow money and stand in a long line at a government hospital.
Dalit means 'broken'. It is a term used by lower castes to address themselves, pointing to centuries of discrimination.
A famous Dalit writer. In his autobiography 'Joothan', he describes how he was made to sweep the school playground because of his caste while others studied.
They were looking for an apartment to rent. They had money, but people refused to rent to them because they were Muslims (eating meat excuse). Finally, the property dealer suggested they change their names to Mr. and Mrs. Kumar.
Refers to thinking of oneself and other persons as worthy of respect.
1. Every person is equal before the law. 2. No person can be discriminated against on basis of religion, race, caste, place of birth, or gender. 3. Every person has access to public places. 4. Untouchability has been abolished.
A government programme in all government elementary schools to provide children with cooked lunch. Tamil Nadu was the first state to introduce it (2001).
Increased attendance, mothers don't have to interrupt work to feed kids, strict caste barriers break (all eat together), and Dalits are often employed to cook.
An African-American woman. On 1 Dec 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. This started the Civil Rights Movement in the USA.
An act in the USA that prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, religion, or national origin.
Changing attitudes is slow. Even though law forbids it, people still treat others unequally based on caste, religion, and gender.
Equality is the key feature. It influences all aspects of its functioning.
Leftover scraps of food. The title symbolizes the social status forced upon Dalits.
His father saw him sweeping and confronted the teachers, declaring his son would study right there.
Because it hurt their dignity and self-respect.
No, in many democratic countries around the world, the issue of equality continues to be the key issue (e.g., USA).
Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
Persons with Disabilities Act 1995 ensures equal opportunities and full participation.
The Parliament is the cornerstone of democracy and upholds the value of equality.
On Equality - Important Facts
Universal Adult Franchise is essential for democracy.
One person, one vote, one value.
Poverty is a major cause of inequality.
Lack of resources causes inequality.
Caste system denies dignity.
Om Prakash Valmiki wrote Joothan.
Ansaris faced religious discrimination.
Kanta faced economic inequality.
Dignity is violated when treated unequally.
Indian Constitution recognizes every person as equal.
President and domestic worker are equal before law.
Untouchability is a crime now.
Public wells/roads are open to all.
Mid-day meal improved enrollment of poor kids.
Mid-day meal reduced 'class hunger'.
Tamil Nadu started Mid-day meal in 2001.
Supreme Court ordered all states to start it.
Rosa Parks refused to stand up in 1955.
Civil Rights Movement started in USA.
Article 15 of Constitution prohibits discrimination.
Disability Act 1995 mandates ramps in public places.
Attitude change is necessary for true equality.
Self-respect is the most vital factor in life (Ambedkar).
Man is mortal, but must leave a noble aim.
Struggle for equality is continuous.
Government schemes try to bridge the gap.
Dalit women are employed to cook mid-day meals.
Hunger prevents poor children from studying.
Caste identity is established early in life.
Matrimonial ads show caste importance.
Private hospitals are expensive.
Government hospitals are often overcrowded.
Kanta borrowed money from her employer.
She could not demand it as a right.
Voting ink mark is a symbol of democracy.
Media often ignores issues of the poor.
Tawa Matsya Sangh is an example of struggle.
Beedi workers have also organized struggles.
Constitution is a living document.
Equality is the soul of democracy.
African-Americans were treated as slaves earlier.
Lincoln abolished slavery.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar fought for Dalit rights.
Mahatma Gandhi sought to remove untouchability.
Law alone cannot change society.
Social mindset must change.
Education is a tool for equality.
Democracy requires vigilance.
On Equality - Important Dates/Terms
Rosa Parks incident
Civil Rights Act (USA)
Mid-day meal started in TN
Persons with Disabilities Act