About Dalits and the Caste System

"In a land where every animal is worshipped, these fellow humans are treated worse than any animal, even in [the] 21st century."—taken from www.ambedkar.org

"The Dalits may live in the world's largest democracy, but their lives are shaped by a system of sanctified apartheid."—Carla Power, Newsweek International

"Education has been one of the only mechanisms of upward mobility for Dalits ... Basic literacy is a fundamental right but also a means to empower deprived populations."—Sukhadeo Thorat, Indian Institute of Dalit Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

"Caste is a state of mind. It is a disease of mind. The teachings of the Hindu religion are the root cause of this disease. We practice casteism and we observe Untouchability because we are enjoined to do so by the Hindu religion. A bitter thing cannot be made sweet. The taste of anything can be changed. But poison cannot be changed into nectar." —B.R. Ambedkar, Dalit Activist

"My precious brothers and sisters, I come to you today speaking on behalf of Christ, His love and His mercy for us all. Jesus came to set the captives free. And He Himself said that whoever the Son sets free, is free indeed . . . We love you with Christ's love, unconditionally and always."—K.P. Yohannan, GFA President, speaking to Dalits at November 2001 rally