Kancha Ilaiah Quotes
Hinduism has created untouchability within its caste structure. How can it talk about secularism in terms of religious equality?
The traditional Hindu social structure established castes – levels of society with Brahmins at the top and untouchables at the bottom. When India gained independence, the caste system was made illegal. Nonetheless, it is still followed by hundreds of millions of Indians. Religiously the Buddhists and the Hindus have had different philosophies. Ilaiah is a Buddhist who opposes the traditional Brahmin social structure and is a supporter of “Dalitization” – a change in the Indian culture to make the Dalits (untouchables) equal de juro and de facto.
Kancha Ilaiah, Indian Philosopher, Political Scientist and Writer, Interview in Ghadar, November 26, 1997
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Kancha Ilaiah is an Indian political theorist, prolific writer and a Dalit rights activist. He writes in both English and Telugu. His main domain of study and activism is the annihilation of caste. He also refers to himself symbolically as Kancha Ilaiah Shephard.
