"Discrimination against Dalits still exists in rural areas in the private sphere, in ritual matters such as access to eating places and water sources.
It has largely disappeared, however, in urban areas and in the public sphere, in rights of movement and access to schools[2]. The earliest rejection of discrimination, at least in spiritual matters, was made as far back as the Bhagavada Gita, which says that no person, no matter what, is barred from enlightenment.
Even early Indian texts such as the Rig Veda discourage the abuse of outcastes. The text reads, “Indra, you lifted up the outcast who was oppressed, you glorified the blind and the lame.” (Rg-Veda 2:13:12)[3] There are an estimated 160 million Dalits in India."
"Discrimination against Dalits still exists in rural areas in the private sphere, in ritual matters such as access to eating places and water sources.
It has largely disappeared, however, in urban areas and in the public sphere, in rights of movement and access to schools[2]. The earliest rejection of discrimination, at least in spiritual matters, was made as far back as the Bhagavada Gita, which says that no person, no matter what, is barred from enlightenment.
Even early Indian texts such as the Rig Veda discourage the abuse of outcastes. The text reads, “Indra, you lifted up the outcast who was oppressed, you glorified the blind and the lame.” (Rg-Veda 2:13:12)[3] There are an estimated 160 million Dalits in India."
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