The issue of caste has resurfaced as a determining marker of identity among the diasporic Indian community. It had always existed, albeit in obscure forms.

However, in the recent decades it has taken a robust turn through cultural artefacts and rehashing of a caste pride in a mostly white majority culture. A counterculture under the vestige of Ambedkarite, Dalit-consciousness provided a direct critique to the caste equations in the diasporic society.

In this talk Dr. Yengde takes a look at the kinetic sources of caste and its porosity among the diasporic Indian society. The ambiguity of caste identity was so ingrained in the habits of ‘lower castes’ diaspora that it was left to forgetfulness. However, the cultures and lived realities of oppressed caste groups remained intact in their worship, eating habits and intermarriages among others.

One significant departure of the Dalit or Shudra diaspora was the obfuscation of lowest categories attributed to them. However, the question endures: how well did the categorical smokescreen help in penetrating a dominant caste oppression under the guise of minority person of color?

Dr. Yengde’s presentation will be followed by a Q&A moderated by SASI Director Dr. Satwinder Kaur Bains.

All are welcome to attend this free online lecture