Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 03/2010

Empowerment of Dalits and Adivasis Role of Education in the Emerging Economy

Narendra Jadhav

November 2009

Center for the Advanced Study of India

Abstract

Let us look at the historical context of disempowerment of Dalits and Adivasis in India. Every sixth human being in the world today is an Indian, and every sixth Indian is an erstwhile untouchable, a Dalit. Currently there are about 180 million Dalits, variously called “Scheduled Castes” in India. In addition, there are about ninety million Adivasis, called “Scheduled Tribes.” There are some finer differences, but let’s not go into that. So, 180 million Dalits, ninety million Adivasis; 180 million Scheduled Castes, ninety million Scheduled Tribes. They continue to suffer under India’s 3,500 year old caste system, which remains a stigma on humanity.