Chappal and Casteism

 A type of light comfortable open shoe that usually has a piece of leather that goes between the big toe and the toe next to it, or leather bands that go over the foot. It is used to keep the feet cool, clean and sweat free as much as possible. But the chappal had been treated as a symbol of elites and rich. It had been denied to the poor and low caste people in Tamil Nadu then. Casteism used chappal as a driving force and it was vehemently imposed among the higher strata of people in society. As a result of casteism, many rights were denied to lower class people. One among them was the right to wear chappal. Back then lower-caste people in Tamil Nadu were not allowed to wear chappal as a part of caste discrimination and untouchability. According to Indian parents, chappal is a device used by Indian parents for reshaping their kids for a better tomorrow. Dr. M. G. Ramachandran used this definition appropriately when he was serving as chief minister in Tamil Nadu. Dr. M.G.R used chappal as a device to reshape the societal structure to put an end to conservative thoughts and to offend untouchability. Casteism, on the other hand, operates as an entrenched ideology, often perpetuating disparities akin to individuals walking barefoot through a landscape of inequality. MGR's initiative mirrors the necessity of dismantling caste-based hierarchies and providing a common ground for all. The chappals, in this comparison, become a tangible manifestation of inclusivity, challenging the divisive narratives upheld by casteism. The provision of chappals unifies by meeting a basic human need. His approach stood as a testament to his belief that addressing the material needs of the disadvantaged could contribute significantly to dismantling the barriers fueled by caste prejudices. Intellectuals vehemently opposed casteism, recognizing it as an outdated and harmful ideology. MGR's efforts aligned with this sentiment, as he worked towards creating a more egalitarian society. While the distribution of footwear may seem like a small gesture, its symbolic significance resonated widely, representing a concrete step towards breaking down the barriers that perpetuated caste-based discrimination. Though societal progress happens on daily basis, there are some caste-based discriminations across Tamil Nadu. Example: Vengavayil village incident where human feces were found dumped in a water tank supplying drinking water to a Dalit colony. Casteism relates anything with everything. It is a contagious disease. It can be cured only through the medicine of enlighten and intellectual thinking. 

 

“CASTE SYSTEM IS NOT JUST A SOCIAL EVIL; IT IS A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY” 

- M. K. Lekshmi





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