The Classroom: A Space of Hostility and Power Dynamics
In one striking moment, Pariyan openly admits in class that he struggles to follow the lessons being taught in English and respectfully requests the teacher to explain in Tamil. The other students starts to laugh, asserting their perceived superiority. This mockery, however, is not merely about language; it reflects a deeper societal prejudice where rural and Dalit students are systematically excluded from academic spaces under the guise of meritocracy. Mari Selvaraj skillfully uses this scene to illustrate how classrooms, instead of being equitable spaces, often perpetuate exclusion and alienation for marginalized students.
The caste-based power dynamics in the classroom are further exemplified when an upper-caste student takes revenge on Pariyan for sitting in the front row, a space perceived as reserved for the privileged. In retaliation, the student humiliates Pariyan by forcibly pushing him into the girls' toilet, intending to defame and degrade him. This act is not just a reaction to Pariyan's seating choice; it symbolizes caste dominance and reinforces the idea that certain spaces are off-limits for marginalized individuals. Writing his name on the desk is not merely an act of scribbling but an assertion of Pariyan's presence, a declaration of his right to exist in a space designed to exclude him.
Teachers and Institutional Authority: Enablers of Discrimination
In one particularly telling moment, Pariyan struggles to take dictation as the professor reads out the notes. When the professor realizes that Pariyan isn't writing, instead of inquiring about the issue, he humiliates him in front of the entire class. He sneers, asking, "Why are you here? After putting on a lawyer's coat, are you going to grace around the cow?" This interaction underscores the role of educators in perpetuating caste hierarchies. Rather than offering support, the professor reduces Pariyan to the subject of ridicule, reinforcing the belief that students like him do not belong in such academic spaces.
In another scene, an upper-caste professor mocks Pariyan by laughing derisively upon seeing his father, exposing both his caste prejudice and stereotypical views on gender. Moreover, the upper-caste students subject Pariyan's father to degrading humiliation by forcing him to undress, treating this appalling act with casual indifference, as if it were a trivial matter. The absence of any institutional response, such as suspension or dismissal, underscores a critical issue depicted in the film. This deliberate omission mirrors real-world scenarios where institutional mechanisms often fail to address or penalize such caste-based atrocities effectively. By portraying this institutional apathy, the film highlights the systemic failures that enable and perpetuate such acts of discrimination, reflecting a harsh reality faced by marginalized communities.
These scenes critique the implicit biases that many teachers and institutions carry, often unconsciously. Their actions or inactions send a clear message to students from marginalized communities: their presence is unwelcome, and their struggles are invisible. By portraying such moments, the film lays bare the complicity of authority figures in upholding systemic discrimination, questioning their role in fostering an inclusive academic environment.
Survival and Resistance: The Emotional Toll of Caste Power Dynamics
These challenges sharply contrast with the experiences of Jothi, an upper-caste female student, who, when subjected to ragging, breaks her bangles in an act of defiance, symbolizing protest and courage. Her cousin quickly intervenes, leveraging their caste privilege to shield her from further harassment. In comparison, Pariyan's quiet compliance during ragging reflects a survival strategy shaped by his marginalized status. Lacking the support of caste privilege, his silence is not a sign of cowardice but a response to systemic oppression that denies him the agency to resist openly.
A pivotal moment occurs when the second principal, whose desk prominently features a photo of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, shares his personal experience with Pariyan. He recounts, "They chased me around like a pig. Did I run and hide? No. I understood what was important. I studied like a maniac. Those who wanted to silence me then are now folding their hands in respect. Bear this in mind do whatever you want to". This moment of encouragement breathes new life into Pariyan, instilling in him a renewed sense of purpose and resilience. Through this layered depiction, Pariyerum Perumal not only critiques caste hierarchies but also highlights the significance of mentorship and solidarity in empowering marginalized individuals. It emphasizes the transformative power of encouragement and the resilience required to overcome systemic oppression.
Caste and Its Implications on Education and Inclusion
By centering Pariyan's experiences, the film challenges viewers to confront the systemic barriers that hinder marginalized students. It critiques the elitist definitions of merit and excellence that dominate academia, calling for a more inclusive and equitable system that recognizes and values the contributions of all students.
In the early days at college, when Pariyan's seniors approach him and ask where he is from, his response "Puliyankulam" elicits mocking laughter. One senior sarcastically asks, "Who lives in Puliyankulam?" Another senior adds, "you don't knows who lives in Puliyankulam?" This seemingly casual exchange reveals the intersection of caste and geography, where places associated with marginalized communities are ridiculed, reinforcing the systemic discrimination that defines academic and social spaces. The discriminatory attitudes that Pariyan encounters in the law college reflect the broader social biases that pervade educational institutions.
After drinking alcohol, Pariyan questions whether his mere presence in class is considered wrong. His friend bluntly responds, saying that even if Pariyan were to loudly speak about his struggles, no one would truly understand or acknowledge his issues. This exchange highlights the isolating indifference and systemic apathy toward marginalized voices within the institution. It illustrates how institutional environments, instead of providing a space for open dialogue and inclusivity, often exacerbate feelings of alienation for those who do not conform to the dominant social norms.
Through its nuanced portrayal of classroom tensions, Pariyerum Perumal offers a powerful critique of caste-based exclusion in Indian academia. The film reveals how classrooms, far from being neutral spaces, often become sites of humiliation and alienation for marginalized students. By highlighting these dynamics, Mari Selvaraj's film urges us to reimagine education as a tool for dismantling caste hierarchies rather than reinforcing them. It challenges educators, institutions, and society at large to create spaces where every student can learn and grow with dignity, regardless of their caste or background. Through its unflinching critique and hopeful vision, Pariyerum Perumal becomes a rallying cry for a more inclusive and just educational system.