Discrimination on Campus

Another student suicide from IIT – just a small headline in certain media outlets, with some even hiding the victim's name and identity. Some reported the incident, but often with misinformation or careless details that downplayed the tragedy's real weight. This time, the story is about Darshan Solanki, who took his life in February 2023 at just 18 years old.

Darshan belonged to a Dalit community; both his parents worked as daily-wage laborers. When his classmates found out about his caste (because, in our so-called democratic country, your identity is defined by your caste), the harassment began. Classmates would make comments like, "We're paying so much, but you get in for free," belittling his presence, achievements, and potential simply because of his background. Such bullying is not only cruel but also reveals the deep prejudice still rooted in our society and, sadly, within our most reputed institutions.

A Pattern of Systemic Failure

Darshan's tragedy isn't an isolated case; it reflects systemic failures that are all too common in prestigious institutions across India. Looking back over the past decade, it's shocking and appalling to realize that more than a hundred students from marginalized communities have taken their lives under similar circumstances. I won't go into detail about Rohith Vemula's case here – his tragic story is well-known and painfully recent. The verdict on his death centered around one single assertion: "He didn't belong to a Scheduled Caste." That one line was all it took to close the case and to dismiss all accusations.

Personal Experience

I have personally experienced caste discrimination and know how deeply it can wound someone. During my second year of engineering, my classmates and I were discussing the upcoming exams and the usual requirement to clear any pending fees before receiving our hall tickets. Suddenly, the conversation turned to me, and someone said, "Hey, you don't need to worry. The college will cover your fees just because you got in for free, thanks to Bhim Baba." Everyone laughed.

I was only twenty at the time, and this was the first time I had faced such direct taunting about my caste. They didn't hesitate to discuss it openly, reducing me to a stereotype without knowing anything about my background. What they didn't know – and never cared to ask – was that both my parents were daily-wage laborers and that we couldn't afford coaching classes.

Institutional Discrimination

And it's not just classmates who discriminate; sometimes, it's the teachers and faculty members as well. They hold deeply ingrained biases, assuming Dalit students are "less capable" or "don't belong" in their institutions. These perceptions aren't confined to a single institution or region; they are widespread, present in schools, colleges, and universities all over the country.

Even when marginalized students work hard and succeed, they're rarely given the respect they deserve. They are labeled as "beneficiaries of the system," as though their achievements were handed to them, while their struggles and resilience are ignored. This doesn't just harm their mental health; it is a form of social violence that forces these students into isolation and despair.

The Need for Change

Darshan's story is a painful reminder of how discrimination continues to destroy lives, robbing promising young people of their futures. To end this cycle, we need a major shift in people's mindsets. Talking about change is not enough – action is required from the institutions themselves. Schools, colleges, and universities must confront the reality of discrimination on their campuses, acknowledging its damaging effects and taking accountability.

There must be systems in place to identify individuals – whether they're students or faculty – who perpetuate caste-based discrimination. Such behavior needs to be addressed firmly, with real consequences. Educational institutions have a responsibility to create safe environments where every student, regardless of caste, can pursue their education without fear or prejudice.

We owe it to Darshan, Rohith Vemula, and countless others who have lost their lives under the weight of prejudice. We owe it to every young person in this country, especially those from marginalized communities, to create a world where their caste does not define their opportunities or determine how they are treated.

It's time for us to confront this problem head-on, to speak out against discrimination, and to hold our institutions accountable. Ending caste-based discrimination is not just a matter of policy or awareness; it's a matter of humanity and justice.

Discrimination on Campus

A Pattern of Systemic Failure

Personal Experience

Institutional Discrimination

The Need for Change

Sarnat Shirsat

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