The dichotomy in public and private life in Indian society acts as a major barrier to the annihilation of caste. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Caste refers to a system of social stratification based on prescriptive character of occupational division of labour on basis on birth where mobility is theoretically restricted.

Though Constitution ensues equality and social justice, yet caste seems to have been entrenched. Consider NCRB data of more than 50,000 cases of violence against dalits in 2021.

Some of barriers like secularization of caste, politicization of caste, dominant caste demands and dichotomy in public & private life are hindrance to annihilation.

Public life ---- vs ---- Private life

| - individual stereotyping & prejudice

Thus, there is a dichotomy, as given above.

eg: Government institutions, private bodies recruit on merit principle with no place for caste, public transport & other places like Deshspark allow intermingling of all caste groups.

But in personal life, religious texts can reinforce caste based discrimination, like Yajnas must be done through Brahmins. Notions of purity & pollution have become intrinsic.

Even in social gatherings like weddings, family functions there is an intra-chamber of one caste only. Even today inter-caste marriage are looked down up. People vote for their caste members.

This calls for social behaviour change communication as B.R.Ambedkar said that nothing can be build on basis of caste - you cannot build morality, you cannot build a nation.

[Margin note: public life]