Caste-based discrimination is an ongoing human rights problem

Caste-based discrimination is an ongoing human rights problem in India that must be eradicated, according to the Hindu American Foundation , a nonprofit that describes itself as a nonpartisan organization promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism.

Hinduism: Not Cast in Caste – Seeking an End to Caste-based Discrimination” was released Dec. 10 and rejects the notion that caste is intrinsic to Hinduism. “The discrimination represents a failure of Hindu society to live up to the essential spiritual teachings of the tradition,” according to the authors, and the solution lies in applying the principles Hindu teachings properly and enforcing existing Indian laws.

The 115-page report says 33,165 crimes were recorded against members of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes in 2008 alone.These castes make up 22 percent of the Hindu population, HAF said and many of them are discriminated against not just in India but also throughout South Asia.The Hindu American Foundation called it a “groundbreaking report” and an attempt to contribute to the struggle of others who have been fighting caste discrimination.

It is the first major study to be done by a Hindu organization to try to understand the problems of caste prejudice from within and attempt to take concrete steps to help ameliorate them,” Professor Ramdas Lamb, associate professor of religion at the University of Hawaii and president of the Sahayog Foundation.