Opinion | Celebration of upper caste privilege or a national occasion?
Summary
Janai Purnima is criticized as a state-sponsored celebration of upper-caste privilege that reinforces caste hierarchy in Nepal. The op-ed argues that caste discrimination must be confronted openly rather than hidden under calls for social goodwill.
Key Points
- The op-ed compares Nepal’s caste system to a hidden sewage system that shapes public life and government behavior.
- It argues that Janai Purnima functions as a celebration of Brahmin and Chhetri privilege and should not be a national holiday.
- The piece criticizes the lack of political will to strengthen Madheshi and Dalit dignity and rights.
- It cites commentators Chaitanya Mishra and Surendra KC in a debate over whether caste discrimination should be discussed through religion and politics.
