Rethinking Caste Globally

We hope that all is well with you and your loved ones, especially during the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On behalf of the Darnal Award for Social Justice (DASJ) and Samata Foundation, we invite you to join a special virtual conversation with five dynamic Dalit change-makers from around the world on Rethinking Caste Globally, which will be held from 6 to 8 pm (NST) on August 15, 2020 (registration required). The conversation is part of DASJ’s Politics of Dignity and Equity seminar series commemorating Nepali social justice activist Suvash Darnal, who passed away on August 15, 2011. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register quickly.

Amidst a historic pandemic and increasing inequities and indignities facing over 240 million Dalits worldwide, this panel discussion aims to interrogate and reimagine debates on caste from a global perspective. Part of the conversation will focus on parallels between caste-based and race-based marginalization, as outlined in a recent New York Times article by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson.

Finally, as you may know, the next international DASJ event has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If circumstances allow, we hope to reschedule the event for August of 2021; in the meantime, please note that the DASJ selection process is ongoing. The next Darnal Award will focus on the significance and power of the arts and humanities in addressing social justice issues.

Best regards,

Sarita Pariyar

Founding Convener of Darnal Award for Social Justice and Board member of Samata Foundation, and Pradip Pariyar, Executive Chairperson of Samata Foundation.