"Death for Dalits is metaphorical. An 'Untouchable' never existed as a person worthy of respect from society or recognised as a mind. He was simply invisible, except when his labour was extracted, exploited and used for free…"

Sujatha Gidla's parents were both educated and worked as school teachers, yet, their caste followed them- they remained Untouchables. No matter how hard they worked, the family could not shake off poverty or untouchability.

A few months into living alone, I realized that I had unknowingly and unintentionally offended the traditionalists by living in my own space, minding my own business, and paying my own bills.

Tanushree Podder’s novel, Ambapali, explores the life and legend of the most beautiful courtesan in the ancient city of Vaishali.

‘Coming out as Dalit' should be mandatory reading for all Indians, because we need to understand that the caste system is still alive, and that by merely pretending it is no longer relevant, we cannot wish it away.