It is very sad to note that instead of weakening the influence of caste in our day-to-day living it shows signs of strengthening the caste system in our society. It appears that the impact of modern technology has not yet succeeded in dismantling the structure of caste system in our country. Goa of past, which was by and large less caste conscious, has started competing with other states of the country in this aspect too. The concrete proof of this evil trend are the voices heard in Goa on behalf of Saraswat Somaz, Bhandari Somaz, Bahuzan Somaz, Kristavancho Ekvott, etc., etc. In reality this is a dangerous trend for the unity of the people and development of Goa.
In recent times it has been observed by the people belonging to different castes that if they organize themselves into groups/associations involving their caste members, it becomes easier for them to get their demands met from the authorities concerned. The politicians have traditionally used the caste-card to garner votes and by doing so they have succeeded in dividing the people on caste and religious lines. It is for these reasons that communal harmony which was so strong in the state of Goa in the past, has weakened to a very great extent in the present times.
The most important cause of raising the bogey of casteism is the desire of people belonging to a particular caste to enhance the prestige of their caste. The prestige of the caste can be enhanced only on the ground that every opportunity be availed of in order to improve the social status of members. In order to achieve this objective, every caste makes attempts to provide its members with all possible privileges in order to raise their social status. Such acts strengthen casteism.
The second cause that encouraged the development of casteism is the restriction on marriage that prevails in Hindu society. Under the caste system the restrictions that apply to marriage turn every caste into a monogamous group in which each individual looks upon himself as related in some way to all the others in the same group or caste. For this reason everyone pays proper attention to the interests of others within a particular caste. Such actions too encourage casteism.
With the advent of the tendency to urbanization, no doubt, it has become possible for all castes to collect in large numbers in towns. Inter-caste marriages have also given a blow to the caste structure. Yet marriages taking place within the members of a particular caste has not yet been stopped. So the people living in the town, in order to solve each others’ problems, tend to go for help to the members belonging to the same caste. Such acts provide security to their living in a new place on caste-basis or on communal basis. Thus in the towns and cities also casteism is spreading because of the necessity to fulfill this need of security.
Therefore if one observes carefully the recent trends related to casteism in our society, it is noticed that on the one hand, casteism serves to further the interests of a small number of individuals of the same caste but, on the other hand, it divides our society into many sections of people and much tension and conflicts between these various sections have also been created due to superiority/inferiority complex of different castes. Under these circumstances the unity and the integrity of the state cannot be strengthened.
Many of the political leaders exploit casteism at election time and ask the people to vote for them on caste and communal considerations. They have succeeded in their evil designs. This sometimes results in the election of unscrupulous individuals who do not hesitate in crushing common interests in the consideration and promotion of his caste interests. In practice, such leaders sing the glories of casteism behind the curtain while they profess equality and unity of the people in front of the same curtain.
Every body says that in Goa one can get government jobs only if one can pay hefty bribes. This may be one side of the coin. The other side of the coin is unique. The latest trends suggest that the appointments for jobs in Goa – particularly in the Government – are done on the basis of caste or religion. First preference is given to members of the same caste. If such a choice is not available then the luck falls on members belonging to the same religious community. While doing so, it is also carefully observed whether the selected candidates come from the constituencies of the respective ministers or not. If so, how can you preserve merit in government appointments?
It is highly regrettable to observe that caste and religion are taken into consideration while providing employment. I wonder when we shall learn to live as a Goan community and consider every Goan for employment as per their merit. Thus efficient and able individuals do not get opportunity to find employment in the government. This is the very reason why there seems to be continuing increase in the number of inefficient and worthless people in offices. Our politicians are squarely responsible for infesting Goa’s administration with the virus of caste. By acting in this manner a great obstacle is placed in the path of development of the state of Goa.
Caste is playing havoc in our society. Its existence is a severe blow to the unity and development of the state. It attempts to weaken the value of nationalism and patriotism among the people. Hence there is a need to dismantle the chains of caste system and usher in equality and brotherhood among the citizens. There is an urgent need to look at every Goan as a member of Goan community. It is also absolutely important that every politician considers himself as belonging to the whole Goan community and not to a particular one.
Sometimes I feel that it’s only a dream – a dream which might be impossible to be fulfilled during our life-time!
(Tomazinho Cardozo is a former Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly)
