Test: Equality In Indian Democracy- 1 - UPSC MCQ

Equality is a key feature of democracy and influences all aspects of its functioning. Equality is even enshrined under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. Which states that the state shall not discriminate anyone on the basis of caste, sex etc. and everyone is equal in the eyes of all. It states the principle of equality amongst the equals. Like should be treated alike and unlike should not be treated alike.

Dalit" refers to socially, economically and historically marginalized communities predominantly in India. It also means "broken/scattered" in Sanskrit and Hindi. The term dalits was in use as a translation for the British Raj census classification of Depressed Classes prior to 1935.

Reasons for Omprakash Valmiki being treated unequally by his teacher:

• Social Discrimination: Omprakash Valmiki belonged to the Dalit community, which historically faced discrimination and social exclusion in India. His lower caste background could have influenced the unequal treatment he received from his teacher.


• Prejudice and Stereotyping: The teacher might have held biased views and stereotypes about Dalits, considering them inferior or untouchable. This prejudice could have led to unequal treatment.


• Caste-based Hierarchy: India's caste system has a hierarchical structure, with Dalits being placed at the bottom. The teacher might have consciously or unconsciously adhered to this hierarchy, treating Omprakash Valmiki unequally based on his caste.


• Lack of Empathy and Understanding: The teacher might have lacked empathy and understanding towards the challenges and discrimination faced by Dalit students. This could have resulted in unfair treatment and neglect of Omprakash Valmiki's needs.


• Power Imbalance: The teacher-student relationship inherently involves a power dynamic. The teacher, being in a position of authority, might have exploited this power to discriminate against Omprakash Valmiki based on his caste.

It is important to note that caste-based discrimination is a systemic issue deeply rooted in Indian society. The unequal treatment faced by Omprakash Valmiki reflects the larger problem of social inequality and discrimination faced by Dalits in India.

The landlady belonged to some other religion and the couple don't want to give the house to any person belonging to a different religion.

Explanation:
- When persons are treated unequally, their dignity is violated.
- Dignity refers to the inherent worth and value of every human being.
- Treating individuals unequally based on factors such as race, gender, or social status undermines their dignity and denies them equal respect and recognition.
- Violation of dignity can lead to feelings of humiliation, marginalization, and exclusion.
- It is important to uphold and protect the dignity of all individuals to ensure a just and fair society.
- Upholding dignity requires treating all individuals with respect, recognizing their inherent worth, and providing equal opportunities and rights.
- Respecting and promoting dignity contributes to the overall well-being and flourishing of individuals and society as a whole.

Both Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris were victims of un- equal treatment. The dignity or self-respect of both of them was violated. The headmaster of Omprakash Valmiki compelled him to sweep the school simply because he belonged to the Dalit. The dignity of Omprakash was badly hurt. He was made to feel that he was less than equal to all other students in the school. The self-respect of the Ansaris was also hurt badly when they were refused to lease an apartment because of their religion. Omprakash and the Ansaris are also human beings and they too deserve the same dignity as anyone else.

Changing name in this case would mean hiding their identity. and hiding one's identity is always seen as a loss of dignity. Dignity means self-respect, and changing of surname in this case would mean change of religion, thus their self-respect would be hurt.

In the 1975 film, Deewar, a boy who works as a shoeshine refuses to pick up a coin thrown at him because he feels that there is dignity in the work that he does and insists that his fee be given respectfully.

Parliament enables citizens of India to participate in decision making and control the government, thus making it the most important symbol of Indian democracy and a key feature of the Constitution.

Untouchability has been abolished and each person has to be treated equally according to constitution.