The author has very good intentions in writing this article. But, the current political scenario is divide and rule. This happens either thru caste system or thru dividing the states and ruling. Primary reason is 'political ambitions' and everybody wants to become a CM or PM of the country just by playing these cards (which are accepted very well by the public, who are like herds). The public outlook should change and then only these things will change. It is upto the media to take it up and downplay this by gathering majority.
Also India should have the concept of referendums on these kind of policy changes.
I can understand to certain extent regarding reservations for SCs & STs. But there is no need for any kind of reservations for the so called BCs or OBCs. What the poor people need to be given is monetary help and they have to work hard to gain respect in the society. Then only we can see any change in their status in the future.
In India, politics IS everything, even at the risk of destroying the nation, which every neta is guilty of, especially Cong, the most vile violator, which instituionalized corruption and communal vote-bank politics. The evil Caste system is in no danger of disappearing, but rather is given pride of place in the Cong-Left political arsenal - their sure-fire means to power. Yes, those perennially wronged and oppressed outcastes and tribals who were forcibly kept poor and backwards needs special treatment to better themselves, and affirmative actions were most welcome - but 50 years on, and no betterment? Maybe it's time merit trumped reservations. Universal access to education and equal employment opportunity are the only way, not reservations.
I am sure you will agree in India caste is a reality . same way as region , religion, skin colour, urban-rural divide the people in india caste is a dividing factor . if you look a particular way people treat you differently . something needs to be done to fix this problem and use the talent effectively . also highly meritorious do not command highest pay cheque or get the job. if you know the correct people you get a decent job anywhere in the world . actually people do not know about well paying career options other than engineering and MBA . There aer many other professions which pay for a decent lifestyle . there should be career counsellors in all the schools which can analyse the interests and talents of youngsters when they are in 10th and 12th and suggest them career options realistically which will help kids decide what they are capable of and what they should do . now a days parents want their kids to do what they could not. I live in canada now a days and lot people I met they say they are not interested in doing what they are doing but want to do something else which will give job satisfaction but they sudied just to please their parents. think about it ?
I agree with Mr. Sengupta on "caste should not overwrite merit" The very idea of reservation in schools and colleges and some jobs are in fact bringing the quality of our youth and nation. When we(my brother and myself) could not get our choices of engineering course in the colleges we preferred, my dad said, take this as a challenge and shine in your life and show to people that you can do better even with such reservations. And we did. But when I think me or my loved once might be operated by a doctor who became a doc not by merit but by reservation policy, I wonder how safe that is to us. This same thing applies to all walks of our lives. We need to do something to change ours and nations future.
