Caste discrimination in India is often thought of as a relic of the past—but the reality is that it still affects lives profoundly, even in the 21st century and beyond our national borders.
Prem Birhade, a young Dalit from Nardubar, a tribal district in India, recently graduated from the prestigious University of Sussex in the UK. Full of promise and potential, Prem secured a job opportunity at Heathrow Airport, London. However, despite submitting all required academic documentation, his employment offer was suddenly blocked.
Why? Because his former college, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pune, refused to verify his credentials. Shockingly, this refusal was not based on administrative issues—it was because Prem is a Dalit.
The college’s principal, Dr. Nivedita Gajanan Ekbote, who also serves as Maharashtra Vice-President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJP youth wing), is accused of letting caste prejudice dictate her actions. While Prem’s academic credentials were verified for his study abroad in London, the college enquired about his caste when he sought verification for employment—highlighting the systemic discrimination Dalit students face, even after achieving global academic success.
Prem’s journey from a marginalized tribal district to the UK is nothing short of inspiring. Yet, this case exposes how structural casteism continues to haunt Dalit youth, undermining their hard work, dreams, and opportunities. It is a stark reminder that breaking social and economic barriers is not enough; the deep-rooted biases in institutions continue to perpetuate inequality.
This case demands urgent attention, transparency, and accountability. Prem’s struggle is not just his own—it is the story of countless Dalit students across India, whose aspirations are stifled by caste-based discrimination, regardless of merit, effort, or achievement.
Casteism is everywhere, and until it is confronted decisively, stories like Prem’s will continue to repeat.