Extent of Untouchability and Pattern of Discrimination

Scheduled Castes’ suffering and deprivation attracted the attention of Mahatma Gndhi and several other social reformers of the country. Their uplift became one of the major objectives of India’s Freedom Struggle. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar took up their cause and throughout his life, he fought for them. All these efforts resulted in formulating policies to ensure them freedom and social justice after India became Independent. No doubt, there has been some change in practice of untouchability in public places but there does not seem to have been major change in the general attitude of privileged classes. Organized efforts backed by legislative and executive action, and education expansion may hopefully mitigate the evil practice of untouchability – a practice which is a blot on our secular principles. This book has effectively dealt with these vexed problems of our social life.