New Delhi- In a riveting episode of "Power Talk with Sanjeev," social reformer, founder of the "Caste Abolition Campaign," and former IPS Dr. B.P. Ashok has reignited the debate on casteism's toxic grip on India. He described the caste system as the biggest curse on society and emphasized the urgent need for a 'Caste Abolition' law, drawing a parallel to the demonetization drive. Ashok stated that real equality in India will only come when caste identity is completely eradicated.

Speaking candidly with host Sanjeev, Dr. Ashok recalled the 2018 incident when the Supreme Court, in a judgment, weakened the provision for immediate arrest under the SC/ST Act by making an inquiry mandatory. Dr. Ashok was in the Training Department at that time. He explained, "This provision was created so that powerful communities could not pressure the weaker sections into a compromise. When this provision was removed, there was immense anger among the Dalit and tribal communities across the country."

He further stated, "There was a plan for peaceful protests across the country on April 2, but some people resorted to violence. Violence erupted in districts like Meerut, Agra, and Aligarh, after which police action led to the deaths of 13 youths. Hurt by this incident and to demand the strengthening of the law, I submitted my resignation to the President." However, after the intervention of the then Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his assurance that the law would be restored within a month, his resignation was not accepted. Dr. Ashok said that on August 9, 2018, Parliament reinstated this law.

Confronting Casteism During His Service

Dr. Ashok shared several experiences of caste-based discrimination during his police career. He claimed that despite his excellent work, he was not awarded service medals, while less qualified officers received medals based on their caste and recommendations. He said, "When it was time to face bullets, I was at the forefront, but when it was time to receive medals, I was left out."

Commenting on the recent suicide of Dalit IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, Dr. Ashok stated that this incident is a matter of shame for both the police department and society. He said that a strong individual like an IPS officer only takes such a step when their moral strength is repeatedly wounded. He demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. Citing the example of former IPS officer Prasad, he mentioned that Prasad returned after 11-12 years of suspension by earning degrees. "Have willpower, don't commit suicide."

Praising Allahabad HC Caste Ban Order

Dr. Ashok emphatically stated that a strict law is needed to eliminate discrimination and atrocities based on caste. He said, "We should enact a 'Caste Abolition' law, exactly like demonetization happened. The identity of caste should be erased from people's pockets, nameplates, homes, neighborhoods, and shops."

He praised the order of Justice Vinod Diwakar of the Allahabad High Court, which directed a ban on writing caste names on vehicles and shops. Dr. Ashok believes that until interview-free examinations and a caste abolition law are established, casteism cannot be eradicated. He said - "Promote inter-caste marriages, conduct interview-free recruitments. If the Mandal Commission had been implemented, democracy would have been stronger. If OBCs had received their share, oppression would have stopped."

Launching a sharp attack on the Varna system, he said, "Even a 100-year-old Kshatriya is considered lower than a Brahmin. The status of women is even worse. Why would a Brahmin sitting in Kashmir give a share to an SC person from Kerala?" He described reservation as "share". "If you dislike reservation, then do inter-caste marriage. The next generation will benefit." He suggested top-to-bottom reservation in the private sector, with a 5-10% tax incentive. "Conduct a caste census, balance will be achieved."

Family Background: A Legacy of Education and Struggle

Dr. Ashok was born in Siana village (Long Sarai) in Bulandshahr. His father, Dr. Devi Singh Ashok, is a retired IG who went village to village to send SC/ST children to school. He shared, "My father removed the fear of chanting 'Jai Bhim'. He celebrated Dr. Ambedkar's Jayanti, wrote books. There has been a tradition of education in our home."

Dr. Ashok himself earned a PhD and D.Litt. in Buddhist Philosophy. His daughter is an IRS officer, his son-in-law is also in the civil services, and his son is studying at IIT. He said, "Ambedkarism is our inspiration. Buddha, Phule, Savitribai, Ambedkar - these are our icons. Get educated, struggle, stay organized." His village also has a 53-foot tall "Bahujan Kranti Stambh" (Pillar of Revolution), dedicated to the martyrs of 2nd April 2018.

Dr. Ashok advised the youth to adopt a scientific temper for success, abandoning superstition and fatalism. "We waste 60 hours annually on superstition. China invests in R&D, we invest in babas. 111 people commit suicide due to superstition. Buddha said to use logic as a touchstone. Invest your surplus 25% in savings, don't take loans for festivals."

He emphasized time management, STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths), English, internet usage, and financial literacy. He stated that without these skills, it is difficult to progress in today's era.