India’s caste system is notoriously known for its significant influence within communities throughout the country, but this influence is definitely not a good thing. 

The caste system is a determining factor in monumental events such as marriage to everyday decisions, according to BBC.

The Indian caste system is based on Hindu beliefs — at the bottom are Dalits, followed by Shrudas, Vaishyas, Kshatriyas and finally Brahmins at the top of this social hierarchy.

The Hindu caste system was outlawed in the 1950s, according to BBC, which is ironic considering the large role it plays in society. This 3,000 year old system continues to follow people around like a shadow, severely affecting lower castes who are deemed as the untouchables.  

it is the main cause of Dalit women, to be victims of sexual assault, rape and — in some cases — murder, according to Bloomberg. 

To put it into perspective, a 19-year-old Dalit teenager died after allegedly being raped by upper caste men, according to CNN. This devastating story is just one of the many that have been reported in 2020 alone and shows how far the influence of the caste system has affected Indians. 

While there have been some efforts to put an end to the caste system’s influence in Indian communities, Dalit women are still being targeted due to their caste status, according to CNN. 

As an Indian-American, it is terrifying to think that the only reason I am not subject to the possibility of being targeted is credited to the fact my caste level is higher than a Dalit.

 The caste system only creates division and does not positively contribute to society, which proves that the influence the caste system holds shouldn’t be taken into consideration.

Reports around the world are continuously being put out about Indian women being sexually assaulted because of their caste level, but now is the time to take action against caste discrimination. 

Indian government officials need to address the caste system in a more effective way before more people are targeted for a reason they cannot control.