India's Dalits

Description

In fast-paced modern India, some traditions still hold fast. Though the country's notorious caste system was officially abolished half a century ago, discrimination remains widespread. We meet Hema, a leader of Delhi's sewage workers' union. Despite having a master's degree and successful career, Hema is considered an "untouchable" because she is a Dalit, a member of India's lowest social caste. The Dalits make up one-fifth of the country's population. They are forbidden from marrying into upper caste families or even going to the same religious temples. We watch Hema's struggle to rise above her assigned status, at great personal cost.

Runtime

22 min

Series

Subjects

Genre

Date of Publication

[2013], c2009

Database

Films on Demand

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