Statement based on a webinar hosted by SCMI and ICCJ on June 27, 2025
“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.”( 1 Corinthians 12:26)
The discrimination against Dalit students in educational institutions is not a newphenomenon. Heinous practices of untouchability, forced-unclean chores, segregation, derision, harassment, victimisation, punitive measures and exclusion bypeers, teachers and authorities are some of the major experiences of discriminationthat Dalit students continue to face from primary to higher levels of education, despite constitutional safeguards against such practices.
The social exclusion encountered by Dalit students continues with impunity becauseof the silence and apathy of civil society organisations, including those ofchurches and faith communities. Glorification of hierarchies and elitism alongsideattitudes of unconcern and neutrality in the face of systemic evils serve to sustainthe caste mentality.
We, the members of the Student Christian Movement India (SCMI) and the IndianChristian Collective for Justice(ICCJ), find that indifference in the face of graveatrocities against vulnerable sections makes us accomplices in the crime. In thissituation, breaking the culture of violence and silence becomes imperative as aninevitable expression of Christian discipleship.
Justice, equality and liberation are integral dimensions of the Christian dispensation. Persistence of systemic inequalities in the name of caste, class, gender, ethnicity andother factors in the Indian society impels us to raise our voices with propheticcourage, following Jesus Christ. To that extent:
We hold challenging the consciousness of the so-called privileged castesusing every possible platform in the religious and secular sphere as necessaryfor deconstructing the caste mentality that is persistent in our country.
Churches implement policies that condemn caste discrimination withprovisions that protect members and those engaged with their institutionswho experience such discrimination.
We recognise that education is essential for driving transformation. For thisreason, we urge Christian educational institutions to reclaim theirfoundational vision and mission of transforming structures that areoppressive to the lives of the marginalised sections of our society.
Churches, Christian youth organisations and movements could play aproactive role in addressing the dehumanising experiences of discriminationthat many young people go through. Giving visibility to their stories andnurturing and promoting the values of equity and inclusion need to be seenas their distinct contribution to social transformation.
Taking immediate steps to protect Dalit students from furthermarginalisation is crucial in this regard. Such a response seems urgent andnecessary given the increasing privatisation of education on the one handand the reduction of state funding for education on the other.
Since most of the Dalit students are first or second-generation learners, withcumbersome weights of stigma, low self-esteem, fatalism and hopelessnessbesides cringing poverty, churches may accompany them through mentoring, counselling, and offering institutional and financial support.
Inclusion and equality are fundamental principles underlying the Gospel vision of anew community in Christ. This implies unlearning hierarchical thinking patterns. Faith in Jesus Christ compels actions of love, justice, compassion, and freedom, aswell as opportunities for all to flourish. As such, breaking the cultures of violence andsilence is a moral and spiritual imperative for the affirmation and practice ofChristian faith now and always.
Allen Paul, Aman Adhikary, Arpan Luke, Bharat Kumar, B. J. Syiemlieh, Baiaithrang Khonglah, Daniel Sen, Dakerlin Mukhim, Evelyn, Gnanamani Gunadayalan, Iba, Ishwarya R, J. Nirmala, Jerina Yeputho, JessiaJason, Joel Samuel, Joshua Jayaseelan, Leesma D., Mina Dip, Natania Tessica, Nisha Singh, Praveen, Priscilla. J.S, Priscilla Rawade, Sathia Rabbin Das, Sethu P, Sneha Susan Mathai, Shakila, Sherly Dayana, Sudharson, TimothyRalsun, Tovikali Jimomi, Uttam Guria, Varsha Bhingardive, Vilasie Shuya, Vincent CV, and Yabes ManokaranAjay Singh, Alemla Longchar, Annie Namala, Anita Cheria, Aruna Gnanadason, Bablu Ram, DeenabandhuManchala, Geevarghese Mor Coorilos, Inatoli Aye, Inbaraj Jeyakumar, Jesudas Athyal, Kochurani Abraham, Muanpuii Hmar, Paul Divakar, Philip Peacock, Raynah Braganza, Samuel Mall, Seno Tsuhah, and Wati Longchar.
On Behalf of the Student Christian Movement of India and the Indian Christian Collective for JusticeJuly 3, 2025