It’s the 21st century — a time of globalization, modernization, and technological advancement. Yet, it is unfortunate that we are still struggling with the deep-rooted caste hierarchy that continues to shape our society.

Let me share a glimpse of my personal experience.
In 2024, I passed my 12th class and was filled with enthusiasm to explore the world beyond my hometown. I sat for various entrance exams, and by the grace of God, I got selected in one of India’s topmost colleges. Meeting students from across the country broadened my vision and gave me immense exposure to diverse ideas and cultures.
One day, I participated in a national-level debate on the topic “Stratification of Society and
the Burden of Caste Hierarchy.” Initially, I was proud to represent Jammu & Kashmir, believing
that caste discrimination was not a major issue back home. However, as the discussion unfolded, I was taken aback by the data shared by my fellow debaters. They highlighted that in J&K, over 50,000 girls are under stress due to societal pressures of caste-based marriage restrictions — families still prefer alliances within their caste and many judge a person’s worth based on their social label or government job status.
Sadly, it’s true that in our society, private entrepreneurs or hardworking individuals in other professions are often looked down upon, while government officials are seen as ideal matches. This mindset reflects how material and social status still overshadow human values. I remember a real-life example that deeply affected me.
A friend of mine, Mubashir, a talented UPSC aspirant, once met a girl during his preparation.She was just a 12th-pass student, yet she told him that her parents would only agree to their marriage if he became an IAS officer. The reason? She belonged to a so-called “higher” caste
— and her family’s acceptance depended not on his character or education, but on his social standing. That incident opened my eyes. Later, as I researched more, I realized that such practices are still prevalent in Kashmir, just like in many other parts of India.
Our holy Quran clearly teaches equality and condemns any form of superiority based on lineage or birth. As the Quran says:
“O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” — (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13).This verse beautifully reminds us that
we all descend from Adam and Eve, and no caste or race makes one superior to another.
In the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar,
“Caste is not a physical object like a wall of bricks or a line of barbed wire which prevents people from communicating with each other, it is a notion that dwells in the mind.”
It’s high time we challenge this notion — both in thought and action. True progress lies not in breaking world records but in breaking mental barriers that divide humanity.
If we, as educated youth, still allow caste to dictate our relationships and respect, then modernization is only an illusion. The need of the hour is to internalize the idea of equality, compassion, and mutual respect, for only then can we build a society that truly lives up to the ideals of humanity and faith.

Email:------------- atherwani1234@gmail.com