{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/68d1117c146cfd1a6558c505/68d1118a203f72ea57391cf1?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Aleena's Journey as a Dalit Christian on Caste, Christianity, Poetry & Activism | Ep 244","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/68d1117c146cfd1a6558c505/059202b52397bcb969af67e3669f6c7a.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this powerful episode, Dalit Christian poet Aleena opens up about navigating caste discrimination in Christianity, growing up in rural Kerala, and reclaiming identity through poetry and activism.</p><p>We dive deep into uncomfortable truths:</p><ul><li>Why caste isn’t just a Hindu problem</li><li>How Christianity in India mirrors Brahminical hierarchies</li><li>The Christian caste structure and the erasure of Dalit converts</li><li>The caste census and what it reveals about Savarna overrepresentation in institutions</li><li>Why upper castes oppose reservation while upholding the myth of merit</li><li>What it means to be a Dalit woman writer in online and offline spaces</li></ul><p>Aleena brings clarity and courage as she reflects on being &quot;seen as impure&quot; within churches, her refusal to conform to Brahminical codes, and the power of reclaiming voice, dress, and dignity in public life.</p><p>If you’ve ever wondered about the intersection of caste and religion, or how faith spaces can still be exclusionary, this is an episode that will challenge and move you.</p><p><b>Key Takeaways:</b></p><ul><li>Saint Thomas (St. Thomas the Apostle) – Credited with bringing Christianity to India, especially Kerala</li><li>Savarnas – Term for dominant (upper) castes in the caste hierarchy</li><li>Brahmins / Brahminical hierarchy – Dominant priestly caste in Hinduism; referred to symbolically in terms of cultural dominance across religions</li><li>Indian Bureaucracy &amp; Government Institutions – Referenced in discussion on Savarna overrepresentation</li><li>Education System – Highlighted for its systemic caste-based inequality</li><li>Reservation System – India’s affirmative action policy that is hotly debated</li><li>Caste Census – Policy tool demanded by activists to count caste demographics in India</li><li>Merit vs. Privilege Debate – Critique of how “merit” is often coded language to uphold caste privilege</li></ul><p><b>Chapters:</b></p><p>00:00 - Highlights<br/>01:19 - Introduction<br/>01:43 - Aleena describes her childhood in a remote village in Kerala.<br/>04:25 - Aleena discusses the triggering point for her activism.<br/>06:16 - Aleena explains the symbolism in her poetry collection.<br/>07:52 - Aleena talks about her audience and the purpose of her writing.<br/>09:38 - Aleena shares the difficulties in writing certain poems.<br/>12:00 - Aleena discusses how she found her poetic voice.<br/>13:08 - Aleena reflects on being a representative voice for her community.<br/>16:27 -  Aleena talks about handling online hate and criticism.<br/>19:07 - Aleena discusses the pervasive nature of caste across religions.<br/>28:15 - Aleena and Mohua discuss subtle discriminatory practices in society.<br/>32:35 - Aleena talks about the shifting perceptions of fashion and identity.<br/>37:53 - Aleena shares her views on the reservation versus merit debate.<br/>48:14 - Aleena reads a few lines from her poem.<br/>49:01 - Mohua concludes the podcast and thanks Aleena.<br/><br/></p><p><b>Connect with Us</b></p><p>Mohua Chinappa: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohua-chinappa/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohua-chinappa/</a></p><p>The Mohua Show: <a href='https://www.themohuashow.com/'>https://www.themohuashow.com/</a></p><p><b>Follow Us</b></p><p>YouTube: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@TheMohuaShow'>https://www.youtube.com/@TheMohuaShow</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/themohuashow/'>https://www.linkedin.com/company/themohuashow/</a></p><p>Facebook: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/themohuashow'>https://www.facebook.com/themohuashow</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/themohuashow/'>https://www.instagram.com/themohuashow/</a></p><p><br/></p><p><b>For any other queries EMAIL</b><br/>hello@themohuashow.com<br/><br/></p><p><br/><b>Thanks for Listening!</b><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/></p>","author_name":"Mohua Chinappa"}