In many parts of J&K, people strictly refuse to marry outside their caste. These are man-made barriers, an evil constructed by society itself. In the eyes of the Divine, all human beings are equal. Yet society continues to judge, discriminate, and mock.
Dar Muqeet Gull
In an era where education has empowered minds and broadened perspectives, it is deeply troubling that caste continues to dictate one of the most personal decisions of life: marriage. In Jammu & Kashmir, a region known for its rich culture and strong social values, many young people are facing delayed marriages, not because of a lack of compatibility, education, or willingness, but because of caste barriers. Every educated individual knows that casteism is a social evil. No religion in the world truly promotes discrimination or inequality among human beings. Yet, despite this awareness, the problem persists.
Our educated youth often deliver powerful speeches against caste discrimination. They talk about equality, humanity, and justice. But when it comes to marriage, many fail to practice what they preach. They refuse to step beyond caste boundaries, and when questioned, the most common response is: “My family did not agree.” This reflects not just societal pressure but also a lack of courage to stand for what is right.
One of the most painful consequences of this mindset is faced by countless young women whose marriageable age passes by simply because of caste barriers. This is not just a social issue; it is an emotional and psychological burden carried silently by many families. It raises an important question: What have we truly learned from our education? Does any religion teach us to divide humanity in this way?
It seems that the human conscience has weakened. Greed, pride, and the obsession with status have blinded many.
What is even more concerning is that discrimination begins early. In some cases, children are judged and treated differently in schools based on their caste background. Such attitudes poison young minds and normalise inequality, making it harder to break these chains in adulthood. They are viewed differently, treated unfairly, and sometimes even humiliated. This is not only morally wrong but also legally unacceptable, yet it continues in subtle and overt ways.
Sometimes, people are even mocked or teased because of their caste. This is not just wrong, it is inhumane. It destroys dignity, confidence, and the very essence of humanity.
We must ask ourselves: Are these individuals created by a different God? Are they any less human? What is it that makes one superior and another inferior? The truth is simple, nothing. We are all created from the same earth, and to the same earth we shall return. There is no superiority or inferiority in humanity.
In many parts of Jammu & Kashmir, there are still communities that strictly refuse to marry outside their caste. But are those outside their caste not human? Who created these divisions? Certainly not God. These are man-made barriers, an evil constructed by society itself. In the eyes of the Divine, all human beings are equal. Yet, society continues to judge, discriminate, and even mock individuals based on caste. Such behaviour is not just unjust, it is inhumane.
It is time to break this chain. It is time for the youth of J&K to rise above these barriers. Change begins with courage, the courage to stand by what is right, even when it is difficult. Families, too, must evolve and understand that happiness, compatibility, and mutual respect matter far more than caste.
Let us break these invisible walls that divide us. Let us build a society where marriages are based on understanding, love, and shared values, not on rigid and unjust social hierarchies. Because true progress is not just about education, it is about equality in action.
mu************@***il.com