In A First, Non-Brahmins & Dalits To Be Appointed As Priests In Kerala

India’s caste system and caste-based discrimination is still very much a reality and affects the majority of our population. We regularly read about violence and abuse at the hands of the ‘superiors’ over the subjugated members of their communities.
It is times like these that the decision taken by the Kerala Devaswom Board to appoint 36 priests from non-Brahmin and Dalit communities comes as a giant step towards social equality.

Temple management is a sphere that has been largely dominated by the upper caste – a convention that’s common across all states. They may have historically been, and still are the epicentres of the social gathering of people celebrating their faith and carrying out religious ceremonies, notwithstanding the disbarring of people of other social strata from partaking in these ceremonies and some even entering the holy premises.

The Devaswom Board manages over 3000 Hindu temples in the entire state, along with their assets and smooth ritualistic proceedings. In its first, the Board placed emphasis on selecting candidates only through a written test and interview, according to the report by HuffPost. The appointment list, based on merit and reservation, has totalled to 62 priests, out of which 36 candidates are non-Brahmins, with six belonging to the Dalit communities. 16 individuals have been selected entirely on merit for the position of a priesthood in the Travancore division, reported The Better India.

When asked about the possible backlash of such a decision Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board’s Chairperson Rajagopalan Nair told The News Minute, “There is no possibility of resistance from anyone. Government procedures have been followed in bringing out the list and it contains people of most of the castes in the state. From Brahmins to Nairs to SC/ST candidates, the list encompasses everyone.”

Social stratification through casteism has thrived through the pages of India’s history. To uproot discriminating customs that have run deep in the social fabric, Devaswom Board’s move makes a bold statement. Here’s hoping, that the change proliferates throughout the country.

Representational feature image via Hinduism Today

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