Coming Out as Dalit: A Memoir of Surviving India's Caste System by Yashica Dutt

"Coming Out as Dalit" by Yashica Dutt is a poignant coming-of-age narrative that explores the systemic injustices faced by Dalits in India and their reverberations in US society. Born into a family traditionally engaged in manual scavenging, Dutt recounts her upbringing in small-town India, where she was taught to conceal her Dalit identity to avoid discrimination. Despite legal protections against caste-based discrimination since 1950, Dutt exposes the pervasive influence of caste-ism across various facets of Indian society, from entertainment to the judiciary.

Blending personal memoir with rigorous research, Dutt critiques the historical roots of the caste system, exacerbated by colonial British rule and perpetuated through societal norms. She reflects on the missed opportunities by leaders like Gandhi in confronting caste prejudice, while highlighting the pivotal role of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, often likened to Martin Luther King Jr. for his advocacy against caste discrimination.

Originally published to acclaim in India in 2019, this expanded edition of "Coming Out as Dalit" includes new chapters that delve into the migration of the caste system to the US and its impact within South Asian communities. Dutt's narrative sheds light on how caste biases continue to influence professional sectors and educational policies in America, prompting institutions like Harvard and the NAACP to acknowledge caste as a protected category.

Through her personal journey and insightful analysis, Dutt invites readers to confront and engage with the complexities of Dalit identity and caste discrimination, urging a reevaluation of perceptions and practices within communities worldwide. "Coming Out as Dalit" serves as a vital contribution to ongoing discussions about social justice, challenging readers to reconsider their roles in dismantling caste-based inequities both locally and globally. ❤️📚❤️