Paramjit Kainth was born in India, and has lived in Vancouver, BC since 1992. He belongs to what he calls a “so-called low caste,” which he describes as “man-made in India.” This is, he says, an “ugly scar on the human face in India.” Were he to belong to a so-called “high caste,” he says, he would be treated well, and otherwise is “treated like an animal.” He tells us that “so-called high caste people bring that garbage to Canada too.” He believes that Canada is a beautiful country but that those people who discriminating based on caste should be punished. For this reason, he argues, a law should be made against caste discrimination, alongside other forms of discrimination.
Short Promotional Video, 1: How prevalent is casteism in our society?
Short Promotional Video, 2: How have the Buddha’s teachings inspired other Gurus?
Full interview, Part 1:
Full interview, Part 2:
Banner image: Collage of photographs, from left to right, interview of Surjit and Manjit Bains with Dr. Anne Murphy (courtesy of Jai Birdi); the Guru Ravidas Sabha Vancouver (courtesy of Anita Lal); Kamaljit, participant in the project; portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by Raghavendra Rao Karkala, now in the collection of the University of the Fraser Valley Library (acrylic on canvas); Mohan Lal Karimpuri, author and activist; Vipasna Nanal, project participant and video interview editor.