Question

In India, the so-called lower castes have been treated for a long time. Who advised Bama to fight against this prejudice, when and how?

Hint:

Remember: Bama's brother taught her that education is the most powerful weapon against social prejudice. Instead of reacting with anger, one should channel energy into self-improvement and achievement.

Answer 1

Step 1: Context from the story.
This question is based on the story "We Too Are Human Beings" from Bama's autobiography "Karukku," which describes her experiences with caste discrimination in Tamil Nadu.
Step 2: The incident that revealed caste prejudice.
One day, young Bama witnessed an elderly man from her community carrying a packet of vadai with great care and respect for a higher-caste man. She later learned that this was because he was from a "lower caste" and had to show deference.
Step 3: Bama's initial reaction.
Bama was deeply affected by this incident. She felt angry, humiliated, and upset about the way people from her community were treated. The laughter and amusement of others made her question her own identity.
Step 4: Who advised Bama.
It was Bama's **elder brother (Anna)** who advised her to fight against this prejudice. Step 5: When the advice was given.
The advice came when Bama returned home and narrated the incident to her brother, expressing her anger and frustration about the caste discrimination she had witnessed.
Step 6: How he advised her - The method.
Her brother advised her not to waste time on anger but to focus on her studies. He told her that education was the only weapon to fight against caste prejudice and social discrimination.
Step 7: The specific advice given.
Her brother said: "Study with all your heart. If you study well and come out on top, then people will come to you and seek your opinion. That is the way to fight this prejudice."
Step 8: Bama's response.
Inspired by her brother's words, Bama threw herself into her studies. She worked hard, excelled academically, and used education as a tool to overcome the limitations imposed by caste.