Topic: Social empowerment; Secularism; Salient features of Indian Society
1) Do you consider training dalit and tribal youth to become priests a reformative and a revolutionary step? Justify your answer. Also examine how does different sections of society view this step that’s being initiated at a conservative religious institution such as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). (250 Words)
Why this question?
Any issue on weaker sections is important for Mains. Issues on dalit and tribal empowerment should be studied holistically and this questions adds another dimension to this issue. Moreover, question is directly related to syllabus.
Key demand of the question:
In the first part, with valid arguments and facts justify if making dalit and tribals priests is a revolutionary and reformative step. In the second part, examine how sections of society – dalits themselves, upper caste people, civil society view this step. Both dimensions should be given equal importance.
Directive Word:
Justify– With suitable examples and justifications, you should take a stand and defend it.
Examine: In the second part, from article, extract related facts and present them in answer
Structure of Answer:
In the introduction, write in 1-2 lines how empowerment of dalits and tribals is en evolving phenomenon which faces several hurdles. Then write a line about your stance – if priesthood is ticket to liberation for dalits.
In the body, in TWO Mains parts address question’s demand. In first part, your justification. Here, divide this part into 3-4 sub-parts (each sub-part for one justification). In the second part, present opinions of different sections of society on this issue. If you are an anthropology or sociology student, don’t use too many optional jargon in GS answer. It backfires.
In the conclusion, suggest 1-2 additional measures that can more revolutionary that priesthood.
