In this powerful episode, Dalit Christian poet Aleena opens up about navigating caste discrimination in Christianity, growing up in rural Kerala, and reclaiming identity through poetry and activism.

We dive deep into uncomfortable truths:

• Why caste isn’t just a Hindu problem
• How Christianity in India mirrors Brahminical hierarchies
• The Christian caste structure and the erasure of Dalit converts
• The caste census and what it reveals about Savarna overrepresentation in institutions
• Why upper castes oppose reservation while upholding the myth of merit
• What it means to be a Dalit woman writer in online and offline spaces

Aleena brings clarity and courage as she reflects on being "seen as impure" within churches, her refusal to conform to Brahminical codes, and the power of reclaiming voice, dress, and dignity in public life.

If you’ve ever wondered about the intersection of caste and religion, or how faith spaces can still be exclusionary, this is an episode that will challenge and move you.

Key Takeaways:

• Saint Thomas (St. Thomas the Apostle) – Credited with bringing Christianity to India, especially Kerala
• Savarnas – Term for dominant (upper) castes in the caste hierarchy
• Brahmins / Brahminical hierarchy – Dominant priestly caste in Hinduism; referred to symbolically in terms of cultural dominance across religions
• Indian Bureaucracy & Government Institutions – Referenced in discussion on Savarna overrepresentation
• Education System – Highlighted for its systemic caste-based inequality
• Reservation System – India’s affirmative action policy that is hotly debated
• Caste Census – Policy tool demanded by activists to count caste demographics in India
• Merit vs. Privilege Debate – Critique of how “merit” is often coded language to uphold caste privilege

Chapters:

00:00 - Highlights
01:19 - Introduction
01:43 - Aleena describes her childhood in a remote village in Kerala.
04:25 - Aleena discusses the triggering point for her activism.
06:16 - Aleena explains the symbolism in her poetry collection.
07:52 - Aleena talks about her audience and the purpose of her writing.
09:38 - Aleena shares the difficulties in writing certain poems.
12:00 - Aleena discusses how she found her poetic voice.
13:08 - Aleena reflects on being a representative voice for her community.
16:27 -  Aleena talks about handling online hate and criticism.
19:07 - Aleena discusses the pervasive nature of caste across religions.
28:15 - Aleena and Mohua discuss subtle discriminatory practices in society.
32:35 - Aleena talks about the shifting perceptions of fashion and identity.
37:53 - Aleena shares her views on the reservation versus merit debate.
48:14 - Aleena reads a few lines from her poem.
49:01 - Mohua concludes the podcast and thanks Aleena.

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