In 1916, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of India’s constitution, foresaw that the caste issue, though local, could have global repercussions: “As long as caste exists in India, Hindus will hardly engage socially with outsiders; if they migrate, Indian caste will become a worldwide concern.”
A significant legal case in California serves as a testament to this prophecy. In June, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing initiated a lawsuit against Cisco, a major tech company, for allegedly discriminating against an Indian Dalit engineer, identified as “John Doe.” He claims to have endured harassment from two high-caste Indian-American colleagues and faced retaliation after reporting the incidents to the company.
Caste discrimination is a global issue affecting over 260 million individuals, severely influencing their lives, including their employment, social interactions, and religious practices. At the bottom of this hierarchy are the Dalits, often referred to as “untouchables,” who face segregation, violence, and a culture of silence and impunity. While caste discrimination is less overt in the U.S. than in India, it certainly exists, especially in the tech industry.
In Silicon Valley, where a significant number of Indian immigrants and Indian Americans work, caste discrimination manifests in subtle yet damaging ways. For instance, Brahmins, the highest caste, might touch a new Indian colleague to see if they wear the sacred Brahmin thread, signaling whether they belong to their trusted networks.
Caste bias is deeply ingrained, influencing both implicit and explicit attitudes among dominant caste individuals, even in the diaspora. A 2016 Equality Labs survey on caste in the U.S. revealed alarming statistics: one in four Dalits reported facing physical or verbal assault due to their caste, while two-thirds experienced unfair treatment in the workplace.
In the tech sector, caste can act as a social currency, obscured by the notion of meritocracy. Many dominant caste individuals remain unaware of their biases until prompted to consider the representation of Dalits in their networks. The caste issue extends beyond companies into academia, where hiring practices often favor individuals from dominant caste backgrounds.
This pattern is evident in top tech firms, where those with referrals from current employees—predominantly from dominant castes—have better chances of securing interviews. Consequently, caste-oppressed individuals often struggle to navigate hostile work environments, with some even leaving the tech field or tragically taking their own lives due to relentless discrimination.
Even when they successfully obtain positions, caste discrimination follows. Dalits face derogatory remarks, dismissive attitudes, and exclusion from discussions. I experienced such discrimination early in my career when my Indian manager ignored my contributions and made disparaging comments about my background. I eventually sought employment elsewhere, leading to a successful career, but many remain trapped in oppressive environments.
Caste discrimination is a systemic issue that needs urgent attention. As the Cisco case unfolds, it prompts a critical examination of the talent being lost to caste-based discrimination and the overall impact on organizations.
The lawsuit against Cisco brings a glimmer of hope for Dalits in the tech sector seeking justice. This courage exhibited by “John Doe” may inspire others facing similar injustices to speak out and could encourage tech companies to confront and address caste discrimination in their workplaces.
