Discover the groundbreaking work of Chinnaiah Jangam, an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Carleton University. Born in Telangana, India, Chinnaiah's journey from a first-generation educated Dalit to a leading academic in North America reflects the transformative power of education and resilience. His work focuses on the social and intellectual history of Dalits, also known as "untouchables," in India, highlighting their crucial role in the making of modern India.

In this compelling video, Chinnaiah sheds light on the pervasive caste system in India, a hierarchical structure that has marginalized millions for centuries. He explores how Dalits have been historically oppressed, relegated to performing the most menial and degrading tasks, and how, through education and social consciousness, they have begun to challenge this deeply entrenched system.

Chinnaiah's own life story is emblematic of the larger Dalit struggle. Through affirmative action policies in post-independence India, he was able to access education, eventually earning a Ph.D. from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. His academic journey has taken him across the globe, from postdoctoral fellowships in New York to a tenured professorship in Canada, making him one of the rare Dalit scholars in North American academia.

In his work, Chinnaiah not only chronicles the history of Dalit oppression but also engages in active advocacy. He discusses his efforts to raise awareness about caste discrimination within the South Asian diaspora in North America, often overshadowed by the privileged narratives of the Indian diaspora. As a co-founder of the South Asian Dalit and Adivasi Network, he has been instrumental in organizing seminars and workshops that educate the public about caste-based discrimination, both in India and among South Asian communities abroad.

Chinnaiah's research extends beyond historical analysis; he is currently working on a longue durée history of caste in India and translating seminal Dalit texts, such as Gabbilam, into English. His activism and scholarship are deeply intertwined, with a commitment to advocating for caste equity and amplifying the voices of the oppressed.

This video highlights Chinnaiah Jangam's dedication to exposing the realities of caste-based oppression and his ongoing efforts to ensure that the histories and voices of Dalits are recognized and respected, both in India and globally. His work is a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting historical injustices and advocating for a more equitable future.