The Caste Census and India's Dual Approach to Identity

The act of formally ending a system, practice, or institution.

Synonyms: eradication, termination, nullification

"The complete abolition of caste discrimination remains a distant but crucial goal for social justice advocates."

In a manner that is appropriate or suitable in the circumstances.

Synonyms: appropriately, suitably, fittingly

"The Chief Justice aptly remarked that any administration must ascertain the demographic distribution of its populace."

Find something out for certain; make sure of.

Synonyms: determine, establish, discover

"Any administration must ascertain the demographic distribution of its populace, especially those needing welfare interventions."

The right or condition of self-government; independence.

Synonyms: independence, self-rule, sovereignty

"The ultimate goal must remain the complete annihilation of caste, allowing individuals the autonomy to self-identify as casteless if they choose."

A person who derives advantage from something, especially a trust, will, or life insurance policy.

Synonyms: recipients, legatees, heirs

"Much of India's welfare strategy is intrinsically linked to the caste profile of target beneficiaries."

A loud and confused noise, especially that of people shouting simultaneously.

Synonyms: uproar, din, hubbub

"The current widespread clamour for a caste census is merely its latest manifestation."

The state or quality of being intricate or complicated.

Synonyms: intricacies, complications, difficulties

"The decennial population survey has faced considerable delays due to logistical complexities."

Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

Synonyms: inclusive, thorough, complete

"The government announced caste enumeration, marking the first such comprehensive undertaking since 1931."

Have a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another.

Synonyms: associated, connected, linked

"While a caste census might seem to reinforce identities, it proves invaluable when correlated with socioeconomic indicators."

Of great importance; extremely significant.

Synonyms: critical, vital, essential

"Establishing an effective and accurate enumeration methodology is crucial for the success of the census."

Relating to the structure of populations.

Synonyms: populational, statistical, sociological

"Any administration must ascertain the demographic distribution of its populace."

Express contempt for; ridicule.

Synonyms: mocked, scoffed, ridiculed

"The Narendra Modi government previously derided the idea as "urban Naxal" thinking."

Take (a machine or structure) to pieces.

Synonyms: disassemble, demolish, break down

"Early independent Indian governments believed caste enumeration would ossify existing divisions rather than help dismantle them."

The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations.

Synonyms: character, spirit, culture

"This inherent paradox, a dual approach woven into the nation's foundational ethos, persists."

Fair and impartial in treatment or judgment.

Synonyms: fair, just, impartial

"A caste census can help to ensure equitable representation."

The process or state of breaking or being broken into small or separate parts.

Synonyms: disintegration, splintering, breaking up

"Groups like the RSS feared societal fragmentation from a caste census."

Struggle with something difficult or challenging.

Synonyms: struggles, contends, wrestles

"The Modi administration still grapples with establishing an effective and accurate enumeration methodology."

Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.

Synonyms: intrinsic, innate, ingrained

"This inherent paradox, a dual approach woven into the nation's foundational ethos, persists."

Set in motion or establish (something, especially a programme, system, or inquiry).

Synonyms: established, launched, initiated

"Early governments simultaneously instituted caste-based affirmative action in employment and representation."

In an essential or natural way.

Synonyms: inherently, fundamentally, essentially

"Much of India's welfare strategy is intrinsically linked to the caste profile of target beneficiaries."

An event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea.

Synonyms: demonstration, display, expression

"The current widespread clamour for a caste census is merely its latest manifestation."

A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.

Synonyms: approach, technique, procedure

"The Modi administration still grapples with establishing an effective and accurate enumeration methodology."

Turn into bone or bony tissue; cease developing, be inactive or rigid.

Synonyms: harden, solidify, petrify

"Early independent Indian governments believed caste enumeration would ossify existing divisions rather than help dismantle them."

A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

Synonyms: contradiction, enigma, anomaly

"This inherent paradox, a dual approach woven into the nation's foundational ethos, persists."

Form the population of (a town, area, or country).

Synonyms: inhabit, settle, reside in

"Any administration must ascertain the demographic distribution of its populace."

A formal or authoritative announcement or declaration.

Synonyms: declaration, statement, decree

"This pronouncement follows a significant shift in stance by the Narendra Modi government."

A complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event.

Synonyms: consequences, effects, implications

"The delay in the Census has significant ramifications for policy formulation."

Strengthen or support (an object or substance), especially with additional material.

Synonyms: strengthen, bolster, buttress

"While a caste census might seem to reinforce identities, it proves invaluable when correlated with socioeconomic indicators."

The way in which someone stands; an intellectual or emotional attitude.

Synonyms: position, attitude, viewpoint

"This pronouncement follows a significant shift in stance by the Narendra Modi government."

A formal pledge or promise to do something; a task or enterprise, especially a large or difficult one.

Synonyms: endeavor, enterprise, project

"The government announced caste enumeration, marking the first such comprehensive undertaking since 1931."

Not able to be used; not fit for use.

Synonyms: impractical, ineffective, worthless

"A prior attempt at a national caste count was rendered largely unusable due to its open-ended methodology."

Check or prove the validity or accuracy of (something).

Synonyms: confirmed, authenticated, ratified

"The Supreme Court recently validated the ongoing caste census, rejecting a petition to halt the process."