1

Introduction

  • Marginalisation is a serious issue that affects individuals and communities by pushing them to the edges of society.
  • It happens when certain groups are denied equal opportunities, rights, and respect due to their identity, background, or social status.
  • The causes of marginalisation can include poverty, lack of education, caste discrimination, gender bias, and unequal access to resources.
  • Many groups in India, such as Dalits, Adivasis, women,tribals, minorities, poverty-stricken people,refugees,differently abled persons, ex-prisoners, etc. have historically faced marginalisation.
  • Many great leaders and reformers have dedicated their lives to the upliftment of marginalised communities, fighting against injustice and working to create a more equal and inclusive society.
  • To protect the rights of all citizens and prevent such discrimination, the Indian Constitution provides important safeguards, including equality before the law and the right to live with dignity.



⁉️Do you know why some people are treated unfairly in society ?

  • This experience of APJ Abdul Kalam indicates that there existed a condition where certain sections in the society were left out without being given due consideration.
  • Injustice refers to the practice of exclusion of individuals from the mainstream of society, denial of opportunities and social discrimination.
  • Certain social groups were excluded willfully on account of their cast, religion or class.
  • Though eligible, these groups were denied employment and education.
  • They were denied opportunities and not even considered as individuals.
  • These were some of the practices followed for marginalisation. This chapter discusses the important people and events that finally led to the achievement of social justice.
2

Marginalisation

⁉️Marginalisation

  • Marginalisation is the process of excluding some groups from the places where they deserve equal consideration.
  • Marginalisation taken place by the loss of assets caused due to natural and man- made disasters.
  • Marginalisation occurs through natural disasters such as floods,earthquakes, landslides, sea erosion etc., and man-made disasters such as war,accidents and industrial disasters.
  • Marginalisation occurs through the intentional exclusion of the people based on their caste-religion-tribe-gender status.
  • Denial of opportunity for education is an example.


⁉️Causes of marginalisation

  • Exclusion
  • Natural disasters
  • Eviction
  • Man-made disasters‍


⁉️The groups who are marginalised and discriminated in society.

  • Gandhiji's influence strengthened the demand for democracy based on social justice.
  • The leaders wished that the ideas and values of freedom, equality based on social justice, brotherhood, and religious harmony put forward by the national movement.
  • It laid the foundation of our constitution.
  • Individual freedom should be given priority.
  • Civil rights must be ensured.
  • All religions should be given equal importance.
  • Social justice should be ensured.
  • Democratic administration should be strengthened.
3

Marginalization of various groups of people

a) Caste-based on marginalisation



  • Historically, educational opportunities were denied to the so called lower caste by those who considered themselves as the upper caste.
  • Mahatma Ayyankali worked to provide equal educational opportunities to the deprived.
  • The greatness of Ayyankali is that he recognised education as a tool for social transformation.
  • There was a time when Dalits had no rights to travel on vehicles, walk on publicroads, wear good clothes and access education.
  • They were deprived of the basic facilities, dignity, equality and freedom.
  • Such discrimination based on caste is a serious violation of human rights.
  • Many great people who worked for the upliftment of the marginalised people strongly advocated education as a tool to defend caste discrimination.
  • Sree Narayana Guru who preached the message of ‘enlightenment through education’ along with other renaissance leaders opposed marginalisationby popularising modern education.
  • The social reformers like Kuriakose Elias Chavara, Ayya Vaikunta Swamikal, Chattampi Swamikal, Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi, Poikayil Yohannan, Pandit K.P. Karuppan, Dakshayani Velayudhan etc. are some examples.




b) # Tribal's Marginalisation

  • Tribals were another group who faced social marginalisation like the Dalits.
  • Tribal people are those who live together in specific geographical areas who create their own knowledge and live by applying them since time immemorial.
  • They follow their own way of life, art and cultural values.
  • The cultural contributions of tribal peoples are more widely accepted now than ever before.
  • The tribal people who had supreme command over the resources of their natural habitat, gradually lost this control and were subsequently marginalised.


# The Artistic and Cultural life of Tribal People.

  • In the fields of art, language, literature, medicine and agriculture, the tribals have excellent knowledge and skills that they have acquired through close contact with nature.
  • There are many tribal groups with unique musical tradition.
  • They also have the expertise to make and to use a variety of musical instruments.
  • Welfare programmes and follow-up measures aimed at ensuring their right to own land, educational opportunities, nutritious food and health care are implemented by the central and state governments.


c) Marginalisation towards Women

  • This is an anecdote from the memoir of Nilambur Ayisha, a well-known theatre and film artist in Kerala.
  • During those days, women were forbidden to engage in artistic activities.
  • In history, we can see many such experiences, not only in art but in several fields in the society,women were either marginalised or denied equal rights just because of their gender.
  • A misconception persisted in the society that women deserve only lower status in the field of arts, education, work and domestic spheres.




d) Marginalisation towards Differently abled people

🚧 Challenges Faced by the Physically Challenged

Differently abled people, due to their physical characteristics face many challenges in their daily life compared to others. There are various categories of differently abled people. Marginalisation is different for different categories.Buildings, streets, transport, and even schools are usually made for people without disabilities. But physically challenged people face a lot of trouble using them. Let’s understand their problems and how we can help.

Major Difficulties They Face

  • No ramps or lifts in buildings – only stairs.
  • Very narrow, broken, or crowded pathways.
  • Toilets that are too small or without support handles.
  • High counters, shelves, or blackboards that are out of reach.
  • Public buses and autos that are hard to board.
  • Classrooms without space or proper seating for all.

🧠 Let’s Think and Discuss

  1. How can we make our school more friendly for our physically challenged friends?
  2. Have you seen any place that is very accessible and helpful for all?
  3. What can we do as students to help them every day?
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Constitution to prevent discrimination

⁉️Why did our constitution completely prohibit discrimination?


    ✅ 1. To Promote Equality.
  • India has people from many religions, languages, and communities.
  • Discrimination creates hatred and unfairness.
  • Equality helps people live together peacefully.

    • ✅ 2. To Stop Injustice
  • In the past, people from lower castes or tribes were treated badly.
  • The Constitution wanted to stop this unfair treatment completely.

    • 👥 3. To Protect Everyone’s Rights
  • Every citizen has the right to live with dignity, go to school, get a job, and be respected.
  • Discrimination takes away these rights. That’s why it’s banned.

    • 🇮🇳 4. To Build a Strong, United Nation
  • If some groups are treated as less important, they may feel left out.
  • When everyone is treated equally, the country becomes stronger and more united.


⁉️ The laws and articles exist in India against caste discrimination.

    📜 Constitutional Articles


    ✅ Article 15
  • Prohibits discrimination by the government or any public place based on caste, religion, race, sex, or place of birth.
  • Example: A school, hospital, or park cannot deny entry to anyone based on their caste.

    • ✅ Article 17
  • Abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form.
  • Practicing or encouraging untouchability is a punishable offence.

    • ✅ Article 46
  • Directs the government to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
  • Also protects them from social injustice and exploitation.


    • ⚖️ Important Laws


    📘 1. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955
  • Made untouchability a crime.
  • Punishes anyone who prevents others from using public places, temples, or water sources because of their caste.

    • 📘 2. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
  • Strong law to protect SCs and STs from: Violence,Humiliation,Denial of access to land, water, and education
  • Special courts are set up to quickly punish crimes against SCs/STs.

    • 📘 3. Reservation Policies
  • Not exactly a punishment law, but it’s part of justice.
  • Seats are reserved in:Schools and colleges,Government jobs,Politics (like Lok Sabha, Panchayats)
  • Helps SC/ST and other backward groups to get equal opportunities.


Article What it does...
  • Article 15
    		•
  • Prohibits discrimination on caste and other grounds
  • Article 17
    		•
  • Abolishes untouchability
  • Article 46
    		•
  • Promotes welfare of SCs/STs
  • Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955)
    		•
  • Makes untouchability a punishable crime
  • SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (1989)
    		•
  • Protects SC/ST people from violence and injustice
  • Reservation Laws
    		•
  • Gives fair opportunities to backward groups


    • ⁉️ The social factors that considers everyone for an ideal society.


      ✅ 1. More Policies for Equality
      • Governments must introduce and enforce fair policies that give equal rights and opportunities to everyone.
      • Policies should focus on weaker sections of society, like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and differently abled people.

      ✅ 2. Stronger Laws to Prevent Discrimination
      • Laws must clearly punish any form of discrimination based on caste, religion, disability, gender, or income.
      • Special legal support and fast-track courts should be available for victims of discrimination.

      ✅ 3. Access to Quality Education for All
      • Every child should be able to attend good schools regardless of where they live or how much money their family has.
      • Inclusive classrooms with trained teachers help children from all backgrounds learn together.

      ✅ 4. Equality in All Sectors of Employment
      • Jobs must be given based on skill and qualification, not on caste, gender, or background.
      • Workplaces should follow equal pay, equal opportunity, and be welcoming to people with disabilities.

      ✅ 5. Awareness and Respect in Society
      • Schools, media, and families should teach respect, kindness, and fairness.
      • Social values must include acceptance, empathy, and support for everyone.

      ✅ 6. Representation and Voice
      • People from all groups should have representation in government, media, education, and leadership.
      • Their voices and ideas must be heard and respected.