The picture painted in Apropos Ra Ravishankar's Oct. 15 column is retrograde and disregardful of India's progressive social attitude over the last many decades.

While, historically, the

"upper" castes have exploited the Dalits (literally, the exploited) and even subjected them to blatant atrocities, the constitution of free India does not distinguish on the bases of caste or creed. Thus, any incidents of caste exploitation are atavistic and rightfully receive wide attention by the media and by politicians.

Indeed such inhumanity needs to be recognized and appropriate legal action taken. Hinduism itself has never codified laws or morals, and the "hindu way of life" is subject to interpretation by each generation based on the prevailing social milieu.

The quotes in the column are from Manusmriti, a text written in 1200 B.C., that has little significance in today's Indian society. Caste, this day, is simply a symbol of cultural identity and some religious tradition. It does not bestow rights upon or wrest any rights away from an Indian citizen.

On the contrary, there are "reservations" in government jobs and educational institutions to reverse the disadvantages of castes that were exploited in the past. Disregarding the efforts of the Indian constitution and Indian society to protect the fundamental rights of people, while promoting an atmosphere where everyone is free to practice their beliefs, is inexcusable.

On a personal note, comparing "upper" castes to Nazis and Apartheid adherents is appalling to me and other Indians of my acquaintance, who treat all individuals with respect. It is akin to branding every German a Nazi or every Muslim a terrorist. The article is purportedly the first of a series. I shudder to think of what other irrelevant, incendiary factoids are going to creep out of the woodwork.