Confronting Inequality: Lessons from Indian Epics

/ Dr. Pramila Kudva

“Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship… the act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.” — Peter Drucker

Inequality is more than a socioeconomic issue; it is deeply cultural, historical, and systemic. In India, it traces back to age-old hierarchies of caste, gender, disability, and privilege which exist todate. SDG 10 challenges us to confront and reduce these inequalities. But how and where do we begin?

Let’s revisit the stories from our own epics and examine how they still mirror the struggles of modern India.

Lessons from the Epics: A Mirror of Discrimination from The Mahabharata:

  • Karna was denied participation in Draupadi’s Swayamvara because of his caste.
  • Ekalavya, the gifted Nishada archer, was denied mentorship by Dronacharya and forced to give up his thumb as gurudakshina.

In the Ramayana:

  • Shabari, from a marginalized community, offered berries to Lord Rama, who accepted them with grace and affection. In her blind devotion to the Lord, she picked up berries and tasted them for their sweetness before offering them.

These stories reflect societal biases — and their transcendence. They are reminders of how inclusion, not exclusion, is the true dharma.

Modern inequality in India stems from multiple dimensions:

Caste and community discrimination continues despite constitutional protections. Ther reservation quota seems to only lead to further alienation.

Disabilityaccess remains poor; infrastructure is not at all wheelchair-friendly. The list is long and distressing.

 Let’stake a look at some Real Stories and feel the real Pain behind them.

  • A man and woman were publicly flogged by a political leader for an alleged relationship (TOI, July 2024).
  • A Bank executive ended her life after being bullied as ‘Bandariya’ and ‘Divorcee’ by colleagues (ET, July 2024).

It also tells us that the threshold for putting up with such barbs and building the self confidence is the need of the hour. However, there is  A Ray of Hope. Education as the Great Equalizer To reduce inequality. SDG 10 is not just a policy goal — it’s a moral imperative. We must fight discrimination at every level — home, school, workplace, media, and government.

Final Thought — and an Invitation In my book, The Ultimate A To-Do List for Humanity, I delve into how Indian traditions and modern values can work together to address SDGs. SDG 10 calls for structural change, but it begins with a change in mindset.

Let’s build an India where Ekalavyas don’t have to lose their thumbs to prove their worth. Read more from the book: