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Once A Slumdog, Always a Slumdog<br />

(merchants and traders) and Sudras (laborers and servants).<br />

Within these four main castes, there are countless subcastes that<br />

further divide and categorize the Hindu population.<br />

Caste is determined at birth. If, for example, your parents<br />

were of high caste, you would also be of that caste. However, if<br />

your parents were low caste, that’s where you would belong. You<br />

would grow up learning to fear and respect those who are higher<br />

and despise those who are lower.<br />

There is <strong>no</strong> opportunity for advancement, <strong>no</strong> hope of someday<br />

being worth more. Whatever you are, you always will be.<br />

The caste system,<br />

though officially outlawed<br />

in India, is still a major<br />

source of social identity<br />

and ostracism. It is because<br />

of their caste that many of<br />

these children suffer.<br />

43

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