By: Kunal Kamra Published in: *Nope w/Kunal Kamra* Date: April 30, 2025 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tg9jx2iFP0 *Note*: This interview is in English and the transcript is embedded in the source.
"Satish Deshpande is a prominent Indian sociologist and [former] Professor at the Department of Sociology, Delhi School of Economics. Renowned for his extensive research on caste, inequality, and social justice, he has significantly contributed to the discourse on caste dynamics in contemporary India. In this podcast episode, Prof. Deshpande delves into the complexities surrounding caste and the census in India. He discusses the historical reluctance to include caste in post-independence censuses, the implications of caste enumeration for social justice, and the nuanced challenges of addressing caste-based disparities. Drawing from his extensive research, he emphasizes that while a caste census is a critical tool for understanding social realities, it is not a panacea for caste-based inequalities. Instead, he advocates for a comprehensive approach that combines data collection with meaningful policy interventions to address systemic disparities. For a deeper exploration of his perspectives, you can watch his lecture titled 'Essential Yet Inadequate: Caste Census as a Tool for the Goal of Social Justice in 21st Century India.'"
