Caste discrimination is one of the major problems in Nepalese society. Lack of education is believed to be the main reason for this in Nepal. But, in a country like Australia, where well-educated people of the community are living and coming for a higher level of education, some people are still following this discrimination tradition. This is a real-life event of a man who faces this lowest standard act from the people of his homeland. This caste discrimination in Australia is provided by the story-sharing platform of the Nepalese community in Australia “Confession of Nepalese in Australia“.
Forgotten Memories
I came to Australia three years ago to pursue my studies. I had already booked a room in advance from Nepal via a well-known Nepali page. I had a short conversation with my homeowner on the second day of my arrival in Melbourne. During our conversation, she asked about my caste with a deeper curiosity, and she seemed discontented as she came to know I belonged to a so-called lower caste. After having our conversation, I headed to a supermarket for essential grocery shopping, leaving my luggage in my rented room. Due to jet lag, I was feeling drowsy and tired. After a while, I received a call from the landlady, and She told me that the room had already been booked by someone. I was shocked after hearing from her that she dishonestly denied my planned stay.
Then, I went to the room immediately to pick up my stuff as soon as I ended the call. On my way back, different frustrations were accumulating in my mind because of her disloyalty.
I was kind of saddened and surprised to witness the widespread caste discrimination by Nepalese in Australia. The country itself is geographically and culturally so far away from Nepal. Australia is no exception and caste discrimination still exists here on the basis of caste hierarchies among Nepalese despite getting awareness of strong law that guarantees the rights of victims. I never expected such situations from our Nepalese people here in Australia. There are still some educated people as well as public officials who even hold caste-based prejudices and practice discrimination which is such a shameful and inhuman act.
Fortunately, I managed to find a room on the same day and those beautiful souls did not have any discomfort after expressing my surname to them. I am thankful to those people who believe we all are equal and let us survive peacefully.
